Wisconsin DNR seeks public comment on Little Falls dam alternatives

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting public comments on a draft analysis of alternatives for the Little Falls dam project in Willow River State Park in Hudson, Wisconsin.

The project, which comes in the wake of Little Falls Lake being drained due to structural integrity issues with the dam, will be completed with $8 million budgeted by the state legislature. The document is available on the DNR’s website for public review, and the department is accepting public comments until Jan. 15.

After investigations revealed potential serious issues with the dam’s structure, the DNR began work to drain the lake early this year since the dam was not in compliance with state laws on high hazard dams. The drainage took place between June and October and included a breach of the dam, which allowed the DNR to ensure that the lake was fully drained and that the dam would not hold water during high flows.

The DNR will review and evaluate all public comments received and use that input in its determination of a final recommendation for the Department of Administration.