The new breakwall on Lake Winneconne. November 4, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
WINNECONNE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Lake Winneconne is looking to get its wetland back.
About 2,500 feet of breakwall along 40 acres of wetland habitat is part of Winnebago County’s newest effort to preserve the lake’s ecosystem.
“Since 1941, this specific site has lost 33 acres of wetland,” said Director of Winnebago County Land and Water Preservation Chad Casper. “Due to wind, wave and ice action on that site. In order to protect that and try to recreate those wetlands that have disappeared due to those forces, we put in a rock structure that is built close to the historical wetland line where those wetlands used to be.”
Winnebago County Executive Gordon Hintz said it’s not typically what people would think the county is focused on, but added the project is still immensely important.
“When we look at the restoration of the natural habitat, the impact on water quality, the impact that recreational tourism has in terms of fishing, wildlife,” Hintz said. “I think that’s why you saw so many partners come together for a project like this.”
The project is expected to have a wide-reaching impact across the county — and is the result of community effort.
“Whether you’re a fisher person or you just want to recreate on these lakes. Drinking water supply for other 200,000 people. It’s just everybody coming together, and what’s really nice about a project like this is everybody can reap the benefits. It’s right in their backyard,” said Casper.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be just over $860,000. Winnebago County is providing $386,000, while the rest is coming from federal funds and community contributions.
“This is a good use of taxpayer resources and we’re getting great value for it,” Hintz said.
Work is expected to finish on the new breakwall by the end of November.
Comments