TURTLE LAKE IMPROVEMENT AND PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION (TLA)

MINUTES OF MEETING –5/1/04

Board Attendees: Cheryl Mitacek, Mary Baas, Rob Kaye, Patricia Carroll, Beth Auer, Linda Friedman, Clark Hallberg

President Cheryl Mitacek opened the meeting. The 3/20/04 minutes were approved as corrected. Carol Behrens noted that the lake ordinances regarding buoy placement are found in the Richmond Township Ordinance Book. The Treasurer's Report was approved:

Balance 3/10/04 $5,374.93

Deposits $ 2.03

Disbursements $ 0.00

Balance 5/1/04 $5,376.96

OLD BUSINESS

Non-native Species - Eurasion Milfoil - Dick Gronert expects spot spraying to be completed mid-May/early June when the lake is calm and milfoil areas can be identified. Elaine and Dick will mark milfoil spots with floats. Future DNR approach to milfoil treatment is becoming more stringent with the possibility of GPS requirements.

Water Level - Mary Baas thanked the TLA for sending her to the WAL Convention, and reported that she has drafted a letter requesting a proposal and quote for a water level study on Turtle Lake. The letter will be sent to (3) consulting firms. It lists (3) possible reasons for lower than normal water level other than the drought - new culvert, water leaving TL via self-formed tributaries, and stress from area business on the aquifers. When we receive responses, we can determine whether we wish to proceed and how we will handle necessary funding of the project.

Friends of Turtle Valley Wildlife Area (FTV) - Bill Paladino and Pat McIntyre have volunteered to spearhead the Friends of the Turtle Valley group. Bill attended a Friends of WI State Parks meeting from 3/26 - 3/28 to learn how to form these groups that can help determine what types of activities and educational areas are placed in the Valley. Grants for projects are available that will match $ for $. He is currently getting information out to people about activities that are taking place at this time. They plan to incorporate; there will be a rollout meeting in June and a board will be formed. There is a dedication ceremony on June 16 and all are invited, especially children. Call or email Bill with your name and address if you would like to receive an invitation. Clark moved that we donate $100 for start-up costs to the FTV. The motion passed. Cheryl will include this information in a group mailing. Patricia noted that someone representing the FTV group could speak at a future TLA meeting.

Nominations - Rob Kaye reported that all directors whose terms expire this June are interested in serving on the TLA Board again. Rob encouraged anyone else who had interest in serving on the board to contact him.

NEW BUSINESS

Walworth County Lakes Association - Rob attended a presentation given by (3) Conservancies, whose purpose is to work with landowners who might be interested in granting their land to become part of a conservancy. The landowner receives tax benefits, and the land is kept in a pristine, natural condition for future generations. There is a Walworth County Conservancy. Anyone knowing of a property owner from our lake area who might be interested in putting their land in a Conservancy Trust, they should contact Rob for further information.

Wisconsin Association of Lakes Convention (WAL) Reports - Dick attended a seminar on low lake levels. Lake level fluctuations are a naturally occurring phenomenon and periodic low water levels can benefit a lake. Dormant seeds that have long been underwater sprout, and when the water rises again, those plants create new habitat and oxygen for fish and other lake animals. Pollutants affecting lake health include phosphorus-laden fertilizer. We have enough naturally occurring phosphorus that we should not need to add more. Patricia suggested that we inform TLA members of a source for non-phosphorus fertilizers.

Elaine gave facts about Wild Rice, a food that grows in water found in many northern lakes. She encouraged us to learn as much as possible about our lake, as it belongs to all. She offered to teach members and friends whenever they have a question about the lake. Clark suggested that she and Dick could schedule sessions in advance, so that members would not feel as though they were interrupting them at an inconvenient time.

LAKE ACTIVITIES -

*Saturday, June 26 - Potluck and Annual Meeting - 6:00 (Set-Up 5:30)

Bring a dish to pass, plates & silverware. Donations: Ham - Scott or Lloyd & Carol, Brats - Cheryl & Tom, Rolls - Baas, Pop - Beth Auer & Judy Moroni, Beer - Clark, Butter - Phyllis, Condiments - Carol, Centerpieces (8) - Patricia

Cheryl will contact Audrey about speaking. Steve Moroni suggested that we have someone talk about lake level fluctuation. Mary noted that we might need to schedule this after we get quotes back from consulting firms.

*Saturday, July 24 - Pontoon Social

Dick Gronert moved that we adjourn.

Mary Baas, Secretary

During a meeting break, Heidi Bunk, WI DNR Lakes Biologist, gave an informative "Limnology 101" presentation to 33 TLA members and friends. She highlighted lake types, physical and chemical characteristics of lakes, as well as issues facing lakes today.