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. Promoting landscaping with native plants, especially on a small scale, was the initial focus. The idea was to have a positive campaign, which would get many to take action to help the Lake with the hope that many "little bits" would add up to a significant effort. A group of people representing a variety of interests has been meeting at the Fond du Lac Area Foundation office. Since the fall, the campaign has morphed into an effort broader than native landscaping. Many actions are now part of the campaign's focus, and what was referred to as the "runoff campaign" has officially become the "Lake Winnebago Clean Waters Project."

"Project" highlights include, but are not limited to, using a rain barrel, creating a rain garden, using buffer zones, and planting and saving trees. The "Project" plans to feature demonstration sites so that the public can learn more about the actions it highlights and their importance in reducing runoff in urban and rural areas. In order to create interest in the effort and help educate the people of the Fond du Lac area section of the Lake Winnebago Watershed, the Project now has a presence on Facebook.

LWQIA supports the Lake Winnebago Clean Waters Project and serves as its fiscal agent. LWQIA is an IRS recognized non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) status, which means that donations to the organization are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

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.

Diverse Forages for Dairy Operations

Josh Hiemstra was a 2020 recipient of the Mathias/Lesczynski Water Quality Award. He did an interview on how he is using cover crops and soil health to add financial returns to his farm. See the full article here.

LWQIA brings Fish Tales to the AG Showcase

Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association took part in a non-traditional AG Showcase amid the coronavirus pandemic. As an alternative to the traditional event, the Agri-Business Council decided to still educate the consumer through a bag full of educational materials, flyers, coupons, brochures, packaged food samples and agri-business swag.

LWQIA offered its own fish tale in the form of a handy informational piece that describes our organization and the work that we do throughout the community, especially honoring farmers that take extra measures to reduce nutrient runoff with the Mathias-Lesczynski Water Quality Award, all nicely wrapped around a box of Swedish Fish.

The 250 sampler bags were sold for $20 each. Monies raised through the promotion help to support agriculture education throughout Fond du Lac County. The council is looking to host the Ag Showcase on March 5, 2022.

Adopt-A-Storm Drain

Mathias/Lesczynski Water Quality Award Winner

Robert and Josh Hiemstra of Brandon were the recipients of the annual Mathias/Lesczynski Water Quality Award for 2020. The Hiemstra’s have been growing cover crops on their family’s dairy farm for over a decade.

Cover crops are gaining popularity among farmers and landowners thanks to the many benefits that can be achieved. These include reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies improving water quality, increased soil organic matter, improved soil health, reduced soil erosion and expanded grazing and forage acres.

The Mathias/Lesczynski Water Quality Award recognizes farm management practices that help protect surface water from runoff of sediments, nutrients and chemicals into rivers, streams and especially Lake Winnebago.

In the accompanying video, the Hiemstras show us how they utilize cover-crops to extend their forage inventory and improve soil health and fertility.

LWQIA Yearly Report 2019-2020

Maintain Lakeside West Native Garden Display. We currently are in contact with the city for additional signage.

Maintain Fish line Receptacles at various boat launches throughout Fond du Lac County. One receptacle was hit by a lawnmower. Larry will check about adding a post to reattach it.

Created and posted on our website the “Lake Friendly Lawn Care” brochure.

Participated in the city’s kick-off of the “Adopt-A-Storm Drain” initiative that was held at the library.

Helped sponsor and set up an informative table at the Winnebago Park meeting on water quality on the east shore of Lake Winnebago. 122 were in attendance.

Supplied letter in support of the Pipe Creek watershed grants application.

LWQIA Board member, Alan Weir, continues to be a member of the Steering Team of the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance. County representatives, area non-profits, and community members work together on the Steering Team to set the strategic direction for project initiatives and to ensure progress in efforts such as lake management planning in the Winnebago System.

Participated in public educational events. Unfortunately, because of COVID-19 the majority of the activities had been canceled. We did have a booth at the Agricultural Showcase on March 4 and promoted Adopt-A-Storm Drain.

