Summer 2015 - Chippewa Flowage Area Property Owners Association

CHIPPEWA FLOWAGE AREA
PROPERTY OWERS ASSOCIATION
Established 1983
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INSIGHTS FROM THE CHAIR BY DOUG KURTZWEIL
unny and soggy solstice greetings from the shores of your Chippewa Flowage! A couple days of sun,
then a couple days of showers seems to be the pattern this year. The Flowage is full. Grass and garden are growing. Bluegills and bugs are biting. It’s summer in God’s Country!
This could be my last column from the Chair. The Board of Directors elects the Chair and Vice Chair
at the first meeting following the Annual Meeting. That will be August 6 this year. I’m completing my 12 th
year in this position and I anticipate a fair number of new people on the Board. Will you be one of them?
My Merriam-Webster defines conservation as, “planned management of a natural resource to prevent
exploitation, destruction, or neglect.” Partisan politics and conservation mix about as well as alcohol and
gasoline and way too often with similar destructive results. And it’s usually the innocent who bear the brunt
of the mayhem. Several years ago I caught some hell for sharing my view that an attempt would be made to
privatize Wisconsin’s deer hunt. A short conversation with a biologist who trusts you, or a review of the Deer
Management Assistance Program (DMAP) and 2015 antlerless quotas on the DNR website might convince
you I was right. Now there is a provision in the State Budget that will slash DNR scientific research staff by at
least half. To many it sure looks like political retribution against impartial professionals who did their jobs in
areas like air and water quality and assessing the environmental impacts of things like mining and climate
change. Rather than basing resource management decisions on science and fact, we are transitioning to a
regime under which those decisions will be based on superstition and fiction—much like the voodoo economics that have stagnated Wisconsin’s economy for the last 4 years.
So…how is this relevant and appropriate for this column? Well…just as your contributions of time and
treasure have made our efforts to combat invasive species (Purple Patrol and Clean Boats Clean Waters)
possible and effective; and just as your contributions of time and treasure have made our efforts to maintain
our walleye fishery (Big Chip Fish Fest) possible and effective; so too, going forward it will require your contributions of time and treasure to make most future science based management projects possible and effective.
The mindset in Madison is morphing into a philosophy of using public funds for private benefit and requiring
private funds to produce public benefits. For the sake of future generations I hope this changes soon. If it
doesn’t, we’re really going to have our hands full!
Please complete and return the enclosed survey—along with comments. It’s really important to give
your Board your views on issues it may be addressing that will affect your Chippewa Flowage. If you wish to
make a copy for your reference, feel free to do so. But, return the original. Only ‘originals’ will be tabulated.
If members of your household have differing opinions have them use a different color ink.
And, PLEASE, consider a Board or committee position. The Board holds about 8 meetings a year.
We’ve gotten them down to 2 hours, sometimes even less. We are also developing ‘tele-attendance’ capabilities. Ugh, technology. The committees meet sporadically on an ‘as necessary’ basis. Your Flowage needs
your involvement.
My past 12 years of service have been immeasurably rewarding to me. I feel I have received so much
more than I have given. I only wish I would have had the time and energy to give more. I regard you, the
members of the Chippewa Flowage community, as extended family. We agree and we disagree. We share
and we squabble. But at the ‘end of the day’ we know we all truly love this beautiful place we have been so
blessed to enjoy. Thanks again– for everything! I hope I see you at the Annual Meeting/Picnic. And do be
safe out on the water.
CFAPOA Newsletter
Summer 2015
Membership Update
Memberships expire on July 31st. Your renewal form is included with this newsletter. As we have
been saying since 2005 (!) please consider receiving your newsletter on line rather than by mail to save
trees and cost. And the on-line version is in color! Just e-mail us at cfapoa@yahoo.com and make the subject ‘Newsletter’ and simply type YOUR NAME and the words ‘OPT IN’. Remember to notify us if you
change your e-mail address!
With membership you receive your annual directory (mailed to you), the hospitality of our resort owner members who host our seasonal social functions, and the benefit of the best available information about lake
conditions and issues. We are your local forum to work on lake issues important to you!
If you look to the CFAPOA for stewardship of the Flowage and information about fishing, lake levels and the
other items reported on our website and newsletter, JOIN, RECRUIT, RENEW!! We work for each other to
protect and improve this special lake.
Spring Fling Report
Patty Swaffield—Treasurer
We had 43 in attendance at the Spring Fling on June 7 from 4-6pm. Seven donated door
prizes were given out. Thank you to all who donated them. We took in $280 for the
50/25/25 raffle won by Gage Muench and Laurie Simon.
Thank you to Treeland Resort for hosting the event!
