Dane County Increases Access to Fish Lake, Wins Award and Granted Money
June 13, 2018
Stephanie Miller 608-267-8823
County Executive
All Efforts Highlight County Commitment to Fishing And Lake Access
Today Dane County Executive Joe Parisi opened a new boat landing at the Lussier County Park. In addition to the new boat landing, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources staff awarded the Dane County Land and Water Resource Department a Fisheries Management External Partner Award and the Fishing Expo awarded Dane County $50,000 for to continue planning for a boat launch on Crystal Lake.
“I am proud of this new boat launch that will allow more people to enjoy the wonderful beauty of Fish Lake,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “I want to thank the Fishing Expo for their continued partnership that will allow more people to access our wonderful lakes.”
Lussier County Park is a 19 acre park located in the Town of Roxbury on the east shore of Fish Lake. The existing boat landing at Fish Lake County Park has parking for approximately five vehicles with trailers and requires users to back across Fish Lake Road on a corner when launching their boats. The new boat landing will include 13 trailer stalls, 8 car stalls, trailer and car ADA accessible parking, an ADA accessible path to the boat ramp pier and storm water infiltration basins. The project cost $620,000 with $420,000 from Dane County and the additional funding from a DNR grant. The existing Fish Lake County Park boat landing will remain for canoe/kayak carry-in access.
Lussier County Park encompasses approximately 130 acres and 4,000 feet of public shoreline, providing direct access to Fish Lake. The park offers a boat launch facility and hiking trails, and is also popular for shore fishing and wildlife observation. Fish Lake, known as a kettle lake, is one of the largest and deepest lakes in the county at around 200 acres in size and 62’ maximum depth. It was formed when the last glacier retreated from the area, leaving behind a large ice chunk which melted and created a large depression. The lake contains Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass and Panfish.
Dane County Land and Water Resources Department won the Fisheries Management External Partner Award. This award recognizes external partners in forwarding the mission and goals of the WDNR Fisheries Management program through their contributions to area fisheries resources and improved access to those resources.
“The Dane County Land and Water Resources Department does an amazing job every day to protect our resources for our kids and grandkids to enjoy,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “I am so proud of the work they do and thank them for their efforts.”
Individual staff that were recognized for their work were Kevin Connors, Darren Marsh, Pete Jopke, Chris James, John Reimer, and Sara Rigelman. The High profile projects included are Lake Kegonsa Carp Telemetry and Removal project, Indian Lake Carp Removal and Management, Mud Lake Carp Removal, Lake Waubesa shoreline habitat improvement associated with the Lower Yahara River Trail, Sugar River habitat improvement and demonstration project at the Dane County Basco Wildife Area.