PITLC Minutes 04.14.26 attachments

Monthly Meeting Presque Isle Town Lakes Committee Aquatic Invasive Species Date: April 14, 2026 Time: 7:02pm Location ZOOM ONLY Next Meeting Date/Time: May 12, 2026 7:00pm Conducted by: Nick Williams Recorded by: Jorja Burke, Secretary ATTENDEE INFORMATION Attended Name Lake Attended via Zoom or CC Behr, Fritz Lynx Lake x Benn, Eric Armour x Boyce, Joan Horsehead x Burke, Jeff Van Vliet x Burke, Jorja Van Vliet x Eaton, Phil Oxbow Eschenbauch, Al Town Board Liaison x Heilman, Bob Annabelle Higley, Catherine Vilas C. Invas.Spec.Coord x Horswill, Bob Armour Lake Kemnitz, Joe Crab x Kenkel, Jeff Lone Pine x Lewandoski, Paul Rosalind/Papoose Logan, Richard Vilas Cty Supervisor x Mawicke, Ann Natural Lakes Zoom Host Meessmann, Jeff Natural Lakes x Phillips, Carol Wildcat x Phillips, Richard Wildcat x Pire, Tim Presque Isle x Plouff, Gary Frontier Lakes x Preston, Tom Katinka x Ruch, Bob Carlin x Ruch, Judy Carlin x Searle, Clark Carlin Sisbach, Sarah Presque Isle x Vogt, Dave Annabelle x Walters, Lorine Horsehead x Weber, Cathy Logan Annabelle/Town Supv. x Wierzba, Tom Big x Williams, Nick Crab MEETING MINUTES Topic/Subject Discussion Items Call to Order By Nick Williams @ 7:00pm Pledge of Allegiance Deferred Secretaries’ Minutes Meeting of March 10, 2026. Approved as submitted. Changes/additions to agenda None Intro of new members/guests Clarke Searle, Carlin Lake (new PITLC member). Andy Sisler/Van Vliet Lake. Treasurer’s Report/Budget No change since March. Info forwarded to the Finance Committee April 1, 2026.. Refer to Old Business: 6a.. Correspondence Richard Phillips provided an update on a boat decontamination unit called the Hydro Blaster (Attachment 3) which was purchased by a group of three private donors (including Richard) and gifted to the Discovery Center. Key details: • Total cost approximately $41,000, substantially funded through private donations. A small portion of a DNR training grant was used. • The unit is a mobile hot-water thermal decontamination system • The Discovery Center took delivery in early April and will demonstrate the unit at the April 24 Lakes Conference at the Discovery Center. It will be stationed primarily at Rest Lake boat landing during the summer, operated by a trained summer intern. • The unit operates on hot water heated by a diesel generator; it is self- contained with its own fuel and water tanks. • The WIDNR was not interested in acquiring units for their own use. • Richard offered to present a brief PowerPoint with photos and cost at the May meeting for those unable to attend the April 24 event. • The Discovery Center is willing to arrange a separate demonstration for PITLC. Eric Benn shared the Hydro Blaster webpage link in the Zoom chat: https://www.hydroblaster.com/Specialty/WDS.htm Ann Mawicke noted that a capital expense DNR grant could potentially fund approximately half the acquisition cost of such a unit, though ongoing expenses (insurance, supplies, staffing) would not be covered. 6. Old Business a. Grant Status (Attachment 1) i. 2024 grants for Annabelle, Armour, Crab, Horsehead, Little Horsehead, and Oxbow – final edits submitted to DNR, waiting for approval. DNR reviewed reports and requested minor edits. Whitewater has commented and resubmitted to Kevin Gauthier/DNR. Wording was softened per the DNR’s preference to avoid overstating AIS threat. All reports are on the PITLC Google Drive. Any questions, ask Ann. ii. 2025 grants underway for Carlin, Little Presque Isle, Lynx, Round, and Wildcat – WW working on their reporting, with final reporting in fall 2026, per Ann re a Zoom call with WW. All lake associations’ payments have been received. iii. 2026 grants underway for Big, Papoose, Presque Isle, and Van Vliet – Waiting on DNR checks. Lake schedules published. All four 2026 grants were approved. DNR preliminary payments (~$7,500 per lake) have not yet arrived due to a DNR administrative issue; expected by end of April. Whitewater will conduct field surveys in July–August only (DNR requirement for comparable biological data). Ann sent survey dates to all four lakes; lake representatives should contact Dean and Carol at Whitewater directly to confirm contacts, parking, and restroom access. Tom Wierzba confirmed he will serve as the Big Lake point person. Grant applications for 2027 (November submission) will be discussed in fall; the Wilderness Waters Report update by Whitewater may affect how many lakes are included. . iv. Lynx Lake — Spiny Water Flea (SWF) Status: A difference of opinion exists between Whitewater (who found SWF in the lake silt and considers the sample confirmed) and Cathy Higley/DNR (who are cautious about declaring a live population without a live sample). Nick Williams noted that the group cannot wait indefinitely; Whitewater confirmed the sample and PITLC must proceed accordingly. Ann noted the SWF discussion was reviewed on a Zoom call with Whitewater (Dean and Carol Gabbard). v. Whitewater Zoom Call and Grant Strategy: Ann and Nick