Annual Meeting & Picnic at
Deer Run Resort on Sunday, August 2nd
10:30
11:00
12:00
Registration
Directors election and meeting
FREE picnic for all members
Dessert donations welcome.
Limited chairs, bring your own if possible.
Special Guest: Erica LeMoine, Executive Director of LoonWatch
Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College
Please bring your donations
for the Hayward Community
Food Shelf and Northwest
Wisconsin Humane Society.
Page 2
Published 06.24.15 (bsal)
CFAPOA Newsletter
Summer 2015
Invasive Species Report
Dennis Clagett - Invasive Species Chair
Summer has arrived and with it comes a reminder to our members to be extra watchful for new
plants, animals, and insects that are unfamiliar or look out of place. Feel free to contact me by
phone 715 462 4814 or email rclagett@centurytel.net. I say this because I sense a trend from
Madison of less and less respect for the environment. So we all have to pitch in and take more responsibility for the health of this beautiful land we live in.
I have been checking on a number of Eurasian watermilfoil hot spots and I am happy to report I
have found very little. It is still early and many water watchers and Adopt-A-Shoreline volunteers
are not as yet active so their observations will come later, but all in all it looks good. The prefreeze- up drawdown is a powerful tool for controlling this invader. This is so much better than using chemicals!
I also have been checking on our other problem invasive Purple loosestrife. Sorry to report that it
is still with us, and probably always will be. So be vigilant and make the effort to control this plant!
If we don’t do it no one else will. There are 6 sections on the East side that need adoption. The
areas are Spooky Bay, close to the dam, and the Nursery. I have up-dated the volunteer list.
Please check it for any corrections needed.
The 5 beetle colonies survived another year and are doing their work. I am disappointed in their
lack of numbers however. A predator spider has entered into the life cycle of the beetles, and is
effecting the colonies’ growth potential.
Dissolved Oxygen measurements were taken last winter. The local DNR did the West side and
the CFAPOA did the East. For the most part nothing unusual and the results are posted on the
CFAPOA website. Just hit “the Lake” tab.
See you on the Lake!
Loon Count for 2015
Dennis Clagett - Coordinator
In 2011 an early morning, same day, complete lake loon and chick count was completed by members of the CFAPOA. This was organized and documented by Nancy and Jerry Johnson. I will be
heading up this year’s survey, scheduled for the early morning of July 16th. Years ago the local
DNR divided the lake into 8 zones as a standard, and pairs of volunteers are assigned to each
zone. The lake maps used for the survey have been greatly improved thanks to the efforts of Mark
Zich. Thank you Mark! Here is a list of the volunteers and the zone they will count.
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
Zone 4
San Donatell
Mark & Joni Zich
Ken Kadinger & Al Fish
Jim & Marion Dier
Published 06.24.15 (bsal)
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Jim & Linda Isaacson
Barb Salomon & Connie Peterson
Al & Nancy McElroy
Lisa & Mike Kemp
Page 3
CFAPOA Newsletter
Summer 2015
ADOPT-A-SHORELINE (Purple Loosetrife Patrol)
(When you see them in their purple tee shirts, thank your neighbors who survey and remove inva-
sive Purple Loosestrife! To wear one of those great tee shirts and adopt shoreline of your own,
please contact Dennis Clagett. Sections are available for adoption. The current patrol is:
Member
Section
Member
Section
Ron & Jan Bergman
Dennis Clagett and Herman
the Big, Black Lab
Gary & Linda Crank
Tony DeJoode
Brenda &John Dettloff
Jim & Marion Dier
Alan & Lynda Fish
Whitey & Donna Gilbertson
Larry Gilmer
Gary & Mary Lou Hosler
Chris & Patti Jeffords
Jerry & Nancy Johnson
John & Marlene Kaiser
Larry & Sharon Kirby
1
Roger & Kathy Kisch
Bob Kondrasuk
Dan & Denise Lessard
Al & Nancy McElroy
Terry & Kay Moe
Jim & Jane Montag
Steve & Louise Paulson
Don & Sue Reinardy
Steve Richardson
Roman Rowan
Nancy Ruhlow & Barb Schweig
Barb Salomon & Connie
Peterson
Terry & Debra Wall
Darrel & Jean Weihert
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TOWN OF HUNTER GARBAGE AND RECYCLE CENTER HOURS
Summer Hours Starting 1st Saturday in May
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monday and Wednesday 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Winter Hours Starting Last September Saturday
Saturday Only 8:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Support your Center by separating your cans
Purchase your Garbage Stickers at Hillman’s
Store
on County Road B for $2.00 each
Web Site: www.townofhunterwi.net
E-mail: townhunter@centurytel.net
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CHIPPEWA FLOWAGE
2015-2016 Fishing Regulations
General Gamefish Season: May 2, 2015 - March 1,
2016
Walleye (closes November 30): Daily Bag Limit 3 - 15
