Lake Winnebago Aquatic Plants

During the summer of 2010, the southern end of Lake Winnebago experienced more aquatic plant growth than anyone can ever remember before. The plants grew thickly, making it difficult for people to use boats, swim, and enjoy the lake near the shore. Loose plants washed up on shore and created odor problems as they rotted. Property owners and lake users were frustrated at how difficult it was to reach open water, how much damage they caused to boat and jet-ski motors, and how time consuming it was to clear the water for recreational use. Many anglers, however, reported some of the best fishing in recent memory. Lake experts agree that aquatic plants are an important part of a healthy lake ecosystem, but last year saw their growth rise to nuisance levels in some locations which created problems for a number of lake users.

The purpose of this site is to give information to lake front property owners and lake users who’d like to learn more about Lake Winnebago and managing aquatic plants. Because lakes are complex systems and a number of factors affect aquatic plants, it is uncertain whether the plants will be as thick in the summer of 2011. Working together over time, UWEX, DNR, local government officials and area residents are trying to answer the question, “How can we enjoy our favorite activities in a healthy Lake Winnebago System?”

News

• Lake Winnebago Association holds planning meeting June 6 May 16, 2012
• Local water sampling reveals need to test for arsenic May 16, 2012
• Lake habitat faces challenges May 10, 2012
• Byron Lamartine Well Sampling Event March 30, 2012
• Dip Into Lakes Seminar Series March 23, 2012

2011 volunteer monitor training by monitoring over 430 stream sites in 49 counties.

Survey finds that Wisconsin bait dealers are doing their bit to help stop aquatic invasive species:  Bait Shops are on the front lines in the battle to stop the spread of invasive plants, animals and diseases in Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers.

Presentations

Introduction to the Meeting and Lake Systems (1.52MB, Power Point Slide Show, 6 slides) by Diana Hammer Tscheschlok, Fond du Lac County UW-Extension Educator.

Lake Winnebago Water Clarity & Aquatic Plant Growth (4.96MB, Power Point Slide Show, 49 slides) by Jay Schiefelbein, Chuck Fitzgibbon, & Art Techlow, WDNR Water Resource Management Specialists.

Lake Organizations: How citizens can organize to raise funds and work together on lake issues (847 KB, Power Point Slide Show, 8 slides) by Chad Cook, UW-Extension Natural Resources Educator.

Handouts

Businesses accepting Aquatic Plants from Lake Winnebago this summer

DNR Aquatic Plant Management Fact Sheet (111 KB, PDF, 1 pg)

Events

2012 Wisconsin Lakes Convention, April 10-12, Green Bay, WI

Links

UW-Extension Lakes Center – Aquatic Plant Management Page

Water Quality in the Lake Winnebago Pool written by WDNR & UWEX in 2004 (2.05MB, PDF, 44 pgs)

WDNR – Aquatic Plant Site (permit application forms, rules, & other information)

WDNR – Lake Management Planning Large Scale Lake Grant

WDNR – Lake Managment Planning Small Scale Lake Grant

WI Citizen Lake Monitoring Program

Find a Lake Related Business (UWEX Directory, no endorsements)

Compost Joe’s: area company that will accept aquatic plant material from lake shore residents.

Just for Fun

Clean Boats, Clean Waters song

Local Officials

County Executive Allen Buechel, (920) 929-3155, allen.buechel@fdlco.wi.gov

18th District Senator Jessica King, (608) 266-5300, Sen.King@legis.wisconsin.gov

53rd District Representative Dick Spanbauer, (608) 267-7990, Rep.Spanbauer@legis.wisconsin.gov

52nd District Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt, (608) 266-3156, Rep.Thiesfeldt@legis.wisconsin.gov

Videos from the Aquatic Plants Informational Meeting on March 31, 2011 at UW-Fond du Lac