LDLD Q1 2026 Newsletter

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Here are the 1st quarter updates and a look forward into 2026 from the LDLD Board of Commissioners. 

2026 Starry Stonewort Management Plan

The DNR is supportive of active SSW management (hand-pulling or DASH) at high traffic locations (i.e. boat launch), or if it is causing navigational impediments (rising in the water column, topping out). The DNR is not supportive of population-level management (i.e. attempts to fully eradicate from the lake) as they do not have data that suggest this is possible with current tools or chemicals.

WI Wake Boat Legislation

As of early 2026, Wisconsin is considering legislation (SB680/LRB 3518) to standardize wake boat rules, likely requiring a 300-foot distance from shorelines, docks, and piers for wakesurfing, up from previously proposed 200-foot limits. Current state law prohibits creating a hazardous wake within 100 feet of other boats.

Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW) 

Our grant application for the CBCW watercraft inspection program for 2026 has been approved by the DNR.  The LDLD plans to hire boat inspectors to monitor the Denoon Park and Hart Drive boat launches.  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.

Spring Social Event

The board has worked with Coach’s on the Lake to sponsor a Pizza Party on Tuesday, May 19 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.

Slow No Wake Ordinance

In 2025, the City of Muskego passed the “Slow No Wake Orders” ordinance that establishes the level of the lake that will be used to determine a “No Wake” situation.  For Lake Denoon, a lake level of 12 inches or more above the spillway on Denoon Road will determine a no wake situation.  A copy of the ordinance is available on the LDLD.org website.

Mechanical Harvesting Project

The LDLD permit application for mechanical harvesting of Curly-Leaf Pondweed (CLP) is good for 5 years (2022 to 2027). We plan to harvest CLP in the late May/early June time frame before the plants drop turins and before any chemical treatment.  The board has made a down payment to Midwest Aquatics to harvest CLP in 2025 and an appropriate disposal site has been determined. Midwest Aquatics will make best efforts to capture “floaters” that escape the harvester.  Riparians can rake what they can in front of their property and place the weeds at the end of your pier for the harvester crew to pick up.  This would be only during the week the harvester is actually on the lake.   More communication will be sent out prior to the actual harvesting activity starts.

Chemical Harvesting Project

The LDLD will be submitting a permit application to the DNR for chemical harvesting of Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) and Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLP). The 2026 plan is to spot treat with ProcellaCOR but we will include several chemicals in the permit application so that we have options. 

Lake Denoon Boat Launch Replacement

The City of Muskego is planning to dredge and replace the Denoon Park Boat Launch. This is the only public boat launch on Lake Denoon in the City of Muskego. The boat launch is overgrown and will be redesigned to make it easier for boaters to load and unload their boats. The plan is to provide a new concrete ramp, new pier and new driving pattern for drivers. All this work is planned within the original footprint of the road, drop off area, and ramp. The plan is to remove the old boat launch, add additional stone base as needed, and place 6 inches of new concrete pavement. The footprint of the boat launch is to remain the same.  This project will need approval by the City of Muskego Common Council. The boat launch will be dredged in 2026 with replacement of the launch in 2027.  More to follow on this topic.

2026 Fish Stocking Project

The LDLD is currently working with the DNR to explore the options available for fish stocking this year and beyond. DNR walleye stocking is scheduled to occur this year, pending confirmation from the DNR.

“Friends@ldld.org”

“Friends@ldld.org” is a Google Email Group created by the LDLD Board.  It is a single, shared email address that delivers messages to all Lake Denoon Lake District members simultaneously. It is a collaborative, streamlined mailing allowing for a better, faster process compared to emailing individuals.  District members can use this email address to share information (such as: lost or found items, ask questions, sell/buy items) with other district members. If you wish, LDLD members can “unsubscribe” to this email group.

2026 LDLD Annual Membership Meeting 

Mark your calendars for Monday, August 24. The official announcement, location and agenda will be sent via USPS/email 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. Register on the Members page to get emailed updates on all new posts.