Posted on July 9, 2025
VILAS COUNTY, Wis. – Residents on the Deerskin River in Vilas County have been dealing with silt problems for decades. Governor Evers’ recent veto is just another roadblock in their work to clear up murky waters.
Larry Springer has lived on the Deerskin River since 1999. What used to be four-foot-deep water by his dock is now just 10 inches. Silt has been building up in the river ever since a dam was removed in 2001.
“The fishing habitat has been destroyed, the spawning habitat along the shoreline has been destroyed. Our grandkids used to catch fish off the dock here,” said Springer.
After four years of work, Springer and others tried to get earmark funding in the Wisconsin Biennial budget to dredge the river. But Governor Tony Evers Vetoed it.
“It was devastating, and I feel bad for all of the people who assisted me with this project, also,” said Springer. “It’s just – they can’t believe it. It’s purely political.”
In a statement, Governor Evers said he vetoed the funding since the legislature has not renewed the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship program. The stewardship fund gives the DNR control over grant money for nature preservation to give to local governments and nonprofits. Evers says that without the program, the legislature has quote ‘opted to benefit the politically connected few.’
“We shouldn’t be tied to another piece of legislation. This is not a political item. We’re looking for the next path forward here,” said Springer
Springer hopes that next path could come in the form of a standalone bill.
“And then, if that would be the case, we would put out a call to action to try to get citizens to flood the governor’s email with letters from home supporting it,” he said.
Springer says he will work with state Senator Mary Felzkowski and state Representative Rob Swearingen to get recommendations on a new bill.
