Posted on September 9, 2026
The Lake Onalaska Rehabilitation Coalition hosted a boat tour to raise awareness of issues facing the lake including an increase in sedimentation and vegetation and a decrease in oxygen, navigation and water flow.
The group has been working with other local organizations and state and federal agencies on a dredging project which is expected to finish by the end of September.
Lake Onalaska wake
Buoys mark a clear stretch of water in Lake Onalaska which helps boats navigate the area.
Duckweed on Lake Onalaska
Duckweed covers a vast section of Lake Onalaska. Duckweed is the world’s smallest flowering plant.
Clouds in Lake Onalaska
Clouds are reflected in a clear section of Lake Onalaska.
Lake Onalaska algae
Algae covers a section of water on the banks of Lake Onalaska. Sediment accumulation has lead to more algae and other aquatic vegetation in the lake.
Island in Lake Onalaska
An island sits in Lake Onalaska. A previous dredging project over 40 years ago helped create parts of the island.
Lake Onalaska dredge barge
A dredge barge sits on the water of Lake Onalaska. The barge pumps water and sediment into large bags on the shore.
Lake Onalaska dredging bags
Marc Schultz, chairman of the Lake Onalaska Protection and Rehabilitation District, points at one of the dewatering bags for the dredge. So far, three bags are being used on the north shore.
Lake Onalaska boat tour
Marc Schultz, the chairman of the Lake Onalaska Protection and Rehabilitation District, and Jeff Fimreite, a La Crosse County Board Supervisor, lead a boat tour of Lake Onalaska to raise awareness about issues affecting the lake.
