Many of you who visit the swan observation platform at Rieck's Lake each year ask, "Where has the water gone?" The water is still there but the lake basin is filling in rapidly with silt and sediment carried into the lake by the Buffalo River and its tributaries. Various groups have been working hard on options to restore the habitat in Rieck's Lake to be used by swans and other waterfowl as a feeding and resting place.

Buffalo County and the City of Alma have received a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation under the Scenic Byways Program for the restoration of Rieck's Lake. This grant will facilitate the removal of 80,000 cubic yards of sediment from Rieck's Lake to restore use by the tundra swans and other waterfowl. Rieck's Lake Park facilities will also be upgraded. Three buildings will be rebuilt with one available as an outdoor classroom for visiting school classes. The opportunity for education, recreation and tourism carried out here is too important to be allowed to be buried in silt.











Rieck's Lake
We will keep you posted on this website as to the status of this rehabilitation effort.