Costs to raise lake include buying land

This letter is among the most dishonest ever submitted...

(Published Wednesday, July 27, 2005)

Editor, the Gazette:

Rock Koshkonong Lake District directors petitioned the DNR to allow raising Lake Koshkonong's water level. The DNR denied the petition. The DNR understands that raising the lake would be detrimental to wildlife habitat. It would add little benefit to the majority of lake users.

The district plans to sue the DNR over this denial. The district plans to raise the special assessment of members by around $100 to pay for it. Only a few would benefit from raising the lake level, but everyone in the district will have to pay for it.

This is only the beginning. If the district wins, residents will have another special assessment to pay. Raising the level will mean taking some shoreline property from owners of large wetlands. These owners will have to be paid for taking their property. District residents will have to pay for it. This may cost each property owner an average between $100 and $800, depending on the amount and value of land taken.

District members, do you really want to pay these added assessments simply so a few can enjoy the benefits of higher water? The district will hold its annual meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday at Fort Atkinson High School, 926 Lexington St., Fort Atkinson. A motion will be made at this meeting to prevent money from being spent on this lawsuit. Attend and vote yes on this motion. Failure to do so may cost you additional special assessments.

BILL HALLSTROM
President
Green-Rock Audubon Society