WLA Winter Lakes Alliance

06/10/2026

June 9, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: Winter Town Hall

Meeting Was Called to Order: The meeting was called to order at 4:30 PM.

Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Speaker: Tom Heisler, Conservation Warden (Sawyer County and surrounding areas)
Provided updates on law enforcement coverage and staffing; a new warden may be assigned to Winter later this year.
Reviewed reporting options for violations, emphasizing the confidential DNR hotline (800)847-9367.
Reported low boating complaints this season, likely due to increased awareness and enforcement.
Discussed common violations:
Boat registration renewals (expired March 31)
Personal flotation device (PFD) requirements (must be accessible, serviceable, and properly sized)
Over-limit fishing citations
Jet ski (PWC) distance rules (200 feet from shore at slow/no wake)
Highlighted importance of safety and compliance with boating laws.
Reviewed ATV/UTV law updates:
Seatbelts required for all occupants, including operators
Eye protection required unless windshield present
Restrictions on tinted windows and towing
Safe and responsible operation enforcement
Shared wildlife guidance:
Bear nuisance issues should be reported to USDA (800)228-1368
Recommended electric fencing for bird feeders
Noted strong fish activity and good fishing conditions across area lakes.

Secretary Report
No comments or concerns for the 5/14/26 meeting minutes
A motion was made and seconded to approve 5/14/26 meeting minutes. Motion carried.

Treasurer Report
$500 scholarship payment
$523.85 reimbursement for kids’ event supplies
$625 collected in dues
A motion was made and seconded to approve the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried.

Old Business
Spring Fling Event
Event started slow due to weather but improved later in the day.
Approximately 300 raffle tickets sold (about half of what is available) If you are interested in purchasing raffle tickets they are available at meetings or from any WLA board member.
4 new members were gained.
Noted need for more volunteers at future events.
Fish Stocking Update
Fish stocking confirmed through Silver Moon Springs hatchery system.
Fish will:
Originate from DNR stock
Be raised in Minnesota
Finished and delivered locally
Expected size: 5–8 inch extended growth fish
Estimated cost: $2.75–$2.85 per fish (subject to feed cost changes)
Health checks scheduled for September; permits to follow.
Stocking planned for October–November, depending on water temperature.
Kiosk Cleanup
Remaining lakes needing attention: Black Dan and Island
Tasks include w**d trimming, trash removal, and cleaning fishing line tubes.
Volunteers needed.
Kids Fishing Event – June 20 (Father’s Day Weekend)
Setup begins at 8:30 AM; event runs 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: “The Flats” on Lake Winter Road
Volunteers needed for:
Setup and takedown
Measuring fish
Assisting with prizes
Event includes:
Free participation
Prizes for all kids
Food and refreshments

New Business
Elections
President: Re-elected Deb Eirschele for another 2-year term
Treasurer: New Treasurer elected Terese Barth for 2-year term
Appreciation expressed to outgoing Treasurer Kathy for 6 years of service
July Jubilee
Winter Lakes Alliance will host the Children’s Parade again
Volunteers needed to distribute prize bags at end of parade. Please reach out to Deb E.
Parade date: July 4, 2026
Potential float participation discussed; deadline to be confirmed
Donations
Eagle Lodge donated $150 to support children’s programs
Funds will be used for:
Kids fishing event
Children’s parade
Children’s holiday store

Lake Updates
Memorial Day weekend saw low boat traffic and minimal issues
Loon sightings reported; some nesting activity observed
Curly-leaf pondw**d remains a concern on Lake Loretta
Conditions slightly improved, but still heavily impacting boating
Grant work continues; entering second year
Further planning meetings with project partners will be scheduled

Next Meeting
Date: July 14, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: Winter Town Hal
Speaker: Max Walter (DNR)
Will present fish survey results and provide stocking updates
Adjourn

A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Denise Brendel – WLA Secretary

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06/08/2026

This is a friendly reminder that the next Winter Lakes Alliance meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 9 at 4:30 p.m. at the Winter Town Hall, located at 4680 County Hwy W, Winter, WI.

We look forward to gathering again. Our guest speaker will be Conservation Warden Tom Heisler, who will provide a seasonal overview along with updates on regulations and enforcement.

We will also be conducting votes for the President and Treasurer positions, so your participation is important. We hope you can join us.

Thank you for your continued support of the Winter Lakes Alliance. We look forward to seeing you there!

