Agents of Change: Public Involvement
Lake Restoration and Public Perception
Saturday
9:00-9:50am
This session will highlight an eight year
project to regenerate and repopulate a large (270 acre)
shallow water body, transforming it from a devoid ecosystem
to a vibrant and thriving ecosystem restocked with native
vegetation, fish, and all of the other elements of a
reasonably healthy waterbody. Sounds like a sad story with
a happy ending, right? Well, not all of the property
owners—including some citizens who called for the initial
changes—were satisfied with the changes. We’ll discuss and
critique the pros and cons associated with this project, and
share our experience with others wishing to dramatically
change the face of a shallow water body.
Presenters: Charlie Marks, Green Lake
Sanitary District and Mark Sesing, Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources
The Nature of Things: The Wild Side of Lakes
Creatures of the Deep:
Introducing Some Lesser Known Lake Residents
Saturday
9:00-9:50am
You might be
surprised to learn that freshwater sponges, jellyfish, and
moss animals (bryozoans) occur in
Wisconsin lakes and rivers. In fact, fifteen
species of freshwater sponge, a single freshwater
“jellyfish,” and at least four species of bryozoans have
been recorded here. Biologists, anglers, and other
lake-goers, often overlook these animals because of their
inconspicuous coloration, small size, and cryptic nature.
This session will introduce you to these fascinating
components of Wisconsin’s fauna, including identification,
basic biology, zoogeography, and ecology. You will learn
about the research done on these creatures in
Wisconsin, some of it dating back to the early
1890s. The session will offer tips on finding these critters
in your local lakes and introduce you to citizen monitoring
and reporting efforts you can participate in.
Presenter: Dreux Watermolen, Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources
Dollars and Sense: Understanding Lake Economics and Water
Law
Organizing to Prevent Wetland Losses
Saturday
9:00-9:50am
Demystify
the complexities of local, state and federal decisions that
govern approval of development projects with wetland
impacts. Pick up tips and tools to improve your
understanding and consideration of wetland concerns at each
stage in the decision-making process. This presentation
will increase your wetland literacy and motivate you to get
involved in protecting wetlands in your community.
Presenter:
Erin O'Brien, Wisconsin Wetlands Association
The Ups and Downs of Lake Management: Understanding Lake
Levels
Understanding Lake Levels: The Role of
Climate, Climate Changes and Human Water Use
Saturday
9:00-9:50am
Water level fluctuations in response to drought and larger
weather patterns are normal for certain types of lakes. In
some areas land use and groundwater pumping at a regional
scale may be having additional impacts on lake levels.
Global climate change further confounds predictions of
future lake level changes, as more rainfall and warmer
temperatures may produce contradictory effects. This
session will explore what we know, don’t know, and need to
further study about lake level fluctuations in order to make
sound decisions about managing lakes and balancing all of
Wisconsin’s water needs.
Presenter: Tim Asplund, Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources
Lake
Organizations: Improving their Effectiveness
Hiring and Working with a Consultant
Saturday
9:00-9:50am
In this session, you’ll hear about keys to
working successfully with lake planning and management
consultants and about potential pitfalls to avoid. Hear from
the perspectives of a private lake planning and management
consultant, a DNR lake management specialist, and a county-wide
lake group representative.
Presenters: Karen Engelbretson, Polk County Association of
Lakes and Rivers; Scott Provost, WI Department of Natural
Resources; Bernie Lenz, Short, Elliot and Hendrickson, Inc.
Framing the Story:
Aquatic Invasive Species
New Treatments for Control of Curly-leaf
Pondweed and Eurasian Watermilfoil
Saturday
9:00-9:50am
Research conducted by the US Corps of
Engineers has led to new treatments for aquatic invasive
plants. Treatments conducted within specified water
temperature ranges and/or with one or more herbicides have
resulted in control of Curly-leaf Pondweed and Eurasian
Watermilfoil. Treatments completed in Wisconsin lakes have
proven effective by use of these methods. Come learn about
specific treatment methods and some aquatic invasive
management success stories in Wisconsin using these methods.
Presenter: Kevin Kretsch, Lake Restoration, Inc
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