BMLDC Minutes20180820
MINUTES
CITY OF MUSKEGO
BIG MUSKEGO LAKE DISTRICT DEPUTY
COMMISSIONERS MEETING MINUTES
Monday August 20, 2018
6:00 PM
Muskego City Hall
CALL TO ORDER
Len Pilak called to order at 6:05 PM.
ROLL CALL
Chair/Deputy Commissioner Len Pilak and Deputy Commissioners Greg Burmeister, Larry
Schweitzer, and Karl Hoeppner were present. Tom Zagar (Staff/District citizen) and District
citizens John Wiederhold, Rich Multhauf, Stafford Kramer, and Scott Woida also in attendance.
Deputy Commissioner Tom Kies arrived at 6:09 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
All recited Pledge of Allegiance to USA
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
Meeting was posted in accordance with open meeting laws.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – October 23, 2017
Larry moved to approve, Karl second, and motion unanimously carried.
VOUCHER APPROVAL
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Discovery and future management of the invasive algae starry stonewort in Big
Muskego Lake and Bass Bay
Discussion included below.
2. Current status of lake (water levels, ice, fish, and wildlife)
Greg discussed his observations of a black scum over extensive portions of the middle
of the lake described as globules of dark green to black algae that floated up from the
lake bottom. Upon discussing with Greg a week earlier Tom Zagar had called Brian
Suffern (of Marine Biochemists) concerning this and it was concluded that it was likely a
periphytic blue-green algae that sloughed from the bottom. Greg also noted there was a
yellow substance on aquatic plants closer to the shore. John Wiederhold passed
around photos of this. Tom Z noted that it looked to be filamentous algae that grew
upon plants and appeared to be dying (yellowing). It was also noted that there were
exceptionally large areas of Eurasian Water Milfoil this year and that the District spent
over $11,000 on aquatic plant control this year. Further, it was noted by Greg and Larry
that pond lilies were more widespread than ever, especially the southern half of the lake.
Stafford Kramer inquired to why this was such a bad year for both milfoil and algae.
Discussion ensued as to whether it was weather related or possibly somehow related to
Little Muskego Lake’s drawdown. In that regard, Tom Z noted that
3. Future project ideas
NEW BUSINESS
1. Discuss needs and outcomes of a possible future restoration project.
Len Pilak explained that at the time of the whole lake restoration project of 1995-97 it was
forecast that positive results were expected to last 7 to 10 years. The biggest change was
reduced turbidity (better water clarity) from a reduction in planktonic algae. It has been over 2
decades since and the lake remains in the clear water state. John Wiederhold was inquiring if
a lake drawdown would be in order to help control milfoil and starry stonewort. Tom Z stated
that an evaluation of results from Little Muskego’s drawdown of 2017 was not completed yet
but preliminarily, it appears that it reduced both starry stonewort and milfoil. Just how long
these reductions would be sustained is unknown. Tom Z further reported on an e-mail he
received from DNR Fisheries Biologist Ben Heussner regarding his thoughts on a drawdown.
Ben was concerned that a winter drawdown could winterkill Big Muskego Lake and that this
may favor low oxygen tolerant fish like carp, bullheads, and bowfin. When a drawdown is
needed it may be necessary to have a contingency plan to use the fish toxicant Rotenone to
kill off a rough fish dominated fishery. However, this effort would require extensive planning
and funding. He understands that conditions favored heavy growth of milfoil this year but that
next year could be a different story. Ben stated in his e-mail that a comprehensive fish survey
is planned for next spring (2019) so he suggested waiting a year to evaluate the fisheries and
plant data before seriously considering a drawdown.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY
ADJOURNMENT
Larry motioned to adjourn; it carried, and meeting was adjourned at 6:51 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Zagar