inch minimum; 20-24 closed with one over 24
Northern Pike: Daily Bag 5 - No Minimum Size
Largemouth Bass: Daily Bag 5 - No Minimum Size
Smallmouth Bass Harvest Season: June 20, 2015 March 1, 2016
Bass: Daily Bag 5 (both species combined)
Smallmouth Bass - Minimum Size 14”
Musky Fishing Season: May 27, 2015 - November 30,
2015
Muskellunge: Daily Bag 1 - Minimum Size 50”
Panfish (Perch, Crappie, Sunfish): Open All Year
Panfish: Daily Bag 25 (all species combined)
No Minimum Size
All Gamefish Seasons Closed: March 1, 2016 - May
7, 2016
TROLLING EFFECTIVE JULY 1
One line per angler : Two lines max per boat
Page 4
Published 06.24.15 (bsal)
CFAPOA Newsletter
Summer 2015
Fisheries Committee Report
Brenda Dettloff - Fisheries Committee Chair
Spring has sprung and the trees are sporting their green coat of leaves….fall colors should be amazing this
year! The fishing has also sprung with many pan fish being caught along with a lot of walleye in the 14” to
14.5” size class which due to the “emergency walleye regulation” must be returned to the lake. I feel this new
regulation will give our natural walleye reproduction the extra boost it needs to help our walleye size and numbers return to what it was in the past.
This spring couldn’t have been better for walleye spawning if we could have ordered from Mother Nature herself. The water temperatures and the warm start to spring along with the dropping of the water to help release
the much needed nutrients for the fry to eat in the critical first stage of their life equals perfect conditions. Let’s
keep our fingers crossed and see what the DNR says this fall about the surviving numbers of natural spawn
walleye and musky as this spring should have treated them well during spawning as well.
The crappie, however, had a tougher condition due to the cold temperatures moving in during their spawn.
They moved to the beds started to spawn and moved off when it cooled down. Then the temperature was right
again and they found it hard to spawn as now the bluegills had moved shallow to spawn. We will see how that
one plays out for this year.
Trolling is legal this year on the Chippewa Flowage beginning July 1. I am personally very glad for the
limits of one line per angler and two lines total per boat. There are many of us who enjoy this beautiful
lake for its relaxing qualities, wildlife, silent sports and the serenity of casting a lure while listening to nature or
the sound of your surface bait as it is retrieved.
Good luck fishing!
(Photo courtesy of Max Wolter, DNR)
FISHING & BOATING VIOLATIONS
Please remember, if you see something that you know or suspect is against the law or dangerous, please
contact a local DNR warden. Our eyes and calls can assist them in making the Chippewa Flowage a safer
and better place for all. All calls are kept confidential.1-800-TIP-WDNR
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2014-2015
Doug Kurtzweil, Chair
Terry Moe, Vice Chair
Jackie Eckerly, Secretary
Patty Swaffield, Treasurer
Dennis Clagett
Pete Czarnecki
Brenda Dettloff
Jim Montag
Published 06.24.15 (bsal)
715.462.9679
715.462.3033
715.945.2358
715.462.9429
715.462.4814
Connie Peterson
Barb Salomon
www.cfapoa@yahoo.com
This Newsletter
And
All Your Big Chip
Information
In
One Convenient
Web Location
Come See Us!!
Page 5
CFAPOA Newsletter
Summer 2015
Chippewa Flowage Spring 2015 Fisheries Update
Max Wolter- WDNR Fisheries Biologist
Greetings CFAPOA,
I’m starting to think there’s no such thing as a “normal” spring anymore. And I suspect the
fish are starting to agree with me.
Dissolved oxygen over the winter was tracking very similar to the 2013-14 winter during our
joint monitoring with LCO Conservation Department. But the early ice out this year helped us avoid
any winterkill issues like we saw in a few small areas in 2014. I did not receive any fish kill reports
from any areas of the Flowage in 2015.
Our work on other lakes in the area kept us tied up so we were not able to do an adult walleye survey on the Chip this spring. I was not overly concerned about this since we got a good walleye survey last year and plan to do so again next year. We came and set nets from the April 22-28
on the west side hoping to pick up a few late spawning muskies. We did get a few muskies but the
crappie stole the show. As many of you know there is an abundance of 9-11 inch crappie right now.
Lots of fun!
We returned during the last week of May to do an electrofishing survey for bass and bluegill.
Largemouth bass abundance has dropped considerably over the last two years, and is now about
70% lower than when largemouth numbers peaked in 2009. It also appears that the average size of
bluegill is creeping upward. We picked up a bunch of young walleye from the 2013 and 2014 classes. Between those classes we have a very strong “farm system” right now, with plenty of prospects
that will work their way up to the big leagues in a few years. Right now it takes a walleye in the Chip
a little over 4 years to get to 15 inches.
