David Averbeck

The meeting addressed several operational and planning topics. Key discussions included delays and procedural issues related to grant management, specifically noting the need for a more rigorous process following last-minute scrambling to meet DNR requirements. The Commission reviewed bidding and procurement, establishing a $2,500 threshold for projects, and noting that prior weed harvesting contracts were not properly bid out. Planning was initiated for future bidding processes, scheduling bid packet preparation for after the November meeting. Officer positions were maintained for the 2025-2026 term, with an informal swearing-in for the Secretary, and a note was made to record the oaths of office in the minutes. The Treasurer's Report indicated the books were balanced, covering a two-month period. Planning was also established for the next lake study, the 2027 grant application, and the content for the Fall Newsletter, which is targeted for distribution by September 30. Logistics for property mailings and the handover of the Secretary's electronic files were reviewed. Future meeting dates were confirmed, including the November meeting via Zoom.

This Comprehensive Management Plan for Horsehead Lake, sponsored by the Horsehead Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District No. 1, assesses the lake's ecological health and provides a roadmap for future management. It covers key areas such as water quality, shoreland condition, aquatic plant communities including invasive species, and fisheries. The plan aims to address issues like excessive aquatic plant growth, water quality degradation, and the impacts of shoreland development, leveraging historical and current data to inform its implementation strategy.

Key discussions included noting the Secretary's resignation and the continuation of volunteer efforts for lake water testing, which includes sending samples to the DNR. The approval of a second lake grant to test for Eurasian Water Milfoil and Curly-Leaf Pondweed in 2013 was noted, with plans to set aside funds over two years to cover the local cost share. The committee also discussed the cost estimate for future aerator maintenance and replacement parts, reviewed the completed 2013 weed harvesting contract with Schmidt Landscaping, and considered discussing the frequency of newsletter mailings at the upcoming annual meeting. The report also detailed the specifics of the second lake study grant, the ongoing volunteer testing program, aerator maintenance concerns, and weed cutting efforts.

The commissioner meeting covered several operational and management topics. Discussions included concerns regarding open water hazards for snowmobilers due to warm winter conditions, and the status of aerator warning signs and weed harvesting permits. The secretary reported on the application process for a 'REMOTE DO MONITOR on HORSEHEAD LAKE' permit and monitoring of wake boat legislation, as well as formal notices sent regarding aerator warnings. The treasurer presented budget summaries for the period and the aerator project, noting that the final grant payment for the aerator is contingent on five years of operation reporting. A motion was approved to prepay the aerator loan. Key business items included debating the adoption of Act 62 to allow official notifications via email, which was ultimately decided against due to database maintenance costs, and adding a new signatory to the bank account. The status of various lake studies and management plans was reviewed, with action taken to coordinate with the DNR regarding future assessments. Significant time was spent discussing local and county ordinances related to wake-enhanced boats, with a decision made to follow Lake Tomahawk's ordinance development. The status of the remote dissolved oxygen (DO) monitoring equipment and installation plans were discussed, as was the no-wake zone around the island and loon nesting signs. The DNR recommended a year off from fish stocking, which was deferred for a vote at the annual meeting. Finally, the potential need to test for PFAS contaminants in the lake was noted as an item of ongoing concern.

This Aquatic Plant Management Plan for Horsehead Lake, Oneida County, Wisconsin, updates aquatic plant management components of the 2020 Comprehensive Management Plan. It outlines the current status of native aquatic plant communities and addresses non-native invasive species including Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, and pale-yellow iris. Key objectives focus on managing invasive species, preventing new introductions through watercraft inspections, and maintaining navigation and recreational opportunities via continued monitoring and mechanical harvesting.