Over the course of the next year, Wisconsin Lakes will look to explore our changing world of lakes. Here are five high-impact blog topics that we look to explore here at WisconsinLakes.net that are relevant to lake associations, property owners, and districts:
1. Wake-Enhanced Boating: Balancing Recreation and Lake Health
- Why it matters: Wake boats and ballast systems are a growing concern in Wisconsin and lake communities in general. They can damage shorelines, uproot aquatic plants, and disturb fish habitats.
- Goal: Work to explain the ecological impacts, summarize proposed statewide regulations (e.g., distance from shore, recommended depth), and offer practical tips for lake associations to manage wake sports locally.
2. Combatting Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS): Prevention and Rapid Response
- Why it matters: AIS like Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels threaten biodiversity and property values. Starry Stonewart is a newly identified threat in WI.
- Goal: Share best practices for prevention (boat cleaning, ballast tank decontamination), highlight new DNR initiatives, and showcase success stories from Wisconsin lake districts.
3. Climate Change and Wisconsin Lakes: What Local Data Shows
- Why it matters: Longer ice-free seasons, warmer water, and nutrient loading are changing lake dynamics. As previously touched upon we will reopen this topic based on emerging data.
- Goal: Use Citizen Lake Monitoring Network data to illustrate trends in water clarity, temperature, and algal blooms. Offer adaptive management strategies for lake associations to consider.
4. Shoreline Management and Erosion Control for Property Owners
- Why it matters: Poor shoreline practices accelerate erosion, degrade water quality, and reduce property value.
- Goal: Provide actionable guidance on buffer zones, native plantings, and ordinances. Include links to model regulations and funding opportunities for restoration projects through possible cost share.
5. Forming and Strengthening Lake Associations: Governance and Funding
- Why it matters: Strong associations are key to sustainable lake management and property value protection.
- Goal: Outline steps to create or revitalize a lake association, explain statutory powers under Wisconsin Chapter 33, and share tips for securing grants and building community engagement.
Wisconsin Lakes.net 