The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on a rule currently under development that would establish a site-specific criterion for phosphorus for Lac Courte Oreilles, a lake in Sawyer County. Phosphorus is the driving factor behind the exploding aquatic plant growth, algae blooms, poorer water quality, and ruinous damage to the lake's cold water fishery. The rule would revise the lake’s phosphorus criterion (SSC) from 15 μg/L to 10 μg/L to protect the lake’s cold water fishery. This rule is similar to an earlier version of the rule proposed for Lac Courte Oreilles in 2019 that was rejected by the Natural Resources Board in a tie vote.

After a contentious two years of refusing to leave the NRB board after his term had expired, board chairman Fred Prehn has finally resigned. This puts COLA in a much better position to finally prevail in our long struggle for a more protective phosphorus standard.

The Department is holding a public comment period and public hearing on the proposed rule. Materials for review are available on the DNR's Proposed Permanent Administrative Rules webpage under rule number WY-21-20.

The LCO lakes really need your personal involvement!

A public hearing with both in-person and virtual options will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, January 23, 2023, at the Hayward DNR office, 16133 Nursery Rd., Hayward, WI, 54843. Participants may also join virtually using the following information:

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88432754855
Meeting ID: 884 3275 4855
Join by telephone: 888 475 4499

The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding this decision. Submit comments by Jan. 30, 2023 to:
Department of Natural Resources
C/O Kristi Minahan, WY/3
101 S. Webster St., PO Box 7921
Madison WI, 53707
Kristi.Minahan@wisconsin.gov or DNRAdministrativeRulesComments@wisconsin.gov

Here are some possible talking points when you compose your comments.