Cedarburg Residents Push for Independent Review of 13-Acre Private Ski Lake on Cedar Creek

Over 100 Cedarburg residents packed the Town Hall on November 5th to voice concerns about a controversial proposal: a massive 13.2-acre private pond that would pull water directly from Cedar Creek and a groundwater well.

The project, proposed by Michael and Stacy Gauthier, has sparked heated debate in a community still protective of Cedar Creek’s recovery from decades of industrial contamination.

“What is to stop the creek from going dry?” asked Robert Chesney, a 35-year Cedar Creek resident, during the public hearing documented by the Town of Cedarburg.

The Water Numbers Raise Eyebrows

CBS 58’s investigation revealed the pond would require more than 35 million gallons just for the initial fill—equivalent to what 600 Wisconsin homes use in an entire year. Daily refills would be needed to offset evaporation, creating an ongoing drain on local water resources.

Residents worry these withdrawals could stress the aquifer and drop water levels in Cedar Creek, particularly during seasonal low-flow periods when the creek naturally runs shallow.

A Creek with a Troubled Past

Cedar Creek isn’t just any waterway. From the 1950s through the early 1980s, Mercury Marine discharged PCB-contaminated fluids into the creek, eventually landing it on the EPA’s Superfund cleanup list. The federal government spent $23 million remediating the waterway, with major work completed in 2018.

The creek has made a remarkable comeback. Which is exactly why residents say they’re not willing to risk its health on an unreviewed private pond project.

The Regulatory Gap

Here’s where it gets complicated. The Wisconsin DNR confirms that landowners can apply for pond permits under state law. But here’s the catch: DNR review focuses primarily on permit compliance—not comprehensive environmental impact analysis.

Wisconsin’s Public Trust Doctrine declares that navigable waters belong to all state residents. Groundwater withdrawals fall under Chapter 281 of state statutes, which governs reasonable use and high-capacity well permits.

Yet residents argue the current review process doesn’t adequately address cumulative impacts on neighboring wells, aquifer sustainability, or creek flow during drought conditions.

What the Community Wants

Residents who attended the hearing—and those who submitted written comments afterward—are calling on state officials to mandate an independent environmental assessment before any permits are issued. Specific concerns include:

• Impact on private wells in the surrounding area
• Cedar Creek flow levels during summer and fall low-water periods
• Long-term aquifer health and recharge capacity
• Effects on fish habitat and aquatic ecosystems

CBS 58 reported that the DNR and Governor’s office have received dozens of letters, emails, and calls from concerned residents. So far, neither has committed to requiring additional study beyond standard permit review.

A Community Fighting for Its Creek

Cedar Creek has defined Cedarburg since its founding. Early mills powered the town’s economy. Today, parks and conservation areas line its banks. After watching their creek recover from a Superfund site to a healthy waterway, residents aren’t about to stand by while it’s potentially stressed by a private recreational project.

The community is requesting transparency, independent analysis, and clear answers about long-term monitoring before permits move forward.

Learn more at: Save Cedar Creek

Contact Information:
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Phone: (888) 936-7463
Email: DNRAdministrator@wisconsin.gov
Online: dnr.wisconsin.gov

Governor Tony Evers’ Office
Phone: (608) 266-1212
Email: eversinfo@wisconsin.gov

For More Information:
Town of Cedarburg
(262) 377-4509

Citizens of Cedarburg
Save Cedar Creek
cedarcreeksave@gmail.com
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