2009

Back To Balance:
An Aquatic Invasive Species Symposium

(Click Here for archived materials, presentations & much more! )

The 2009 Wisconsin Lakes Convention featured an international symposium on aquatic invasive species.  Experts from around North America gathered to discuss the research, management options, educational ideas and needed policy changes to deal more effectively with this prevailing issue.  The goal of the symposium was to share this knowledge with agency staff, lake citizens, businesses, elected officials, and others to help get our lakes “back to balance.”

While AIS is an important issue, it is not the only challenge facing Wisconsin lakes.  Wednesday and Friday workshops offered hands-on training and discussion on many important lake topics including AIS, lake ecology, interpreting and using lake data, working with local partners for lake protection and running a more effective lake group.

2008

Learning From Lakes

(Click Here for 2008 archived materials)

What have we learned from Lakes?

They are a meeting place for groups of individuals from varied backgrounds, each with their own set of values, who realize how important these waters are to all of us and to future generations.

The 2008 Wisconsin Lakes Convention included 12 workshops, a field trip, and 36 concurrent sessions that offered approximately 450 participants to “learn from lakes.”  Business partners and non-profit organizations exhibited a wide variety of products and programs. Pat Rivers, Project Manager for the Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership spoke on conservation of Wisconsin’s glacial lakes. Jeff Bode of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), and Attorney Bill O’Connor, each shared lessons we have learned from lakes and each other over the past 30 years.

They emphasized the importance of continuing our strong preservation efforts via partnership and state water law. Secretary Matthew Frank and Representative Garey Bies also addressed attendees. Randy Stark, Chief Conservation Warden of the Bureau of Law Enforcement for WDNR refreshed all of us on the people, challenges and events that shaped the history of the conservation movement in the United States, and provided inspiration for us to tackle current challenges on behalf of future generations. Inspiration was taken to a new level when National Geographic Live speaker Chad Pregracke showed how individuals CAN make a difference through passion and perseverance as he led us through his “Crusade to Clean America’s Rivers.”

2007

Agents of Change

(Click Here for 2007 archived materials)

Approximately 550 people gathered in Green Bay for the 29th Wisconsin Lakes Convention themed “Agents of Change”.

Governor Doyle spoke about the importance of lakes and his support of efforts to affect positive change. DNR Secretary Scott Hassett, State Senator Robert Cowles and State Senator Mark Miller also addressed attendees about making a difference for lakes. Many discussions focused on the issue of “change” – changes happening to lakes from global climate change, invasive species, and human use; and ways for lake enthusiasts to be effective ‘agents of change’.   Internationally renowned lake expert Dr. John Magnuson discussed “Changing Strategies in a Changing Climate” and how global climate change will affect Wisconsin lakes. Former Newsweek correspondent and author, Peter Annin, traced the history and growing tensions over Great Lakes water use and the precarious future of water diversion in the Great Lakes states.

The packed agenda included 15 workshops, a field trip, and over 40 concurrent sessions. Business partners and non-profit organizations exhibited a wide variety of products and programs. The Convention was also a time for recognition of the hard work and passion so many people have for lakes.