News & Reports
On March 15, 2022 the Iron County Zoning Committee met at the courthouse in Hurley, WI to discuss a change in the shoreland zoning ordinance at the request of a developer. This request would have modified the definition of “lot” by permitting a greater building density on certain lake and riverfront properties. The Iron County Zoning Office presented an analysis of WI counties showing that 40 of the 72 counties have a similar “lot” definition as Iron County’s. Several TFFTL POA members attended and were able to voice their comments. Committee members discussed the ordinance change to which they unanimously passed a motion to end consideration of the ordinance change.
The Board would like to thank the County Zoning Committee for their efforts in addressing this issue and protecting the TFF-TL and other lake shoreland in Iron County.
Background on Proposed Shoreland Ordinance Change In Iron County, WI
Iron County’s current shoreland zoning ordinance contains some limits on shoreland development in Iron County. The ever-changing view from our lakes is a good indicator that the County’s ordinance allows owners many opportunities for development. But the zoning ordinance can also limit the most intense and harmful development. It is a balance that has helped retain the character of our lakes that we all appreciate. These shoreland zoning controls will become increasingly important to maintaining the Northwoods character of our lakes as development pressure continues to increase.
At its February 2022 meeting, the Iron County Zoning Committee considered a change to the County’s shoreland zoning ordinance to allow for increased shoreline development at the request of Gateway Lodge. The developer did not receive approval to construct 4 additional rental houses on a 75’ wide, 1-acre shoreland parcel, resulting in 5 rental houses and a parking lot on a 1-acre parcel on the shore of the Turtle Flambeau Flowage (see the figure below). In lieu of seeking a variance or appeal for the project, the developer asked the County to change the countywide ordinance in a way that would allow the development. This change would impact all lake and riverfront properties throughout Iron County.
Projects of this magnitude can significantly increase building density, degrade the character of the waterbody, and cause unnecessary conflict among neighbors. They are not permitted under the current ordinance. The proposed ordinance change would allow this level of development in these situations.
Shoreland owners should be aware of these potential changes and consider what it could mean for their lakes and properties. If individuals or groups want to provide comments on an ordinance change that permits greater levels of development, they should contact the Iron County Zoning committee members and the Iron County Zoning Administrator. Most importantly, there will be additional public zoning committee meetings where individuals or groups can participate. The next Iron County Zoning Committee meeting is scheduled for March 15 in Hurley. Your voice at these meetings can help guide county elected officials to make sound decisions to protect our lakes.
Contacts: Iron County Zoning Committee, contact information can be found here:
http://www.co.iron.wi.gov/localgov_committee_detail.asp?comid=248&locid=180
Zoning Committee Chairman: Mr. Patrick Hanson
Ms. Anne McComas
Mr. Brandon Snyder
Mr. Thomas Thompson
Mr. John Sendra
County Board Chairman: Mr. Joe Pinardi 715-561-4145
Iron County Zoning Administrator: Erika Roeder, 715-561-5414, roedere@ironcountywi.org
The 2021 open water season on the TFF will be remembered for close to average water levels up to mid-July, but starting in mid-July and continuing to late-October, precipitation over the TFF watershed was between 25% to 50% of normal, which had a significant impact on TFF water levels.
Complete “ice-out” took place on April 6, 2021 and the spring refill target of 1571.50’ was achieved 2 days later on April 8th. Water levels were about the same as last year through the end June, and were within 1-2 inches of our desired target level at that time.
The significant lack of precipitation starting in July was evident as water levels started to decline against both last year and target levels. The low water point for the summer took place on September 20th at -3.38 feet from full pool and water level had recovered to -2.65 feet by November 1st.
Discharge from the TFF Dam was moderate throughout the season, and was reduced to just above the minimum of 300 cubic feet per second (cfs) early September. Discharge remained in the low 300cfs range through the end of October.
The Water Level Committee has initiated discussions with the Wisconsin DNR concerning water levels this summer and hopes to have productive discussions over the next few months. In the meantime, we ask that all Association members pray for strong fall rains and a good snow pack over the winter.
2020-2021TFF Elevation Year Summary (71KB)
The DNR has informed us that the peers and docks on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage will be removed beginning October 11.