Lake Koshkonong

Last updated
Lake Koshkonong
USA Wisconsin relief location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Lake Koshkonong
Usa edcp relief location map.png
Red pog.svg
Lake Koshkonong
Location Jefferson / Rock / Dane counties, Wisconsin, U.S.
Coordinates 42°52′27″N88°57′29″W / 42.87417°N 88.95806°W / 42.87417; -88.95806
Lake type Reservoir
Primary inflows Rock River
Primary outflows Rock River
Basin  countriesUnited States
Surface area 10,460 acres (42 km2)
Average depth6 ft (2 m)
Max. depth7 ft (2 m)
Surface elevation774 ft (236 m)

Lake Koshkonong is a reservoir in southern Wisconsin, which was transformed from its original marshland by the construction of the Indianford Dam in 1932 [1] . The lake lies along the Rock River, with the river acting as both the primary inflow and the primary outflow for the lake. Lake Koshkonong begins 5.5 mi (8.9 km) downriver from Fort Atkinson, with the large majority of the lake located in southwestern Jefferson County. Small portions of the lake extend into southeastern Dane and northern Rock counties.

Contents

After the creation of the Indianford Dam, which was built several miles down the Rock River from Lake Koshkonong, the lake gained a surface area measuring 10,460 acres (42.3 km2). It remains very shallow with an average depth of six feet (1.8 meters) and a maximum depth of seven feet (2.1 meters). The dam itself measures 13 feet (4.0 meters) high and with a length of 500 ft (150 m) at its crest. Maximum capacity of the reservoir is 107,000 acre⋅ft (132,000,000 m3). [2] Both dam and reservoir are owned and operated by Rock County. [3]

History and etymology

The currently accepted spelling "Koshkonong" was first used by Doty in 1844. An often repeated claim that has been recently disputed is that the meaning of the name is "the lake that we live on." A more accurate approximation may be "where there is heavy fog," or "where it is closed in by fog." Current thinking suggests that the modern spelling is a contraction of various names given to the region by white settlers in the early 19th century. They incorporated various pronunciations of the region from various surrounding tribes, including "Kashkawanung" from the Ojibwe, "Coscahoenah" from the Menomini, and "Kuskouonog" from the Potowatomi. This theory is supported by the fact that these name forms seem to share Algonquian language patterns, despite describing a Winnebago (Siouan) village. More evidence disputing the older name translation is that the name seems to have described a Winnebago village on the shores of the lake, with the name being extended to the body of water at a later date. [4]

This spelling of the lake's name gained legitimacy after surveying efforts in the area codified this interpretation in the 1830s and 40's. Fort Koshkonong, a fort of some importance to the United States during the Black Hawk War, was named in accordance with this convention. The fort was active before the Rock River was dammed, when the area was a cattail marsh with the Rock River running through the middle. Today, the lake borders the Town of Koshkonong on its eastern side, and the Town of Sumner on its northern side.

Ecology

Vegetation

Lake Koshkonong has seen many vegetational changes in the past 150 years. Once a deep-water marsh covered with emergent vegetation, the lake was predominantly wetlands filled with reeds, wild rice, and grasses. The wetlands have significantly disappeared since then due to rising water levels caused by higher dams and the ever changing landscape. It is estimated to have lost over 100 acres of wetland by 2000. Now, the large pool of water known as Lake Koshkonong has been replaced by lake sedge (Carex lacustris), bur-reed (Sparganium), and other aquatic species. [5] The lake association has been trying to introduce Pondweed and Wild celery to improve fish habitats. [6]

Fish

Throughout the Rock River (Mississippi River tributary) and Lake Koshkonong around sixty species of fish can be found. Many of those species are river spawners, meaning the release of gametes from the body occurs in the rivers even though they might spend their whole life in lakes. Floods and droughts will both affect spawning of different species of fish, enhancing the amount of some and depleting others. [7] Here are a few species of fish that can be found in the lake. Muskellunge, Panfish, Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Northern pike, Walleye, and Catfish. [8]

Birds

In the surrounding habitats of Lake Koshkonong's riparian wetlands, many endangered species of birds can be found. The rising water levels have an unfortunate impact on these species. Loss of trees, herbaceous vegetation, and groundwater dependent wetland plants will effect the species they support. Some of the rare species found in this area that are impacted by rising water levels and habitat loss are the Cerulean warbler and the Acadian flycatcher. Other rare species of birds that are being affected are Black tern, Forster's tern, American bittern, Least bittern, and Virginia rail. [7]