Awarded a farm with the Mathias-Lesczynski Water Quality Award. We are still working on the new recipient’s acceptance of the award. A plaque was created with past winners. Because of COVID-19, we have not been able to officially hang the plaque or have any photo opportunities.

Support and assist in sponsoring field days for the Fond du Lac County Demonstration Farm Network, of which three farms in the county are partnering.

Members of LWQIA toured the Fond du Lac Wastewater Treatment & Resource Recovery Facility (WTRRF) and were able to see the ANAMMOX^® process, a cost-effective and sustainable way of removing ammonium from effluents and ammonia from waste gas.

Alan Weir, LWQIA Board Member, Report on Winnebago Waterways and Volunteer Opportunities

1. The Lake Management has been through its first round of approval through the WI DNR. The public comment period ended on 31 July. Once those are added to the plan, it will go for final approval at the DNR.
2. Once the TMDL plan is approved by the EPA and WI DNR sends out requirements, point sources (like our water treatment plant) will have 5 years to comply with any new requirements for discharge water quality.
3. There is a 9 key elements plan related to the lake management plan that is being completed separately. This second document will go to the EPA. It contains more information than needed in the LMP. It is separate so that the LMP could go forward sooner. I am not sure how this relates to the TMDL plan. By getting a 9 key element plan completed, more federal level grants become available.
4. FWWA enlisted the help of congressman Gallagher (district 8, north of us) to lobby the Army Corps to complete a hydrology study of the watershed. More for flood control, but should also be applicable to improving water quality.
5. The DNR was unable to staff its long-term water quality sampling study this year. The FWWA is providing the manpower to do the sampling, the DNR is paying for the lab work.
6. Paul Tollard said we have two grants for the Pipe Creek area. There are 2 farms working over the next 3 years to implement no till and cover crops and be demonstration farms. This incorporates 450 acres of farmland.
7. The spring Lake Winnebago water levels were above target. It has been difficult for the Corps of Engineers to meet water levels during spring runoff.
8. There is an aquatic plant study being conducted in Sunset Bay of Lake Buttes des Morts. They have large numbers of plants that can impede navigation. The results of this study can be applied in other areas of the Lake that have heavy plant growth.
9. UW-Oshkosh has received a grant through the National Science Foundation tying sociology and phosphorus levels.
10. There is a new intern at the FWWA named Mason who may send out information.
11. There are state grants to help shoreline property owners improve shoreline habitat.
12. The steering committee has three members-at-large positions that will become annual positions that may be renewed. There are two openings this year. I think it has been valuable for the LWQIA to have a member on that committee and we should continue having representation with the FWWA.
13. August 15 is the date for the Aquatic Invasives Species Snapshot Day. Registration and information can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/snapshot-day-2020-a-statewide-search-for-aquatic-invasive-species-registration-110667056144?emci=5089d640-1bcd-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&emdi=c82aed8f-b3cd-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&ceid=9116178
14. August 22 is Clean-up Day for Lake Winnebago. Information can be found at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/fwap2p/. There are two locations for Fond du Lac, Lakeside Park and Lakeside Park West.

FDL Adopt a Storm Drain Program

LWQIA is helping to promote the City of Fond du Lac's new "Adopt a Storm Drain" program. The program will help reduce harmful runoff into Lake Winnebago.

2019 Lawn Care Brochure

Design by Renee George

Seeking Comments

The Winnebago Waterways program is seeking comments on drafts for the master plan being developed for the Lake Winnebago system. The working drafts that are nearing their final stage are now available for the public to access, review, and comment online. The webpage will be updated with new documents as they become available.

Here is a direct link to the webpage: fwwa.org/lake-management-planning-2. The webpage can also be accessed by visiting fwwa.org/winnebago-waterways/ and following the links.

Please help us share the webpage widely. The more public awareness we can build the better.

Runoff Event

These images were taken at the very well-attended Winnebago Park event on runoff that LWQIA helped sponsor.

