Vilas County

Key discussions included an update on the Deerskin River Outlet Channel dredging situation, noting proposed funding from state representatives. The committee postponed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with USDA NRCS until the following month as the updated agreement was not yet available. For the Cranberry Island Update, plans were detailed for ERCLA to restart a volunteer program for monitoring garbage and photography, and a three-phase plan was outlined covering signage, funding for stair repair, and the construction of a primitive privy. The DATCP engineer update confirmed that the Cloverland culvert project had not started, resulting in fund carryover. A major action item involved unanimous direction to develop a resolution opposing Assembly Bill 449, which concerns accessory dwelling units, due to concerns regarding increased density, septic discharge, potential for short-term rentals, and the effective elimination of single-family residential zoning. Staff and partner updates covered ongoing work such as Healthy Lakes designs, contest planning, data entry, and shoreline management programs. Lake organization reports included discussion on opposition to buoy placement for loon nesting areas and plans for treating EWM in a local lake.

The meeting commenced with a decision to accept the nomination of Marc Groth for the VCL&W Volunteer Conservation Stewardship Award for 2025, with presentation planned for May or June. The committee unanimously approved Healthy Lakes Landowner Agreements HL-2025-01 and HL-2025-03. All three applicants for the Summer Conservation Camp Scholarship were funded. There was no new information regarding the Deerskin River Outlet channel, and the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement with USDA NRCS was deferred until next month. Staff updates included the report that brochures for new shoreline property owners are being distributed, the recognition of Higley for winning an Invasive Species Action Award, and the reporting that the hiring process for a northern zone DATCP Engineer is not progressing successfully. Lake Organization updates covered budget/annual meeting planning for Long Lake District Board, culvert replacement completion and landowner education regarding wakes at Spectacle Lake, and updates on mission statement revisions for PITLC.

The meeting included moving forward with the Resolution - 2026 DATCP Staffing & Support Application for approval by the full County Board. The committee also advanced the Resolution - 2025 Healthy Lakes Grant application for full County Board approval, requesting $10,000. The 2025 Annual Work Plan was approved. The committee approved moving forward with the plant sale logistics, pending a signed document from the owner of Yennys Wildflowers and the LLC, as reviewed by Corp Counsel. Discussion was held regarding a Memorandum of Agreement between USDA NRCS and Vilas L&W, which is pending minor revisions by NRCS before signing next month. The committee shared nominations for Conservation Awards and reviewed a presentation of Vilas County Youth Conservation poster winners. The status of the Deerskin River Outlet channel dredging project was reviewed, and this item will remain on the agenda for tracking progress. Staff and partner updates included report highlights, future travel plans, and information shared from various organizations.

The committee meeting addressed several agenda items, including authorizing an agreement for UWO vehicle equipment use and moving forward with an agreement allowing department staff to use a privately owned boat for Moccasin Lake access. A motion was passed to forward Resolution 2024-45, concerning Conservation Easements for Legacy Forests, to the full County Board with corrected language to reference the relevant statute for accessing funding matches. Tomlanovich was appointed as the alternative voting representative to Lumberjack RC&D, replacing Scholl. Further action on the Memorandum of Agreement between USDA NRCS and Vilas L&W was postponed until the following month pending an updated agreement from NRCS. Staff and partner updates included budget work, shoreline erosion visits, and various lake district reports covering training events, budget approvals, AIS spot treatments, and decisions on chemical control for EWM.

Key discussions included the status of a DOT permit for Purple Loosestrife beetle collection, for which the 2024 application was signed again for 2025. Progress on securing funding for the Deerskin River Outlet channel is being pursued through a legislative earmark. The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between USDA NRCS and Vilas L&W was postponed until the next month as the NRCS had not provided an updated agreement. Staff updates detailed ongoing trainings and work on the beetle rearing cage, noting a continuing vacancy for an engineer in the Northern region. Lake Organization reports covered AIS influx in Long Lake, a reminder that Spectacle Lake is a 2026 Directed Lake, and plans for a Lake District Commissioner Training. The Lumberjack RC&D reported on new officers and grant writing presentations. It was noted that Vilas County needs to fill two open seats for full representation on the North Central Regional Planning group.