BMLDDepMin092501
BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY PROTECTION & REHABILITATION DISTRICT
DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING HELD TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2001
Chairman Al Bing called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM. Those present were newly elected Deputy
Commissioners Larry Schweitzer, Greg Burmeister, Steve Wojnowski and Scott Godleski. Also present
were Lakes Projects Coordinator Tom Zagar, DNR Representative Randy Schumacher and past Deputy
Commissioner Leonard Pilak.
The committee discussed election of officers. The results of the discussion were Al Bing accepting re-
election as Chairman and Greg Burmeister accepting position of Secretary.
There were no minutes available from the July 17, 2001 meeting.
The committee briefly discussed the need for a newsletter that would keep the district members
informed about lake issues. Leonard Pilak advised that in previous years, postcards were sent out
periodically and that they were a good, economical tool used to advise members of lake activities. It
was suggested that the City’s quarterly Newsletter could be used,as well as the local newspaper, The
Muskego Sun, to submit articles or distribute information..
The committee discussed water levels and vegetation management. Randy Schumacher, DNR,
explained his concern about the loss of the cattails and the resulting large areas of open water created by
this recent change. Randy stated that although we have excellent water clarity today, this could rapidly
deteriorate to a turbid condition and result in the destruction of plants and wildlife.
The committee discussed items concerning the dam, its carp barrier, the dike, the feasibility of wild rice
planting, fish stocking and duck blind removal. Randy Schumacher asked for the committee’s thoughts
on possibility of a future draw down to re-establish cattails on the mud flats. This might be able to be
done with anywhere from a short draw down that would allow a late spring planting, to a longer draw
down that might be used to do more extensive projects. He mentioned Ducks Unlimited would be
interested in more island projects.
Tom Zagar explained the need for the creation of a Lakes Management Plan. This would be a “game
plan” that could be used to streamline the management activities in the event of deteriorating conditions.
Tom Zagar mentioned that he has numerous samples of plans from other lakes that could be used as a
guideline, however the cattail management is a unique issue. The deputy commissioners agreed that
they would be interested in starting the process to put together a Lakes Management Plan and Tom
Zagar volunteered to assist and felt that Jim Jackley (DNR) would also be willing to assist with this
project.
Randy invited all interested to a meeting scheduled for October 11, 2001, at 9:00 AM, at the City of
Muskego’s Municipal Garage, where DNR represents and representatives from the City will be meeting
to further discuss vegetation management.
Al Bing motioned to adjourn the meeting and Larry Schweitzer seconded. Motion carried. The meeting
adjourned at 8:12 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg Burmeister, Secretary
Big Muskego Lake Deputy Commissioner
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