LAKES CLASSIFICATION MEETING, MONDAY, AUGUST 13,

5 PM LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER

The meeting was called to order by Chair Wiltrout at 5 PM.

Motion by J. Styczinski, Second by K. Sulheimer to accept the minutes of the July meeting. Motion carried.

We all should be getting the WALS newsletter the next time it is published. We now have one vote as a committee for WALS issues. Some discussion about WALS and its newsletter followed.

Motion by Bob Lorkowski second by Arian Knops to seek out any information about lakes that we can, including joining WAL. Carried. Voting no was J. Stencil. Some discussion followed about the value of the Wisconsin Association of lakes.

Report on WAL workshop in Eau Claire: Discovery farms research has been in progress for five years. Long lake has been studied since 1939. Lots of info has been gathered and was shared with group. Vegetation near shore has changed quite a bit over the years. This has affected fish habitat. Phosphorus levels have remained constant over the years. The use of phosphate-free fertilizer was encouraged. Tax incentives could be used to encourage shoreline protection measures.

Paleocore samples will be taken August 14-15, starting at Island Lake. Samples will compare phosphorus concentrations from when the lakes were first formed compared to now.

Ken distributed several handouts and explained them to our group. Results of his sampling thus far were reviewed. DNR results are in italics on the attached sheets.

We then reviewed different counties criteria for separating lakes into different classes. We discussed the different factors, their purposes, what they mean. Should we be consistent with other counties? Could we use one stable, pristine, undeveloped lake as a standard for us to compose other lakes to?

Comment about whether or not we have to stick to the wording of the grant application. Is the wording of the grant or the intent of the grant more important.

Is there any other criteria we could use?

Group was leaning toward the factors listed on the water classification CD.

Motion by Fred Cook second by Al Leichleitner to take Lake Volume, Shoreline Development Factor, Surface Area, Watershed Area, Lake Type, into consideration for criteria. Carried.

It was understood that these factors may change.

We discussed looking at samples from rivers/streams also.

Motion by Wayne Pawlak second by J. Gillis to ask Ken to measure Biotic Index (BI) of Hay Creek above and below the landfill in cooperation with Dale Woznisk. Carried

Jason Gillis presented info about the effect of exotic earthworm species on phosphorus content of lakes.

J. Stencil brought up the effect of decaying weeds on phosphorous content.

Jason distributed a survey about use of the State Forest.

Next meeting September 10, 5 PM LEC

Motion by Arian Knops second by W. Pawlak to adjourn at 7:05 PM.