Government Relations

Members of the MWLA Government Relations Committee attend monthly meetings of the Manitowish Waters Plan Commission and Town Board to stay informed of zoning and Town issues that could affect the health of the lakes and rivers in the Township. It also sends MWLA representatives to DNR and County hearings/meetings. The MWLA informs its members about legislative issues and laws that affect our waters. Members also attend workshops and conferences and subscribe to numerous publications that report on topics related to lakes issues.

The MWLA is a member of the Manitowish Chain Defense Fund (MCDF) that was formed in 2006 with representatives from the Town, Chamber, MWLA and MW Alliance. The MCDF attended many meetings with the WDNR regarding possible changes in the operating order of the Rest Lake Dam. Currently, the WDNR is conducting and Environmental Impact Study to assess the inflow and outflow of water on the Chain and the effects of those flows on the ecosystem of the Chain. 

The DNR published its Environmental Assessment (EA) of the Rest Lake Dam on September 14, 2012.   We strongly encourage you to read the EA by going to http://dnr.wi.gov/water/basin/upwis/restlakedam/index.htm. and made a preliminary decision that an environmental impact statement will not be required.  Copies of the draft EA can be obtained from Jon Simonsen, DNR Environmental Review Coordinator, located at DNR Service Center, 107 Sutliff Avenue, Rhinelander, WI  54501. Jon can be reached by telephone at (715) 365-8916 or by e-mail at: [email protected] . 

Comments on the draft EA are welcome and should be focused on issues related to the clarity, accuracy, and level of detail of information presented in the analysis.  Comments should be received by Mr. Simonsen no later than 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 31, 2012.  Comments may be submitted verbally, electronically, or in hard copy written form.