News release: Public hearing scheduled to discuss Silver Lake management

March 11, 2024


Meeting will be March 25 in Waldorf Community Center

People are invited to learn more about a proposal to manage water levels at Silver Lake in Waseca County, near the towns of Pemberton and Waldorf. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources plans to pursue lake management through Minnesota Statute M.S. 103G.408, which would allow Silver Lake to be managed as guided by a comprehensive management plan. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments to the Minnesota DNR about management of Silver Lake.

The Minnesota DNR plans to replace a failed dam at the outlet of Silver Lake. The new dam would allow Silver Lake to return to the lake level previously set by the failed dam before it was breached. The new structure would also maintain the ability to conduct periodic, temporary water level management. Managed drawdowns are used to mimic natural drought cycles and allow a shallow lake ecosystem to reset by re-establishing aquatic vegetation, consolidating bottom sediments, and removing undesirable fish such as common carp. 

The public can ask questions and provide input at a public hearing scheduled for
6:30 p.m. March 25 at the Waldorf Community Center, 109 Main St. in Waldorf. People can also contact Steve Kittelson, DNR wildlife lake specialist, at 507-578-8891 or [email protected]. Mail correspondence can be sent to Wildlife Lake Specialist, Madelia DNR Office, 35365 800ᵗʰ Ave., Madelia, MN 56062.

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