LWQIA and its Clean Waters Project staffed a booth at the September 28th Fond du Lac Farmers Market

May 2019 News and Reminders

One of our LWQIA Board members saw an interesting article about Dane County and farm runoff in the Sheboygan Press. Dane County is running a pilot program that pays farmers to plant cover crops. The article refers to information reported on Wisconsin Public Radio that was picked up by the Associated Press. View the article at: https://www.wpr.org/pilot-program-dane-county-gives-aid-farmers-curbs-runoff

Breakfast on the Farm and the Mathias-Lesczynski Award

The Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association (LWQIA) recently selected the winner of the 2019 Mathias-Lesczynski Water Quality Award, which is given to a Fond du Lac County farmer who makes special efforts to prevent runoff. The $1,000.00 prize for the 2019 award went to Julie Grahl.

A Few Images from Walleye Weekend

LWQIA Booth at the 2019 Master Gardeners Plant Sale

The Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association is looking for volunteers to take part in the Fox-Wolf Watershed Cleanup Saturday, April 27, 2019 > 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Board member, Alan Weir will be leading the cleanup site at Lakeside Park West. He will hand out t-shirts and supplies to volunteers.

What do volunteers do?

Volunteers start the morning at their assigned sites to cleanup up garbage and debris. Then, at noon, they are invited to Telulah Park, 1300 E. Newberry St, Appleton for the annual Cleanup Picnic to enjoy lunch, music, bounce houses, raffles, and games – it’s fun for the whole family!

Everyone is welcome to volunteer!

Advance registration is requested to ensure proper supplies are onsite and can be found at watershed cleanup registration.

Each year hundreds of volunteers visit one of 60+ cleanup sites located along the Fox River, the Wolf River, Lake Butte des Morts, and Lake Winnebago to remove garbage and debris. The annual cleanup aims to build a sense of community and increase understanding of the environmental stewardship necessary to improve water quality in our region.

More information is on the Alliance web page, https://fwwa.org

Hope to see you there!

Red Cedar Conference

For great speakers and topics, check out the Red Cedar Watershed Conference on March 14, 2019. Further Information

Breakfast on the Farm and Presentation of Mathias-Lesczynski Award

Ed Montsma, Pineylawn Acres LLC is the 2018 Mathias – Lesczynski Water Quality Award Recipient. Ed and Kathy Montsma were presented the award at Breakfast on the Farm on Sunday, June 24 at Wiese Dairy in Rosendale.

Ed has run a totally no-till operation since 1995. He and his wife, Kathy farm 2400 owned and rented acres in southwest Fond du Lac County, planting corn, soybean and wheat test plots.

Participating in the Fond du Lac River Priority Watershed Project’s high residue management program, Ed used his cost-share dollars to retrofit his planter so that he could penetrate the organic layer and achieve proper seed depth and planting rates. By doing that, he saw great gains in his crop production and saved time as well. The management program encourages farmers to leave crop residue on their fields after planting their crops. Ed is also conservation-minded, putting in grass waterways and contour strips along with his no-till work.

Ed enjoys research and works with agricultural and chemical specialists of the University of Wisconsin Extension - Madison to establish test plots. He has hosted many Agronomy Field Days as well as other educational opportunities.

It has been a win-win partnership for Ed, the UW Extension, and the local community who can see state-of-the art research taking place right here at home.

The Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association awards the annual Mathias-Lesczynski Water Quality Award to Fond du Lac County farmers that go beyond the government minimum good management practices to prevent runoff of sediment, nutrients, and harmful chemicals.

Could Horicon Marsh efforts help Supple Marsh? Program May 2

Cattails and reeds are integral to marshland beauty, but some of those species actually are invasive, creating an unfriendly habitat to native plants and animals.

The Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources has been at work in Horicon Marsh to reduce invasive plants. The question of using those methods in Fond du Lac will be discussed at "Horicon Marsh Methods for Supple Marsh?" at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, at the Fond du Lac Public Library. The program is free; no registration required.

Paul Samerdyke, wildlife biologist for Dodge County, will explain what the DNR is doing in Horicon Marsh to reduce invasive reeds (also known as phragmites) and cattails without destroying the native species. The invasives can grow so dense that they choke out native plants and reduce wildlife habitat.

Samerdyke has worked for the Wisconsin DNR since 1990 in Oshkosh, Waupaca, Wautoma and Horicon. Currently, his team manages four state wildlife areas.

