The Buoys are owned and maintained by the Town of Fox Lake.
In Wisconsin, regulations govern the cutting and removal of aquatic plants in lakes to protect native ecosystems and prevent the spread of invasive species. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) oversees these activities under Chapter NR 109 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code. Learn more at Wisconsin DNR Wisconsin Legislature Docs
From the Wisconsin DNR website:
Permit Requirements:
Manual or Mechanical Removal:
No Permit Needed: If you're a shoreline property owner (riparian owner) and wish to manually remove aquatic plants within a single 30-foot-wide area along your shoreline for access purposes, you can do so without a permit. This area should be adjacent to or include a dock, swim raft, or similar recreational device. All removed plant material must be collected and disposed of on land to prevent reintroduction into the waterbody. Wisconsin DNR+1Wisconsin DNR+1
Permit Required: For removal beyond the specified 30-foot-wide area, or if using mechanical equipment (such as mowers or cutters), a permit is required. This ensures that larger-scale plant management does not adversely affect the lake's ecosystem. Wisconsin DNR+2Wisconsin DNR+2Wisconsin DNR+2
Chemical Control:
Applying herbicides to control aquatic vegetation always requires a permit from the DNR, regardless of the area size. This measure ensures that chemical treatments do not harm non-target species or degrade water quality.
Special Considerations:
Protected Species and Sensitive Areas:
If the area contains wild rice, wild celery, or is a designated sensitive area, additional restrictions apply. In such cases, any plant removal, regardless of method or area size, requires consultation with the DNR and may necessitate a permit. Wisconsin DNR+1Wisconsin DNR+1
Invasive Species:
When removing invasive species like Eurasian watermilfoil or curly-leaf pondweed, it's crucial to ensure complete removal and proper disposal to prevent fragmentation and spread. Wisconsin DNR
Steps to Take:
Identify the Plants:
Before initiating removal, accurately identify the aquatic plants to determine if they are native or invasive. This identification can influence the management approach and permit requirements.
Consult the DNR:
If uncertain about the need for a permit or the identification of plant species, contact your local DNR Aquatic Plant Management Coordinator for guidance. Wisconsin DNR+1Wisconsin DNR+1
Apply for Permits if Necessary:
If your planned activity requires a permit, submit the appropriate application through the DNR's ePermitting system. Wisconsin DNR+8Wisconsin DNR+8Wisconsin DNR+8
Adhering to these regulations helps maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems and ensures compliance with Wisconsin state laws.
Regular water testing helps ensure your drinking water is safe and free from contaminants like bacteria, nitrates, or heavy metals. This is especially important for private wells near lakes or agricultural areas. Sam’s Well Drilling offers convenient water testing services for residents.
Learn more or schedule a test here: Sam’s Water Quality Testing
Q: Who is responsible for managing water levels on Fox Lake? A: Water levels on Fox Lake are regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Dam is jointly owned by the City of Fox Lake and the Town of Fox Lake. Operations are managed on a day-to-day basis by the City of Fox Lake Department of Public Works (DPW). The DPW operates the dam and monitors water levels per DNR guidelines.
Q: Where is the water level measured? A: Water levels are monitored using a staff gauge located on the east side of the culvert on Chief Kuno Trail. This gage acts like a large ruler, fixed at a known elevation, and provides reference measurements for lake management. Q: When was the water level gauge last replaced or calibrated? A: The current gauge was installed approximately six years ago. Since it is a staff gage, it does not require routine calibration like digital instruments. If it becomes damaged or misaligned, it would be reviewed and adjusted by the dam owner, with occasional support from the DNR if needed. Q: What are the official summer and winter water levels? A: The regulated lake elevations follow the NAVD 88 vertical datum system (a standardized elevation reference used by the U.S. government):
Summer Level (April 1 – November 10): 892.45 feet NAVD 88
Winter Level (November 11 – March 31): 891.95 feet NAVD 88
This results in an approximate 6-inch seasonal difference in lake elevation. Note: These values are not measured from “sea level” but rather from NAVD 88, which is more precise for inland water bodies.
Q: Why were summer water levels not reached in 2023?
A: Due to regional drought conditions in 2023, Fox Lake, like many other lakes in Wisconsin, experienced lower-than-normal water levels and reportedly reached the target summer elevation only briefly. While not confirmed with exact measurements, this is consistent with feedback from lake residents and neighboring communities.
Q: How is continuous flow over the dam maintained?
A: Under Wisconsin State Statute Ch. 31.34, dams are required to pass at least 25% of the natural low flow of water in a stream at all times. While the statute does not specify an exact flow rate, for the Fox Lake Dam, this requirement is met by maintaining a minimum flow of 3.75 cubic feet per second (cfs)—a figure specific to this location based on its hydrology.
To meet this minimum flow, the City of Fox Lake operates the dam using one of the following methods:
Maintain 2 inches of water flowing over both gates, or
Maintain 3 inches of water flowing over a single gate.
These operational guidelines were established in the 1990s as part of the City’s Inspection, Operation, and Maintenance Plan (IOM) and are designed to meet the statutory flow requirement consistently. Q: Can water levels on Fox Lake be adjusted to address sediment build-up? A: While residents have expressed concern about reduced depth in shallow areas due to sedimentation—affecting over 100 properties around the lake—changing water level regulations is a complex process that requires coordination with the DNR and City officials. Raising lake levels is rarely approved and involves environmental, legal, and engineering considerations. FLPO is actively collaborating with FLILPARD to explore long-term solutions for managing and reducing sediment in problem areas. These projects can take several years and significant funding to implement. Q: Who can I contact for more information? A: If you have questions about Fox Lake water levels, the operation of the dam, or related concerns, please start by contacting the City of Fox Lake Department of Public Works. They oversee day-to-day dam operations and are familiar with the lake’s seasonal water level adjustments. For broader questions or ongoing concerns related to water level impacts, sediment issues, or long-term improvement efforts, you can also contact the Fox Lake Preservation Organization (FLPO). FLPO works closely with local and state agencies and is actively involved in lake management and public education initiatives.