Send a message to learn more

05/27/2026

🚨 Boat Found on Lake Winter 🚨
We were just contacted by Nick, a Conservation Warden with the Wisconsin DNR, regarding a boat that has washed up in the w**ds on Lake Winter.
📍 Location: Near the bridge by the Rustic Inn
The boat is a 1995 Alumacraft with registration number 5941EP.
If anyone knows the owner of this boat, please reach out to them to make them aware of its location.
Thank you for helping spread the word!

Send a message to learn more

05/14/2026

Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: Winter Town Hall

Meeting Was Called to Order: The meeting was called to order at 4:30 PM.

Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Speaker: No guest speaker was scheduled for this meeting.

Secretary Report

· The Secretary’s report from the previous meeting was read.

· A motion was made and seconded to accept the report.

· Motion carried.

Treasurer Report

The beginning balance for the current season was reported as $11,306.34.
Limited expenses were noted due to the winter season.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the Treasurer’s report.
Motion carried.
Old Business

Bylaws – Second Reading and Adoption

The revised bylaws were presented for a second reading, with only the changes reviewed.
Members were informed that the complete bylaws would be attached to the minutes and available online.


Key updates included:

Membership eligibility expanded to any individual, family, business, or organization supporting the mission of the Winter Lakes Alliance
Dues set by the Alliance and paid annually
Annual meeting to be held in the vicinity of Winter, Wisconsin, in June
Monthly meetings to be held May through October at dates, times, and locations set by the Board
Quorum defined as ten members, including board members
Updated and clarified duties for the Secretary and Treasurer
Two Alliance debit cards authorized (President and Treasurer), with receipts required
Fiscal year defined as May through April
Bylaw amendments must be read at two meetings prior to a vote
A motion was made and seconded to adopt the revised bylaws.
Vote: Approved unanimously. The bylaws were officially adopted on May 9, 2026. Attached is a copy.

Thanks were extended to those who worked extensively on the revisions.

New Business

Scholarship Award

One scholarship application was received and approved.
The recipient is Kaydance, who will be studying Invasive Species and Wildlife Technology at North Dakota State University.
The scholarship aligns with the Alliance’s environmental focus.
The award will be presented at the Winter High School Awards Ceremony on May 10, 2026, at 5:30 PM.
Fish Stocking Update

New Wisconsin DNR genetic requirements for fish stocking were reviewed.
Private hatcheries must now meet the same genetic standards as DNR hatcheries.
These changes may limit availability and increase fish costs.
Skipping a year of stocking was noted as biologically acceptable.
Private hatchery options for 2026 are still being explored.
If fish are not stocked this year, raffle proceeds will be carried forward.
DNR representative Max will attend the July meeting to provide further updates.
Spring Fling – May 23

Event time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Setup begins at 8:30 AM
Raffle tickets will be sold at the booth.
Volunteers are needed for setup and ticket sales.
Raffle Prizes:

First Prize: Pontoon day trip (donated by Pats Landing) plus $50 gift certificate
Second Prize: Blackstone griddle
Third Prize: Fishing package
Fourth Prize: $50 cash
Fifth Prize: $25 cash
Kids Fishing Event – June 20

Volunteers are needed for setup, assisting kids, measuring fish, and handing out prizes.
The prize-table format used last year will be used again due to positive feedback.
New fishing-related prizes have been purchased.
Hot dogs, snacks, and beverages will be provided.
Invitations have been sent to DNR staff and local representatives.
A request will be made to the Town of Winter for a porta‑potty.
July Jubilee

The Alliance will organize the Children’s Parade (formerly called the Kitty Parade).
Prize bags will again be distributed to participants.
Parade date: July 4, 2026
Theme: “250 Years”
Plans are underway for a Winter Lakes Alliance float, and volunteers are needed.
Lake Updates

All lakes experienced ice‑out around the same time.
DNR spring fish surveys were completed, including netting, measuring, tagging, and fin clipping.
Survey results will be presented at the July meeting.
Loon monitoring has begun for the season.
Trumpeter swans and other migratory birds have been observed on area lakes.
Lake signage is being reviewed and will be updated as needed.
Next Meeting

Date: June 9th
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: Winter Town Hall
Speaker: Local Conservation Warden Tom Heisler(season overview, regulations, and enforcement updates)
Adjourn

A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Denise Brendel – WLA Secretary

Send a message to learn more

05/10/2026

This is a friendly reminder that our first Winter Lakes Alliance meeting will be held this Tuesday, May 12, at 4:30 p.m. at the Winter Town Hall, located at 4680 County Hwy W, Winter, WI.

