I am writing on behalf of the local residents and community members in Green Lake, WI, who value the preservation of the lake and its natural beauty. For the second year, a large construction barge has been parked in Norwegian Bay, unmoving and unsupervised. This letter explains the concerns of a community who strongly oppose the barge's presence. 

There are several reasons why it is problematic for this large construction barge to be parked in Norwegian Bay, Green Lake, next to the wetlands conservation area. These concerns span environmental, safety, and community concerns. Ultimately, the presence of this barge may also be a question of legality. 

In terms of legal concern, it has become public that the construction barge that is owned by a company out of Winneconne, WI does not have a legal permit from the Town of Brooklyn to be parked here. Green Lake and the conservation area are protected by regulations designed to preserve their ecological value. Placing a construction barge there violates zoning laws and permit requirements. The company has not produced a permit. The barge was previously run out of County Park, in which case the company also did not produce a permit. The hearsay about the reasoning for the barge being parked in Green Lake waters instead of back in its hometown of Winneconne, is that the company hopes to advertise its service in our lake. It’s apparent this advertising tactic is having quite the opposite effect.

Our second concern is for the environment. First, this equipment could cause water pollution: The barge could leak fuel, oil, or other chemicals into the lake, harming water quality. Construction equipment and materials can release contaminants that disrupt the aquatic ecosystems. Second, the barge also has already caused habitat disruption. The lake and surrounding conservation areas are home to many species, including fish, waterfowl, and aquatic plants. On the adjacent Norwegian Wetlands conservation area, just yards from the barge, there is an iconic active Osprey nest. This year, the osprey made a nest on top of the barges tall crane. Recently the crane was removed (assumedly for work) and so with it the nest, now disappeared. This is an example of a disturbed protected habitat, with potential to cause more wildlife to leave or die. Also, the barge may eventually lead to more erosion: the weight and motions of the barge and its equipment could destabilize the shoreline, contributing to erosion, particularly in the delicate areas around the conservation area. This specific area has two areas that have required carefully consulted and planned erosion control and protection so that the community can safely resume enjoying the lake without disrupting the shoreline or environment.

Third, the barge has had a negative community impact. Green Lake is home to safe and peaceful recreation that promotes a love for the beauty of its natural environment: boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and hiking are daily activities in this area. The aesthetic and large presence of the barge negatively affects the experience for locals and visitors who value the peaceful natural surroundings. The barge limits the space for boaters, fishermen, and in particular young children who enjoy swimming in the shallow bay. This may arguably be the busiest area on Green Lake for families to gather and swim with youngsters. The scenic beauty is a part of Green Lake’s appeal to boaters and visitors. However, this large barge sits stark and proud against a serene backdrop- topped with its iconic portapotty. It has been a topic of complaint, drawing disgust from Green Lakers and tourists. Residents notice that other companies in this line of business do supervise their equipment while keeping it functional, to use it only for the actual work of enhancing the owners’ shoreline, as opposed to letting it sit in our lake for advertisement.

Last, our concern is also for safety with the obvious concern that the barge is an obstruction for boaters in a busy area of the lake that sees high traffic, especially over weekends. As noted, it limits space for recreation making it a collision risk. Another safety concern is that, since the barge is vacant and stationary and always unsupervised, people could climb upon it to jump, dive, or explore it- leading to injury. The appeal may be to the younger generation to engage in these types of activities. In shallow water, this could have a devastating impact on our community.

In summary, allowing the Construction Barge to remain mindlessly parked in Norwegian Bay or other parts of Green Lake could have significant, widespread impacts on the environment, the local community, public safety, and perhaps even the economy. The owners and our community members should weigh these risks carefully. Along with public officials, those reading this should discuss alternative solutions, such as an on-land location, for the barge to be relocated to. There are also plenty of billboard opportunities for the company to advertise, in particular on Hwy 23 coming West from Ripon into Green Lake.

Thank you for your time in considering the concerns of the Green Lake community.