Dam Gauge v. Lake Gauge

Yes, it makes a big difference where water elevations are monitored--

ORDERED MAXIMUM
Actual Gage Reading
At Indianford Dam:
776.68

Approximate
Lake Koshkonong Water Level:
776.33

ORDERED MINIMUM
Actual Gage Reading
At Indianford Dam:
775.73

Approximate
Lake Koshkonong Water Level:
776.08
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ORDERED MAXIMUM
Actual Gage Reading
At Lake Koshkonong:
776.33

Approximate
Indianford Water Level:
775.98


ORDERED MINIMUM
Actual Gage Reading
At Lake Koshkonong:
775.73

Approximate
Indianford Water Level:
775.38
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The above numbers illustrate the effect of changing the reference point from the dam to the lake in the 1991 Order.

DNR Sue Joseff testified that DNR made the change to accomodate recreational boating and navigation interests in an effort to balance the DNR's killing the prospect of placing flashboards ordered in the 1982 order, which was an accommodation to wetland owners.

During cross examination, Ms. Joseff agreed that:
The 1982 was established using the dam gage as the reference point;
That the 1991 order eliminated the flashboards as an accommodation to wetland interests;
That the reference was moved from the dam to the lake in the interest of navigation.

When RKLD attorneys asked how the last would benefit recreational boaters, she fumbled and DNR's lawyer (with DNR Mr. Ken Johnson's whispered counsel) stated that there had been confusion and the the 1982 order was actually based on lake stage.


DNR Joseff acknowledged that the RKLD exhibit accurately showed the difference between lake and dam stage on the ordered min and max water levels and that Newville lake gage was installed in 1987.