Mlsna, a local government-owned dam located in Vernon, Wisconsin, serves as a critical structure for flood risk reduction along the TR Knapp Creek. Built in 1956 by the USDA NRCS, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 35 feet and has a length of 580 feet, with a storage capacity of 257 acre-feet. Despite its significant role in mitigating flood hazards, Mlsna has been rated as having a high hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment, highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance and improvements to ensure its effectiveness in safeguarding the surrounding area.

Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Mlsna undergoes regular inspections every two years to assess its structural integrity and operational readiness. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1800 cubic feet per second and an uncontrolled spillway type, the dam poses moderate risks that necessitate risk management measures to enhance its resilience and emergency preparedness. Although Mlsna's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, it also serves as a debris control mechanism within its drainage area of 1.5 square miles, demonstrating its multifaceted role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

In light of its critical importance in protecting the community from flood events and ensuring water security, Mlsna stands as a focal point for collaboration and investment in sustainable infrastructure solutions. With state-regulated permitting and inspection processes in place, the dam represents a key component of the local watershed management strategy, requiring concerted efforts to address its current condition and enhance its long-term functionality for the benefit of both present and future generations.