The Lake Where You Live

I borrowed the headline from a poem by Janet Taliaferro, written in tribute to the late Rob Hagge, who passed away on Jan. 6.

Some lakes have an obvious champion, someone who loves the resource dearly and inspires others to love it and take action to protect and improve it. Such was Rob Hagge.

Rob was essentially president for life (more than 30 years) of the Lake Katherine Association. Under his leadership, the association serving that 534-acre lake was vigilant in efforts, thus far successful, to prevent its infestation with invasive species. He was also among the founders of the Oneida County Lakes and Rivers Association (OCLRA), holding positions including president and, for the past several years, treasurer.

His generosity extended to environmental organizations including the River Alliance, Wisconsin Lakes, the Wisconsin Wetlands Association, Wisconsin’s Green Fire, the Wisconsin Academy of Arts Science and Letters, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Gallery in Wausau, and others. 

If you didn’t know about Rob until now, it’s likely because he kept a low profile. As OCLRA past president Bob Martini observed, “Rob was humble, devoid of ego, and always willing to combine effort with his contributions. Much of his work was under the radar, as he did not seek recognition for himself.”

OCLRA board member Norris Ross added, “He possessed the passion and dedication needed to encourage future generations to make meaningful contributions to our local ecosystems. His impact extends far beyond our immediate community and serves to inspire others interested in environmental conservation.”

Most significant, as president of the historic Yawkey Lumber Company, Rob led the company directors and his family members to donate 451 acres and 4.85 miles of Lake Katherine shoreline to the Northwoods Land Trust. It is the most lake frontage ever donated to any land trust in Wisconsin and was valued at $12.5 million.

I got better acquainted with Rob, an OCLRA board colleague, during the past several months, taking him a couple of times to meetings or on errands when he no longer could drive. I enjoyed our conversations, not least about his method of working with young people in his role as a swimming coach. 

He said he advised them, “If you try to fight the water, you will get tired before the water does. Just grab a handful and pull it back to your hip.” I am sure many young swimmers will carry forever the memories of his gentle and wise approach to instruction.

But leave it to a poet to offer the most eloquent and moving tribute. In her poem titled “Katherine,” Taliaferro wrote in part:

She has lost her champion 

who kept the lacy scarf 

of weeds around her shores 

free of seeds and spores 

which spawn invasive plants.

He made sure her surface waters, 

sporting lily pads, and her cold depths 

made a home for fish and other occupants. 

He treasured loons, their chicks.

He kept the forests surrounding her 

free from the greed of intruders, 

but hosted eagle and fox, 

fawn and bear, all native creatures.

Surely, she loved him as he loved her.

If lakes could weep, she would.

What more is there to say?

Ted Rulseh is a writer, author and lake advocate who lives on Birch Lake in Oneida County. His new book, “Ripple Effects,” has been released by UW Press. You can learn about it by visiting his website at https://thelakeguy.net.