Speaking of walleye, we have new walleye regulations in effect!!! I was able to take advantage of an opportunity to use an “emergency” rule process to more quickly bring about some
changes that we had been working toward. The new walleye regulation on the Chippewa Flowage is
a minimum length limit of 15 inches, a protected slot between 20 and 24 inches, and allowed harvest of one over 24 inches with a total daily bag limit of 3 per angler. In other words, you can keep 3
between 15 and 20 inches, or, you can keep 2 between 15 and 20 along with one over 24 inches.
The idea behind this is to offer protection to our young fish we have worked so hard to acquire as
well as our prime spawning size females, while still keeping a consistent bag limit of 3 from year to
year. About 40% of the current adult walleye population falls within that 15-20 inch harvest slot. I’m
a fan of this regulation and think it will do good things for our flowage, I hope you like it as well.
The other new regulation people should be aware of is the statewide change in trolling rules.
Starting on July 1, any lake that does not currently have trolling (such as the Chip) will change to
allow motor trolling with one line per angler and a maximum of two lines per
boat.
Last, we’d heard some rumors that “all the turtles are dead” earlier
this spring. If you’ve been out on the water
by now you know that’s not the case. And
we can tell you we’re still seeing plenty of
snappers and painted turtles. But let the pictures speak for themselves.
Page 6
Published 06.24.15 (bsal)
CFAPOA Newsletter
Summer 2015
Please return with your 2015-16 dues.
Section 1:
1a.
On what part of the Chippewa Flowage are you located? ___ East side
More specifically? (i.e. Chief Lake, Hay Creek)
___ West side ___Off water
1b.
What is the number of individuals in each age group that frequently use your property?
___ 18 and under
___ 19-30 ___ 31-45 ___ 46-65 ___ over 65
1c.
How often are you here?
___ Full‑time year-round resident
___ Full‑time summer only resident
___ Part-time weekend resident (any or all seasons)
___ Part-time summer only resident
1d.
What are the top 3 reasons you/your family chose to own property here? (Please rank with 1 as the highest)
___ Cost of home/property
___ Proximity to home and/or work
___ Water quality
___ Family/Friends
___ Recreational opportunities
___
___ Fishing
___ Semi-wilderness environment
___
1e.
Which activities do you and/or your guest enjoy here? (Please check all that apply.)
___ Birding
___ Pontooning
___ Swimming
___ Canoeing/Kayaking
___ Power boating
___ Water‑skiing/tubing/wake boarding
___ Cross‑country skiing
___ Sailing
___
___ Fishing
___ Scuba Diving
___
___ PWC/Jet Skiing
___ Snowmobiling
___
Section 2: Please tell us about your fishing activities.
2a. How often do you fish? ___ Very often ___ Often
___ Seldom
___ Never
2b.
Over the last 5 years, how would you describe the number of people fishing on the Chippewa Flowage?
___ Increased
___ Decreased
___ No change
___ Don’t know
2c.
Over the last 5 years, how would you describe the number of fish you have caught?
___ Increased
___ Decreased
___ No change
___ Don’t know
2d.
Do you favor:
_____Trolling with outboards _____Trolling with electric motors only
2e.
_____No motor trolling
The new walleye regulation requires a 3 bag limit with 15” minimum size limit, 20-24” must be released and 1 over
24” may be kept.
____Like ____Dislike ____No opinion
Section 3: Please tell us about your property.
3a. Do you test your drinking/cooking water annually? ___ Yes
___ No
3b.
Do you have your septic pumped at least every 3 years? ___ Yes
3c.
Do you support a survey of septic systems on the Chippewa Flowage?
___ Yes ___ No
3d.
Have you done anything to slow/ reduce the runoff water from your property to the lake? ___ Yes
3e.
Do you fertilize your lawn? ___ Yes ___ No
If yes, how many times per year? ____
If Yes, does the fertilizer contain phosphorous? ___ Yes ___ No
If Yes, do you fertilize based on soil test results? ___ Yes ___ No
3f.
Do you use herbicides (weed killers) pesticides on your lawn? ___ Yes
Published 06.24.15 (bsal)
___ No
___ No
___ No
Page 7
3g.
Do you use insecticides (insect killers) pesticides on your lawn? ___ Yes
___ No
3h.
A buffer strip is a vegetated area of growth along the lakeshore with wildflowers, plants, sedges, etc. It helps reduce nutrient runoff into the lake. The strip can be of varied widths with a narrow, clear path for access to the
shoreline.
Do you currently have a buffer strip? ___ Yes ___ No
If No, would you consider creating a vegetation buffer strip along your shoreline? ___ Yes ___ No
If No, why not?
