Prairie du Sac Shoreline Authorization Program
Alliant Energy’s Prairie du Sac Dam on the Wisconsin River operates under a license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Under our FERC license, we are required to manage the use of shoreline property within a “project boundary” established by the regulatory agency. Specifically, our FERC license requires us to manage any shoreline property within the project boundary below the elevation of 774.4 feet.
Our Shoreline Authorization Program (SAP) works to meet the needs of landowners by monitoring and approving vegetation management, shoreline structures and erosion measures within the project boundary. Select parts of our Prairie du Sac Dam’s SAP are briefly summarized below.
Have a question? Please see the information below. If your question is not answered here, email lakewisconsin@alliantenergy.com.
Shoreline use approval
Alliant Energy is committed to protecting the beauty, recreational value and environment of the lands and water within the project boundary of our Prairie du Sac Dam. The safety of visitors, users and lake residents is our top priority. We must approve new projects to manage flood conditions and enhance the quality of life for all to enjoy the waters upstream from our dam.
Apply for approval
Beginning May 1, 2021, Alliant Energy must approve any new vegetation management and shoreline structures and erosion measures within the project boundary before any work can begin. Download the application form. View the SAP Table to see if this applies to your structures and facilities.
Any local, state and/or federal government permits or approvals must be obtained by you. Within 60 days of receiving the application, Alliant Energy will respond and if in agreement with the proposed activity, provide you with a letter indicating our anticipated approval so that additional permitting applications can proceed. Alliant Energy will provide final authorization only after all other permits have been secured.
Application fees
There are no fees to apply for, receive or maintain approval for structures and facilities.
Grandfathered structures and facilities
Existing structures and facilities placed or maintained seasonally on land (above and below water) within the project boundary prior to September 15, 2020 do not need to apply for approval. Alliant Energy obtained aerial imagery of the shoreline in the fall of 2020 to help identify existing features. Improvements that occurred between September 15, 2020 and May 1, 2021 need to be documented but will be considered for grandfather status.
In most cases, grandfathered structures and facilities may continue to be placed seasonally throughout their useful lives. Major modifications, repairs, or replacement of grandfathered structures or facilities may require Alliant Energy approval.