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Powell Marsh Plan Approved But Research Ordered for Dead Pike Lake

Wisconsin DNR

The state Natural Resources Board has approved the Powell Marsh Master Plan, but did take into account the desires of residents living near Dead Pike Lake.

Powell Marsh is a 4,800 acre state property in western Vilas county, which is about 80 percent wetland. Dead Pike Lake water quality has been damaged by iron floc, draining off an area where a failed experiment to bring in a goose population took place in the 1950's.

Several residents of the lake said their property values are diminishing as the water quality gets worse from the iron. In the process of approving the Master Plan, the DNR board ordered the DNR to take action to see what can be done..

DNR Deputy Secretary Kurt Thiede says the agency will proceed with the Dead Pike Lake Management pla n..

"...that's going to be a critical component of this. We're going to look at the lake, the water quality. We're committed to doing that. We're working on a tight timeline, both staff resources and funding to get that done...."

DNR Planner Diane Bruso says the Master Plan did have steps to work on the the lake's water quality. The Board will revisit the issue in September of 2017, when they hold their monthly meeting in Minocqua. The plan did make other changes, including additional trails and access points.

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