CAMPBELLSPORT — The Friends of the Kettle Moraine announced on Monday that following the heavy rains of May and June, the floodplain forest around Mauthe Lake is doing its job by collecting the excessive rain water to help prevent flooding in the surrounding area.
“Wetlands like those around Mauthe Lake hold water like gigantic sponges preventing flooding to down-stream and riverside communities,” said the release.
While the floodplain forest is working as intended, people visiting the Mauthe Lake Recreation Area of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit, N1490 County Road GGG, Campbellsport, will find a smaller swimming beach and a flooded boat launch road, as well as some flooded picnic areas.
“Many other low spots within the Northern Unit also have pools of water causing trail closures throughout the forest,” said the release. “High water levels in several area lakes required invoking slow, no wake rules.”
According to the release, boaters should check the DNR website, or with local lake associations, before heading out to go on trails or boating to see current conditions and closures.
“Please have patience as Mother Nature slowly releases water from these flooded locations,” said the release. “Let’s hope this pattern of major rainstorms lets up soon.”