The program is presented by the City of Fond du Lac, Clean Waters Project, Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association of Fond du Lac County and ParkWatch of Fond du Lac.

Lake-Wide Cleanup Day

The Fox Wolf Watershed Alliance is sponsoring a Lake-wide cleanup day on April 21st at 9:00am. The two locations in our area are Supples Marsh and Lakeside Park. The registration site is http://fwwa.org/events-calendar/watershed-cleanup/. It takes about 2 minutes to complete a registration. Alan Weir, an LWQIA member, will be the site leader at Supples Marsh.

FdL Fairgrounds Ag Showcase

The following images are from the Ag Showcase at the FdL Fairgrounds on March 3rd. Gail O’Connell and Alan Weir designed and staffed the booth.

Lead in Potable Water Pipes: Special Report

This year, the Wisconsin DNR was authorized by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to offer grants to help property owners replace lead pipes. The grant covers the portion of the water delivery system...

Download the full PDF report.

Images from Walleye Weekend 2017

LWQIA Walleye Weekend Family taking Lake Winnebago Quiz

A Cleaner Winnebago

Our 3-Part PDF Series Examining Phosphorus

The September issue looks at the nature and chemistry of the element phosphorus.
The October issue focuses on phosphorus in the environment and the phosphorus cycle.
The November issue reviews the role of phosphorus in living cells.

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.

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

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.

Report of LWQIA Monitoring of Water Quality in Supples Marsh in 2015

Sabai 2015 Final Report

AIS Snapshot Day 2015 Photo Contest

On August 29, 2015, over 100 volunteers splashed into streams all across Wisconsin to search for invasive species that threaten recreation and the health of our waters. On the morning of the event, volunteers met at one of 17 rendezvous sites around the state and received training on simple monitoring protocols for 22 different species, including wetland plants, aquatic plants and invertebrates.

Winnebago Lakes Council sponsored a photo contest for the day for Fond du Lac, Calumet and Winnebago regional teams. Two LWQIA volunteers took prizes. Kaci Baillies took first place and Paul Tollard took third place. Congratulations to you both!

Fondy Five - Clean Water Flyer and Brochure

The "Fondy Five," a leadership team from the Fond du Lac Association of Commerce Leadership Program under the guidance of Lesley Manowske, chose to help a local non-profit organization fulfill its mission. The team selected the Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association of FdL County. Among other things, the team developed and printed brochures to educate people about the importance of preventing polluted runoff as well as best practices they can use to reduce it.

View and/or print the Clean Water flyer and brochure.

Clean Water Starts In Our Backyard

This video is from a project developed by FondyFive, an Association of Commerce Leadership Program Team, to raise awareness and prevent polluted runoff from entering Lake Winnebago.

KFIZ podcast with the FondyFive.

Monday, March 9 @ 7 p.m.
La Clare Farms and Café *

In the village of Pipe, Hwy 151 and County Hwy. HH

County Conservationist Paul Tollard will bring Winnebago East Shore taxpayers up to date on current runoff prevention actions plus long and short term plans for reducing polluted runoff.

Fond du Lac County Code Enforcement Officer Dan Hanks will present the January 2016 changes to the County Shoreland Ordinance that will impact shoreline, suburban and farmland property owners.

Fond du Lac County, Public Works Director Jordan Skiff will reveal the new State limits for harmful matter in treated sewer water that is discharged into the lake, and how it can impact our sewer bills.

*Arrive early to watch the goats milked (starts @ 4:30) and enjoy a light meal with $ 1.00 off any entrée. A cash bar will also be open during the presentations, for beer, wine and soda.

HELP! Please tell your neighbor about this important event. Our budget only permitted sending this notice to 1/3 of the total combined taxpayers in Taycheedah and Calumet Townships.

Program on Preventing Polluted Runoff, Jan. 13 at FDL Library

The Clean Waters Project and Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association will present “Rules and Recommendations for Preventing Polluted Runoff” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 13, at the Fond du Lac Public Library.

The program is aimed at area farmers, shoreline owners and anyone living in the Lake Winnebago watershed. It will be an opportunity to learn about the current rules and upcoming regulatory changes governing runoff — what is and is not allowed.

