To the Editor:
Hello, my name is Jason Matousek and I live in Omaha, NE. It’s come to my understanding that there has been some discussion and possible planning to remove the dam at Flandreau.  I have been coming there to fish the dam for over 25 years and this has become a family tradition for us. I have heard a couple different reasons why they are wanting to complete this and they both don’t make much sense to me.
The first reason I heard is so that kayakers don’t have to portage around the dam. Really? They cannot take their boat out and walk 50 yds.? I can almost be certain that the number of fishermen extremely out numbers the amount of kayakers. If the dam is removed that fishery that has taken decades to reach the numbers and quality of fish will be ruined in my opinion.
The second reason is for safety, correct? It’s my understanding that you have only had one fatality due to turbulent waters below the dam. That is an extremely low number considering the number of years that the dam has been in place. It’s also my belief that some people are just going to put themselves in harm’s way no matter what the circumstances are. People need to have common sense when being next to a dam as with thousands of other dams that have not been removed.
Over the 25 years I have been fishing there I have bought an out of state fishing license, spent money on food and gas as well. Flandreau is pretty much the only place I fish in South Dakota and I will be forced to find another alternative because I know the fishing will be drastically changed. The amount of revenue that the dam brings to town is going to have a huge impact on Flandreau as people come from all over the surrounding states to fish that dam as it has phenomenal fishing.
The thought of having the dam removed deeply saddens me to think about. That is why I’m taking the time to write you this letter. I hope this letter has some depth and weight and an outside opinion of these plans.
Please contact me with any questions.
Jason Matousek

1916 S 48th Ave
Omaha, NE 68106

To the Editor:
I am writing this letter with great concern involving the proposed changes to the Flandreau Mill Dam.
I grew up in Flandreau, and as a youth through adulthood, I spent most of my free time with proper instruction, at the dam, or somewhere along the banks of the Big Sioux River. My true passion was fishing, but also enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, golfing and boating. The dam is part of what makes the city of Flandreau a great place to grow up and live. The dam is one of the first places I go when I return to Flandreau to visit family and friends. The dam is a historical gem that many towns in our state would envy.
I am a professional fisherman in our state’s tourism industry. My job requires me to understand fish behavior, seasonal movements, and habitat. It was at the Flandreau Dam, and along the Big Sioux River where I honed my skills. In my opinion, the removal of the dam would decimate quality fishing opportunities in the entire area. Upstream of the dam would become nothing more than a stream with flat, mud shorelines, further negatively impacting other recreational activities. New vegetation will grow where it was once water. This will result in ice jams, etc. Developments built on flood planes are going to flood. Due to the flat terrain of the city park and golf course, the river will still flood those areas during periods of high run off. Dam or no dam.

Unfortunately, lives are occasionally lost on our state’s lakes, rivers, on the ice, and on our highways. If you compare the fatalities that have occurred in the past several decades at the Flandreau Dam to those that have occurred on I-29 in Moody County, the result is still tragedy. Should we remove the interstate?
With the amount of dollars already spent studying this proposal, and the amount of money yet to be spent to complete this proposed project, instead, take a look at making improvements to this unique area. Post proper signage. Close access during high flows. The potential is there. The possibilities are endless! This will create an even bigger draw to the Flandreau Community and Dam, for residents and visitors alike.
Todd Ludeman
Mobridge, SD