Section 4: Please tell us your concerns.
4a.
What are your top 3 concerns about the Chippewa Flowage? (Please rank with 1 as the highest.)
___ Water clarity
___ Size of boats
___ Failing septic systems
___ Sedimentation/shallow areas ___ Number of boats
___ Noise
___ Excessive algae/weeds
___ Obeying boating laws
___ Poor fishing
___ Shoreline erosion
___ Speed of boats
___ Decline in fishery resources
___ Development around the lake ___ Number of skiers/wake boards ___
___ Wetland preservation
___ Number of PWC/jet skis
___
___ Water levels fluctuating
___ Boat landings
___
___ Pollution from watershed
___ Decline in wildlife
___
4b.
What should be done to correct these issues?
4c.
Does erosion impact your property? ___ Yes
___ No
Section 5: Please tell us your feelings about CFAPOA.
5a. Do the quarterly newsletters keep you informed about happenings here? ___ Yes
Suggestions for improvements:
5b. Would you read the newsletter on line or as an email attachment? ___ Yes
5c.
Do you find the website helpful? ___ Yes
5d.
What CFAPOA social events do you attend?
____Spring Fling _____Winter Holiday Party
5e.
___ No
___ No
___ No Suggestions?
_____Annual Meeting/Picnic
____None
Please tell us about other issues you would like to draw to the attention of CFAPOA. (Feel free to attach another
sheet, if necessary).
Please note: Only original copies will be tabulated. If you receive this by email please print
and return with your dues and membership form
Thank you for your time and cooperation in completing this survey.
Enjoy the Chippewa Flowage.
CFAPOA 2015 Survey
July 2015 (2 pages)
CFAPOA MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION
August 1, 2015 to July 31, 2016
(1) Enter your name(s) and address to appear in the Membership Directory.
Name(s) ______________________________________________________________________
Street/Box _________________________________
Mailing Address
City _____________________________________
Street/Box ______________________________
Flowage Address
City ___________________________________
State/ZIP ________________________________
State/ZIP _______________________________
Phone ________________________________
Phone __________________________________
Note: Annual dues are $25 due on August 1st; membership runs from 8/1/15 to 7/31//16. Members contributing more than $25
may designate how their additional contribution will be used. Each paid membership receives one vote and one quarterly newsletter. Shared property owners requesting an additional newsletter shall pay an additional membership fee. The CFAPOA is a 501
(c)3 organization and dues may be tax deductible.
(2) Membership Level
Please select (X) your level below:
_____$25
_____$26-$124
_____$125-$999
Individual/Property - annual dues; receive a thank you
Contributor – receive a thank you and newsletter recognition
Steward - receive a thank you, newsletter recognition and a gift see # 7 below
_____ $1000 and up Lifetime Conservationist receive a thank you, newsletter recognition,
a gift from the organization, and lifetime membership in the CFAPOA
(3)
Additional Contribution (above $25) – Indicate below where to apply your donation if you selected
Contributor, Steward, or Lifetime Conservationist above.
$_______
$_______
$_______
General Fund (annual operating costs)
Conservation Project Fund (current projects)
Conservation Trust Fund (long term endowment for future projects)
(4)
$_________ Total Enclosed ($25 dues + additional contr ibution, if applicable)
(5)
Are you a ______ Returning Member or _______ New Member?
(6)
Are you interested in Volunteering ______ Yes
(7)
Your Total Enclosed must be $125 or more in order to receive a gift on the reverse.
(8)
Indicate where to apply your donations; #3 above.
(9)
Have you completed each section? Send check to: CFAPOA, PO Box 555, Hayward, WI 54843
_____ No
Mission Statement: the Chippewa Flowage Area Property Owners Association, Inc. was formed to generally promote, encourage
and foster the interest of all property owners. The major objectives of the Association are: to keep the Chippewa Flowage area clean
and safe for all peoples; to protect the environment; to provide a forum for the collection and exchange of ideas and to pursue any
other lawful objectives that may benefit this pristine reservoir.
2015-2016 STEWARD MEMBER GIFT SELECTION
Note: There are two levels of Steward Membership
Note: All gift items will have the CFAPOA logo.
