Enough is enough! Lake Onalaska, a federally owned, publicly cherished, and ecologically vital resource, is steadily filling with sediment from upstream flows of the Mississippi and Black Rivers. It has been neglected for far too long! Without timely intervention, the lake risks losing its recreational appeal, economic benefits, and role as a critical wildlife habitat. The proposed restoration projects by concerned and dedicated community members offers a powerful opportunity to reverse decades of decline through collaborative, science-driven solutions.

To preserve and enhance Lake Onalaska for future generations, we call on Congressman Van Orden to take decisive action. By championing Lake Onalaska projects with the House Appropriations Committee, we can ensure that vital funding is allocated to address the growing sediment issue. Prioritizing United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) projects affecting Pool 7 and communicating these priorities to agency leadership is essential in steering resources towards effective solutions.

With congressional support, we can accelerate implementation, capitalize on cost-saving strategies such as strategic material placement on Rosebud Island for our current approved Dredging project. Community members have raised nearly $170,000 towards this project with no support from the agencies responsible for the lake. Despite its cost-efficiency and environmental logic, the St. Paul District of USACE denied use of 
the Rosebud Island containment area for material placement, citing that the dredge material "may" contain invasive species such as black locus and buckthorn. However, these plants are already present in this area. Lack of support jeopardizes the North Shore Lane Dredging Project, a fully permitted, shovel-ready initiative with nearly 70% of local funding already raised. 
In response to the St. Paul District USACE concerns, Lake Onalaska Rehabilitation Coalition (LORC) and the Brice Prairie Conservation Association (BPCA) would commit to: 
● Plant native mesic seed mixes and treelets after dewatering 
● Remove invasive black locust and restore ecological succession 
● Use degraded areas only—no disruption to high-quality habitat 
● Work with United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to ensure land use aligns with long-term conservation plans.

Essentially, the LORC/BPCA volunteers would be providing free labor to do the job for USACE even though ultimately, it is their responsibility.
Failure to use Rosebud will require unnecessary transport to relocate material, increasing costs by $80,000 and threatening the FY25/26 completion timeline. This does not make sense!

 These efforts will help ensure that Lake Onalaska remains a thriving destination for residents of Wisconsin and the thousands of visitors from neighboring states who come to enjoy its natural beauty, recreation, and ecological richness.

We also strongly urge Congressman Van Orden to request annual progress reports from USACE on important allocations such as Major Military Construction (MILCON), Unspecified Minor Construction, and Operations & Maintenance-Army (OMA) funds. These reports will ensure transparency and accountability in the habilitation process, providing the data necessary to make informed decisions and measure the impact of ongoing efforts. There has been no accountability which is part of the problem.

Restoring Lake Onalaska is not just about maintaining its current status; it's about enhancing its ecological and economic contributions to Onalaska, Wisconsin, and beyond. The lake serves as a hub for recreation, a habitat for diverse wildlife, and a vital component of the local economy. By signing this petition, we are taking a stand to preserve and save this invaluable resource and urging our representatives to prioritize its restoration as we have.

Sign the petition to safeguard Lake Onalaska's future and uphold its significance for our environment, economy, and community. Together, we can make a difference.

If you wish to donate to the Dredging, please mail donations directly to 
BPCA, c/o Steve Anderson, 1014 Canary Ln, Onalaska, WI 54650—Please put “Lake Ona Dredge Project” in the Memo. 
Or Drop off donations at Red Pines Bar & Grill or at Schafer’s River Rentals who has agreed to dredge the project at cost. 

BPCA is a 501c3 tax-exempt organization, so 100% of all donations are tax deductible. This project involves the City of Onalaska, Town of Onalaska, City of La Crosse, Town of Campbell and La Crosse County with positive impact on local tourism for the area as well.