Consistent with the ESLMD “Best Management Practices”, the Board has added Lake
Preservation to its monthly meeting agenda to discuss protecting the health of Eagle
Spring Lake, but also the quality of the lake water for swimming, fishing and boating.
These discussions have presented some interesting potential options, as well as some
options for individual property owners that can be implemented immediately to improve
the quality of their shoreline.
One option being explored is the use of “muck” reducing tablets. These tablets digest muck and have been used in private lakes and ponds with varied success, in some cases reducing muck levels up to 2 inches per month, with no impact to surrounding plant or aquatic life. Because Eagle Spring Lake has an outfall to the Mukwonago river, use of these tablets does require a General Use permit. ESLMD will be conducting a controlled experiment using lake specific organic material to determine effectiveness. Regarding immediate actions that can be taken by property owners, the Board has had several communications with the WIDNR regarding this subject to discuss what is, and isn’t allowed. In summary, a property owner can remove up to 2 cubic yards of muck per year using mechanical means, without a permit. This includes using equipment such as trash pumps. Disturbing the lake bed is not allowed so this exemption is not to include making shoreline areas deeper. This activity falls under what the WIDNR calls a De Minimis Exemption. For those feeling more ambitious, a riparian owner can manually dredge up to 100 square feet by 1 foot deep of material by hand or with a hand-held device. It’s important to note that Eagle Spring Lake has a healthy and extensive population of native plants which not only help keep the lake healthy and provide habitat for fish and other aquatic species, but also help keep advantageous invasive plant species under control. Removal of native plants should be avoided to prevent the introduction or spread of these invasive species . Additional information can be found at  https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Waterways/dredging

With the weather turning and the boating season nearly upon us, the ESLMD Board is also working on ways to help with cut weeds “floaters” from boat traffic or harvesting and muck disposal for those may take advantage of the above exemptions. These discussions are in their infancy and of course any ideas are welcome.