1. Members donating $125 to $499 (includes $25 annual dues) may select one of the following four gifts (check one):
_____ (1) Men’s Poly-Tech Polo Shirt
Men's Size ____S ____M ____L ____XL ____ 2XL ____3XL ____4XL
Color: ____ Maroon ____ Navy ____Charcoal ___ Dark Green _____ Black
OR
______ (2) Women's V-Neck Polo
Size ____S ____M ____L ____XL
Color: ____ True Blue ____ True Red ____ Pink ____ Forest Green ____ Black
OR
_____ (3) I-Pad or _____ (4) Laptop Sleeve
Color: ____Black ____Blue Denim ____Black Plaid ___Brown Plaid
2. Members donating $500 to $999 may select from the gifts above or below
(check one of six items)
_____ (5) Soft Shell Vest
Men's Size ____S ____M ____L ____XL ____ 2XL ____ 3XL ____4XL
Color: ____ Navy ____Red ____ Black
Women's Size ____S ____M ____L ____XL
Color: ____ Navy ____Red ____ Black
OR
______ (6) Unisex Messenger Polyester Tech Bag in Black
LIFETIME CONSERVATIONIST GIFT SELECTION
Members donating $1,000 or more may select one of the following gifts (check one):
_____ (1) 3 in 1 Jacket
Men's Size ____S ____M ____L ____XL ____ 2XL ____ 3XL ____4XL
Color ____ Black ____Charcoal/Burnt Orange _____Imperial Blue/Navy ____Navy/Mountain Blue
OR
Women's size:
____S ____ M ____L ____ XL
_____ (2) Rolling Carry-On Polyester Lap Top/Luggage Bag
Member's Name:
______________________________________________________
Address (for shipping)
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
City, State & Zip
CFAPOA Newsletter
Summer 2015
Big Chip News Briefs
50th Anniversary Governor’s Fishing Opener
Lake Chippewa Flowage hosted the 50th Anniversary Governor’s Fishing Opener. The event
was started in 1965 with Governor Warren Knowles, a lifelong fisherman, and Wisconsin Indian Head Country. The purpose of the event was to bring attention to Opening Day, and stimulate tourism. Attendees included outdoor media producers from Wisconsin, Minnesota and
Illinois, local government office holders, guides and sponsors. Several officials and representatives from around the state attended, including DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp and Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. Governor Scott Walker gave a welcoming address to over
225 in attendance and recognized the 100th Anniversary of the chartering of the City of Hayward. The Governor’s
Fishing Opener has been held in the Hayward Lakes area three times previously: in 1975, 2004 and 2009.
Northwest Wisconsin Lakes Conference in Hayward
Hayward High School is the site for the Northwest Wisconsin Lakes Conference on June 26 from 8am – 3pm with
keynote by John Gozdzialski, Director of WDNR's Northern Region, on “Reflections on Lake Protection”. Participants could choose three workshop sessions from topics on fisheries, fur bearers, algae, wetlands, edible plants,
loon chick translocation, shoreline restoration, lake science and lake grants, among others. The conference is
sponsored by the lakes & rivers associations of Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Sawyer, and Washburn Counties, University of Wisconsin – Extension, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College, and Wisconsin Lakes.
LoonWatch Participation
At its May meeting the CFAPOA Board approve adoption of LoonWatch’s guidelines for protecting our iconic loon
population. LoonWatch is a program of the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Ashland’s Northland College.
SOEI is one of a handful of premier loon research facilities in North America. For an introduction to LoonWatch
and its program come to the August 2 Annual Picnic to meet Program Director Emily LeMoine and look for articles
in future editions of the Newsletter.
Musky Hunt Support
The CFAPOA Board approved a $250 donation to support the education component of this fall’s Big Chip Musky
Hunt, slated for September 10,11 and 12. Registration for the event is already full. Barb Czarnecki made a
presentation to the Board to explain the educational activities of the event. The Board welcomes this opportunity
to help educate participating anglers about use and protection of our world class musky fishery.
Shoreland Zoning Regulation
Wisconsin Lakes sent a notice to lake associations that the Wisconsin Legislature Joint Finance Committee added
a proposal to the state budget bill to prohibit county governments from enacting or enforcing shoreland zoning ordinances with standards stronger than the state's minimum standard. The CFAPOA Board voted to join other lake
organizations to co-sponsor a letter from Wisconsin Lakes in opposition, stating that the proposed legislation is an
unreasonable restriction on local management and does not appear to serve any legitimate government purpose
when each lake, river and stream has its own unique characteristics.
Published 06.24.15 (bsal)
Page 11
CFAPOA Newsletter
Summer 2015
Hughes Jeffords Chippewa Flowage Conservation Fund Helps Restore Chipmunk and Weiner Camp Sites
At the end of 2014, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe
closed campsites on Weiner and Chipmunk Islands after years of erosion from heavy use. DNR,
LCO Conservation, the U.S. Forest Service and the Conservation Youth Corps are working this
summer to restore the sites, in part with funds from Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin’s
Hughes Jeffords Chippewa Flowage Conservation Fund.
