Red Cedar Lakes Association

09/05/2026

Ongoing drought conditions continue to cause low water levels. Red Cedar Lake is in Severe Drought with our northern watershed in Extreme Drought.

This means fall boaters, especially those operating larger watercraft with longer trailers, may experience difficulties launching and retrieving them at shallow boat ramps. Low water levels may also expose additional or unmarked obstructions at the ramp, including stumps, rocks, holes, sand bars, and other damage caused by power loading.

Boater Checklist For Low Water Conditions
• Always wear a life jacket when on or near the water.
• Inspect the ramp end for holes, drop offs or mounds before launching or removing watercraft.
• Assign a spotter to watch trailer wheels and boat axles.
• Use idle speed only; do not aggressively throttle the motor on the ramp.
• Use the trailer winch instead of power loading.
• Do not back the trailer into the water any further than necessary for safe loading/unloading.
• Confirm water depth before lowering the motor.
• Consult lake maps to avoid shallow zones and be aware that unmarked and new obstructions may exist.
• Monitor water levels and plan an early or alternate removal if needed.

09/02/2026

Top Safety Tips For All Boaters
• Wear a life jacket. It’s the single most effective way to prevent drowning. Drownings can happen quickly and silently, even to strong swimmers. A life jacket buys precious time and can make all the difference.
• Stay sober. Alcohol use is a leading factor in boating incidents. Always designate a sober operator.
• Keep a safe speed. Slow down in congested areas, near shorelines and around smaller vessels to prevent capsizing or swamping.
• Be visible. Test boat navigation lights before departure and carry extra batteries. Wear bright clothing and consider reflective gear or flags for low-profile craft.
• Know your limits. Before heading out, be aware of weather conditions, water currents and your physical ability.
• Remove distractions. Stay focused by minimizing mobile device use, loud music or other distractions that reduce awareness.
• Communicate your plan. Let someone know your route and expected return time, especially if adventuring alone.
• Respect others. Share the water courteously and give space to all types of vessels.
Remember To Always:
• Drain all water from live wells, ballast tanks and bilges.
• Remove any aquatic vegetation from the boat and trailer before leaving the shoreline. This simple act helps prevent spread of damaging aquatic invasive species, which threaten native aquatic species and healthy waters.

Boating Safety Tips Boating in Wisconsin Keep the fun on the water coming -- whether it's a fishing boat, a canoe, or a personal watercraft that "floats your boat," operator inexperience, inattention, recklessness and speeding are the four leading causes of tragic watercraft crashes and the leadin...

08/22/2026

Is someone missing a pontoon?!??

Saturday August 22 - 5:45 pm

There’s a pontoon that is floating freely in the channel between Red Cedar and Balsam Lake. Looks like it got free from a lift or dock.

07/29/2026

Some helpful reminders for boaters navigating busy waterways:

Safety first: Wearing life jackets, avoiding alcohol consumption while operating a boat and being considerate of others using the water are all part of being a responsible boater.

Maintain a safe speed: Reduce speeds in congested areas like channels and near shore. Avoid repetitive passes in the same location.

Watch your wake: Be aware of the size and impact of your wake. Large wakes can cause damage to other vessels and docks, erode shorelines and even swamp or capsize other boats.

Respect no-wake zones: These areas are specifically designated to protect wildlife and reduce shoreline erosion.

Teach your passengers: Ensure all aboard your boat understand wake safety and the rules.

Learn more about boating safety on the DNR’s Boat Safety Website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Boat/safety

07/26/2026

Great ideas for shoreline preservation and improvement!!

07/02/2026

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages boaters to be aware of early-growth wild rice while out on Wisconsin’s lakes, rivers and flowages ahead of the Fourth of July weekend and throughout the rest of the summer growing season.

In early July, wild rice plants are at a higher risk of being uprooted during the early growth season, making it a vital time for boaters and other outdoor recreators to be aware of wild rice growth. The rice will likely have leaves growing above the water and become more visible as a grass growing out of the water.

It isn’t until closer to the Labor Day weekend when these plants will be more robust and have stalks that support the seeds of this treasured grain. To learn more about the wild rice life cycle, visit the UW-Madison Sea Grant website.

06/26/2026

And the dead head has been removed!!
Thank you to our awesome Lake Safety volunteers!

06/21/2026

Interested in Aquatic Plant Management?
So are we!!
Attend the annual meeting July 11, 9 am at Loch Lomond Beach Club to learn more about AIS and aquatic plants on your Red Cedar Chain

06/16/2026

https://www.redcedarlakes.com/volunteer

06/07/2026

Don't forget the Spring Social on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 11:00–1:30 at Mary's Bluegill Bar & Grill in Birchwood.

Join your RCLA friends and neighbors for a taco bar and great conversation!

We are excited to see you there!