BMLM20120724
MINUTES
DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS
BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY
PROTECTION & REHABILITATION DISTRICT
DATE: Tuesday July 24, 2012
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: AJ’s Bar & Grill
S90 W13970 Boxhorn Drive
Muskego, WI 53150
CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order by Len Pilak at 6:37 pm.
ROLL CALL
Chairman Len Pilak, and Deputy Commissioners Greg Burmeister and Larry Schweitzer
were present. Tom Zagar was also present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETINGS HELD- July 26, 2011
Larry moved to approve, Greg seconds, motion carried.
VOUCHER APPROVAL
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Status of current lake conditions, rehabilitation management and ongoing projects
All noted the low water from current drought conditions. Greg noted that the dam has
been closed so the low water is entirely attributable to the dry weather. A northern pike
die-off occurred in early July when air temperatures exceeded 100 degrees and water
temperatures topped 90 degrees. Although several hundred dead pike were observed
on Big Muskego Lake it is believed that many survived where they could find cool water
refuge areas. No dead pike were observed in Bass Bay. The extraordinary amount of
Eurasian Water Milfoil was discussed. A mild winter with little snow cover and open
water carried this plant through winter in a healthy condition. By mid-May this plant was
already “topping out” in many areas on Big Muskego. About $7K was expended treating
about 30 acres on Big Muskego to create boating traffic lanes. No treatment was
needed on Bass Bay to date this year. Last year’s late summer treatment was
successful in minimizing this nuisance plant.
2. Discuss status/results of water level manipulation project
It was noted that the lowering of the water last year, along with last year’s dry summer
conditions was successful in achieving its objective of expanding emergent plant
coverage and also helped anchor cattail islands. This year’s drought has continued to
stimulate the expansion of emergent plants.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Discuss projects for 2013
No large projects were anticipated for 2013. Greg suggested that we work on controlling
the invasive giant reed grass (Phragmites) that is growing on the nesting islands. Larry
suggested mowing or knocking down these plants as well as willows and other shrubs
during winter. Tom noted that the site would carry a prescribed fire better if this was
done. Herbicides could then be used following green-up after burning. Tom noted he’d
discuss a control strategy with DNR Wildlife Management Supervisor Tim Lizotte. Larry
suggested that we look into maintenance needs of the atv.
2. Recommend purchasing overhead door for storage area
The City of Muskego recently purchased the Boxhorn launch and parking area. This site
includes 36,000 square foot storage building. The City will allow the Lake District’s
equipment to be stored in this facility, which will be very convenient. However the
overhead garage door is in disrepair and in need of replacement. The city received a
quote of $2988 for a replacement door and opener. Tom added this item to the agenda
because neither the Parks budget nor Conservation budget anticipated this expense.
Further, the Lake District is deriving a great benefit from the acquisition of this storage
area so assisting in the upkeep is a small price to pay for the use of this building. Larry
moved to recommend spending $3K on an overhead garage door/opener for the
Boxhorn storage building.
3. Discuss and finalize annual meeting agenda
No new significant agenda items were anticipated. Larry suggested an update on the
Boxhorn acquisition and any pending DNR acquisitions.
4. Discuss and make recommendation for 2013 budget
Since there were no new projects proposed that would require a significant amount of
funding it was concluded that the 2013 budget could be similar to that of 2012. Larry
motioned that the 2013 budget be the same as that of 2012. Len seconded and motion
carried by all.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
ADJOURNMENT
Larry motioned to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:29 pm.