The Education Committee has worked with many others to learn how best to restore the lake and how the increase of sediment, and subsequently the growth of plants has impacted the water quality.
In May, two directors met with Dustin Dinder (from the Dunn County highway department) who has responsibility for the dam as well as representatives of Renewable World Energy (who manage the day-to-day operations of the hydroelectric plant), along with a representative of FEMA, for a yearly assessment of the dam. We learned that Renewable World Energies would cooperate if the lake was lowered for dredging.
In July, two directors visited with two Corps of Engineers at Spring Valley and learned that the earthen dam there cannot control flooding after heavy rains which impact Lake Eau Galle. They explained that sediment is also a problem there.
In August, two directors attended Stout Lakes REU where poster presentations were on display highlighting two months of study about lakes and natural environments in an interdisciplinary manner. Undergraduate students from around the US shared their learning through poster and video displays.
Also, two directors met with a former DNR agent who was given a five-year permit to do mechanical harvesting of plants on Lake Thompson to learn about the costs, how often it has to be done, and the permitting process.
Goals for 2023 are to meet with Chase Cummings and other county officials to begin a watershed study group, as well as with local officials. More meetings with the DNR, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the St. Paul Corps of Engineers will be held to learn from experts about restoring Lake Eau Galle.
Submitted by Ron Sinz, education chairperson