WLA Winter Lakes Alliance

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!

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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

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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

09/15/2025

9/13/25 WLA Meeting Minutes
1. Meeting was called to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Speakers: Natalie Erler (Sawyer County AIS Coordinator), and Megan Sorenson (Community Developer Specialist).

Lake Health Assessment and Management Planning
· Invasive species were identified in Lake Loretta and Barber last summer.
· A collaborative effort was initiated with board members and consultants to address the issue.
· Grants were applied for to assess lake health and determine potential management actions, beginning with data collection this spring.
· Plans involve understanding lakes, including water quality and watershed health.
· Secchi disk measurements determine water clarity by lowering a black and white disk until it's no longer visible.
· Phosphorus, nitrogen, and chlorophyll levels are measured to assess water quality and algae presence.
· Baseline water quality measurements are taken by volunteers monthly from June to August.
· Point intercept surveys were conducted using a map of Loretta, Barber, and South Barber. A rake is used to collect plants at designated points, and each species is identified and rated on a scale of 1 to 3 based on coverage.

Lake Loretta
· A point intercept survey was conducted on Lake Loretta to study aquatic species.
· The initial survey in May revealed 13 species with an average rate fullness of 1.6, including curly pond w**d at 85% of sites.
· A follow-up survey in August identified 16 species with a rate fullness of 1.5, noting a decrease due to the disappearance of curly leaf pond w**d, which was found at 77% of sites.
· Plant growth patterns are observed, noting early-season growth potentially dying back later.
· Water clarity readings, taken bi-weekly, average between 2 and 4 feet.
· Chlorophyll-a levels are normal for the season, but a spike in algal biomass was detected, possibly due to an algal bloom or compromised sample.
· The trophic state index (TSI) incorporates various water quality parameters into a formula.
· The TSI scale ranges from less than 30 to greater than 80, based on chlorophyll, biomass, water clarity, and total phosphorus.
· The current state is eutrophic, which is typical for lakes in this area, with a possible high chlorophyll level.

Barber Lake
· Water clarity monitoring was conducted for Barber Lake, while point intercept surveys were performed on both Barber Lake and South Barber Lake.
· Water clarity in Barber Lake ranged from 6.25 feet to 10 feet, indicating stained water, though less dark compared to Loretta Lake.
· Water quality analysis of Barber Lake revealed normal levels of chlorophyll (9.7) and phosphorus (.009 mg/liter).
· The lake is transitioning between eutrophic and mesotrophic states, which is considered normal.
· A survey found 17 total species, indicating good lake health, with Eurasian watermilfoil present at only 20% of sites.
· South Barber showed no Eurasian watermilfoil, but the water was notably stained.
· Native species richness is considered, representing the number of plants present.
· Plant resilience is evaluated on a scale of 0 to 10, where higher values indicate better tolerance to environmental stressors like pollution.
· Tolerant plant species like whom tail or Duckw**d indicate low value in certain environments.
· Fluorescent quality index combines values to assess the health of a plant community.
· The number of species for south Barber lake was 7, indicating low species diversity.

Plant Community Health Assessment
· Loretta Lake and Barber are in a good condition regarding plant health.
· The plant community south of Barber is declining, while Barber shows better health than expected.
· Low plant values in south Barber are not concerning due to it being a dark water lake.

Addressing Curly Leaf Issues in Lake Loretta
· A combination of DNR regulations and lake association actions will determine the solution.
· Chemical treatments are unlikely due to the flowing water, necessitating further discussion and baseline data.
· Focus is on gathering opinions and data related to lake conditions.
· Continuation of data collection for water clarity and sampling is planned as a next step.

Ecological Data Analysis and Public Input
· Chlorophyll and phosphorus studies are planned for the next summer.
· Point intercept surveys for plant identification will be conducted every five years.
· Data will be summarized into a report, followed by public input meetings to gather opinions.

Aquatic Plant Management Strategy
· The initial section will present background information.
· Management options such as herbicides or mechanical harvesting will be discussed as primary methods for aquatic plant control.
· Public input meetings will help determine a 'menu' of options based on the extent of curly leaf presence, triggering specific actions like mechanical harvesting.
· Chemical treatments are likely unsuitable due to water flow.
· Mechanical harvesting or manual removal are favored management techniques due to DNR's preference.
· Waterfront property owners can manually remove plants without a permit within a 30-foot radius of docks or swimming areas by hand pulling or raking.

Mechanical Harvesting Cost Analysis
· Discusses the financial aspects of mechanical harvesting, including permit applications and costs.
· Lake associations apply for permits on behalf of property owners, who may then contract for individual harvesting.
· Permit costs are initially $30, with an additional $10 per acre, up to a maximum of $300; grants may help cover mitigation costs.
· Lake associations can pursue control grants for invasive species mitigation.
· The DNR offers funding to associations for mitigating invasive species.

4. Secretary minutes from August 9 accepted and approved.

5. Treasure Report: was read. The picnic fundraiser brought in funds.

6. Old Business
· Fish stocking planned late September/early October.
· Lake reps still needed for Barber, Blaisdell, Bluegill, and Fish Trap Lakes. Please let us know if you would be interested in signing up!
· “Kids’ Life Vest Box” project postponed until spring.

7. New Business Pat’s Landing fundraiser (meat raffle/bingo) scheduled Sept. 15.
· The group discussed the possibility of kayak prize for next years raffle.

8. Lake Updates
· Secchi disk monitoring updates shared
· Loons — multiple sightings on Barber, Winter, and Island Lakes.

9. Next Meeting
· Next meeting set for October 25 (moved from Oct. 11).
· Children’s Christmas Store project will be discussed at the next meeting.

10. Adjourn

Respectfully submitted,
Denise Brendel – WLA Secretary

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09/09/2025

WLA meeting September 13: Join the Conversation about Our Lakes

The Winter Lakes Alliance invites all members to join us for our next informational meeting on Saturday, September 13, at 10:00 a.m. at the Winter Town Hall.

This month’s guest speakers are Natalie Erler, Conservation Specialist & AIS Coordinator with Sawyer County Zoning & Conservation, and Megan Sorensen, Community Development Specialist. They will be sharing updates and leading a conversation about Lake Loretta and Barber Lake. They will also open the floor for members to share their thoughts and ideas, giving everyone a chance to be part of the planning process.

It’s a great opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and add your voice to the future of our lakes. We hope to see you there!