Six County Lakes and Rivers Meeting draws riparian owners from across the Northwoods

Nicolet College in Rhinelander was the home to the 15th annual Six County Lakes and Rivers Meeting. The meeting is sponsored by Oneida County Lakes and Rivers Association (OCLRA) and Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association (VCLRA) and targets Oneida, Vilas, Iron, Forest, Florence and Lincoln County riparian owners and water stewards, but all are welcome to attend.

This year’s these was “What’s Shakin’? Quakes to Our Lakes.” The morning speakers focused on several issues pertinent to lakes. Michelle Nault and Gina LaLiberte of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) came to talk about their two specialties, Eurasian Water Milfoil and cyanobacteria, respectively. There was also an update on enhanced wake ordinances and potential state regulation, which did not seem as though it was getting legs. Bob Schell from Wisconsin Lakes gave a legislative update and Ted Rulseh spoke about OCLRA’s new Lake Steward Program, which is being piloted this year on the Moen Lake Chain, just east of Rhinelander. 

The remainder of the day focused on aquatic plants and how invasive aquatics can “shake up” the balance on a lake. The panel was moderated by Eric Olson of Extension Lakes. Nault represented the DNR on the panel. Eddie Heath, from the environmental consulting firm Onterra was also on the panel. 

Dave Mueller came to discuss the Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) management on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes for his association. Esiban Parent from the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission and Andre Birden from Lac du Flambeau natural resources came to bring the Indigenous perspective to aquatic plant management.

In addition to panelists and speakers, the commons area of the Lakeside Building at Nicolet College housed several exhibitors from county land and water department to an opportunity for lake organizations to learn more about Internet Landing Installed Device Sensors or I-LIDS.

The event drew approximately 150 people from across the Northwoods this year. With many lakes trying to wrap their arms around how to deal with issues such as EWM, and even some native plant issues, there were a great man questions asked of panelists that may not have otherwise found answers. 

The presentations also included a “Save the Date” for Friday, Sept. 26, for a Grant Writing for Lake Organizations meeting that will be taking place at Kemp Station. Lake organization members attending will have the opportunity to learn more about what grants are available and what makes a successful grant application — directly from people in the granting organizations. There will also be a work group format included. More information regarding this workshop will be available from OCRLA and VCLRA and will be found on their websites at that time ocrla.org and vclra.org.

Beckie Gaskill may be reached via email at [email protected].