The Fund was established by former CFAPOA directors Patti and Chris Jeffords in honor of their parents
who loved the lakes, and in order to preserve and
share the beauty of the Chippewa Flowage for the future. The grant from the Hughes Jeffords Chippewa
Flowage Conservation Fund will help the DNR purchase native perennials and shrub species to plant in
partnership with the Conservation Youth Corps. The
goal is to restore the sites to a natural state and blend
them back into “natural shoreline character.” The
work group will post signs to educate visitors about
the restoration areas and also will do some minor restoration at the Cedar Swamp campsite near the Dam.
Two campsites—Eagle Point, a DNR site, and Arrowhead Island, a CLO site—replace the sites under
restoration.
Doug Kurtzweil CFAPOA chair, Chris and Patti Jeffords,
DNR Big Chip Lands Manager Dan Yankowiak, and
Natural Resources Foundation representative Bill Smith
“The Chippewa Flowage provides endless ways for individuals to connect with nature, instilling in
them a strong conservation ethic,” said Ruth Oppedahl, executive director of the Natural Resources
Foundation of Wisconsin. “We are so grateful to Chris and Patricia Jeffords for establishing an endowment fund that will ensure that future generations have a similar experience in this special
place.”
The CFAPOA is also indebted to the Jeffords for their vision to qualify it as a 501(c)3 tax exempt
charitable organization so that it could also steward the protection and preservation of the Big Chip.
Thanks from us all.
(Photo courtesy of Terrell Boettcher, Sawyer County Record)
PLEASE REMIND BOATING AND FISHING VISITORS :
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
INSPECT boat, trailers and equipment
REMOVE any attached plants/animals.
DRAIN all water from boats, vehicles and equipment.
DRAIN water from livewells and containers holding your catch.
Also, when using live bait:
If live bait comes in contact with lake/river water,
it can only be used on that same waterbody or discarded in trash, not on ground.
Page 12
Published 06.24.15 (bsal)
CFAPOA Newsletter
Summer 2015
LCO Conservation Department Update
Brett McConnell
The LCO Tribe has officially closed down the Chipmunk Island Campsite due to erosion concerns. A new campsite has been opened on Arrowhead Island which is just north of Sister
Island and virtually straight west of Deerfoot Island. All the tribal island campsites can be
found on the Wisconsin DNR website.
Tribal island camping has become quite popular in recent years due to the ability to reserve
these sites for up to a week at a time. People can call the LCO Conservation Department at
634-0102; reservations can be made for $20 for 3 nights or $40 for 4-7 nights.
The Conservation Youth Corps (CYC) will begin the 2015 season in mid-June. The CYC program was developed in 2009, through a partnership between the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe,
the Wisconsin DNR, and the U.S. Forest Service. The three agencies work together to provide projects and educational opportunities for Native American youth on tribal, state and U.S.
Forest Service lands. You may see this group out on the Big Chip this summer working on
shoreline erosion projects and campground maintenance.
The LCO Water Resources Department will also be sampling the Chippewa Flowage at over
20 locations throughout the summer. Parameters to be monitored include: temperature, pH,
specific conductance, turbidity, total phosphorus, chl. a and water clarity (secchi disk). This
monitoring has been on-going for a number of years. Data collected will be entered into the
LCO Water Quality Database and used to identify water quality trends.
LOON SURVEY
NEEDS YOU!
If you know the location of
loon nests, chicks, pairs or
outliers and would like to participate in the 2015 loon survey, contact your lake area
surveyor listed on Page 3.
CFAPOA member Mark Zich
has developed the maps for
use to report the birds located
during the July 16 loon count.
Thanks to Mark for the maps
and Dennis Clagett and Jim
Dier for organizing the count
for the Chippewa Flowage.
Published 06.24.15 (bsal)
Page 13
CFAPOA Newsletter
Summer 2015
XCEL SUMMER UPDATE
Rob Olson and Matthew Miller of Xcel continue to keep us informed of Flowage elevation and release projections. The elevation on June 10 was 1312.76'. By then the
Flowage had already received the drawdown of 1.5 feet from Moose Lake for its
spillway reconstruction. Summer lake level projections were distributed by Xcel on June 10. Those
are reprinted in this Newsletter and posted on the CFAPOA website. Xcel has effectively kept the
Lake levels steady and on target considering the Moose Lake release and substantial rainfall received in recent days. Ample spring rains have again helped the Flowage reach full pool promptly .
WEBSITE ALERT: AQUATIC PLANT INFORMATION ADDED
During May of 2015, an important report was added to the CFAPOA website. It is the “CHIPPEWA
FLOWAGE Aquatic Plant Management Plan” of September 12, 2008. This plan was endorsed by
the CFAPOA Board and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The plan is
a foundation document that guides plant management actions such as water draw downs and triggers grant eligibility for projects such as the Clean Boats Clean Waters project led by Jim and Jane
Montag.
