Constituent Questions

Brian; Is the hearing judge bound to choose between the DNR's existing operating orders and the RKLD's requested change in operating orders? Is this an "all or nothing" trial?

Judge Coleman may rule against the petitioner (RKLD) or in favor of the petitioner. A third option is he may issue his own water level judgment that then may be appealed by RKLD, or the DNR, or both, at the circuit court level.

Just wanted to know if we have tried recently to find a compromise on water levels with the DNR?

The RKLD has said repeatedly that the board would listen and consider any compromise either the DNR or the Wetlands Club presented. RKLD has stated we have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in research, and our water level request puts a number on the table. To date, no one has counter-offered our request.

We did have a brief discussion with DNR last month, before the contested case hearing started. DNR again suggested a periodic "summer drawdown" to be part of any negotiated package.

I did say it was a "brief" conversation, right?