​Agents of Change: Public Involvement

Working Effectively with County Government 

Saturday 10:10-11:00am

In this session we will discuss "who's who in county government" as it relates to lake protection and rehabilitation.  After a quick look at what some counties have done to benefit lakes, we will discuss citizen involvement in county deliberations and how citizens can benefit lake protection by their participation in county decision processes.

 

Presenter:  Earl Cook, Wisconsin Association of Lakes 

 

Lurking by the Lake: Carnivorous Plants!

Saturday 10:10-11:00am

Many people are surprised to discover that Wisconsin is home to more than a dozen species of carnivorous plants.  These botanical curiosities trap animals, then digest and absorb nitrogen compounds to satisfy their nutrient requirements.  Learn about their captivating adaptations, habitats and specific trap mechanisms.  From pitfalls to suction traps, come witness video footage of these amazing flesh-eaters in action!

 

Presenter: Tom Eddy, Green Lake School District 

 

The Ever-Changing Neighbor: Boom and Bane of Short-Term Lake Rentals

Saturday 10:10-11:00am

Short term lake rentals are becoming increasingly common. Web-based brokerages are flourishing, and property owners are viewing short-term rentals as a means to raise funds needed to pay an ever growing property tax bill.  What should a homeowner do if the neighbor’s home begins to be occupied by a different party every other weekend? How can short-term renters be informed of the norms and regulations for the lake they are visiting?  In this session we will bring together the legal, social, political, and practical perspectives on the issue of short-term rentals.  more information

 

Presenter: Eric Olson, UW-Extension/UW-Stevens Point Center for Land Use Education 

Lake Levels Got You Down?  Find the Positives and Reap the Benefits

Saturday 10:10-11:00am

Some lakes have seen very low levels recently, raising questions about how healthy changing water levels are for lakes.  In natural lakes, water levels can fluctuate from a few inches to several feet.  Many plants and animals have evolved around this phenomenon and actually depend on these fluctuations, especially periods of low water.  We’ll explore how low lake levels are not always bad for lakes.  In fact, managers sometimes simulate drought conditions on impoundments to reap the benefits of low levels.  Hear real life examples from Wisconsin of how some lake levels have been managed and learn the outcomes.

 

Catalysts for Conservation: Lake Groups and the Connection to Land Conservation

Saturday 10:10-11:00am

Experienced, capable land trust organizations cover most, if not all, of the state’s lake-rich areas – over fifty of them now exist statewide.  Some lake organizations and lakefront property owners have successfully partnered with land trusts to accomplish shared land and lake protection goals, but the potential is far greater.  Learn about land trusts and how they can help lake organizations and lakefront property owners protect land and thereby protect water quality and lake ecosystems too.  The presentation will wrap up with a brief explanation of the multi-partner Wild Lakes Program and information on how you and your lake organization can help achieve the goal of protecting the wild lakes that still remain in Wisconsin.

 

Utilizing Hydro Acoustics to Evaluate the Effect of Herbicide Applications for Control of Eurasian Watermilfoil

Saturday 10:10-11:00am

Advanced methodologies are needed to rapidly and efficiently evaluate aquatic plant communities.  Coupled with targeted physical sampling, the use of hydro acoustics has been proven effective as an assessment tool to accurately monitor post-treatment effects of herbicide applications on submersed aquatic plants (specifically Eurasian Watermilfoil).  Learn how hydro acoustic methods have been used to evaluate pre- and post-treated southeastern Wisconsin lakes infested with Eurasian Watermilfoil. 

 

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