The City of Madison Engineering Division commissioned this study to evaluate options for improving water quality and fish habitat of Warner Lagoon in Warner Park (Figure 1). The purpose and scope of the study were described in the City's request for proposals dated July 7, 2017. This study was conducted by the Wisconsin office of Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. (formerly Montgomery Associates: Resource Solutions, LLC, now MARS-EOR). The project team included former Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources biologists David Marshall and Kurt Welke and LVBrown Studio LLC.

The Warner Park Lagoon partners, including Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), Wild Warner and Yahara Fish Club (YFC), hired Underwater Habitat Investigations LLC (UHI) to conduct a late summer abridged lagoon survey, review existing data and literature, and suggest management alternatives to improve and protect the pond. YFC provided funding ($2,200) for this project. UHI has conducted numerous surveys and prepared management plans for shallow water lakes, sloughs and ponds in southern Wisconsin.

The City of Madison will develop a comprehensive plan to improve the aquatic and nearshore habitat of Warner Park Lagoon, Dane County, while maintaining beneficial functions that it provides to Lake Mendota. Monitoring includes surveys of topography and aquatic plants, wetland delineations, water quality monitoring, shoreline assessment and hydraulic analyses. They will develop alternatives to mitigate effects of stormwater runoff, and explore options to improve aquatic and terrestrial habitat. The plan will provide direction for future projects to improve the Lagoon habitat, while protecting Lake Mendota. Input from the public and local nonprofits groups will be welcomed through public meetings and city website.

Shoreland Monitoring, Assessment or Inventory