SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ) – Water levels will be going up on Shawano Lake and the Wolf River.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) gave approval just in time for the Fourth of July boat traffic.
The plan will be for the water to be raised by four inches.
Gary DeFere, President of the Shawano Area Waterways Management says that will make a difference.
“My personal opinion is that the river will come up quicker than the lake.”
DeFere says the clock was starting to tick with the Independence Day next week.
“If you are a Shawano resident, tourist or taxpayer, it is critical that we get this back up to where it was.
DeFere says one complaint led to the change.
The water was lowered as a result of a 2015 complaint about flooding in the area. However, property owners around the lake have complained about the low levels and their potential to cause property damage and lead to unsafe boating conditions.
The new plan will allow for these levels to be in place until November. He says now they will take time to prepare for what to do after November.
