Preserve, protect, and restore the ecological health and recreational value of Lake Onalaska and its surrounding habitats.
LORC unites with the Brice Prairie Conservation Association (BPCA) on the current North Shore Lane Project to dredge about 1500 feet at the northern end of the lake to create a boat channel, a fish overwintering area, and sediment trap to capture drift deposits.
After this Dredging Project, LORC intends to lead future project efforts, some of which are listed below. BPCA focuses more on conservation and education. LORC's focus aligns with BPCA but adds advocacy and lobbying emphasis to help ensure a healthy Lake Onalaska for fish, wildlife, and generations of people.
As a private charitable organization, LORC also partners with the Lake Onalaska Protection & Rehabilitation District (LOPRD, or Lake District) which is a special unit of government formed by Wisconsin State Statute, Chapter 33, empowered to operate on its own initiative regarding lake management issues.
Many other partner entities are involved in the conservation, management, and rehabilitation around Lake Onalaska. For key projects that these groups lead or are involved in, LORC aims to assist with fundraising and lobbying efforts - empowering for collective action.
Partner Government Organizations:
Lake Onalaska Protection & Rehabilitation District (Lake District) (LOPRD)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in particular here at Lock & Dam 7
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) , specifically Upper Mississippi River
This area, historically used for overwintering, needs reinforcement of eroding barrier islands using dredged material. Estimated project size: 15,000-20,000 cubic yards.
Renovations have led to siltation, making the fishing pier unusable. Dredging upstream will enhance fishing opportunities and access, creating a sediment trap to reduce future siltation. Estimated project size: 15,000-20,000 cubic yards.
Increased sedimentation is affecting accessibility. Estimated project size: 35,000 cubic yards.
Developing a channel along the north shore with an adjacent island will provide a safe travel route for boats and a barrier for wildlife protection. Estimated project size: 160,000 cubic yards.
Current safety issues due to the lack of deep, hazard-free channels near the Dresbach Dam need addressing. A safer route through Sommers Chute will prevent accidents. Estimated project size: 70,000 cubic yards.
Sedimentation at the western end of the HREP project requires dredging to restore the original depth. Estimated project size: 30,000 cubic yards.
A sandbar at the outlet needs removal to improve lake flow. Estimated project size: 4,000-8,000 cubic yards.
Extending dredged channels in the southeast HREP project area will enhance deep water connectivity and overwintering habitat. Estimated project size: 80,000-100,000 cubic yards.
Addressing debris clogging the culvert intake by deepening the area will improve access to the landing. Estimated project size: 3,000-5,000 cubic yards.
While LORC is in its infancy, we have several talented individuals with experience and skills that immediately benefit our efforts. We are always looking for more volunteers. In particular, we still need three more board members, three more officers, and several committee leads, as shown above. If you are interested in getting more involved with LORC, please write to lakeonarehab@gmail.com.
Rosebud Island 1929
Prior to dam flooding, Rosebud Island (lower right corner of the picture) was completely cleared agricultural land, with residences for two farming families (Barclays and Bothes), and served by a road with a bridge over Halfway Creek at the site of the current Mosey boat landing. All of Rosebud Island was disturbed by agricultural use and there is no old-growth floodplain fores
Rosebud Island 1929 (Zoom-In), blue rectangle highlight
Source: Fritz Funk, LOPRD Commissioner
Aerial of French Island, Northern Lake Onalaska, Rosebud Island April 1, 1991
Notice Rosebud Island almost all clear-cut / cleared for Highway 53 project
Source: Fritz Funk, LOPRD Commissioner via USGS Earth Explorer
Rosebud Island June 23, 1994
Source: Fritz Funk, LOPRD Commissioner via USGS Earth Explorer