Tourism and recreation

Summer attractions

Lake Koshkonong is well known for its great fishing seasons. Hook and line fishing is open all year round with restrictions on some species including Muskellunge, Lake Sturgeon, Trout, Paddlefish, and other endangered species. Muskellunge and Hybrid season for 2020 was open May 2, 2020 to December 31, 2020 with a minimum length limit of 40 inches and a daily bag limit of 1. [9] For fishing to be able to occur on the lake it has to be stocked by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at the Bark River Hatchery in Fort Atkinson with Walleye and Northern pike. [10] There are four boat landings around the lake for people to use and also two beaches. [8] The Lake is very shallow averaging around 6 feet with a maximum depth of 7 feet, but you can still boat, canoe, and kayak here. [6]

Events hosted on the lake range from boat races to Venetian Boat Parades. [11] Thunder on the Lake is a high speed boat race that has been held on Lake Koshkonong. The boats are hydroplane powered and can reach speeds up to 60 MPH. [12] Other boat races are also held for fishing boats, and other smaller boats. The Venetian Boat Parade is put on by the Rock Koshkonong Business Association. Participants are encouraged to dress up their boat with lights and decorations of their choosing and cruise along with one another ending at the Lakeview bar.

Winter attractions

Ice fishing and ice racing used to be much more common, but due to warmer weather in the past few years the activity has not been as popular. Other winter activities practiced on and around the lake include snowmobiling, fatbike riding, and ice skating. [10]

Environmental concerns

Erosion

The loss of aquatic plant biodiversity and rising water levels on the lake due to flooding has caused significant erosion over the past 50 years. The shoreline has been impacted greatly by such events, and projects to reverse and prevent more damage from occurring have been done. Riprap armor has been used to prevent future erosion, but it is mostly a short term fix where human made rock formations are placed along the shoreline to protect against scour and waves. In 2002 and 2003 the Rock Koshkonong Lake District (RKLD) teamed up with wetland owners to protect around 40% or almost 5 miles of the shoreline with riprap armor. Incorporating breakwater structures has also been talked about as a potential fix to the erosion problem. [7]

Water quality

Lake koshkonong is known for its tinted green color which is caused by algae and nutrient runoff from the Rock River. The lake is classified as hypereutrophic because it is extremely rich in nutrients and the water is shallow. [13] The transparency of the water is low and algal blooms occur frequently, causing this classification. A lake will be classified as hypereutophic if it has more than 40 micrograms/liter of chlorophyll, more than 100 micrograms/liter of phosphorus, and a visibility depth of less than 3 feet. The Trophic State Index scale also helps with these classifications. If a lake scores a TSI of above 50 it will be considered hypereutrophic. Lake Koshkonong has a TSI score of 67. [9] Algal blooms can result in high levels of blue-green algae which can be harmful to humans and pets under certain circumstances. Blue-green algae has been found in parts of Lake Koshkonong. It is advised by the Rock County Public Health Department to not swim in areas with floating green scum, and blue or white paint looking areas that resemble pea soup. [14]

Proposed nuclear power plant

In the 1970s, Lake Koshkonong was the primary site considered for a billion dollar nuclear power station. Wisconsin Electric Power Company, Wisconsin Power and Light Company, Madison Gas and Electric, and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation jointly proposed the project. They chose Lake Koshkonong out of 84 potential sites because of the solid rock found here that could be used for the foundation, and the Rock River could be used as an adequate water source. In 1974, it was estimated that the utilities would lose $40 million if the two-unit, 900 MW each, facility was not approved. At that time, the timetable had already slipped to a 1983/1984 commissioning. [15] The proposed two pressurized-water reactor system had hopes of beginning construction in 1978. [16]

The plan was met with strong resistance from environmental groups. It was eventually killed in 1977 by concerns regarding the lake's shallow depth and consequences to the plant during drought conditions. Water would have been exiting the lake to cool down the plant, and residents were uneasy about that along with other aspects of the project. The power plant was intended to relocate many residents and disrupt farmland as well. It was estimated that the disruption to farmland would cost farmers a total of $27,500 each year for lost crops. [16]

The Koshkonong Alert Group was an anti-nuclear group that formed in opposition of the power plant. [16]

Attempts were made to salvage the $40 million investment by moving the facility to Haven, Wisconsin, near Sheboygan, but state utilities gave up on their plans for construction of a nuclear station in Wisconsin following the Three Mile Island accident in Pennsylvania. The plant was planned to be built on Vickerman Road, east of the lake and east of Wisconsin Highway 26.( 42°51′37″N88°53′27″W / 42.86028°N 88.89083°W / 42.86028; -88.89083 (Lake Koshkonong Nuclear Plant (project)) ) [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lake Wisconsin</span> Reservoir in Wisconsin, United States

Lake Wisconsin is a reservoir on the Wisconsin River in southern Wisconsin in the United States. It is located in Columbia and Sauk counties, approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) southeast of Baraboo and 25 miles (40 km) NNW of Madison. Today it is home to the Wisconsin wine appellation of the Lake Wisconsin AVA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leech Lake</span> Lake in the state of Minnesota, United States

