(Wilder, Mn.)– Efforts are underway to restore a shallow lake in northern Jackson county. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says crews this spring are drawing down the water level of Teal Lake just south of Wilder as part of a project to improve water quality and aquatic habitat in the 91-acre lake. The DNR has designated Teal Lake as a wildlife lake, allowing managers to do the work.
Officials say it’s been 13 years since the last drawdown and that average water clarity had declined to less than six inches and aquatic vegetation was sparce.
Plans call for the water levels in Teal Lake to be drawn down by about four feet over the next couple of months, with the total draw down expected to last until the spring of 2026, dependent on weather conditions. DNR officials say it could be extended into the summer of 2026 if needed to achieve the desired benefits.
