President’s Letter Spring 2025
Spring returns! Ice was out on Rush Lake on April 16th, and ice out for all of High and Fishtrap Lakes are likely days away. Loons arrived on Friday April 18th and announced their presence with dramatic calls and fanfare. One of the most exciting times of the year is here — spring migration is in full swing, and the variety and calamity of waterfowl calls announce its return. This year’s action has included many diving ducks and regular visits from the bald eagles as they attempt to feed their young ones in the nests. The swans have been frequent feeders as well.
Not only have the waterfowl been busy, our lake association board has been busy too. The transition of our website and the use of online software for future communications is also in its final stages. This tool will allow regular communication and more frequent updates and timely communications as news is generated to allow information sharing on critical projects, announcements and events. Our new online dues payment and donation system will also help us as we implement water quality and fishery improvement projects.
The success of our first walleye stocking program in Fall of 2023 has been confirmed by WDNR fisheries monitoring. As a result we are requesting our members consider making donations again for a second stocking that is being planned for Fall of this year. Like the first, it’s an investment of about $20,000. Fortunately we have a balance in our account from your previous generous contributions, and we will be matching members’ donations again, so the additional funds required is less than $6,000. Please sign up and give generously again when paying your annual dues. Our DNR water quality specialist stated that the establishment of a walleye population is likely to be achieved if we stock at the same level we did in 2023.
We all share the water even though we all may use it in different ways. Everyone’s enjoyment and safety depends upon each of us being responsible and controlling our boats and wakes. It’s important to take the time to know the water safety rules and to practice them every trip. It’s likely this season we will have a “no wake boat” ordinance approved by the Town of Boulder Junction as well as the Towns of Presque Isle and Land O’ Lakes. To help all of us, our lake association is working to add signs at boat ramps as well as guidance on our website. Please make this information available to any of your family members or visitors through the course of the season so all of us are able to share a memorable year on the water.