BMLddc072221packet
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 14, 2021
Minutes20210114.pdf
VOUCHER APPROVAL
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Current status of lake (water levels, ice, fish and wildlife).
2. Future project ideas.
3. Discuss DNR cattail burn plans.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Discuss potential of Lake District financially assisting DNR Big Muskego Wildlife Area habitat
projects and other watershed improvement projects.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
ADJOURNMENT
CITY OF MUSKEGO
BIG MUSKEGO LAKE DISTRICT DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA
07/22/2021
2:00 PM
Muskego City Hall, W182 S8200 Racine Avenue
NOTICE
IT IS POSSIBLE THAT MEMBERS OF AND POSSIBLY A QUORUM OF MEMBERS OF OTHER GOVERNMENTAL BODIES OF THE
MUNICIPALITY MAY BE IN ATTENDANCE AT THE ABOVE-STATED MEETING TO GATHER INFORMATION; NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN
BY ANY GOVERNMENTAL BODY AT THE ABOVE-STATED MEETING OTHER THAN THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY SPECIFICALLY
REFERRED TO ABOVE IN THIS NOTICE.
ALSO, UPON REASONABLE NOTICE, EFFORTS WILL BE MADE TO ACCOMMODATE THE NEEDS OF DISABLED INDIVIDUALS
THROUGH APPROPRIATE AIDS AND SERVICES. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR TO REQUEST THIS SERVICE, CONTACT
MUSKEGO CITY HALL, (262) 679-4100.
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MINUTES
CITY OF MUSKEGO
BIG MUSKEGO LAKE DISTRICT DEPUTY
COMMISSIONERS MINUTES
Thursday January 14, 2021, 8:30 AM
Muskego City Hall
CALL TO ORDER Len Pilak called to order at 8:37 AM.
ROLL CALL Larry Schweitzer, Tom Kies, Greg Burmeister, Len Pilak. (Karl Hoeppner
excused). Tom Zagar (City staff)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE All recited pledge of allegiance to USA.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE Meeting was noticed according to law.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 26, 2020 Larry made motion to approve, Tom Kies 2nd,
motion carried.
VOUCHER APPROVAL None.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Current status of lake (water levels, ice, fish, and wildlife)
It was noted that dam is closed and lake is at normal level. Len Pilak commented that
Bass Bay levels were still high. Ice thickness was not discussed. It was noted that ice
anglers were catching bass, northern pike and small perch.
2. Future project ideas
Tom Kies stated that an accumulation of lakebed material inhibits navigation at the
mouth of the “Sandy Beach” tributary channel and inquired if remediation of this could
be a District project. It was discussed that periodic dredging would be needed but that
the project implementation and permitting costs should be the responsibility of the
affected riparians.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Discuss DNR cattail burn plans
It was noted that DNR wildlife staff plan to conduct a prescribed burn this winter covering
several hundred acres of the cattail fringe on the west side of the lake. The purpose is to
reduce to promote better nesting habitat. The burn reduces accumulated cattail duff and
increases usage by muskrats. Muskrats are able to move through cattails more freely and
utilize cattail regrowth as food and lodge construction material. This results in the creation of
openings of water which are brood sites for waterfowl. These openings also allow for a
diversity of other plant species to establish resulting in better overall wildlife habitat.
2. Discuss Northern pike size and bag limit recommendations.
DNR Fisheries staff is proposing changing the bag and size limits for Northern Pike. Currently
there is a 40” size limit with a one fish bag limit. The proposed change is a slot limit of 25” to
35” (no take range) and a 2 fish bag limit. That is, 2 fish may be kept above or below the slot
size. Greg motioned to recommend approval of said rule change, Tom Kies 2nd, and motion
carried 4-0.
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3. Discuss potential of Lake District financially assisting DNR Big Muskego Wildlife
Area habitat projects and other watershed improvement projects.
Tom Z proposed the idea to utilize a portion of the weed treatment budget to contract the
management of invasive plant species in three possible public riparian areas: 1) The
constructed nesting islands near the east shore (invasive brush, trees, and Reed Grass, or
Phragmites), 2) the western wetland fringe (Phragmites colonies), and 3) fen wetland just
south of the Holz Drive channel (Glossy and common buckthorn). It was proposed to begin
with brush removal on the northernmost island. Greg recommended spending up to $3k for
contracted invasive species removal on northernmost island. Tom Kies 2nd, motion carried 4-0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY
Larry motioned that Len Pilak should remain chairman and Tom Kies the secretary in 2021.
Greg seconded, and motion carried 4-0.
Larry commented that power loading has created a scour hole and corresponding shallow area
at the Boxhorn boat launch. Tom Z said he would talk to DPW staff about addressing the issue.
Tom Kies commented that Eurasian watermilfoil flourished in Bass Bay in the latter part of
summer 2020 and should probably been treated. At the time the aquatic plant control
contractors were out treating Big Muskego Lake, the plants on Bass Bay were not a nuisance.
Depending how the plants over-winter, we will attempt to do treatment as early as possible this
year.
ADJOURNMENT Larry moved to adjourn, carried by all, and meeting adjourned at 9:25 AM.
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