Paul Tollard, head of the Fond du Lac County Land and Water Conservation Dept.; Dan Hanks, assistant code enforcement officer for the county; and Jordan Skiff, director of the city’s Public Works Dept. will present information followed by a Q&A.

For more information about preventing runoff, visit Lake Winnebago Clean Waters Project on Facebook.

Contact:

Terri Fleming
Community Information Coordinator
Fond du Lac Public Library
32 Sheboygan St.
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 322-3951
fleming@fdlpl.org

Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day Results

These are the results of the September 13th Snapshot Day survey of aquatic invasive species. The Fond du Lac area provided 17 volunteers to survey our area. Statewide results are:

*The Japanese hops and Asian cam are unconfirmed. Vouchers have been submitted.
**All faucet snails have been vouchered as well.

A map of the findings.

Supple Marsh invasive species program at FDL Library Nov. 17

Brock Woods of the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources will present "Invasive Species in Supple Marsh: Problems and Solutions" at 6 p.m. Monday, November 17, at the Fond du Lac Public Library.

Supple Marsh is the 107-acre wetland in Lakeside Park West, Fond du Lac. It was purchased from the Supple family by the City of Fond du Lac in 1967. The public is invited to bring items related to the marsh — photos, maps, plans; historical and recent — to share at the events.

The program is sponsored by the Lake Winnebago Clean Waters Project, the Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association and the library. The quality improvement association will accept donations of marsh materials for study and future use.

For more information about the Clean Waters Project, visit www.lakewinnebagocleanwatersproject.org or their page on Facebook.

The Fond du Lac Public Library supports a high quality of life in Fond du Lac through reading, lifelong learning and community involvement. There are three locations: Main Library, 32 Sheboygan St.; FDLPL Express, near Festival Foods; and Journeys at St. Agnes, inside the hospital. For more information, visit www.fdlpl.org.

Contact:

Terri Fleming
Community Information Coordinator
Fond du Lac Public Library
32 Sheboygan St.
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 322-3951
fleming@fdlpl.org

LWQIA and Snapshot Day

Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association Will Participate in Snapshot Day (Sept 13th) — a Statewide Effort to Gather Data about Invasive Species in Our Waterways.

The River Alliance in partnership with aquatic invasive species coordinators and other partners around the state are hosting a statewide AIS Bridge Snapshot Day on September 13, 2014. Volunteers will gather at rendezvous sites around the state and learn to identify invasive species that threaten our waters. Then the volunteers will disperse to priority bridge crossings in hunt of invasive plants and animals and reconvene to submit their findings. In addition to gathering data regarding the distribution of invasive species in our waterways, this effort will focus on the early detection of aquarium plant releases.

The Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association is partnering with the Winnebago Lakes Council and the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance to participate in the statewide venture. More than 70 sites have been selected throughout the Winnebago system for monitoring on Sept. 13th. Fond du Lac will host a rendezvous site in Lakeside Park. Volunteers should be available from 9 AM to noon.

Pat Miller, AIS Coordinator in Fond du Lac County says "This should be a lot of fun, training new volunteers and visiting a lot of different sites. I'm looking forward to this!"

If you would like to participate in the event or simply want additional information about Snapshot Day, please contact Ellen at 979-4596 or send an email to lwqia@outlook.com or Pat Miller, at fdl.aisc@gmail.com.

This and other volunteer opportunities with LWQIA are listed on www.fdlvolunteer.com as soon as they become available.

Boater Safety Seminar "On Your Side"

Audio recordings from this July seminar are now available. Hear the WI Department of Natural Resources, United States Coast Guard, and the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Department discuss their differing roles when patrolling on Lake Winnebago, learn what other organizations offer to boaters and anglers on the lake and at launches, and best ways to stay safe.

Listen to the seminar audio presentations.

On Your Side

Boating Safety and the Law
Wed., July 17, 2013
7 — 8:30 p.m.
UW-FDL Campus
University Center Room 113/114 (also called LGI)

If you have been on Lake Winnebago, for business or recreation, you may have noticed three different agencies on patrol. County, state and federal agencies enforce the law to protect the lake and the people who enjoy it.

