For Release: 04/29/2009

WPS Plans Drawdown for Much of Summer at Potato Rapids

Green Bay, WI – Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPS) will begin a three-month drawdown of the Potato Rapids Reservoir in the southern section of the Peshtigo River State Forest on or about June 1, 2009. The drawdown, expected to be about six (6) feet, is needed to make minor repairs to the concrete structures of the dam and to facilitate maintenance and repairs to the tainter gates that control the outflow from the reservoir.

The drawdown will reach its expected levels around June 15, 2009. Work on the dam is scheduled for June 15th - September 1st. According to its agreement with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, drawdowns will not be performed at Potato Rapids from September 15 through April 15 for the protection of the Blanding's Turtle and its habitat.

The filling of the reservoir will start at the end of the construction work, but no later than September 1, 2009. The reservoir will be filled by September 15, 2009 assuming that there are adequate river flows.

During the drawdown, the public is reminded that motor vehicles are not allowed on the exposed reservoir bed, metal detecting is not allowed, and that driftwood should not be disturbed. Recreationalists that choose to carry boats or canoes to any navigable waters should use caution in accessing the reservoir.

"We know it's unfortunate that these repairs have to be made to the flowage during the summer season," said Ed Brandt, Supervisor – Regional Generation East. "But we'll do our best to complete the work quickly to restore the reservoir to normal levels by fall."

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