Leech Lake is a lake located in north central Minnesota, United States. It is southeast of Bemidji, located mainly within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation, and completely within the Chippewa National Forest. It is used as a reservoir. The lake is the third largest in Minnesota, covering 102,947.83 acres (416.6151 km2) with 195 miles (314 km) of shoreline and has a maximum depth of 156 feet (48 m).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tainter Lake</span> Reservoir in Dunn County, Wisconsin

Tainter Lake is a small reservoir in north central Dunn County, Wisconsin, on the Red Cedar River at its confluence with the Hay River. The lake was created by a hydroelectric dam (about 3 miles downstream on the Red Cedar at Cedar Falls. The lake, a popular resort and fishing spot, has a surface area of approximately 2 square miles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Green Lake (Wisconsin)</span>

Green Lake — also known as Big Green Lake — is a lake in Green Lake County, Wisconsin, United States. Green Lake has a maximum depth of 237 ft (72 m), making it the deepest natural inland lake in Wisconsin and the second largest by volume. The lake covers 29.72 km2 and has an average depth of 30.48 m (100.0 ft). Green Lake has 43.94 km (27.30 mi) of diverse shoreline, ranging from sandstone bluffs to marshes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lake Noquebay</span> Freshwater lake in Wisconsin, US

Lake Noquebay is a large freshwater lake in northeastern Wisconsin. It is the largest lake in Marinette County. It is located north of Green Bay, Wisconsin, approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast of Crivitz, Wisconsin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lake Minocqua</span>

Lake Minocqua is a freshwater natural drainage lake in northern Oneida County, Wisconsin. It is 1360 acres (5.5 km²) in area, with an average depth of 23 feet (7 m) and a maximum depth of 60 feet (18.3 m).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shawano Lake</span> Lake in the state of Wisconsin, United States

Shawano Lake is a lake situated in Shawano County in northeastern Wisconsin. Shawano Lake is a hard water drainage lake with multiple inlets and one major outlet, the Wolf River. A dam on the Wolf River located in the City of Shawano raises the water levels of Shawano Lake. Shawano Lake is approximately 6,178 acres (25.00 km2), with an average depth of approximately 9 feet (2.7 m) and a maximum depth of approximately 42 feet (13 m). The shoreline length is estimated at 18 miles (29 km). The Towns of Wescott, and Washington, and the Village of Cecil border Shawano Lake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lake Ovid</span> Reservoir in Michigan, US

Lake Ovid is a reservoir located within Sleepy Hollow State Park, Michigan, created in the 1970s with the construction of a dam on the Little Maple River. With an average depth of 10 feet, Lake Ovid is generally fairly shallow, with depths never exceeding 23 feet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Belleville Lake</span>

Belleville Lake is a fresh water artificial reservoir located mostly within Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. A very small portion extends west into Washtenaw County. The lake was created from the construction of the French Landing Dam and Powerhouse along the Huron River in 1925.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pleasant Creek Wildlife Management Area</span> State Wildlife Management Area in Barbour and Taylor counties, West Virginia

Pleasant Creek Wildlife Management Area is located near Philippi, West Virginia in Barbour and Taylor counties. Located on 3,030 acres (1,230 ha) land that varies from wetlands to steeply forested woodlands, the Pleasant Creek WMA rises to an elevation of 1,600 feet (490 m).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Petenwell Lake</span> Artificial lake in Wisconsin, US

Lake Petenwell is an artificial lake on the Wisconsin River in central Wisconsin. It is located in Adams, Juneau, and Wood counties next to Castle Rock Lake. It covers over 23,000 acres (93 km2) and is 42 feet (13 m) deep.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Castle Rock Lake</span> Lake in Adams and Juneau counties, Wisconsin, United States

Castle Rock Lake is an artificial lake on the Wisconsin River. It is located in central Wisconsin in Adams County and Juneau County. The lake has an inflow from Petenwell Lake, Yellow River, Big Roche a Cri., and Klien Creek. It has a surface area of 16,640 acres (67.3 km2) and its depth varies from 8–20 ft (2.4–6.1 m) in most places, with area in the old river beds reaching as deep as 35 ft (11 m).

