Tribal permitting delays stall Flambeau channel dredging plans, lake district says

The Twin Placid Lake District reported Sept. 5 that progress on a planned channel dredging project has been held up by delays in tribal permitting. "M. Costello reported that most of the efforts in 2026 have been attempts to work with TNRD staff to advance the permit requests," the minutes state, and the district said the Tribal Natural Resources Department delayed review while developing a new permitting process.

The minutes record that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI‑DNR) met with district representatives in early September 2025 about taking core samples and accepted the required Wetlands Delineation Report in January 2026. The TNRD has also said it is performing water‑quality studies to assess potential effects on algae from channel dredging. Bob Vetter suggested "that it may be helpful to contact WI‑DNR Tribal Relations for help to obtain permits from the Tribe," the minutes add. The board noted coordination with both WI‑DNR and the Tribe will be required before channel work proceeds.