Wisconsin Flood related news
Information, resources and advice on flooding, debris cleanup now available
MADISON -- Homeowners and businesses facing the difficult task of cleaning up after floodwaters recede can find updated information on dealing with flood debris cleanup on the Department of Natural Resources Web site.
As floodwaters begin to recede, the DNR is urging residents and volunteers to use caution as they return to homes and begin the cleanup process.
“Our primary goal is to help people stay safe, both during and after these devastating storms and floods. In addition to our dam inspectors and engineers who are working hard to limit further damage, our waste management specialists and other staff are working to aid recovery efforts,” notes DNR Secretary Matt Frank.
Residents in flooded areas who rely on private wells for drinking water should suspect that their wells may have been contaminated. If there is any change in taste, color or sediment in water, residents should immediately stop drinking it and follow instructions on the DNR Web site for testing the well.
Residents and volunteers beginning to clean up flooded businesses, homes, basements and garages can find useful guidance on a new Coping with Flood Cleanup Web page from the DNR Waste and Materials Management program for advice on how to safely sort through and dispose of debris and waste. The page is an addition other Coping with Flooding information available on the DNR Web site.
“As people start the tough job of cleaning up, we hope they protect their own safety and protect the environment, which was also damaged in these tragic floods,” says Suzanne Bangert director of the DNR Bureau of Waste and Materials Management.
“If your home or business has been affected by flooding, you may be overwhelmed and just want to remove everything and take it to a landfill. This is certainly understandable, given the circumstances, but we urge people to separate out hazardous and recyclable materials wherever possible.”
The bottom line, Bangert said, is to not burn or bury debris, recycle where practical, separate hazardous materials and landfill the rest. Above all, be safe.
“Our staff are already working with waste haulers and landfill operators to make sure disposal services will be available locally,” she said. “We hope people will not burn flood debris because burning would just add to the damage to people's health and our environment.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Bangert, director, Bureau of Waste and Materials Management, at (608) 266-0014
Devil’s Lake State Park closure extended to at least June 25
Most Wisconsin State Parks remain open
BARABOO, Wis. – Devil’s Lake State Park will remain closed for at least another week resulting from flood damage to the park’s infrastructure, the Department of Natural Resources announced today.
The park will be closed through Wednesday, June 25.
“Devil’s Lake still has problems with sewer and water, along with property damage,” said Rich Evans, parks supervisor with the agency’s South Central Region, based at Fitchburg.
Damage to the popular 10,200 acre state park, located south of Baraboo in Sauk County, includes road and hiking trail wash outs, inoperable toilets and showers, day use and picnic areas, along with beaches and parking lots under water, and no potable water supply.
“We can’t provide the most basic amenities yet, and there’s really nothing for visitors to do,” Evans said.
Park staff will decide next Monday whether repairs and receding flood waters will be sufficient to allow reopening the park or if it’s necessary to extend the closure further.
“The majority of our parks and trails are open for the weekend and still offer the quality outdoor experience people have come to expect from Wisconsin State Parks,” notes Dan Schuller, director of Wisconsin State Parks and Trails. “We thank our customers for their patience and invite folks to visit and explore one of our other parks or trails. Who knows, perhaps they may find a new favorite.”
Wisconsin State Park and Trail Conditions as of June 17, 2008
Some other state trails and park facilities are also temporarily closed in southern and central Wisconsin. Check the Wisconsin State Parks Web site [www.wiparks.net] for the most recent condition reports before traveling.
Parks
* Devil’s Lake State Park is closed through at least June 25. There will be an update on conditions June 24. The nearby Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area is also closed.
* Rocky Arbor is closed to camping until Friday, June 20, at which time a limited number of campsites will be open on Friday and Saturday nights, June 20 and 21. Day use facilities are open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and will be open regular hours on the weekend.
* Wildcat Mountain State Park is closed through June 29. There will be an update on conditions on June 25.
* Kettle Moraine North. The horse trails are closed.
* Governor Dodge State Park. Horse campground and horse and bike trails are closed.
Trails
* Elroy-Sparta Trail closed all sections due to mudslides.
* 400 Trail closed between Wonewoc and Reedsburg.
* Glacial Drumlin Trail closed at Crawfish and Rock Rivers.
With the exception of the properties listed, all other state parks and state trails remain open and operational. However, some trails, boat landings and beaches are also closed at some State Parks. Users should call the state park property or check on-line at for current conditions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: on Devil’s Lake State Park contact Rich Evans, Regional Park Supervisor, Fitchburg at 608-275-3276; for general state park information call - (608) 266-2181
