A new DNR rule went into effect in July which set up a process for landowners to request determinations about the navigability of waters on their property or where the ordinary high-water mark lies. A navigable waterway is defined through case law as any waterway that has a defined bed and bank, and upon which it is possible to float a canoe or small watercraft on a recurring basis. The ordinary high-water mark is used to distinguish where the lake or riverbed interfaces with the surrounding riparian land. Landowners seeking to carry out projects below the ordinary high-water mark are typically subject to DNR regulations because that portion of a river or lake is public domain. Seeking a high-water mark determination could potentially prevent conflicts between the public and private property owners. See the DNR Waterway Jurisdiction Determinations page for information about the Navigable Waterway Determination Program or the Guide to Navigability and Ordinary High Water Mark Determinations in Wisconsin from the Midwest Environmental Advocates.
The WLMD will continue the roadside weed pickup program this summer. Only lake weeds can be placed on the roadside for pickup. Please make sure the pile is close to the side of the road and not setting back up against a building or tree line. We will not be picking up "ice-off" debris. Do not put lake sediment, dirt, rocks, branches, garbage, or other debris in the pile. The pile will not be picked up if anything other than lake weeds are on the pile. Piles must be out by noon on Mondays to be picked up between Monday and Wednesday evening.
Here are the pickup dates for 2024. All dates are Mondays.
Lake lovers can’t wait for this time of year! Spring is here and the lake looks amazing. Piers are going in and boats are being prepped for the season. The warm weather is coming and we are all looking forward to enjoying our lake this summer. Whether you kayak or fish, cruise on a pontoon or wakeboard, we know it is important to make every day count. The WLMD Board and our harvesting team continue to work towards the goal of making Wind Lake safe and enjoyable for everyone.
As we enter year four of operating our own harvesting program, we are prepared for the potential of another heavy lake weed season. With the limited snow cover this winter and the lake water warming early, we are anticipating rapid weed growth. There was heavy weed growth last year, but our crew was able to stay on top of it. The advantage of owning and operating our own harvester was never more apparent than last year. We were able to harvest when and where it was needed. We are prepared to do the same this year if needed.
Last year we contracted with Solitude Lake Management to research and complete a 5 year Aquatic Plant Management Plan. This plan is required for the District to perform chemical treatments and to complete mechanical harvesting of lake weeds. The plan was completed and approved by the WDNR. Our long term goal is do more mechanical harvesting where possible and less chemical treatments.
At the 2023 Annual Meeting, the membership approved to the Resolution to perform additional sampling to determine the need for an Alum treatment and to apply for a grant. The Board is looking at options on how to proceed as the cost of an Alum treatment could exceed $500,000. A grant could cover up to $200,000 of that cost. The District is also currently setting aside $25,000 annually from lake dues towards the future treatment.
Also approved at the Annual Meeting was the Resolution to purchase a second harvester, contingent on successfully receiving a grant. The advantages of a second harvester (which would be smaller) is it would be able to access more areas, allow for more mechanical harvesting and less chemical treatments, and it could off-load onto the same trailer as the large harvester. It would also provide a backup option in the case of a long-term breakdown of the large harvester. The Board will be applying for the grant this year and could take delivery of the smaller harvester next year.
One frustration of all lake owners for the past three years is the low lake level during the summer months. Big Muskego Lake sends excess water to Wind Lake through the channel. Every spring, the Big Muskego Dam and the Wind Lake Dam are closed in late April or early May when the lakes are at or slightly above spillway levels, which is considered “full”. If there isn’t significant rain during spring and summer months, the dams will remain closed and the lake levels will drop from evaporation. Over the course of the summer, a lake could lose 18 inches of water through evaporation. Without rain, there is no other source of water coming into Wind Lake. Unfortunately, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature to provide rain and keep us operating at optimal lake levels all summer long.
Another frustration of lake owners is the infiltration of geese on the shoreline. Geese can present a parasite hazard on the shoreline and an ecological hazard in the water. The District worked with the USDA last year to complete a successful roundup and will be monitoring the number of geese again this year. The District has to cover the cost of the roundup, so hopefully the geese count will be low and a roundup will not be required this year.
Last year, the Board added a Harvesting Hotline (262-332-3670). The intent of the hotline was to address issues in a timely manner by improving communication. The Hotline was a success and will be continued again this year. Property owners are encouraged to use it as necessary as it allows Operators to address questions/complaints quicker and provide a follow up if needed. We have renewed our contract with Jerry Kotarek Trucking to haul harvested weeds. Jerry has been an integral part of the harvesting team and has been incredibly reasonable with his billing. We have also renewed our contract with Butch’s Hometown Services for roadside weed pickup. Butch’s team does a great job as more people are using the roadside service than ever before. These are all important pieces to the weed harvesting program and overall lake management.
As your representatives, we are working hard to find the proper balance of lake management in the most cost efficient manner. We appreciate your trust and support as we work to make Wind Lake great.
Ron Mayer
WLMD Chair
Why is Wind Lake so low or high? Some answers about the Wind Lake Dam. Read the Wind Lake levels FAQs.
Latest Wind Lake Dam Engineering Report
The Wind Lake dam is controlled by Racine County. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Racine County at 262-886-8440.