To explain their different responsibilities and regulations, the Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association (LWQIA) has organized "On Your Side," a free seminar on Wed., July 17.

Larry Kent, spokesperson for LWQIA, worked with UW-Extension to bring together the Sheriff's Office, the Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Coast Guard. "The DNR and law officers have different roles and jurisdictions," he says. "They will discuss those and take questions from the audience. They are bringing actual patrol boats and other rescue equipment so people can see first-hand what goes into patrolling our lakes."

The seminar will also introduce Water Guardians and Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinators, who interact with boaters on the lake and at landings.

To attend, enter the University Center doors by the flag poles. The seminar is in room UC 113/114, also called the LGI. Registration is preferred but not required. Call (920) 929-3173 (711 for relay) or e-mail gloria.kelroy@ces.uwex.edu to register or arrange ADA accommodations.

Annual Fond du Lac River Cleanup a Success

Over fifty volunteers spent part of their day Saturday, April 27 picking up trash along the Fond du Lac River, Supples Marsh and at Lakeside Park, to make the river a better, cleaner place. The annual event, organized by LWQIA member Andrew Karleigh, is in its thirteenth year.

Thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors for making this year's cleanup a success! We look forward to working with you again next year.

13th Annual Fond du Lac River Clean Up

Saturday, April 27
9 a.m. — 1 p.m.
Meet at Lakeside Park; Oven Island North Shelter

KW7The Fond du Lac River and Lakeside Park will get a dose of spring cleaning during the thirteenth annual Fond du Lac River Cleanup on Saturday, April 27.

This is an opportunity to work together for a good cause. LWQIA member Andrew Karleigh is coordinating this year's cleanup and is requesting your participation.

Clearing debris from the Fond du Lac River not only improves the landscape for residents and visitors to enjoy, it improves the health and water quality of the river. The cleanup also helps protect waterfowl and other birds that nest along the shorelines later in the spring. Many plants and animals depend on access to the water for survival.

You can help by volunteering a few hours of your time to collect garbage beginning at Oven Island North Shelter in Lakeside Park. Maps, bags, and gloves will be provided for cleaning up the river banks. Training on the identification of Japanese Knotweed and Phragmites will also be provided. Dress accordingly for the weather. Release and sign-up forms will be available at the registration table the day of the event.

This year's Fond du Lac River Clean Up is sponsored by FHS Environmental Club, UW-FDL Environmental Club, and Marian University Environmental Club, Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association (LWQIA) and the Fond du Lac County Land and Water Conservation Dept.

We need your support for this very worthy event.

5-County Lake Winnebago Project Update

April 17, 2013
6 — 7:30 p.m.
Fond du Lac Public Library
Eugene G. McLane Meeting Room

Five counties — Fond du Lac, Calumet, Outagamie, Waushara and Winnebago are working together on a plan to improve the Lake Winnebago system.

Michael Lizotte, president of the Winnebago Lakes Council, will provide an update on a new project studying ways to improve cooperation and collaboration in managing the Winnebago Pool Lakes.

The project, initiated by county governments, will analyze current plans and information about the ecological, social and economic conditions of the lakes and surrounding communities. This will provide a snapshot of current lake management. There will also be a significant effort to gather input from stakeholders to determine the issues most pressing to lake users. The project will provide a foundation for future work to coordinate lake management by local governments by helping them find approaches that are politically, socially and environmentally feasible.

Sponsored by the Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association and the Fond du Lac Public Library

Weigh in on Winnebago Waterways

From Appleton and Tustin to Stockbridge and Fond du Lac, and everywhere in between, residents and business owners are sharing their opinions and experiences on how they use our local waterways and how those waterways should be managed. The Weigh in on the Winnebago Waterways project is gathering input from Calumet, Fond du Lac, Outagamie, Waushara and Winnebago Counties.

"The Weigh-in on the Winnebago Waterways is dedicated to protecting our local lakes and rivers by understanding how we use our local waterways", said Allen Buechel, Fond du Lac County Executive. "The goal of the project is to seek input from the public to help determine the best way to protect our local lakes and rivers."