held a productive Zoom call with Whitewater (Dean and Carol Gabbard) to review all active grants and discuss strategy. (Attachment 2) Key discussion points: • Chapter 5 of Surface Water Grant Reports lists management actions lakes should be implementing. Ann proposed forming a "Chapter 5 Committee" to establish best practices and help lakes document their progress — this documentation significantly affects grant scoring. Whitewater supports the idea. No formal action taken; further discussion needed. • Lakes Without Public Landings: Nick and Ann discussed the feasibility of smaller, lower -cost services from Whitewater (e.g., an educational lake tour/scoping visit for ~$1,000) for lakes unlikely to win full grants. Ann also raised the possibility of modest Town contributions toward smaller surveys, supplemented by lake association fundraising. Lone Pine (whose president Jeff Kenkel is stepping down) was cited as an example. No formal action taken. 501(c)(3) Organizations as Grant Applicants: Ann explored whether lake associations with existing 501(c)(3) status could apply independently for DNR surface water grants. Ann confirmed with Jill Sunderline/DNR that submitters each have their own $50,000 cap regardless of geographic overlap. Whitewater is supportive and PITLC could assist 501(c)(3) lakes in writing grants, freeing up PITLC's slots for non-C3 lakes. Crab Lake and Armour Lake were noted as possible candidates. Armour noted they are without a public landing and double up with Horsehead. Risk noted by Tom Wierzba: all entities compete from the same statewide grant pool. Ann noted that Presque Isle's strong scientific track record and valuable water resources have historically been favorably viewed by DNR. No formal action taken. b. PITLC Distribution List Review – PITLC reps and lake president annual review. Ann is consolidating member responses into a spreadsheet and will follow up with non-respondents. All members present on April 15 calls are assumed to be continuing for another year Lakes Without Public Landings – Al Wirt Visit (Twin Island): Gary Plouff reported that he met Al Wirt (Vilas County Conservationist and Director of Land and Water Department, Kathy Higley's supervisor) at a conference last summer. Al agreed to visit Twin Island Lake in July for approximately 4 hours to check for invasives (excluding SWF) and train 3–4 lake volunteers on sampling techniques. There is no cost for this service. Gary set up the appointment well in advance (last summer/fall); lakes interested for next year should contact Al soon. Ann noted that Andy Sisler/Van Vliet recently contacted Al Wirt for a speaker at their July annual meeting, suggesting he may still have availability. Ann encouraged other lakes without public landings (e.g., Katinka) to contact Al directly. For reference: Natural Lakes did a meander survey of 4 lakes for $14,600 last summer. Whitewater quoted Twin Island $3,900 for a meander survey. The meander/shoreline survey approach covers shoreline, landings, and areas flagged from prior reports; it does not include a full point-intercept survey. 02 Meter Supplies: Paul Lewandoski is ready to order supplies for the dissolved oxygen (O2) meter at a cost of $348. He needs a copy of the Town's tax-exempt certificate to avoid sales tax. Lorine Walters advised Paul to contact Lori at the Town office, who can scan and email the certificate. Nick approved the purchase. 7. New Business a. Subcommittee Updates i. Grants – Nick and Ann: See Old Business 6a; ii. Signage Committee – Fritz B, Dave V, Bob H: Bob Heilman reported on the SWF signage • Cathy Higley recommended pausing signage pending confirmation of a live SWF population. Bob is proceeding, given the need for action before fishing opener. • Cathy Higley (Vilas Cty Invasive Species Coordinator) is working with Douglas County on a Swedish towel wipe-down protocol. The towels are absorbent, printed with decontamination instructions, and significantly cheaper than current Clean Boats/Clean Waters materials. Bob is exploring incorporating this approach into signage/outreach. • The sign design will be revised to incorporate Cathy Higley's feedback (clearer language, updated steps — drain, rinse with hot water, and allow 5 days to dry, with hot water and drying understood as and/or options). Bob intends to circulate revised signage within the week. Bob believes signage can be ready in time for the fishing opener iii. Communications / Outreach / Education (Judy R / Jorja B / Dave V / Bob H) Judy Ruch reported. Discussion points: • Carlin Lake has distributed hard-copy DNR AIS materials; Dave Vogt (Annabelle) has also done so. Nick Williams and others expressed interest in doing the same. • Ann Mawicke offered to provide technical support; she envisions a centralized PDF/link list hosted on a website so lake reps can pick and choose materials. • Timing is important — DNR material orders get backlogged and should be placed now if items are needed for summer. • Dave Vogt mentioned that