Volunteer to Help the Lake

One Saturday morning each fall, area residents volunteer to assess the type and quantity of some invasive species that can impact Lake Winnebago. The Fond du Lac area project is part of a statewide effort to map species so eradication and control work can be effective. The Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association of Fond du Lac County and the Clean Waters Project sponsor the Fond du Lac area volunteers.

This year the "Snapshot" event is planned for September 10th. Volunteers will meet at the North Shelter on Oven Island off of Promen Drive in Lakeside Park. Training is provided at 9 AM. Fond du Lac will have an experienced team leader who is the statewide supervisor of the Water Guards, who are Deputy Conservation Wardens. Families are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is now open for Snapshot Day 2016. Register or get additional information by calling 920-979-4596 or go to the event page at https://www.wisconsinrivers.org/events/display/item/snapshot-day-5

LWQIA 2016 Water Quality Award

The Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association (LWQIA) is launching the first annual Mathias-Lesczynski Water Quality Award to publicly recognize Fond du Lac County farmers that go beyond the government minimum good management practices to prevent runoff of sediment, nutrients, and harmful chemicals. The quality of Lake Winnebago, and other surface waters in Fond du Lac County, has a tremendous impact on our local economy and our quality of life. Agricultural runoff is a significant factor affecting surface water quality. LWQIA believes that agricultural practices that effectively manage nutrients, fertilizers and runoff not only promote clean waters but protect valuable agricultural land. This water quality award, named for Lynn Mathias and Erv Lesczynski who have dedicated their careers to promoting sound agricultural practices, seeks to recognize and reward farmers who share a commitment to these ends.

Three awards will be presented in the amounts of $1,000, $250, and $100.The 2016 award will acknowledge improved water quality practices that were implemented in 2016. The financial portion of the awards will be sponsored by a select group of corporate citizens or organizations with connections to the agricultural community and/or an interest in the health of Lake Winnebago. The awards will be presented to the recipients in July 2017.

Award applications covering the 2016 growing season are due by December 1, 2016. Applicants are asked to document how they have exceeded minimally required or recommended agricultural practices, how their operation works with soil, water, plant and wildlife systems to benefit surface water quality, and leadership roles they have assumed. The award applications will be reviewed and evaluated by a committee of experts in the agricultural field working outside of Fond du Lac County.

For additional information about the award, contact Earl Witte at 920-922-3669.

The Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association of Fond du Lac County is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the improvement of Lake Winnebago for the benefit of the general public and natural habitat. Membership is open to all individuals, families, businesses and organizations that care about Lake Winnebago.

Award application.

Walleye Weekend 2016

Walleye Weekend setup

The Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association teamed up with the Clean Waters Project to provide representation and education in the Waste Management Conservation Station at Lakeside Park. This was the first time Walleye Weekend had a tent devoted to conservation and sustainability, and LWQIA and the Clean Waters Project were proud to be invited to participate.

The primary focus of the groups was the value of rain barrels for reducing runoff as well as the variety of rain barrels available for that use. The weekend at the tent included demonstrations for making and painting rain barrels. The groups’ effort was primarily supported by the Fond du Lac Noon Rotary with funds for purchasing several barrels for display outside and inside the tent and funds for professional signage. Funds to purchase barrels were also provided by the Winnebago Lakes Council and the Sisters of St. Agnes. After Walleye Weekend some of the barrels were given to winners of drawings; others have been kept for future educational projects.

LWQIA and the Clean Waters Project are looking forward to participating in Waste Management ‘s Conservation Station at next year’s Walleye Weekend.

Lakeside Park West Garden

One of the Lake Winnebago Clean Waters Project's efforts is the creation of a native plant demonstration garden in Fond du Lac's Lakeside Park West. For information on the garden and to volunteer to help, visit www.lakesidewestgarden.com.

For information on a variety of actions to help stop polluted runoff, visit http://www.lakewinnebagocleanwatersproject.org.

Lake Winnebago Clean Waters Project

In the fall of 2013, the Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association of Fond du Lac County (LWQIA) initiated a Fond du Lac area-wide campaign to reduce harmful runoff into Lake Winnebago.

View the Clean Waters Project page for more information.

New Receptacles Help Fishermen Recycle Unwanted Line

Chris Anderson and Matthew Dudarenke install a receptacle at Lakeside Park West.

People fishing on Lake Winnebago now have an easy way to dispose of old or unwanted fishing line. Ten fish line receptacles have been placed around the southern end of the lake in an effort to keep the lake clean and safe for wildlife and people using it.

Chris Anderson designed the receptacles from PVC pipe donated by JF Ahern as part of his Eagle Scout project. Fellow scouts from Troop 705 of North Fond du Lac helped with the construction and installation. The project was sponsored by the Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association.

Fishing line, or monofilament, is typically non-degradable and lasts about 600 years. Abandoned fishing line injures or kills fish, birds and other wildlife.

Collection bins are located at the following launch sites:

• Black Wolf
• Hwy 45 Wayside
• (3) at Lakeside Park West (Supple Marsh)
• (2) at Lakeside Park East
• Columbia Park in Calumet
• Fisherman's Road in Taycheedah
• Wolf Lake

Chris discusses the placement of labels with Larry Kent.

Chris Anderson is joined by fellow Scouts to work on his Eagle Scout project, including (from left) John Fuchs, Matthew Dudarenke, Mike Fuchs, Jordon Friend, Kurt Weir, and Patrick Weir. The Scouts are from Troop 705 of North Fond du Lac.

LWQIA 2016 Board Meetings

All Board meetings are at 7 PM on the first Wednesday of each month in the EOC (Emergency Operating Center) in the basement of the Fond du Lac City/County Building. The public is invited to attend.

View past articles.