In 2020, Manitowoc County erected these new lakeside kiosks at English, Carsten’s, Horseshoe and Cedar Lakes. Read more
June 2020 Lake Reports
Despite the cancellation of our spring and summer 2020 membership meetings, MCLA continues to monitor lake conditions in the county through the reports of lake directors.
In June, reports were submitted for Cedar, Bullhead, Hartlaub, Silver and Pigeon Lakes.
Lake Volunteers Needed
MCLA, with volunteers, continues to conduct annual water quality testing of our county lakes—if there is a volunteer monitor on the lake.
DNR Surface Water Grant Pre-Applications Due Sept 1, 2020
Wisconsinites have the opportunity to vie for funding to support projects that benefit lakes, rivers and wetlands. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides more than $6 million each year for surface water protection and restoration.
“The surface water grant program supports a variety of projects to help achieve statewide surface water quality and habitat goals. If you are thinking about submitting a project, the time is now to reach out to your local lakes, rivers or AIS coordinator. They can review your pre-application and help you develop a competitive application.”
—Alison Mikulyuk, DNR Lakes and Rivers Team Leader
Deadlines
Eligible entities must submit a pre-application with a rough project outline by Sept. 2, 2020, and final grant applications are due on Nov. 1, 2020.
Who is eligible to apply for grant funding?
Eligible organizations include lake associations and districts, river management organizations, local units of government, nonprofits, schools and others. Individuals interested in applying must find a qualified organization willing to sponsor their project.
Reprinted from an Aug 10, 2020 article on the Wisconsin DNR website
by Alison.Mikulyuk@wisconsin.gov.
To begin the application process, read the DNR article in its entirety here.
Report Road-Crossing Reptiles
A DNR news release on August 10, 2020 introduced a new roadkill reporting system aimed to help our populations of reptiles and amphibians.
Wisconsin residents and visitors are being asked to report road crossings where these reptiles and amphibians are found dead or alive to help better understand where their populations occur and to save more of them in the future. The new reporting form is now available from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Reptiles and Amphibians webpage.
“Our goal is to fill in gaps of where these animals are found in Wisconsin and how they’re doing in the state so we can better protect them. We also want to identify high road mortality areas where we can work to incorporate mitigation efforts to diminish the threats to them.”
—Rich Staffen, DNR Natural Heritage Conservation Program zoologist.
The Butler’s Garter Snake is listed as being of ‘Special Concern’
- Wisconsin snake populations have declined due to habitat loss and human persecution; 13 of Wisconsin’s 21 snake species are listed as endangered, threatened or special concern.
- 3 of Wisconsin’s 4 lizard species are in trouble, including the legless and endangered slender glass lizard.
- Wisconsin is home to 12 species of frogs. Many populations have declined throughout the state due to habitat destruction and fragmentation.
- Wisconsin has 7 species of salamanders, one considered “special concern” because of uncertain population numbers.
Read the Aug 10, 2020 DNR news release in its entirety here
Be sure to take the “Herp” quiz to sharpen your identification skills and win guidebooks!
Contest ends Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020
Risks of Blue-Green Algae
by Tom Ward
Blue-green algae are photosynthetic bacteria known as cyanobacteria and are a natural part of water bodies in Wisconsin. With enough sunlight and nutrients, cyanobacteria can grow to high levels and form a blue-green algae bloom. Blooms are often smelly, look like spilled paint or pea soup, and can change the color of the water to green, blue, turquoise, purple, tan, or white. Some blooms form a layer of scum or mats on the surface of the water. Read more
Meeting Cancellations: MCLA’s Response to COVID-19
photo by Eric Muhr, via unsplash
APRIL, JUNE, AUG & OCT 2020 MEETINGS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED
MCLA is canceling the bi-monthly April 23rd meeting. Our next scheduled meeting is June 25th, and hopefully by then it will be safe to meet again. Update: The June 25th meeting has also been canceled, along with the August meeting and October Banquet. We want everyone to know that MCLA is still here to assist with lake concerns, including invasive species. You can reach us at manitowoccountylakesassoc.email@gmail.com
In the meantime, take some time to read and enjoy the information and many important articles about the health of our lakes that can be viewed on the website. We’ve had many guest speakers in the past… 2019 guest speakers are here
Enjoy the beauties of spring, a time when nature springs to life and new hope does too! The peepers will soon be in chorus and most birds have arrived and in full song. Maybe after this experience we will appreciate what whitetail deer go through a in a bad winter.
Farmers have to be optimistic come spring as they are heavily invested in putting their money and seeds in the ground, hoping for the best.
Feel blessed to live on or near the water and enjoy the healing hands of nature. A great cure for cabin fever.
Tom Ward
MCLA Meeting Takeaways: Ice Fishing Tech and Farming Efforts
Todd S. Bergmann of the Valders Journal highlights the presentations of local ice fishing expert Clint Ward and SLO Farmers Co-op representative Suzanne Zipperer. The two were guest speakers at the February 27, 2020 MCLA meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Piers
MCLA has been fielding more questions lately about whether or not riparian land owners can have piers.
You can find all the answers you need on the Wisconsin DNR’s website at https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Waterways/recreation/piers.html
Bullhead Lake Moves to Next Level
Property owners get OK to form district to better manage financial needs
by Todd S. Bergmann. Reprinted with permission from the 12-26-19 issue of the Valders Journal.
The Manitowoc County Board last week approved creation of a lake district for Bullhead Lake as a means to fund treatment of water quality issues.
Spring Fish Survey Reports Available for Harpt and Spring Lakes
The latest DNR Spring Fish Survey Reports for Harpt and Spring Lakes are now available:
2019 Spring Lake Survey Report
John Durbrow Presented with MCLA’s Lake Stewardship Award
Tom Ward and John Durbrow
At the MCLA annual banquet on October 18, 2019, John S. Durbrow was presented with the Lake Stewardship award for his work in support of Manitowoc County lakes.
Through his leadership as President and Past President of the Manitowoc County Lakes Association, MCLA initiated its first website.
John set up a candidate forum on water quality topics to educate voters and the candidates on natural resource issues.
On behalf of MCLA, John obtained a grant to study the impact of water clarity on home prices in Manitowoc and surrounding counties.
John has also helped MCLA to host educational topics expanding the membership’s understanding and knowledge of lake issues.
MCLA thanks John for his dedication to our lakes.
