SHAWANO (WTAQ-WLUK) –Local leaders are getting behind an effort to raise water levels on Shawano Lake.
On Thursday, officials from the Shawano County, the City of Shawano and Village of Cecil, along with the state Department of Natural Resources, sent letters asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to change the water level at the Shawano Paper Mill Dam.
At a meeting Wednesday, DNR officials said the lake has been kept about six inches lower than its historical level.
The drawdown was the result of a complaint from a nearby landowner who was concerned about flooding issues.
However, property owners on the lake say the low water levels are causing damage to boats.
Local officials are also concerned about the impact on tourism.