Chippewa County to Begin Operating Lake Wissota Boat Landing

Chippewa County will officially take over operations of the former Rod and Gun Boat Landing on Lake Wissota.

According to a press release, the Chippewa County Department of Administration officially approved the move earlier this month. The County will take over operations of the site with the goal of ensuring public access to the boat landing and Lake Wissota for residents year-round. The site will also be renamed to the Lake Wissota Reserve Boat Landing.

The Chippewa Rod and Gun Club had operated the boat landing for years, but the property itself is owned by Xcel Energy. In addition to working with Chippewa County under the new lease agreement, the company also recently undertook two significant projects to both improve the aquatic environment and support the long-term growth of the local fish population.

Chippewa County officials previously estimated that taking over the boat landing’s operations would cost a little over $14,000 in annual expenses, but it could bring in around $17,000 in revenue. Under a resolution passed earlier this year, the County will also establish a dedicated account to cover maintenance needs and potential upgrades at the boat landing with a cap of $50,000.

County officials say the agreement with Xcel Energy operates on a year-to-year lease, so if they don’t get the economic and recreational benefits they’re hoping for they can simply let the boat landing go. They also say residents will not notice any significant changes in how the site operates, as they plan to maintain the current fee structure of $5 per day or $30 annually to use the boat landing.