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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

Next Quarterly Meeting

Dunkirk Dam Lake District Quarterly Meeting - January 15, 2025

6:30-7:30pm

Dunkirk Town Hall

Township of Dunkirk Approves Slow-no-Wake Ordinance

The following Dunkirk Town Ordinance was approved July 2, 2024

Ordinance 10.11 SLOW-NO-WAKE AREA

(a) Wake Prohibited. No person shall operate a motorized water vehicle at a speed in excess of slow-no-wake on the waters of the Yahara River North of the Dunkirk Dam in the Town of Dunkirk. (Map)

(b) Definition, The term “slow-no-wake” means that speed at which a board moves as slowly as possible while still maintaining steerage control.

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Slow-No-Wake buoys will be installed in the river at the north end of Dunkirk as well as in the Dam millpond. Many thanks to Ted Christman and members of the DDLD Safety Committee for their efforts.

Dunkirk Dam Fencing Vandalized

On July 18th, the Courier Hub published a comprehensive article discussing this tragic incident. https://www.stoughtonnews.com/news/community/dunkirk-dam-fencing-vandalized/article_b52f14b6-4515-11ef-8e25-7b389807e4e1.html

BACKGROUND: On or before June 13th it was reported that much of the new fencing had been torn down and/or damaged. A report has been filed with the Dane County Sheriff. The fencing company stated there had been thousands of dollars of damage and they will get back to us with a formal bid for repairs.

Since the Dunkirk Dam is a hydroelectric power dam, it is regulated by FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) and mandates that the dam, dikes, powerhouse, etc. be fenced off to ensure safety.

The DDLD Commissioners, Safety Committee, Conservation Warden, and Dunkirk Constable are in conversation to figure out a solution that will benefit the DDLD members and the anglers. PHOTOS

Township of Dunkirk receives Recreational Boating Facilities Grant

Dunkirk in partnership with DDLD Receive DNR Grant

Phase One will soon begin at the Dunkirk Dam millpond Lyon's Park to stabilize a 15' section of the shore to make ready for an "Easy-Dock" pier that is ADA accessible. A handicap parking pad will be added to the parking lot connecting to a crushed-stone pathway leading to the pier to the north and south across Lyon's Park.

The shore restoration will take place this Fall with the installation of the pier taking place in the Spring.

The grant requires a 50% match in funding that will be fulfilled by the DDLD and the Township including in-kind efforts.

Phase TWO of the project will take place next year if funding is secured. This will include extending the park pathway across the southern undeveloped part of the park. This will also include a driveway-style launch that can be used by kayakers to continue downstream. This launch will also be available for emergency river vehicles.

Many thanks to Laura Davis, Chair of the DDLD and the Township Supervisors for their efforts in developing Lyon's Park.

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 Yahara River 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?

Treasurer - Nicholas Schmuhl

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.

Chair - Laura Davis

Treasurer - Nicholas Schmuhl

Who runs the Lake District?

Term: October 2020-2024, 2024-2027

Laura and her husband, Rich Morris, live on the west side of the river near the Millpond. Laura is a retired Neonatal ICU Nurse.

Email Laura

Treasurer - Nicholas Schmuhl

Term: October 2024-2027

Nick and his wife, Liz Vanderwerff live on Taylor Lane near the millpond.

Email Nicholas

Becky Dakin - Secretary

Michael Engelberger - Dane County Appointee

Treasurer - Nicholas Schmuhl

Becky and her husband, Ted live on the north end of the river. She is a retired Project Manager.

Email Becky

Michael Engelberger - Dane County Appointee

Mike is the Dane County Supervisor for District 35 which, encompasses the DDLD. Follow his District 35 BLOG.

Email Mike

Dan Jenks - Township of Dunkirk Appointee

Michael Engelberger - Dane County Appointee

Dan is the Township of Dunkirk Supervisor.

Email Dan

Welcome

Dunkirk Dam Lake District Township of Dunkirk, Wisconsin

DDLD Latest NEWS

Next Quarterly Meeting

Township of Dunkirk Approves Slow-no-Wake Ordinance

Ordinance 10.11 SLOW-NO-WAKE AREA

Dunkirk Dam Fencing Vandalized

Township of Dunkirk receives Recreational Boating Facilities Grant

About the DDLD

Dunkirk Dam Lake District

What is a Lake district?

Participatory membership

DDLD Commissioners

Who runs the Lake District?

Treasurer - Nicholas Schmuhl

Who runs the Lake District?

Chair - Laura Davis

Treasurer - Nicholas Schmuhl

Who runs the Lake District?

Treasurer - Nicholas Schmuhl

Treasurer - Nicholas Schmuhl

Treasurer - Nicholas Schmuhl

Becky Dakin - Secretary

Michael Engelberger - Dane County Appointee

Treasurer - Nicholas Schmuhl

Michael Engelberger - Dane County Appointee

Michael Engelberger - Dane County Appointee

Michael Engelberger - Dane County Appointee

Dan Jenks - Township of Dunkirk Appointee

Michael Engelberger - Dane County Appointee

Michael Engelberger - Dane County Appointee

DDLD Neighborhood Conversation on Facebook (click "f" below)

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