Stiles Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 1981) Machickanee Flowage Drawdown
Press Release
Oconto Electric Cooperative (OEC) will be hosting a public information meeting to provide the public with information about the proposed drawdown of the Machickanee Flowage. The meeting will be held on June 15, 2021, 1 PM, at the Stiles Town Hall, located at 5718 Watercrest Road, Lena, WI 54139.
OEC is planning a temporary five-foot drawdown at the Machickanee Flowage upstream of the Stiles Hydroelectric Project (Project). The purpose of the drawdown is management of aquatic invasive species, excessive plant growth, and consolidation of flowage substrate for the purpose of improvements to navigation.
The drawdown is scheduled to begin the week of July 5, 2021, weather dependent and following regulatory approval. The water level of the flowage will be lowered over approximately 10 to 14 days at an average rate of 3 to 6 inches per day (depending on rainfall). Once the maximum drawdown of five feet is reached, the water level will be maintained at this level for approximately 70 days. Upon drawdown completion, the flowage will be refilled over approximately 10 days to a level within the normal operational range. The total duration of the project is planned for approximately three months.
Public foot traffic in the exposed areas may pose a public safety risk. The public is asked to stay away from the exposed river/flowage bed. Additionally, picking items off the bed of the river, and disturbing sediment may require permits from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The public boat landing will be closed until the flowage is returned to normal water levels.
Please contact OEC at 920-846-2816 if you have any questions about this project.
Click here to view slideshow from the meeting.
Information on aquatic invasive species is available on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website: