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Dunkirk Dam Lake District Township of Dunkirk, Wisconsin

Yahara riverfront properties south of Stoughton, within the Township of Dunkirk, extending to and including the Dunkirk Dam.

DDLD Map

DDLD Latest NEWS

DDLD Annual Meeting - October 21, 2026

DRAFT Agenda 10.21.26

Three-Parcel "Dam Park"

The "Dam Park" located on County Road N along the Yahara River in Dunkirk, WI is made up of three connected parcels.

The northern section is known as the Charlie H. Lyon Memorial Park consisting of picturesque open shoreline with an ADA accessible dock/kayak launch above the Dunkirk Dam.
The Dunkirk Dam Lake District owns the middle section grassy area in front of the dam.
To the south, Hansen’s Landing is a natural area with woodchip trail leading downstream to a driveway-style kayak put-in below the dam.
All three areas have access to the parking lot with informational signage located at 619 County Highway N. This section of the river is known for its exceptional fishing.

About the DDLD

Dunkirk Dam Lake District

The DDLD was formed in 1994 to maintain, protect, and improve the two-mile (approx.) stretch of the Yahara River

designated as the Dunkirk Dam Lake District. MAP

What is a Lake district?

Lake Districts are special purpose units of government, and include; public inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts, sanitary districts, special districts, and commissions formed by local governments. The purpose of a district is to maintain, protect, and improve the quality of a lake and its watershed for the mutual good of the members and the lake environment.

Lake districts are established by town, county or village boards, or city councils, and usually based on a formal petition of lake area owners. Lake District formation and operations must comply with Chapter 33 of the Wisconsin Statutes. The boundaries of a lake district usually include the property of all riparian owners and can include off-lake property that benefits from the lake or affects the lake's watershed. The district may include all or part of a lake or more than one lake. A city or village must give its approval to be included in a district.

Lake districts are governmental bodies with elected or appointed leaders and annual budgets funded from tax levies or special assessments. Districts also have some capabilities to regulate lake use, such as local boating ordinances and sewage management. Within a lake district, all property owners share in the cost of management activities undertaken by the district. Residents who live in the district and are eligible voters and all property owners have a vote in the affairs of the district. This is accomplished at an annual meeting.

Participatory membership

The Dunkirk Dam Lake District was formed in 1994 to maintain protect, and improve our two-mile (approx.) stretch of the Yahara River designated by the Dunkirk Dam Lake District. (A map can be found under "documents.")

The DDLD membership consists of owners of the riverfront properties on the lower Yahara River These riverfront homes/properties offer natural surroundings, privacy, and a quieter, rustic/rural lifestyle. DDLD members reside/own property south of the City of Stoughton, but within the Town of Dunkirk, extending to and including the Dunkirk Dam. Members meet quarterly on the third Wednesdays in January, April, July, and October.

The DDLD is a true example of a participatory democracy. Residents are represented by a five-member board of commissioners. Members who live in the district are eligible voters. The commissioners include an appointee from the Township of Dunkirk as well as Dane County providing the members with up-to-date information and beneficial cooperation as we strive to maintain the beauty of the Yahara River.

DDLD Commissioners

Who runs the Lake District?

The day to day activities of the DDLD are carried out by a board of five commissioners. Three are property owners elected by the membership, each serving a three-year term. The remaining two are appointed; one by the county, and one by the township.