West Fork Kickapoo 17, also known as Primmer, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Vernon, Wisconsin. Completed in 1969 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at 51 feet in height and spans 670 feet in length, serving primarily for flood risk reduction along Maple Dale Creek. With a storage capacity of 1330 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 900 cubic feet per second, West Fork Kickapoo 17 plays a crucial role in mitigating flood hazards in the area.

Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, West Fork Kickapoo 17 is subject to regular inspections, with its condition assessed as satisfactory during the last evaluation in July 2013. Classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam presents a moderate risk level of 3, prompting the need for ongoing risk management measures. Despite its importance in flood risk reduction, the dam also offers recreational opportunities for the local community, highlighting its multifaceted role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Overall, West Fork Kickapoo 17 exemplifies the intersection of infrastructure, environmental protection, and community safety in water resource management. As a key piece of the flood control system along Maple Dale Creek, this earth dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local agencies in safeguarding communities against natural disasters. With its strategic location and effective design, West Fork Kickapoo 17 serves as a vital asset in enhancing the resilience of the surrounding area to climate-related challenges.