Posted on January 15, 2025
The Town of Washington, along with local residents, are asking the public for help in reaching out to state legislators so that state funding may be secured for a dredging project on Deerskin River.
The removal of a dam almost 20 years ago has led to a steadily increasing build-up of silt along the river’s bottom and shoreline, primarily downstream of Rangeline Road, with some areas having silt reportedly reaching a depth of three feet.
Larry Springer, a resident along the affected portion of the river, has been spearheading efforts to raise awareness of the situation and explore potential solutions. He has been working with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Town of Washington, Vilas County Land and Water Conservation Department, the Eagle River Chain of Lakes Association (ERCLA), Trout Unlimited, the Wisconsin River Alliance, and state legislators in his efforts.
The first step in this process was conducting a geomorphic study on Deerskin River on July 26, 2024, at the cost of $5,600.
The survey conducted by Inter-Fluve, an engineering firm that specializes in stream restoration, was funded by the Town of Washington and ERCLA.
“Per Inter-Fluve, sediment accumulation is dependent on channel depth and slope,” described an e-newsletter released by the Washington town board. “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 were:
- Meet with the DNR to discuss permitting requirements for any proposed dredge project.
• Estimate sediment volume via bathymetric and sediment depth survey.
• Contaminant testing to determine the appropriate method of dredge disposal.
With costs being as great as they are, the Vilas County Board and the Town of Washington have each signed a resolution of support for the commitment of state funds to complete the dredging on Deerskin River.
Senator Mary Felskowski visited the site and, according to the town board, will be submitting a funding request in collaboration with Representative Rob Swearingen for the 2025 state budget.
To help secure funding, Springer, along with the town, are reaching out to the public for help.
“Please email our legislators and the governor, respectfully asking them to include money in the state budget to cover the cost of dredging,” said the e-newsletter.
Sen. Felzkowski can be reached at sen.felzkowski@legis.wi.gov, Rep. Swearingen at rep.swearingen@legis.wi.gov and Gov. Tony Evers at govinfo@wisconsin.gov.
The original earthen dam was constructed in 1948 on the Deerskin River, approximately three miles upstream from Rangeline Road. The dam was declared unsafe and removed in 2001 despite public opposition.
For more information, contact Larry Springer by email at larrandar@gmail.com or by phone at 715-572-0881.
