Wisconsin Lakes

• Bill would limit regulation of wakesports; remove local authority to manage impacts November 29, 2023
  AB656/SB680 fails to provide meaningful standards and prohibits local governments from being stricter, while allowing them to be weaker The bill Wisconsin Lakes reported on in October was formally introduced into the Wisconsin legislature with no changes. LRB-3518 is now AB656 in the Assembly and SB680 in the Senate. Wisconsin Lakes is OPPOSED AB655/SB680 would […]
  Michael Engleson
• The Felzkowski/Swearingen Wakesports Bill – Next Legislative Steps November 29, 2023
  Understanding the legislative process of the AB656/SB680 As Wisconsin Lakes previously reported, the wakesports bill authored by Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) and Rep. Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander) was introduced into the Wisconsin Legislature in late November. We’ve received many questions regarding what’s next for the bill in the legislative process. Here’s a primer on where AB656 […]
  Michael Engleson
• Last Chance to Nominate a WI Lake Steward November 29, 2023
  Deadline of Friday, December 1, 2023 for Wisconsin Lake Stewardship Award nominations Do you know an outstanding person or group who dedicates time and talent to our state’s water resources? We encourage you to nominate them for a prestigious Wisconsin Lake Stewardship Award! The Wisconsin Lakes Partnership presents the Wisconsin Lake Stewardship awards each year […]
  Michael Engleson
• Join us for the WI Lakes Annual Meeting November 29, 2023
  Tuesday, December 5, 2023 ~ 4:30pm ~ ZOOMMembership not required to attend but you must register Join Wisconsin Lakes for our Annual Membership Meeting! Tuesday, December 5, 2023 ~ 4:30pmOnline via Zoom Register Here! Join the staff and board of Wisconsin Lakes for our 2023 Annual Membership Meeting on December 5 from 4:30-6:00pm! Learn about […]
  Michael Engleson
• Manoomin (wild rice) Deserves Enhanced Protections October 25, 2023
  A recent incident of illegal harvest, even if accidental, highlights need for a conversation about protecting this important ecological, cultural, and spiritual species By Michael Engleson, Executive DirectorOctober 25, 2023 A recent incident involving a wild rice bed in northern Wisconsin brings to light the need for better education of waterfront property owners about the […]
  Michael Engleson
• ACTION ALERT: PROPOSED WAKESPORTS BILL FALLS SHORT October 21, 2023
  CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS TO LET THEM KNOW LRB-3518 IS NOT SUFFICIENT TO PROTECT WISCONSIN’S LAKES AND THOSE THAT USE THEM By Michael Engleson, Executive Director A bill proposed by Rep. Robert Swearingen (R-Rhinelander) and Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R-Irma) to regulate wakesurfing and wakeboarding fails to provide any meaningful protection against the activities’ impacts. While Wisconsin […]
  Michael Engleson
• WDNR Launches “Operation Dry Water” this Holiday Weekend June 28, 2023
  Increased Law Enforcement On Wisconsin Waters July 1-3 to Combat Impaired Boating From Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) advises boaters that they will see more DNR conservation wardens and area law enforcement on the water July 1-3 as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign. Wardens and other participating law […]
  Michael Engleson
• “Invader Crusaders” Awarded for Work on Invasive Species June 27, 2023
  Some familiar names to the lakes community and Wisconsin Lakes among the 2023 winners By Wisconsin Lakes staff Wisconsin Lakes congratulates all the winners of the 2023 Wisconsin Invasive Species Council’s “Invader Crusader” Awards winners, and there are some familiar names from the world of lakes and aquatic invasive species management among them! In the […]
  Michael Engleson
• It’s Time to Start Thinking About Surface Water Grants! June 26, 2023
  WI DNR’s draft surface water grant guidance document is out for public comment with minor changes and a few additions to last year’s program; Informational webinar date set By Wisconsin Lakes staff Every year the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources revises its guidance for the Surface Water Grant program. The program typically hands out over […]
  Michael Engleson
• DNR Awards $6.5 Million in Surface Water Grants February 22, 2023
  Nonprofit organizations, lake associations and municipalities throughout Wisconsin receive funding to help restore and protect Wisconsin’s surface water By Wisconsin DNR, reposted here by WI Lakes staff MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource (DNR)’s Surface Water Grant Program today announced it has awarded over $6.5 million in grant funding to nonprofit organizations, lake […]
  Michael Engleson