Dane County Office of Lakes & Watersheds
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About the Dane County Lakes & Watershed Commission

The Dane County Board established a permanent Lakes and Watershed Commission in 1988. The Wisconsin State Legislature defined the Commission's special powers, composition, duties and organization in 1990. A coordinating and advisory agency within Dane County government, the Commission's charge is to protect and improve water quality, as well as the scenic, economic, recreational, and environmental value of Dane County's water resources. Click here to see Wisconsin state statute 33.41.

The Commission has 10 members, representing urban and rural areas, including:

  • county board supervisors (2 from Madison and 2 from areas outside Madison)
  • a representative of the Towns Association
  • a representative from cities and villages outside Madison
  • a member designated by the Dane County Executive
  • a member designated by the mayor of Madison
  • a citizen from Madison
  • a representative of the Yahara Lakes Association.

Commissioners

NameRoleDescriptionEmail
Melissa MalottChairCounty Executive Designee
Lyle UpdikeVice ChairTowns Rep
Sharon CorriganMemberCounty Board Supervisor
Chuck EricksonMemberCounty Board Supervisor
Mike GernerMember 
Melanie HamptonMemberCounty Board Supervisor
Katherine McMahonMemberCitizen
Patrick MilesMemberCounty Board Supervisor
Rebecca PowerMember 
Susan WestMember 

Staff

  • Sue Jones, Watershed Management Coordinator
  • Marcia Hartwig, Public Information Officer
  • Deb Flanders, Administrative Support

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Yahara Waterways Trail Guide The Yahara Waterways Water Trail Guide is a great resource for exploring our area waters.