If you have an interest in aquatic plants and the water level drawdowns that have occurred over the
past two winters, check out the Aquatic Plant Management Plan, Appendix 26: Selection from the
“Water Level & Aquatic Plants Report”. It states the factors that led the Chippewa Flowage Partners Group and your CFAPOA to support drawdowns over the last two winters.
Please go to CFAPOA.org and look at what’s there. We think you’ll approve. Thanks to Brenda
Dettloff for the Website update.
BOATING GUIDELINES
(With Help from the Czarneckis and Johnson’s)
CARTOON CORNER
Underway
No wake within 100 feet of shoreline. ( IT’S THE LAW!) Stay 200 feet away from
nesting loons (LoonWatch Guidelines). When overtaking a slower vessel in open
water, leave as much room as conditions allow and slow if necessary to avoid
rocking the other vessel. Sometimes the boat being overtaken may need to slow its
speed to accommodate the overtaking vessel.
Marina Manners
Be sure to enter a marina slowly.
When you stop for fuel, tie up securely, follow proper fueling procedures, pay the
bill and move away so others have access. Make sure to clear the area around
your boat . Keep tackle, gear and lines stowed and off the dock.
On the Lake
Sound carries. Be considerate of those (including wildlife) that don’t want to hear
you. Be kind. Enjoy!
Page 14
Published 06.24.15 (bsal)
CFAPOA Newsletter
Summer 2015
Xcel Chippewa Storage Reservoir Forecast
Elevation as of June 10, 2015:
1312.79 ft.
Season of the Year1:
Summer 2015
Typical Summer Target Low Elevation2: 1310.5 ft. (2.5 ft. drawdown)
2015 Projected Summer Low Elevation:
1310.0 ft. (3.0 ft. drawdown)
Comments
The strong inflow and rainfall this spring enabled the reservoir to refill quickly from the 8foot winter drawdown. Rains over the
last several weeks have increased inflows into the reservoir and allowed for the reservoir elevation to remain at a normal
level while maintaining a high discharge rate from the dam.
The reservoir reached its normal full pool elevation of 1312.50 ft. elevation on May 24 following an 8-foot drawdown. The
winter low elevation of 1304.96 ft. was reached on March 2.
Based on the current reservoir level, inflow rates, and the anticipated needs for water downstream, Xcel Energy intends to draw
down the reservoir to elevation 1310.0 ft. (3 ft. drawdown) this summer.
If above average precipitation occurs during the summer months and inflows into the reservoir remain high, the target elevation
may be adjusted slightly upward. Should drought conditions occur this summer, reservoir levels may be reduced due to
lack of inflow.
Current projections are to maintain the reservoir elevation above 1311.5 ft. through the end of June, as long as inflows remain at
or above the required minimum discharge flow of 250 cfs. Discharge from the dam is currently 1,600 cfs. Should electrical generation needs increase in June due to hot weather or unanticipated power plant outages, additional water could be
removed from the reservoir to increase generation at downstream hydro plants.
The required minimum discharge (250 cfs) from the dam will be maintained at all times with increases in outflow at times during the summer season for downstream river flow augmentation.
Xcel Energy will notify the public in the event that reservoir levels are anticipated to decrease below the 1310.0 ft. elevation.
Definitions of Seasons of the Year for Operating the Chippewa Storage Reservoir:
Winter:
December 1 – March 30
Spring:
April 1 – June 1
Summer:
June 2 – September 30
Fall:
October 1 – November 30
The minimum required elevation of the Chippewa Reservoir is 1297.0 ft. msl
Published 06.24.15 (bsal)
Page 15
CFAPOA Newsletter
Summer 2015
CHIPPEWA FLOWAGE AREA PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 555
HAYWARD, W I 54843-0555
FORWARD SERVICE REQUESTED
CFAPOA is committed to keeping the Chippewa Flowage area clean and safe for all peoples;
to protecting the environment; to providing a forum for the collection and exchange of ideas and
to pursuing any other lawful objectives that may benefit this pristine reservoir.
Please mark your calendar
07.01.15
Trolling Regulations in Effect
07.02.15
CFAPOA Board Meeting — 6 pm at Town of Hunter Hall
08.02.15
Annual Picnic/Meeting—Deer Run Resort
08.06.15
CFAPOA Board Meeting — 6 pm at Town of Hunter Hall
09.03.15
CFAPOA Board Meeting — 6 pm at Town of Hunter Hall
10.08.15
CFAPOA Board Meeting — 6 pm at Town of Hunter Hall
Newsletter Editor
Barb Salomon
Page 16
Newsletter Advisors
CFAPOA Board Members
Newsletter Contributors
Friends, Directors and You!
Published 06.24.15 (bsal)