Presque Isle Ponds Restoration

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M Squared Engineering, LLC (M2) is working with the Town of Presque Isle to restore and the Pipke Park Ponds (North and South Ponds). The North and South Ponds are a complex hydraulic system consisting of dams, divergent structures, outfall pipes, and overflow connectors. These ponds have historically served the logging industry and, subsequently, a fish hatchery for WDNR. The ponds were sold to the Town of Presque Isle and have served as a recreational and community feature since then. They also provide crucial habitat for various ecological resources, such as loons and multiple fish species, making their restoration vital for both residents and wildlife.

In July 2021, water in the South Pond began draining slowly, resulting in the control structure’s failure. This failure drained the South Pond completely, and further inspection indicated many structures need repair and/or maintenance for both the North and South Ponds. Due to the size of the structures and embankments for the ponds, a dam failure analysis (DFA) was required for both ponds.

Improvements required for the ponds include abandoning existing diversion culverts to both the North and South Ponds and modifying existing inlet and outlet control structures to divert water into and out of the ponds. Existing structures will be repaired as necessary to fix concrete spalling and rusted out stop log channels. Emergency spillways will also be installed for both ponds. M2 conducted a DFA for the ponds, evaluating breach scenarios under both Sunny Day and High Tailwater conditions. This involved using HEC-HMS to calculate peak outflows during breaches and modeling these flows in HEC-RAS to assess flood shadow impacts downstream. The M2 team assisted the Town with a grant application through WDNR for a Municipal Dam Grant. A grant from the WDNR was awarded to support the restoration of this critical ecosystem and its complex drainage system for both ponds. The project construction plans are currently being finalized for construction in Spring 2025.

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