Spring Lake Winter Meeting — Minutes

SLMD minutes (01-20-24) Called to order at 9:02 by Joan Lehman. SLMD board members Joan Lehman, Joshua Daubner, and Marion Rep Gary Walejko were in attendance. SLMD members Mike and Marilee Pelko, Rob Walejko, and Dave Vetter were also there. Treasurer Pamela Stephens was not able to attend. Josh Daubner read the minutes from October. Joan moved to accept and Gary Walejko 2nd. Pam was not in attendance and no treasurers report was sent. Old business - Goose control - I overviewed Bill Hutchison’s news on permitting (he submitted applications with state and fed). and permission letters. Joan explained how we treat nests and try to find nests, how it might be nice to use a drone to find nests in the future. Carp weir - Rob and Gary W explained how there is considerable erosion around the weir and that it is sinking. Rob had placed concrete chucks around the sides to try and mitigate things. More should still be done. Cattails should still be removed south of the weir. Joan asked about contacting DNR about permitting to get everything dug out. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) - Joan explained the Cason surveys for Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWF) and Curly Leaf Pondweed (CLPW). There was an indemnification on the survey that shouldn’t have been, and SLMD member Mike McMonigol had contracted Cason about it and they apparently had sent the wrong contract which shouldn’t have the indemnification. They will send a new contract. The contract also needs to be set at 2 years vs 3. Joshua Daubner moved that we accept Cason to move forward with permits for Spring/summer treatment and use them as vendor for the next 2 years (2024-25). The updated contract will be read at the April meeting. Contract will be signed before treatments. Gary W 2nd. None opposed. New business - Joan added topic of discussion on quotes for the AIS treatment cost estimator from Cason, which is for the entire lake at once. Joan explained the costs. (See handouts for EWMF and CLPW). 8 acres of CLPW; 11.9 of EWMF; costs went up due to inflation plus we haven’t treated the whole lake at once ever. Usually treatments are less because there is not as much to treat, plus we divide treatments up each year to spread things out. There was a question based on what was treated last summer and we need to see what was on the most recent treasurer’s report. Will need to review in April. Joan explained that we don’t have to treat everything like what’s listed on the survey reports from Cason, we can treat the worst areas first. We may need to increase dues (put on next meeting and annual meeting) to help with costs going forward for treatment. Joan found that we can only spend $8k/ this year to keep things going. Josh Daubner moved that we limit our spending to $8k/yr - Gary W 2nd. None opposed, motion passed. Gary brought up grant money; mentioned that a county officer was able to find lots of grants. Joan will ask DNR about possibility of grants. Cason fish analysis quote and habitat survey cost was more than we want to spend. Basic survey was $1500 ranging to $4950 for comprehensive surveys. Surveys need to be done in order to have the lake stocked. This does not include what the DNR may or may not do for their own surveys and stocking. Joan brought up fish cribs to help increase habitat. Gary brought up asking DNR or UWSP about their surveys. Joan will ask DNR if we need permits for cribs. Will discuss what is found at the April meeting. Josh Daubner moved to adjourn at 10:20; Joan 2nd.