BMLDDM20040322
Approved
BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY PROTECTION & REHABILITATION DISTRICT
DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING HELD MONDAY MARCH 22, 2004
Greg Burmeister called the meeting to order at 7:13 pm. Those present were Deputy Commissioners Greg
Burmeister, Larry Schweitzer and Steve Wojnowski. Conservation Coordinator Tom Zagar was also present.
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Greg Burmeister stated that the meeting was posted in accordance with the open meeting law.
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING’S MINUTES – The Deputy Commissioners reviewed the minutes
for the October 23, 2003 meeting. A motion was made by Larry Schweitzer to approve the minutes of the
October 23, 2003 meeting. Seconded by Steve Wojnowski and carried by all. The Deputy Commissioners also
reviewed the minutes for the January 22, 2004 meeting for which no quorum was present. A motion was made by
Larry Schweitzer to approve the minutes of the January 22, 2004 meeting. Seconded by Steve Wojnowski and
carried by all.
VOUCHER APPROVAL – There were no vouchers to approve.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
STATUS OF REHABILITATION AND ONGOING PROJECTS –
Tom Zagar informed the Commission members that on that day the DNR had burned the large cattail island on
Big Muskego Lake. They also burned the prairie on the northernmost man-made island on the east side of the
lake. He also noted that the contractor had started the dike reconstruction project on the Rachel Lang property.
NEW BUSINESS
REVIEW COMMENTS/EDITS, AND APPROVAL OF DRAFT LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN
Tom Zagar reminded the Commissioners that the Special Meeting of the Lake District is on Monday March 29,
2004. Greg Burmeister had given his edits and comments on January 22, 2004. Mr. Zagar said that essentially
the same presentation of the Plan that was given at the 2003 annual meeting would be given at the special
meeting. Any substantive changes as a result of review by DNR and Deputy Commissioners would also be
presented. A discussion would then take place. A vote would then be taken for Plan approval contingent upon
any changes agreed upon at the meeting.
Tom Zagar reviewed the recommendations of the Plan. Larry Schweitzer questioned the frequency of mailing a
District Newsletter (twice per year) and potential costs. There was also concern about who would volunteer to
produce it. Mr. Zagar stated that it could be produced for under $1 per letter and it would be an invaluable tool to
keep Lake District residents informed of lake projects and how their District fees are being spent.
Discussion took place on managing the lake to retain the clear water state in which it is presently. Water
manipulations were discussed. Mr. Zagar asked if the Plan should establish criteria for public notification and
approval for various extents of water manipulation. All were in agreement that a complete drawdown of the lake
similar to the 1996 restoration project should require a majority of the Lake District voters. Mr. Zagar spoke of
how a decision for a lesser manipulation for ecological reasons may occur. If it was determined that a
combination of water quality, aquatic plant, or fisheries data indicated that the lake was vulnerable to switching to
the turbid state a decision may be made to perform a lowering of the lake level. In most cases there would be
time to send notices and/or hold a public hearing on the matter. The critical time to promote emergent growth
appears to be in mid to late summer. The dam would be manipulated to assure that the lake was not above the
normal level entering the later part of summer. In most cases, typical dry summer weather would further reduce
the lake level and achieve the goal. The Deputy Commissioners agreed that the Plan should not establish rigid
criteria for District approval and/or notifications for lesser water manipulations, although it was agreed that the
District members and lake users should be apprised of water manipulation that may affect lake usage.
Management of nuisance aquatic plants was then discussed. The Plan calls for continuing chemical treatment of
Eurasian Water Milfoil. Although not recommended at this time, the option of mechanical weed harvesting was
left open as a possibility in the future. Cost, operation, and maintenance concerns would need to be addressed.
Other management recommendations include purple loosestrife control with beetles, continued monitoring of
aquatic plants and water quality, and maintaining current fishing regulations.
Larry Schweitzer made a motion to approve the Management Plan for Big Muskego Lake and Bass Bay. Steve
Wojnowski seconded. Carried by all.
CHEMICAL WEED TREATMENT FOR 2004
Deputy Commissioners agreed that the majority of chemical treatment for Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) would
again be applied to Bass Bay. They expressed concern about the increasing amount of EWM in Big Muskego
Lake and thought some control efforts may be needed to keep the nuisance plant from spreading.
COMMUNICATION AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
There was no business at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
Being no further business to discuss, Larry Schweitzer moved to adjourn. Steve Wojnowski seconded. Carried
by all. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Zagar