The ice is off the lake and the spring rains have helped to raise the water level. Here are the 1st
quarter updates and a look forward into 2022 from the LDLD Board of Commissioners.
Alum Project
The WDNR announced the 2022 grant awards in February. The board was very optimistic that our grant request would be approved. However, we were very disappointed to learn our grant application was not approved for 2022. The board has met to review the feedback from the DNR and to understand where our application fell short compared to the other 2 lake districts that were approved for Alum treatment grants. The board intends to improve the application and re-submit this year. Alum remains our best option to combat Phosphorus that has accumulated in lake sediments throughout the decades.
Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW)
Our grant application for the CBCW watercraft inspection program for 2022 has been approved by the DNR. This year, the LDLD plans to hire several boat inspectors to monitor the Denoon Park boat launch. The duties include performing boat and trailer checks and educating boaters on how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. This program is made possible by a 75% matching grant from the WDNR. To be a “boat inspector”, no previous experience is necessary and training & materials will be provided. We are anticipating 10-16 hours per weekend. The hourly pay will be $20 per hour. This is a great-paying, part time, summer opportunity to be an ambassador for our lake and help keep it healthy and beautiful! If interested in submitting an application, contact any Commissioner or send an email to cbcw@ldld.org.
Mechanical Harvesting Project
Mechanical harvesting of Curly-Leaf Pondweed(CLP) in early spring has been recommended by Heidi Bunk, DNR Water Resource Mgmt Specialist, to strengthen our Alum project grant application and to improve lake health by removing Phosphorus. The board has received quotes from 3 vendors. Kyle Troeger is actively looking for a disposal site within 5 miles of the boat launch to deposit the harvested CLP.
Fish Stocking
Benjamin Heussner, Fisheries Biologist with the DNR, shared details regarding fish stocking in Lake Denoon. The first year that large northern pike fingerlings were stocked was 2008. The first year large walleye fingerlings, average length 8 inches, were stocked was 2016 and they have been stocked in 2018 and 2020. DNR research has shown better survival and growth when walleyes are stocked on an alternate year basis. If fish are available, Lake Denoon should receive large fingerling walleyes from the DNR in fall of 2022.
The last time the DNR performed an electrofishing survey was in 2014. The DNR recommendations to improve the health of the lake and greatly benefit its fishery included:
Continue to stock the lake with large northern pike fingerlings and transition to large walleye fingerlings
Improve fish habitat by promoting native plant growth through invasive plant harvesting and chemical treatments
Control the amount of nutrient runoff that enters the lake from the watershed
In addition to the DNR, the Lake District has received a generous donation offer of $5,000, from the family of Cindy & Ken Jensen and Bob Kargl, to provide fish stocking in 2022.
Spring Social Event
Several lake district members have reached out to the board suggesting the lake district coordinate a social event. The board has worked with Coach’s on the Lake to sponsor a Pizza Party on Tuesday, May 17 from 5 PM to 9 PM. This is a private event just for us as Coach’s is typically closed on Tuesdays. Cash bar starting at 5 PM. A buffet including a variety of pizzas with salad and garlic bread will begin at 6 PM. This is a social event for lake district members and not an official lake district meeting. Hope to see you there.
2022 LDLD Annual Membership Meeting
Mark your calendars for Monday, August 29. The official announcement, location and agenda will be sent via USPS to all LDLD members in August.
Have a question, comment or are interested in volunteering?
Contact the LDLD Board of Commissioners at commissioners@ldld.org
For more information on these and other LDLD topics, visit www.LDLD.org website.
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