Memorandum of Understanding - MOU
MOU for the Rest Lake Dam
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Rest Lake is an agreement between the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company (CFIC) that guides the operation of the Rest Lake Dam. This agreement does not replace the operating order for the dam that has been in existence since the 1930’s. Rather the MOU applies to the operation of the dam within the framework or bounds of that operating order.
The original MOU effective date was April 4, 2016. The original term was for four years. Since that time, various extensions have been signed. The current extension remains in effect until April 6, 2025.
Since the MOU was originally signed, consultation meetings have been occurring on a several times per year basis to review the operation of the dam and, in the words of the MOU, “to evaluate the effect from modifications to operations consistent with this MOU but within bounds of the existing Order…”
The consultations have included personnel or representatives from the DNR, the CFIC, the Town of Manitowish Waters, the Manitowish Waters Lakes Association, the Defense Fund, the down river community from Manitowish Waters, and the Turtle Flambeau Flowage and Lake Trude Association.