There are three Manistique Lakes in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The lakes include North Manistique Lake, Big Manistique Lake, and South Manistique Lake. The towns surrounding the lakes are Curtis, Germfask, and Helmer. The lakes are known for vacationing and fishing. They are also in close proximity to other natural sights such as the Great Lakes, rivers, and smaller lakes as well as tourist attractions including the Canada–US border, the Soo Locks, Mackinac Island, parks, and museums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Turtle-Flambeau Flowage</span> Lake of the United States of America

The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage is a 12,942 acres (52.37 km2) lake in Iron County, Wisconsin. It has a maximum depth of 15 meters and is the seventh largest lake in the state of Wisconsin by surface area. The flowage is home to unique wetland patterns and plant species as well as several species of sport and game fish, including Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye and Sturgeon. The lake's water clarity is low, but can vary in different locations in the lake. Fishing, camping, boating, and hunting are popular activities on the flowage, and Ojibwe people traditionally harvest fish and game on the lake. Environmental concerns on the flowage include mercury contamination, algal blooms, and several types of invasive species.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Lake (Michigan)</span> Fresh water Reservoir in Washtenaw County, Michigan

Ford Lake is a fresh water artificial reservoir located in Washtenaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The lake was created from the construction of Ford Lake Dam along the Huron River in the early 1930s. The lake is named after business magnate Henry Ford.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lake Namakagon</span> Lake in Wisconsin, United States

Lake Namakagon is located in Bayfield County, Wisconsin. The lake is a large freshwater drainage lake that opens inlet and outlet of streams located between Lake Superior and Mississippi River system. The lake is located in the upper Namekagon river watershed as St. Croix river basin is the subwatershed of it. The lake derives its name from the Ojibwe language, and it means "Lake abundant with sturgeons." It is known for tourism and was the home of the legendary Anishinaabe Chief Namakagon.

Little Muskego Lake is located in Muskego, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, along a tributary of the Fox River. It is populated by musk grass, water celery, and several invasive plant species. Fishing is permitted for personal consumption only. Bass and panfish are most commonly caught. It hosts many recreational activities, including boating, swimming, waterskiing, and ice fishing. Its mean depth is 14 meters with an area of 190.2 hectares.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Puckaway Lake</span> Lake in Wisconsin

Puckaway Lake also referred to as Lake Puckaway is a lake in Green Lake County and Marquette County, Wisconsin. The lake has a surface area of 5,013 acres (20.29 km2) and a max depth of 5 ft (1.5 m). Most of the lake has a muck bottom and is shallow with an average depth of 3 ft (0.91 m).

The Swan Lake Wildlife Area is a 2,466 acres (998 ha) tract of protected land located in Columbia County, Wisconsin, managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). Land to be used for the wildlife area was first acquired in 1963 to provide for hunting and other outdoor recreational activities in the county. In addition to outdoor recreation activities, the wildlife area was established to protect the Fox River watershed.

References

  1. ↑ "When Lake Koshkonong was a Marsh". Wisconsin 101: University of Wisconsin -- Madison. February 13, 2024. Archived from the original on January 25, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
  2. ↑ Environmental Assessment Wisconsin DNR, March 18, 2005
  3. ↑ Indianford Dam model scenarios , Rock Koshkonong Lake District Mongomery board presentation, June 13, 2019
  4. ↑ Cassidy, Frederic G. (2009) "Lake Koshkonong", Dane County Place-Names, p. 87.
  5. ↑ Kraemer, Jeff; Carpenter, Quentin (2006-06-22). "Lake Koshkonong Wetlands: Diversity, Floristic Quality, and Community Mapping" (PDF). DNR. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  6. 1 2 "Best Places to Fish in Wisconsin: Lake Koshkonong". TravelWisconsin. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  7. 1 2 3 "Reaeration capacity of the Rock River between Lake Koshkonong, Wisconsin and Rockton, Illinois". 1978. doi: 10.3133/wri77128 .{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  8. 1 2 "Lake Koshkonong". dnr.wi.gov. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  9. 1 2 "Fishing Regulations for Lake Koshkonong". cida.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  10. 1 2 "Lake Koshkonong, WI". Northland Fishing Tackle. 2017-02-15. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  11. ↑ "KoshFun Venetian Boat Parade". Kosh Fun | Lake Koshkonong Rock River. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  12. ↑ "Lake Koshkonong Boat Races Lakeview Campgound APBA (Custom)". Kosh Fun | Lake Koshkonong Rock River. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  13. ↑ "Oligotrophic vs. Mesotrophic vs. Eutrophic – Manitowoc County Lakes Association". www.manitowoccountylakesassociation.org. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  14. ↑ staff, Gazette (8 August 2018). "Blue-green algae found in Lake Koshkonong". GazetteXtra. Retrieved 2020-12-13.
  15. ↑ "Lake Koshkonong Nuclear Plant Timetable Back By Two Years". The Sheboygan Press, December 20, 1974, p. 5.
  16. 1 2 3 Curry, M.G.; Olsen, M.E. (1977-03-01). "Citizen involvement in energy decision making. [Nuclear power development]". doi: 10.2172/6157791 .{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  17. ↑ Schlicht, Lauren. Weighing Koshkonong technology against ecology. Goldlin, Jan (ed.) / The Wisconsin Engineer, Volume 80, Number 5 (March 1976)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.