In 1948 an earthen dam was constructed on the Deerskin River approximately three miles upstream from Rangeline Road. The dam was declared unsafe and removed in 2001 despite public opposition.
Since the dam removal more than twenty years ago, there has been a steadily increasing build-up of silt along the river bottom and shoreline primarily downstream of Rangeline Road. In some areas, the silt has reached a depth of three feet.
Larry Springer, a resident along the affected portion of the Deerskin River, has spearheaded an effort to raise awareness of the situation and explore remediation options. He has networked with the WDNR, the Town of Washington, Vilas County Land and Water Conservation Department, the Eagle River Chain of Lakes Association, Trout Unlimited, the Wisconsin River Alliance, and state legislators to chart a path forward.
The first step was to conduct a survey of the river. Inter-Fluve, a highly reputed engineering firm specializing in stream restoration, conducted the survey on July 26, 2024, at a cost of $5,600. The Town of Washington and the Eagle River Chain of Lakes Association funded the survey.
Per Inter-Fluve, sediment accumulation is dependent on channel depth and slope. The slope is fixed by the lake outlet, so the only way to remove accumulated sediment is through dredging. This can be done through mechanical dredging using excavating equipment mounted on barges, or suction dredging.
The next steps recommended by Inter-Fluve are 1) Meet with the DNR to discuss permitting requirements for any proposed dredge project; 2) Estimate sediment volume via bathymetric and sediment depth survey; 3) Contaminant testing to determine the appropriate method of dredge disposal.
Remediation costs are great. The Vilas County Board and the Town of Washington have each signed a resolution of support for commitment of state funds to complete the dredging on the Deerskin River.
State Senator Mary Felzkowski visited the site and will submit a funding request in collaboration with State Representative Rob Swearingen to the 2025 state budget.
For more information contact Larry Springer by email at larrandar@gmail.com or by phone at 715-572-0881