DNR Announces Drawdown Of Bakken’s Pond In Lower Wisconsin State Riverway

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced it will conduct a full drawdown on Bakken's Pond in Sauk County in mid-July.

The drop in water levels is necessary to prepare the site for upcoming construction and repairs slated to start in mid-July. The project will involve rebuilding the dike and replacing the gate in the water control structure due to past flooding that caused a breach in the dike.

“The impoundment is already in a partial drawdown due to the breach on the south end,” said DNR wildlife biologist Nancy Frost. “These repairs will restore our ability to manipulate water levels once again in the flowage.”

Water levels will be lowered gradually, and some construction will begin while the water levels are being lowered. The project is expected to be completed in late fall, with the DNR hoping to raise the water levels shortly after completion. Before raising water levels, staff will work with DNR conservation biologists to confirm that raising water levels will not interfere with herptile hibernation.