Vernon County operates and maintains 22 large flood control dams in the Coon Creek, Bad Axe, and West Fork of the Kickapoo watersheds. These important structures were built in partnership with local citizens, county government, State agencies, and the Federal Department of Agriculture from 1956 through 1987. The total cost of construction was nearly $9 million. What is important to remember, is that these dams protect nearly $8 million (1995 dollars) in private property, crops, roads, and bridges from flash flooding each and every year. With care and planning, these dams will continue to function well into the next millennium.

For photographs and information on each flood control structure in Vernon County, click here.
To learn more about what it takes to keep these dams working, check out dam maintenance here.
The Dam Emergency Action Plan can be found here.
Take a look back in history and see what it was like BEFORE the dams were built...click here.
View the repair projects we've completed over the last couple of years (Jersey Valley Clay Blanket, Jersey Valley Drain, Klinkner, and Skildum).