Committee approves Hudson Bay Dam engineering contract contingent on DNR assurances

The Ashland County Zoning and Land Committee voted on Feb. 17 to approve an engineering contract to move forward on required work at Hudson Bay Dam, but members attached conditions asking the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to confirm ownership and allow the dam to remain at its current height in writing.

Committee members described a multi-year delay on needed dam work and multiple engineering firms that did not complete prior tasks. Staff said the DNR reclassified the structure as a large dam in 2019 and that the county needs final engineering to meet DNR requirements.

Todd Gibbon of Long Island Engineering was proposed as the local engineer to take the project from start to finish. Committee members said the county has made interim improvements (access road, safety signage) but needs a prompt, reliable engineering partner to complete the DNR-required work.

Pat Kenny moved "to approve the contract contingent on the DNR giving clear title or acknowledging clear title to Ashland County and in writing a letter that clearly states the dam can be left at the height that it is." Jim Schultz seconded the motion. The committee voted to approve the motion.

Members also discussed funding options, including special assessments on properties around Spider Lake that benefit directly from the dam. Staff said a special assessment could be added during next year’s budget process.

Next steps: staff and the engineer will engage the DNR to clarify ownership and secure written confirmation on the dam’s permitted height before the county proceeds further.