RESPONSE Re: Blackhawk Island - Flooding Concerns

Dear Ms. Panico –

You have asked a great many questions and since nearly every one has been addressed either at monthly board meetings, the annual meetings, the public workshops and/or the RKLD website, it is evident that despite your 40 years of experience on Blackhawk Island, you have not taken time to find those answers to your questions.

First, state law does not allow the Lake District to sponsor shoreline riprap for residential homeowners, as it does for wetland shorelines. So, protecting your shoreline property is the responsibility of each property owner.

As you stated, Blackhawk Island is famous for its flooding. And being in the floodplain (as designated by FEMA), residents live with the consequences. Certainly you are not asking government to provide a water taxi service to residents when the consequences of living in a floodplain are realized? The responsibility of your safety during traditional flood periods are your own, and in 2008 when record floods arrived, local, state and federal emergency teams were indeed in your area helping with those safety concerns.

Second, I will refer you to the blog link regarding your question on if the dam is being operated properly;

Are the Gates Open?

The spillway at the Dam is at a lower elevation than the elevation of the lake - which means, the ONLY time the Dam is holding back water in the lake is when the lake is at extreme LOW level.

Right now, the Dam is acting as though it is not even there - the river is flowing free over the top of the spillway and through open gates.

I trust now that you understand that RKLD and the Dam has no impact on high/flood water - you will pass on these facts.

You are correct to say that “it seems that a lot of emphasis is placed on boater's rights, duck hunter's rights, fish & plant species, water front property owner's rights in relation to water levels, etc…” That is exactly the mission of the RKLD to protect and improve Lake Koshkonong and the Rock River for all user groups.

We operate within the bounds of WI State Statutes and Chapter 33. Government has limited reach into property above the OHWM -- whether it’s private hunting clubs or private homes such as yours on Blackhawk Island. Private property is largely private and its safety and protection against flooding is largely the owner’s responsibility.

Brian Christianson
http://www.rkld.org/
608-884-9444