Kip’s Comments - January 19, 2023

Marten’s Lake at Sweet Marsh - An Update

A number of you have asked if I know what is happening at Marten’s Lake at Sweet Marsh.

You might remember that late last spring/early summer Marten’s Lake was drained to allow for much needed renovations. Existing channels were to be deepened and a couple of new, deeper channels were to be dug.

According to the specifications for the project that I found, the work was to be done this winter with a completion date of next month. I think the reality would be the work might take longer since drying out the pool took considerable time.

I had not wandered the dikes for a few months, assuming work was being done, so this past weekend I took a walk. My expectation when I reached Marten’s Lake was that I might see a partially/nearly complete project with deeper channels dug, spoil on the dikes, and likely heavy equipment in the area. What I saw was disappointing. I did see some equipment tracks on the dikes, but otherwise observed nothing being done. I must make it clear I did not walk all of Marten’s Lake. My route was the short dike from the refuge to the southern boundary of Marten’s Lake and then out on the dried muck.

No matter where I looked I saw no work having been done. The pool is drained - probably as low as possible - but no excavation work was visible.

Before people react negatively toward the DNR, let’s be patient as we try to learn what is going on. I have asked for an update and will share it with you when I receive it. Until then, let’s hold our frustrations to learn what is or is not happening so we understand the situation. Maybe this situation is out of the DNR’s hands? Maybe the contractor has not been able to do the work? Maybe the delay is for other reasons? Let’s wait to find out.

Following are images I recorded during my walk on the dried out Marten’s Lake. I cannot disguise my emotions - I was saddened and frustrated. Yet, the various scenes were intriguing as I documented how quickly vegetation growth was becoming established in what was saturated muck on the bottom of Marten’s Lake this time last year. I am curious what to expect when water again covers the bottom of the pool. Will the water lilies bloom the first year? Will the American lotus seeds that dropped this past summer establish the plant species again in a typical wet environment? Time will tell. The bigger question is how long might we be waiting?

Sweet Marsh - Marten's Lake Drained - Image 788229

Sweet Marsh - Marten's Lake Drained - Image 788245

Sweet Marsh - Marten's Lake Drained - Image 788261

Sweet Marsh - Marten's Lake Drained - Image 788264

Sweet Marsh - Marten's Lake Drained - Image 788287

Sweet Marsh - Marten's Lake Drained - Image 788324

Sweet Marsh - Marten's Lake Drained - Image 788357

Sweet Marsh - Marten's Lake Drained - Image 788371

Sweet Marsh - Marten's Lake Drained - Image 788380

Sweet Marsh - Marten's Lake Drained - Image 788401

Sweet Marsh - Marten's Lake Drained - Image 788407

Sweet Marsh - Marten's Lake Drained - Image 788420

Sweet Marsh - Marten's Lake Drained - Image 788424

Sweet Marsh - Marten's Lake Drained - Image 788432

Sweet Marsh - Marten's Lake Drained - Image 788453

Sweet Marsh - Marten's Lake Drained - Image 788467