Kyle Buettner boating on Shawano Lake, May 6, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Water levels on Shawano Lake will be allowed to be permanently higher.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued an order this week allowing the Shawano Dam on the Wolf River, which regulates water levels on the lake, to be maintained at 802.9 feet mean sea level. That is the level the lake has been as a result of a series of temporary orders in recent years.
In its order, FERC wrote:
Based on the information provided by the exemptee, agency comments, and staff’s independent analysis, Commission staff finds the exemptee’s proposed raise (of) the normal target impoundment elevation would increase recreation and boater safety. The proposed amendment would not adversely affect the environment and would have a beneficial effect on recreation resources. Therefore, the exemptee’s application for an amendment of project’s exemption should be approved.
The water had been lowered to 802.5 feet 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.
Eagle Creek Renewable Energy operates the Shawano Paper Mills Dam west of the lake.
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