EAU CLAIRE, Wisconsin- (Oct. 9, 2019) –A management program aimed at controlling aquatic invasive plants and improving fish habitat is about to get underway on the Chippewa Flowage. As a result, local residents and property owners will begin to notice a slow, but significant change in water levels.
Based on the recommendation of the Chippewa Flowage Partner group, Xcel Energy will begin a drawdown of the flowage to aid in the reduction of aquatic plants like the invasive Eurasion Water Milfoil. The recommendation to conduct the drawdown this fall was made based on scientific data and on-water observations of resource conditions in the flowage, specifically an abundance of aquatic invasive species, the potential fisheries benefits and several access improvement projects that could be completed.
The fall drawdown will begin mid-October and will bring the level of the reservoir down to about 1,308 feet by mid-November. The 15,300-acre reservoir currently has an elevation of 1,312.78 feet above sea level. It is considered full at 1,313. Following ice up, the drawdown will resume through early March when the water level will be about 1,305 feet above sea level. During spring runoff, the water level will gradually be restored to normal elevation. Precipitation and inflow from tributary rivers and streams will determine how quickly this happens.
Property owners are encouraged to pay attention to the declining water levels and remove boats and docks as appropriate. In addition, area residents and visitors using the boat landings this fall are advised to exercise caution as the water may be more difficult to access. A number of boat launches have extended ramps where access will be improved from prior years. As always, everyone who takes advantage of the Chippewa Flowage is urged to put safety first, especially during cold weather.
The Chippewa Flowage Partners Group has been in existence since 2006 to assist in management activities of the reservoir and surrounding lands to benefit the whole ecosystem of the Chippewa Flowage. The group includes the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service, Chippewa Flowage Area Property Owners Association, Lake Chippewa Flowage Resort Association, Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Wisconsin Conservation Congress (Sawyer County) and Xcel Energy.
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