Dear Mr. Frank,
We the undersigned board of the Friendship Lake District do hereby request the Department of Natural Resources of the State of Wisconsin to consider a low pool level limit on Friendship Lake. It is our understanding that at this time there is none. The past few years there has been a noticeable increase in the fluctuations in the levels of the lake. Our weed harvesters are unable to safely and effectively maintain our weed harvesting program as per our Lake Management Plan. There have been numerous times the levels were so low that many residents on the northern and eastern shores were unable to launch their boats due to lack of water under them. The lake is primarily used by fishermen and recreational boaters to enjoy the natural habitat and wildlife that a small lake such as ours encompasses. The lake is also used on summer weekends by water skiers and personal watercraft. The low levels that have been encountered can be a safety issue due to the submerged stumps that with a higher level are not an issue.
The Lake is a 115 acre impoundment located in Adams County and is surrounded by The Village of Friendship, The Town of Adams, and The Town of Preston. The Lake was created by the damming of the Little Roche-a-Cri Creek, which created an elongated water body with a maximum depth of 15 feet and an average depth in the 5-8 feet range. The Lake is divided into 2 sections by 11th Ave which runs North and South through Adams County. The East section of the Lake features a Class 1 trout stream and is the tributary that feeds the lake. The West section of the Lake which is the main body of water, with a public access, parking lot, beach and bathhouse located at the Northwest end of the Lake which is managed by The Village of Friendship.
As per State regulations, the dam has a regulatory limit set on the high levels that must be maintained so as to not create downstream issues and we feel a low level limit is also needed.
Enclosed you will also find signatures from many of the residents on the lake to show their support and interest in a regulatory low level pool limit.
Thank you for your time,
Respectfully,
Robert Berry Tom Bell Fran O’Brien
Chairman Secretary Treasurer