Public meetings will be held on the following dates and at the following locations. All meetings will take place from 6:30 — 8 p.m.

Mon., March 25:
UW-Fond du Lac (UC-114)
400 University Dr.
Fond du Lac

Tues., March 26:
Atlas Coffee Mill
425 West Water St.
Appleton

Wed., March 27:
Harrison Town Hall
W5298 Hwy 114
Menasha

Thurs., April 4:
Oshkosh Public Library
106 Washington Ave.
Oshkosh

Fond du Lac's Lake Association Announces Support for 5-County Lake Winnebago Project

Press Release
Please click on the highlighted text below to view (PDF) document.

LWQIA Press Release Nov 8, 2012

Citizen Lake Monitoring Network: Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Training Session

Thank you to Andrew Karleigh — Fond du Lac County AIS Coordinator and to Christina Wolbers — WDNR AIS Specialist for hosting this training session on October 11. Members of the LWQIA that attended were treated to hands-on specimens of Quagga Mussels, Eurasian Water Milfoil, Curly Leaf Pondweed, Spiny Water Fleas, and lots of other invasives, as well as a very informative PowerPoint presentation.

One of the most successful efforts of the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership has been The Citizen Lake Monitoring Network. Every year since 1986, dedicated volunteers monitor lakes statewide for a variety of different water quality and lake health indicators. The effort, which started as 126 volunteers on 113 lakes, has grown to an impressive 1,100 volunteers on 850 lakes. Today, in addition to monitoring water clarity, volunteers take chemistry samples and monitor for aquatic and shoreline invasive species. The amount of data the Department and partner organizations receive from these volunteers is astounding and crucial for long-term lake planning.

Train To Be a Volunteer Monitor of Lake Winnebago

Thursday, October 11, 2012
6 PM to 9 PM
Fond du Lac City/County Building in rooms F and G.

Participants should be at least 15 years of age.
There is no need to pre-register for the training.

The free session will be offered by Fond du Lac County Invasive Species Coordinator, Andrew Karleigh, in cooperation with the Lake Winnebago Quality Improvement Association. Christina Wolbers of the DNR Lake Michigan Basin project will help with the training.

The goals of the Citizen Lake Monitoring Network are to collect high quality data, to empower volunteers and to share this data and knowledge. Volunteers, who are asked to commit to at least three hours per year, measure water clarity and may also collect chemistry, temperature, and dissolved oxygen data, as well as identify and map plants, and watch for the first appearance of Eurasian Water Milfoil near boat landings. In Lake Winnebago monitors will also be watching for invasive species such as the Quagga mussel, Spiny Water Flea and Hydrilla. During the training session, people will also be given the opportunity to look at live specimens of native species which are found in Lake Winnebago.

Oops! Wrong monitor.

Japanese Knotweed Cutting Party

On September 21 over a dozen volunteers from the community joined together at Supples Marsh for a Japanese Knotweed cutting party.

Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) is a herbaceous perennial that forms large colonies of erect, arching stems (resembling bamboo). Stems are round, smooth, hollow and reddish-brown. Plants reach up to 10 feet in height. This invader can crowd out all other plants on waterways, lakeshores and wetlands.

The volunteers successfully removed much of the knotweed from the area. Fond du Lac County Invasive Species Coordinator, Andrew Karleigh, coordinated the effort. A notice was sent out to LWQIA members encouraging them to help in the event.

Thanks again to those who were able to help out!

DIP INTO LAKES

The "Dip Into Lakes" seminar series exploring the complexities of Lake Winnebago is being held at UW Fond du Lac, rooms LGI 113/114 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM starting Monday April 2, 2012. There is no cost to attend. Topics include:

April 2
"Getting to Know the Lakes" and "Lake Winnebago: Through the Ages"

April 16
"Common Highways, Forever Free" and "The Worth of Water"

April 30
"Aquatic Plants: The Underwater Forest"

May 14
"Fish" and "Challenges to a Healthy Lake"

Registration is preferred but not required. Call (920) 929-3173 or e-mail gloriakelroy@ces.uwex.edu