Zebra mussels are among the most aggressive aquatic invasives, altering both ecosystem structure and function with their high densities and filter-feeding capacity.  Their negative effect on Wisconsin’s lakes is evident, but how have they affected other parts of the world?  Discover how the effect of zebra mussels on lake bottoms in North American lakes compares with the long-term data from Europe in this informative session.  Scientists will also discuss findings from their research project relating to zebra mussel densities and accumulation of native species in southeastern Wisconsin lakes.

Presenters: Lyubov Burlakova and Alexander Y. Karatayev, Great Lakes Center

Shoreland & wetland zoning started in Wisconsin during the 1960s.  The current law, NR 115 has remained essentially unchanged since its inception.  The Department of Natural resources began the process to revise the law to afford better protection and flexibility using technology developed since the 60s.  This effort has been underway and has several fundamental principles that are being proposed.  During the session, we will focus on the proposed impervious surface regulations and the proposed mitigation standards.  We will take an in-depth look at the current and proposed standards, including the anticipated improvements to the level of protection of our resources.  A case study demonstrating the vision for shoreland and wetland zoning will be included.

Presenter: Greg Breese, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

This study of over 55 lakes and impoundments in West Central Wisconsin looks at the effects of disturbed vs. natural shoreline on the composition, quality, and habitat value of the aquatic plant community.  Aquatic plant data was collected with the rake-sampling method along random transect lines perpendicular to the shore.  In each of the 55 lakes, transects at natural and disturbed shorelines were separated and analyzed.  Attend this session to investigate the data trends related to the quality of the aquatic plant communities, sensitive species, and species diversity.  Find out what this study concluded regarding fish and wildlife habitat, water quality protection, and invasive species.  Learn more about the study design, how aquatic plant community health is assessed, and the important differences that these researchers observed between natural and disturbed shorelines.

Presenters: Reesa Evans, Adams County Land and Water Conservation Department, and Deb Konkol, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

The Balsam Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District formed in 1976.   The Lake District (with taxing authority) has a long history of active lake management of Balsam Lake in Polk County and has been very effective for achieving management projects and goals throughout the years.  They have sponsored intensive lake studies, expansion of a sewer system, and purchased properties for conservation benefits to name a few.  This presentation will draw upon the experiences of District Commissioners and describe lessons learned along the way.

Presenters: Milt Stanze and Howard Seim, Balsam Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District

Conservation messages frequently show the negative side of an issue.  They often include abstract statistics about environmental degradation, forecasting certain doom unless we, the audience, act now.  Gathering Waters Conservancy has produced two special publications designed to encourage permanent conservation that highlighted, instead, positive stories of individual’s connections to places they love.  Come learn more about the design, and fairly low-cost production of these value-based outreach tools and learn how they may be models for your own efforts to encourage conservation action. 

Presenter: Andrea Ward, Gathering Waters Conservancy

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