STRATFORD, WI (WSAU) — The Big Eau Pleine Citizens Organization, better known as BEPCO, reformed in 2008 to preserve, protect, and improve the Big Pleine Reservoir.
BEPCO President, Tim Garrigan, says they’re working on their 2017 Lake Management Plan to work with the Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company (WVIC) and maintain the Big Eau Pleine area.
“Yes the WVIC built the Big Eau Pleine flowage, but they shouldn’t get to just treat it like a piece of trash,” said Garrigan. “So, the Lake Management Plan will allow us to leverage more water in the flowage at the start of winter, which is considered December 1st.”
Garrigan says the group has been doing more diverse work around the Big Eau Pleine to try and become a more rounded organization.
“We repair all the boat landings around, we put up bridge lights for the summer and the winter for snowmobilers, we don’t just focus on water and water level and fish,” he said.
BEPCO and WVIC are currently disputing how much more water to add to the reservoir. BEPCO is looking to add 60% while WVIC only would like to add 40%. If you’re interested in learning more about BEPCO and what they do you can visit their website bigeaupleine.org.
