Hidden debris on Wisconsin River dangerous to boaters, DNR says
People planning to spend some of the Fourth of July weekend on the waters of the Wisconsin River should exercise extra caution.
The Department of Natural Resources is warning boaters that much of the debris that washed into the river during last month's flooding is still present and may be dangerous.
Boaters should be especially cautious on the stretch of the river from the Lake Delton region to the Columbia Power Plant. Debris is both in the river and along its shores.
Barbara Wolf, warden supervisor for the DNR's South Central Region, said there are about 80 visible piles of debris along that specific portion of the river.
Wolf said some of the debris is as large as a section of a roof. She said boaters need to be aware that there is also debris just underwater that is not visible.
"The debris that is underwater, what we can't see, poses an even greater danger," said Wolf.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Wisconsin Emergency Management and officials from Columbia and Sauk counties are discussing how to remove debris from the river.
Also, the DNR reminds homeowners cleaning up their property that it is illegal to burn many materials, including treated or painted wood, rubber products, wet trash, oily rags and plastics. A complete list of prohibited materials is available on the DNR website at www.dnr.wi.gov.
