BMLM20101026BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY PROTECTION & Approved
REHABILITATION DISTRICT BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
MINUTES OF QUARTERLY MEETING HELD TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2010
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m. Present were Commissioners
Fiedler, Schaumberg, Soltysiak, Werner, Harenda, and Snead, Conservation Coordinator
Zagar and Deputy Clerk Blenski. Commissioner Borgman was absent. Deputy
Commissioners Burmeister, Kies and Schweitzer were also present as well as members
from the Wisconsin DNR. Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The deputy
stated the meeting was noticed in accordance with the Open Meeting Law.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Schaumberg moved for approval of the June 22 and July 13, 2010
minutes. Commissioner Harenda seconded; motion carried.
There were no vouchers that required approval.
OLD BUSINESS
Deputy Commissioners' Update - Current Condition of Lake/Bay, Water Levels,
Plant Growth, Fish and Wildlife
Mr. Burmeister reported the following:
Water levels are typical for this time of year. A week ago the water level was two
inches below the top of the sill. It is late in the season so there are no weed
problems. Duck hunting started several weeks ago. The hunting activity varies
day to day. The floating bogs continue to be a recurring problem. A number of
the bogs have landed on the east shore. Currently the Durham ramp is closed
because of several bogs.
The drawdown on Little Muskego Lake has brought the water level up a few
inches.
Status of Big Muskego Lake Wildlife Area Land Acquisition by DNR
There was nothing new to report.
NEW BUSINESS
Election of Secretary and Treasurer
Commissioner Fiedler moved to elect Sharon Mueller as the Secretary and the
Treasurer for the Big Muskego Lake/Bass Bay Protection and Rehabilitation
District. Commissioner Werner seconded; motion carried.
Wisconsin DNR Presentation and Discussion of Lake Management and Water
Levels
Mr. Ben Heussner and Mr. Brian Glenzinski were present on behalf of the DNR to
discuss lake management and water levels.
BML Board of Commissioners Quarterly Meeting
October 26, 2010
Page 2
Mr. Glenzinski stated the following:
• A drawdown like the one done in 1995/1996 is not being proposed.
• There are concerns about what is being seen on the lake.
• Discussion regarding potential management on the lake is needed.
• The DNR will work in partnership with the City. Goal is to protect the lake.
• The lake is in terrific shape right now. The concern is where the water levels
have been and what the long-term effects might be.
• It is not known what the drawdown level would be at this time.
• The DNR would like to protect the $335,000 investment that was made in
1995/1996 for the restoraton of the lake.
• The water quality of the lake is currently good and the DNR would like to
maintain it.
Mr. Glenzinski gave a brief history of shallow lakes management and what was done in
1995/1996.
Mr. Glenzinski then reviewed the benefits of emergent vegetation:
• Improved wildlife and fish habitats
• Improved water quality
• Reduced wind fetch
• Increased hunting opportunites
• Reduced fish kill potential
• Sediment stabilization
• Increased nutrient update
• Reduction of nuisance algae
Mr. Ben Heussner discussed the following:
• Common carp are a problem; control is essential.
• A water level manipulation will cost the stakeholders limited navigation. The lake
is shallow. A summer drawdown of a few inches is proposed during the months
when people want to enjoy boating on the lake.
• The benefits have been outlined by Brian Glenzinski.
A question and answer period followed.
• Question: Is it certain it will work?
• Response: No, there is no certainty because the biggest factor is Mother Nature.
• Question: Will this be a one-year drawdown?
• Response: Yes.
• Question: What is the level and when will that be decided?
• Response: More meetings will be held in the future to discuss further. The
consensus of some of the State experts that deal with shallow lakes is a six inch
drawdown. The specific details would have to be determined. The drawdown
would be short term. The proposed timing would be to drop the level down to 11
by the beginning of July with it potentially being back by September 1. An
BML Board of Commissioners Quarterly Meeting
October 26, 2010
Page 3
evaluation would have to be done afterwards to determine the benefits, which
may not be seen for a year or two.
Mayor Johnson stated that this issue would be discussed at the next quarterly meeting.
A special meeting will be held if one is needed.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Snead moved to adjourn at 8:16 p.m. Commissioner Fiedler
seconded; motion carried.
Minutes taken and transcribed by Jill Blenski, CIVIC