Many people say Shawano Park is the place to, but this year some are afraid it might not be.
“I don’t think it's very good. Fishing has definitely changed. We got a pontoon, but we can't even float it,” said Barb Smith.
After getting a complaint from a landowner about how high the water level was, the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ordered the water levels to be lowered.
DNR officials say the owner of a dam that controls the water levels did a study and found no harm would be done if the water levels were left high.
Many say it’s difficult to use a boat in shallow water.
"You don't want to be going to quick. We got a big ski boat that sits pretty lower in the water and i did a lot of lower unit work on it, so you got to be careful,” said Nick Hicks.
The DNR is backing the owner of the dam.
"The Fish and Wildlife Service and the DNR have both said we're good with it, let's go ahead and raise it,” said Jean Romback-Bartels, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
At a meeting Wednesday afternoon, the DNR says they'll send a letter to FERC to asking to raise the water levels back up.
It’s something county officials hope to see done soon.
"If the lake levels are low, people aren't going in to the lake, especially if they feel they're not safe on the lake,” said Keith Marquardt, Shawano County Lakes
We did reach out to FERC for a statement. They have not responded to our request.
