Browns Lake Dredging Project

2024 - 2026 DredginG Project

Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project Browns Lake Dredging Project

Let's Keep it Deep!

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Let's Keep it Deep!

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Browns Lake Dredging Project

Why?

Browns Lake holds immense significance as a 397-acre body of water that serves as a vital resource, offering recreational opportunities, providing habitat for fish and wildlife, and contributing to the overall well-being of the local Burlington community and broader region.

Why?

Browns Lake, nestled in Racine County, is a natural beauty and recreational enjoyment jewel. However, over time, Browns Lake has faced a growing challenge in the form of sedimentation. The accumulation of soft sediment at the lake's bottom has reached a critical point, severely impacting the lake's ecological balance and usability. The consequences of the sedimentation are multifaceted, including hindrance to aquatic plant growth, disruption of fish spawning, reduced water quality, and interference with recreational activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing.

Why?

The dredging of Browns Lake holds the promise of a transformative impact! Beyond preserving the ecological balance of the Lake, the project ensures the continued availability of Browns Lake for recreational activities. It further safeguards its long-term sustainability, cementing its role as a significant community asset. By completing this project, we can collaboratively address the sedimentation challenges, enhance aquatic habitat, and fortify the Lake's role in promoting the health and well-being of the environment and all who inhabit it.

About browns lakE

Facts

Browns Lake is a 397-acre lake located in Racine County; one of the most popular lakes in southeastern Wisconsin.

Serves Racine County’s Fischer Park

400 waterfront and 500 homes included in the BLSD - Browns Lake Sanitary District

Facts

2,651 public boat launches in 2022

During peak season it is standard to see more than two thousand public boat launches

The lake is popular for various purposes, including fishing for species such as panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike and walleye.

In the Winter, many clubs and non- profit organizations hold ice fishing events.

Facts

The lake is also a major draw for boating, swimming, water skiing, and paddle sports.

In the summer months the award-winning Browns Lake Aquaducks competitive ski team train and perform free shows to the public on Thursday evenings.

The lake also serves as a training lake for children learning to sail.

Browns Lake Sanitary District

Browns Lake falls within the purview of BLSD. The BLSD was formed to provide a controlled way to dispose of sanitation waste to prevent lake contamination safely. Over the past 35 years, the BLSD has been harvesting aquatic weeds to help control our weed population so all can enjoy the lake.

When harvesting started in 1971, Browns Lake was so overgrown with weeds that boat navigation and personal enjoyment of the lake activities were enormous challenges. While some weed growth can be beautiful and even helps detoxify chemicals and provide food for aquatic creatures, eliminating some harmful vegetation can help a lake stay vibrant and healthy for visitors and the fish and animals that inhabit the lake today. Today, Browns Lake practices ongoing vegetation monitoring and harvesting so we can ensure the lake remains healthy and beautiful for all to enjoy for years to come.

The BIG PROBLEM - SOFT SEDIMENT

In recent years we've experienced an increase of soft sediment in the lake. It has accumulated and filled the Western shoreline.

The sediment is impacting use and access to the lake in the following ways:

Interfering with plant growth
Disruption of fish spawning
Propellers from boats are stirring up the sediment making it difficult to fish
Many boats are clear- cutting the vegetation of the lake which destroys habitat for the smaller fish that larger fish feed on
Swimming beaches have ben closed due to algal blooms.
Props are being damaged due to low lake level
Boat engines are sucking up muck, causing engine repairs
Mucky swimming area
Boats are faced with smaller navigable areas due to low lake and heavy sediment accumulation
The organic matter in the muck has a characteristic rotten egg odor that is extremely event every time the muck is stirred up

Planned Dredging Project

When complete, the dredging project will remove an estimated 380,000 to 400,000 cubic yards of soft sediment. The DNR has given approval for the project and the permit and preliminary plan are attached. When the project is underway, hydraulic dredging methods will remove the sediment from the lake. The dredging will focus on three key areas where the sediment is most problematic: the lake's northwestern, southwest, and south portions. The sediment would then be moved to a dewatering site, planned to be the North and South Petrie Site.

benefits

More robust fishery and spawning areas for fish

Increased plant growth

Increased useable shoreline

Better boating experience

Better swimming

Eliminate foul odors with decreased muck

The envisioned dredging of the Lake holds promise of a transformative impact.

Beyond preserving the lake's ecological balance, the project ensures the continued availability of Browns Lake for recreational activities. It further safeguards its long-term sustainability, cementing its role as a significant community asset.

Browns Lake is a magnet for the community and beyond, attracting thousands of visitors annually. This project stands to make a DIRECT IMPACT on our local economy and cement its role as a significant asset to our community.

GREAT NEWS!

Browns Lake Dredging Project

Why?

Why?

Why?

About browns lakE

Facts

Facts

Facts

Facts

Facts

Facts

Facts

Facts

Facts

Browns Lake Sanitary District

The BIG PROBLEM - SOFT SEDIMENT

Planned Dredging Project

benefits

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