Lake Tomah Update

The Lake Committee and Director of Public Works & Utilities would like to summarize the approach that is being taken with regards to Lake Tomah. We are in the process of researching and hopefully then implementing a long term fiscally responsible plan for the aquatic plant species and filamentous algae control program/methods best suited for Lake Tomah. Initial communications were started by Mr. Kim Mello with the DNR and Golden Sands Resource Conservation and Development Council Inc. Approximately 22 citizens provided input at the 9/16/2021 Lake Committee Meeting. The Lake Committee appreciates the citizenry input and is committed to addressing those issues related to our committee’s mission.

The Lake Committee will start by recommending to the City Council on 10/19/21 approval for funding a study to survey the plant species and concentration/distribution for Lake Tomah. This study will provide some key answers to the nature and complexity of Lake Tomah. The Lake Committee and Public Works and Utilities Director are in the process of information gathering and vetting four control measures. Those measures are listed below.

• Weed Harvesting
• Chemical Treatment
• Aeration (solar bees)
• Hydraulic Dredging

Other control measures may come to our attention during this vetting process.

Kirk Arity
Director of Public Works & Utilities
City of Tomah
608-374-7453