Lake Como is a 98-acre impoundment of Duncan Creek located in the city of Bloomer in Chippewa County, Wisconsin. It is a mostly urbanized, shallow and fertile water body situated in a large and agriculturally dominated watershed. The lake is recognized as an important natural resource for the community, and is considered a regional asset of environmental, recreational and economic significance. Lake Como is known and used primarily for fishing, peaceful relaxation, wildlife and scenic enjoyment, and limited boating opportunities. Unfortunately, there is concern among residents and lake users with problems such as degrading water quality, excessive sedimentation, nuisance aquatic weed and algae growth, declining fishery habitat, and restricted motor boat accessibility, among others. These problems have prompted the Bloomer Community Lake Association and the city of Bloomer to conduct a variety of investigations in the hope of gaining a greater understanding of the resource and its many challenges. The Association subsequently authorized the development of this Condition Assessment for the purpose of compiling and evaluating all existing and readily ascertainable data pertaining to the lake and its watershed. This effort is intended to lay the foundation for the development of a Comprehensive Lake and Watershed Management Plan.

The City of Bloomer proposes to develop a management plan for Lake Como, in part, to determine whether the maintain the lake and, if so, how to improve the water quality. Phase One project activities to include: 1) Development and use of public Needs Assessment Questionaire, 2) two formal public hearings, 3) update and completion of cost estimates for options including dam removal, dam repair, and upgrading the dam to meet high hazard standards, 4) preparation of a decision matrix (decision and project timeline), 5) development of floodplain mitigation plan, 6) development of park plan. The Department of Natural Resources will provided with both a paper copy and electronic copy of the resulting plans. Project results will be shared with the public through local newspaper articles and public meetings.

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