Annabelle Lake secretary Sue Ingoseth has a new -owner welcome packet that has been effective; Bob Ruch suggested sharing this as a model. The committee will schedule a Zoom call to develop outreach ideas. Judy Ruch to propose dates. Phil Eaton, Bob Heilman, George, and Dave Vogt were noted as potential participants. Fishing Tournament Outreach Idea (Phil Eaton): • Phil Eaton raised the concern that participants in fishing tournaments move between lakes and may not be following boat decontamination protocols. He proposed that tournament organizers be asked to include AIS protocols in registration materials and require sign-off from participants. Jorja Burke noted that in past years Jim Rennhack performed AIS briefings at tournaments but, as Jim has relocated, this may no longer be happening. Bob Ruch suggested the committee identify tournament organizers (possibly through the Chamber of Commerce) to engage on this issue. The outreach committee will incorporate this into its planning. Invasive Rapid Response (Nick W / Paul L) Nick advised no progress made on the reporting procedure due to other priorities. Nick and Paul L will develop procedures which will include (1) an individual reporter to lake representative, (2) lake rep to PITLC, (3) PITLC to Cathy Higley/DNR or the Discovery Center. Sample collection protocol will also be developed. Volunteers Needed: Invasive Rapid Response, AIS Prevention, Orientation Rapid Response, etc. will be handled by Nick as time permits. PITLC is always seeking volunteers on any lake to assist with projects. Interested parties should contact PITLC at pitlc54557@gmail.com. f. General Discussion — Water Levels: Nick asked about anticipated post-ice-out water levels. Paul L and Bob H noted levels are expected to be higher than fall. Bob H observed the creek between Oxbow and Annabelle has risen approximately a foot in the last three days and is flowing well. Brief discussion about beaver activity and outflows. 8. Next PITLC Regular Mtg 9. Adjourn May 12, 2025, 7pm Meeting adjourned by Nick Williams @ 8:13pm. Unapproved minutes WILL BE APPROVED AT THE NEXT MEETING. Attachment 1 Lake Last Grant Award 2024 Grants in Process 2025 Grants in Process 2026 Grants In Process Annabelle 2024 X Anne 2018 Armour 2024 X Averill 2018 Beaver 2017 Big 2026 X Carlin 2025 X Crab, Little Crab, North Crab 2024 X Dunn 2017 Horsehead 2024 X Katinka 2009 Little Horsehead 2024 X Little Presque Isle 2025 X Lone Pine 2009 Lynx 2025 X Mabel 2016 McCullough 2017 Morton 2017 Oxbow 2024 X Papoose 2026 X Presque Isle 2026 X Red Bass 2018 Rice Creek 2015 Round 2025 X Rudolph 2009 South Branch PI River 2017 Stateline 2017 Twin Island 2017 Van Vliet 2026 X Wildcat 2025 X Attachment 2 All, Nick and I met with Carole Gabbard and Dean Premo from White Water & Associates to discuss grant status and planning for this year. Carole and Dean have picked the following schedule for your lakes. Obviously weather can impact this schedule. Big Lake - July 6, 7, 8 Papoose - week of July 13th Presque Isle - week of August 3rd Van Vliet - week of August 10th DNR has very specific rules about when these survey can occur. They are ONLY allowed in July and August. This provides the best plant growth season for comparable analysis. Carole and Dean need the following information from each of your lakes: 1. Confirm that the proposed dates will work for your lake. 2. Provide White Water with a primary contact for your lake. Email and phone. A contact now and a contact during the survey. 3. Identify logistics for the lake. Where are bathrooms? Is there a location where WW could leave a boat overnight? Any other pertinent lake specifics. Dean/Carole, Attached is a spreadsheet with the PITLC lake contact and lake president. Nick and I ask the PITLC contacts that you contact Dean/Carole directly. Nick/I can help with general questions, but there’s no point in us being in the middle of the specific scheduling and planning. PITLC Distribution List 3/12/26 Name Lake Email Phone Lake Assoc Assoc President President Email Lake Organization Burke, Jeff Van Vliet burkejeff12@gmail.com NA Van Vliet Lake Assoc Andy Sisler andy.sisler@gmail.com 501c3 Burke, Jorja Van Vliet jlburke1014@gmail.com NA Van Vliet Lake Assoc Andy Sisler andy.sisler@gmail.com 501c3 Lewandoski, Paul Papoose/Rosalind plew263@gmail.com 608 797-1378 Papoose/Rosalind Lake Association Becky Cole coleporter1989@gmail.com NA Pire, Tim Presque Isle tjpire@comcast.net 312 560-6701 Presque Isle Lake Assoc Sisbach, Sarah sarah7617@gmail.com 501c3 Sisbach, Sarah Presque Isle sarah7617@gmail.com 608 886-0268 Presque Isle Lake Assoc Sisbach, Sarah sarah7617@gmail.com 501c3 Wierzba, Tom Big tomwierzba47@gmail.com 262 308-8990 Big Lake Property Owners Assoc Tim Jerry jerrytim15@gmail.com lake assoc Attachment 3 Per our discussion regarding the hydroblaster. See link below with video, specs etc. based on our research, this is the best commercially available mobile equipment. Richard Watercraft Decontamination System hydroblaster.com