| Please share this information and the OCLRA website (www.oclra.org) with the members of your lake association, district and/or friends group and with your personal networks.
The next OCLRA Board meeting is Monday, January 12, at 9 a.m., at the ADRC building in Rhinelander, across the parking lot from Trig’s grocery. All are welcome. Also, follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/people/OCLRA/100089436967560/.
Lakes at Stake reports 2025 milestones on enhanced wake protections
In a year-end report, Lakes at Stake noted milestones in efforts to protect Wisconsin lakes from enhanced boat wakes. The Wisconsin coalition that favors meaningful wakesurfing reforms now numbers more than 90 diverse organizations. The spread of local enhanced wake ordinances spearheaded by the Last Wilderness Alliance continued; 76 municipalities around the state now have such ordinances, half of them enacted in 2025. They protect some 400 lakes out of roughly 2,350 lakes in the state over 50 acres. Meanwhile research continues to document the damaging effects of enhanced wakes and propeller wash, justifying more protective regulations including limits on wakesurfing to at least 700 feet from shore and in water at least 20 feet deep.
Extension Lakes offers monthly Lake Chats
Extension Lakes at UW-Stevens Point has recorded a series of Lake Chats aimed at helping lake organizations share resources and strengthen their capacity to get things done. Among topics are aligning budgets with purpose, handling finances, using committees effectively, and communicating effectively with email. OCLRA secretary Beckie Gaskill was part of a chat on grant writing, and president Ted Rulseh took part in a session on county lake associations.
Webinar to provide Knowles-Nelson update
An update on the status of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program will be given during a webinar on Thursday, January 15, at 10 a.m. The program will look back on the past year, review where legislation stands, explore what is at stake if the program isn’t funded, and share what citizens can do to help. Visit here to register.
Wisconsin lake advocates get international recognition
Wisconsin lake advocates received top honors for lake management and public education at the 2025 North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) Conference. It marks the fourth year in a row that Wisconsin groups have brought home international recognition from NALMS. Cris Neff, board member of Friends of the Eau Claire Lakes Area, received the NALMS Lake Management Success Stories Award for efforts to protect and enhance the Eau Claire Lakes Area watershed. Also, the Waterways Association of Menominee and Shawano Counties, representing 188 water bodies in northeast Wisconsin, received the NALMS Leadership and Service Award for Community Education and Outreach.
“Decades of Dedication” is theme for 2026 Lakes and River Convention
The Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention will be April 15-17 on the theme of “Decades of Dedication.” The convention will look back on the long-term programs and accumulated actions of countless people who have persevered through many decades. It will also celebrate the people who continue to carry the torch for water protection and restoration. Register here.
Lake Leaders Institute nominations due February 1
The Wisconsin Lake Leaders Institute is a leadership program that enhances skills for protecting and managing lakes. The 2026 program consists of three overnight learning events in May, September and October. Nominations are being accepted until February 1.
Wetland Science Conference set for February 24-26
The Wisconsin Wetlands Association will hold its annual Wetland Science Conference February 24-26 at Baraboo/Wisconsin Dells. Registration is open and early bird discounts are available until January 23. Visit https://conference.wisconsinwetlands.org/.
Land and Water Conference to be held March 4-6
The Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association will hold its 73rd Annual Conference March 4-6 at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. It includes more than 40 breakout sessions, an awards banquet honoring outstanding conservation work across Wisconsin and much more.
Center for Limnology issues latest newsletter
The University of Wisconsin Center for Limnology has released its Fall 2025 newsletter. Among items of interest is an article stating that fishing has more impact on our state’s freshwater fisheries than climate change. Other articles cover new frontiers in lake research, an Intertribal Manoomin Camp that helps communities learn about wild rice, and more.
Discovery Center plans third annual Woods and Waters Conference
The North Lakeland Discovery Center’s third annual Woods and Water Conference will be held Friday, April 24. The full-day conference brings together ecologically minded people to discuss topics relevant to our Northwoods waters and forests. Registration opens on February 1 for in-person and virtual attendance.
Wisconsin Lakes Annual Meeting available for viewing online
Wisconsin Lakes held its Annual Membership Meeting on December 9, 2025. Video of the meeting has been archived and can be viewed here.
A Lake Love poll taken during the meeting led to a tie for the number one aspect that people love most about their lakes: getting away 29%, watching Wildlife 29%, boating 23%, fishing 16%, and swimming 3%.
River Alliance presents: “Where Our Water Comes From”
The River Alliance of Wisconsin invited state geologist Sue Swanson into WVMO-FM’s Monona radio studio for a 101 on where our drinking water comes. A partnership with this civic-oriented radio station is a natural way for the Alliance to reach new ears and win hearts along the way. On the program, Swanson spoke with River Alliance communications director Stacy Harbaugh. Visit here to listen.
OCCWA issues year-end update
Oneida County Clean Waters Action provides updates on critical issues on its website at www.occwa.org/. A post looks at the stalled state funding for the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Program. Another item addresses concerns about proposed state housing legislation that would have significant repercussions in our county, including potential environmental impacts on lakes and rivers. Other topics include a new DNR online tool for interpreting water lab test results, Rhinelander’s effort to take advantage of state funding to filter PFAS-contaminated wells, and Wisconsin’s woeful record in cutting environmental funding, dating back to 2010.
Loon Project post illustrates mortality in young adult loons
Walter Piper at The Loon Project has a post titled “One That Made It, and One That Didn’t.” The case is microcosm of the trend toward high mortality among adult loons. Piper’s observations are always worth reading, and his blog is well worthy of subscriptions.
Naturalist’s book explores the question: Is a River Alive?
The New York Times calls author Robert McFarlane “a naturalist who can unfurl a sentence with the breathless ease of a master angler.” Macfarlane’s new book, Is a River Alive? takes readers on three river journeys teeming with extraordinary people, stories, and places: to the cloud-forests and mountain streams of Ecuador, to the wounded creeks and lagoons of India, and to the wild rivers of Canada. Braiding these journeys is the life story of the fragile chalk stream a mile from Macfarlane’s house. The publisher observes: “Powered by dazzling prose and lit throughout by other minds and voices, Is a River Alive? will open hearts, challenge perspectives, and remind us that our fate flows with that of rivers—and always has. |