We look forward to gathering again to discuss important updates and plans for the upcoming year, and we hope you can join us.

Thank you for your continued support of the Winter Lakes Alliance. We hope to see you there!

Send a message to learn more

10/27/2025

10/25/25 WLA Meeting Minutes

1. Meeting was called to Order
Meeting Proceedings and Introductions
• New members were welcomed, and the meeting proceeded with reports and updates.

2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Speaker – There was not a dedicated speaker for the October meeting
4. Secretary report - Approval of September meeting minutes
5. Treasure Report
Meeting Minutes and Financial Overview
• Treasurer report with donations from Pat's Landing and a member.
o Pat's Landing donated $650 from the meat raffle
o $50 from a WLA member

6. Old Business
Fish Stocking
• Early fish stocking due to warm water temperatures.
• Successful stocking with volunteer assistance.

Fish Trap Dam Update and Future Plans
• DNR reviewing current Fish Trap dam plans with no set approval timeframe.
• Proposed dam type is a rock riprap chute with a walkway.
• Concerns about water loss from the dam. Lake level is significantly low with increasing w**d growth.

Community Donations and Children's Christmas Store
• Pat's Landing donated $650 from a meat raffle.
• Four Wheeling Warriors donated $200 to the Children's Christmas Store.
• Plans for the Children's Christmas Store in December, including meeting with a new superintendent.

7. New Business
Bylaws Amendments and Membership Eligibility
• Bylaws updated to remove the two-signature check requirement and adjust meeting dates.
• Membership eligibility expanded beyond property ownership within one mile of a lake to anyone supporting the alliance’s mission.
• Discussion on adding a quorum percentage to the bylaws and postponing the vote to June.

Annual Meeting and Document Review
• June annual meeting for voting on proposed bylaw changes. Changes will be highlighted for easier review.
• President and Treasurer elections will also be held in June.

Annual Letter and Member Engagement Survey
• Annual letter to be sent in early spring.
• Survey for member interests in speakers and projects.
• Annual letter to include meeting dates.

8. Lake Updates
Loon Sightings and Observations
• Observation of a single loon on Lake Winter.
• Two loon chicks matured and left with adults.
• Recent sighting of a loon pair on Barber Lake.

9. Next Meeting
Meeting Schedule and Merchandise
• Next meeting scheduled for May 9th, 2026.
• Meeting schedule changed from April to May through October.
• There is still availability of Winter Lakes Alliance logo sweatshirts and t-shirts.

10. Adjourn

Respectfully submitted,
Denise Brendel – WLA Secretary

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10/27/2025

The Winter Lakes Alliance received a generous donation of $200 from the 4 Wheelin’ Warriors ATV Club, a contribution that will help bring holiday cheer to local children this season.
The funds will be directed toward the Children’s Holiday Store at Winter Elementary School, an annual event that allows students to shop for gifts for their loved ones in a festive, budget-friendly environment. The donation will help stock the store with a variety of items, ensuring every child has the opportunity to participate.
We’re incredibly grateful to the 4 Wheelin’ Warriors for their support. Community contributions like this make a real difference in the lives of our students and their families.
If your group is interested in supporting this initiative or other community efforts, please reach out via email at [email protected].
A heartfelt thank you to the 4 Wheelin’ Warriors for helping make the holidays brighter for Winter’s children!

09/29/2025

The Winter Lakes Alliance successfully completed its annual fish stocking event on Monday, September 29th, enhancing local fisheries with a total of 2,500 walleye distributed across three area lakes.

Members of the Alliance gathered at the parking lot east of the gas station in Winter to meet the delivery truck before heading out to the lakes for stocking. The fish were delivered and released in the following order:

Lake Winter – 1,500 walleye
Fish Trap Lake – 500 walleye
Lake Hunter – 500 walleye
This initiative supports the long-term health and sustainability of the lakes, benefiting both the ecosystem and recreational fishing opportunities.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the volunteers who came out to assist with the delivery and stocking process. Your dedication and teamwork continue to make a positive impact on our local waters.

For more information about upcoming events or how to get involved, please contact the Winter Lakes Alliance.

Denise Brendel - WLA Secretary

09/18/2025

A huge Thank you to Pat's Landing for your donation from the Meat Bingo fundraiser to Winter Lakes Alliance!!

09/15/2025