MWLA Meeting Minutes

2011 Annual Meeting News Release

July 28, 2011

Manitowish Waters – Despite worries about the weather, the Manitowish Waters Lakes Association had a great turn-out for its 19th Annual Meeting/Picnic held on July 23. Almost a half-inch of rain poured down earlier in the day, but the weather cleared and was perfect for the meeting/picnic.

The following officers were re-elected for 1-year terms: Karen Dixon, president: Tom Joseph, vice president; Marilyn Gabert, secretary; and Eleanor Butler, treasurer. Three directors were re-elected to 2-year terms: Bob Becker, Jim Reichert, and Fred Theisen. New board member, Bob Stowers, was elected for a 2-year term. Recognition was given to Jean Rein, retiring director, for her four years of service on the board.

Karen Dixon described the MWLA’s accomplishments throughout the previous year, reported on the status of the aquatic invasive species (AIS) curly leaf pondweed found in Island Lake last summer, encouraged members to become involved, and spoke to the importance of viewing the MW chain of lakes as one body of water, rather than individual lakes. Residents need to take ownership of the entire chain rather than being concerned with only “their” lake.

Attendees were served a variety of delicious picnic foods including brats, burgers, hot dogs, salads, chips, beer, wine, lemonade, and homemade desserts. A number of local businesses donated food and beverages: LaPorte’s Market, The Pea Patch, and The Aurora Borealis. Fred and Terry Theisen were responsible for the organizing of the food and beverages.

Attendees were also treated to an entertaining presentation by incoming eighth-grade students, Nicole Gilman and Chris Hayashi, from North Lakeland School. They described their experiences attending MWLA-funded water ecology field trips with science teacher, Leif Williams, and their participation in the purple loosestrife beetle program sponsored by the Discovery Center, the Town of Manitowish Waters, and the MWLA. Mr. Williams spoke about the need for, and importance of, adult mentors and role-models who are needed to instill a love of the outdoors in today’s youth.

Vice president, Tom Joseph, reported on the partnership between the Town, the Discovery Center, and the MWLA to combat Aquatic Invasive Species. He described the ongoing efforts of the Town AIS Partnership (TAISP) to deal with AIS on the MW chain in regard to future grants for Lake Management Plans for all ten lakes. He informed members of the importance of combating AIS and encouraged members to get involved with lake monitoring activities for AIS. Currently, almost all of the ten lakes have a volunteer “lake captain” and group of “deck hands”  who are helping to monitor for AIS.

Zach Wilson, senior naturalist from the Discovery Center was on hand to show samples of curly leaf pondweed, explain the citizen monitoring program, and answer questions about AIS.

Fun was had by all, especially those who won door and raffle prizes prepared by Marilyn Gabert.

The MWLA is looking forward to celebrating its 20th anniversary next year on July 28, 2012 (the last Saturday of July). Mark your calendars now!

For membership information contact Karen Dixon at 715-543-8141, go to the MWLA web site at www.mwlakes.com, or email mwlamailbox@yahoo.com.