Winter 2013/2014 - Chippewa Flowage Area Property Owners

CHIPPEWA FLOWAGE AREA
PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION
Established 1983
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INSIGHTS FROM THE CHAIR BY DOUG KURTZWEIL
W
inter Wonderland greetings from the snow covered shores of your Chippewa Flowage!
Yes, it’s winter—and shaping up like a good old-fashioned northern Wisconsin one! Unlike
last spring, summer, and fall which all arrived a month or more late, winter was here early—in time
for the opening day of deer season—and hasn’t let up. My recordkeeping isn’t real precise but I
show a dozen mornings in December of at least 10 below zero. Half of them were 20 below or
colder; one was -31! That’s colder than ALL of last winter. And it seems every time it warmed up
a little we got several more inches of snow. I feel like I’ve done more shoveling than in the last
several years—combined. But, it is beautiful!! The slush has pretty much frozen solid and there is
plenty of snow on all the trails. Now, if it would just stay above 0 for a few days….
Your CFAPOA continues to remain busy. We don’t always succeed completely, but we prevail
much more than we fail. We are currently working in cooperation with folks from WDNR and LCO
to monitor dissolved oxygen levels as well as other conditions during this winter's drawdown. We
are laying the groundwork for a comprehensive assessment of all the impacts, especially on
plants, to take place this summer. We are looking forward to assisting on the erosion control efforts at heavily used areas on Pine Island, Little Banana, and at the mouth of Crane Creek. We
continue the invasive species control and education efforts of the Purple Patrol and Clean Boats
Clean Waters. We persist in advocating for the Flowage’s fair share of WDNR stocking quotas.
We will be providing regular people’s input into the revision of the Joint Agency Management Plan.
We will be actively involved in the regulations/rules change process. We are about to roll out a
revamped and revitalized website to help keep everyone better informed.
I cannot over-emphasize the importance of attending the annual Spring Conservation Congress
Hearings. They are held simultaneously in every county in Wisconsin every year. You do not
have to live in Wisconsin and you do not have to live in that particular county. Youngsters old
enough to “understand” the questions are eligible to vote. It’s Monday, April 14 at 7 PM this year.
You can get details at dnr.wi.gov by clicking on the ‘Conservation Congress’ link. While the ballot
has not yet been finalized, there will be at least 3 questions with direct impact on our Chippewa
Flowage fishery.
Try to take the time to read the articles and info on the inside between your trips to the woodpile.
Hopefully winter won’t stick around quite as long as last year. The bitter cold can be dangerous
and the ice conditions are always changing, so, as you venture out to enjoy our ‘wonderland’ stay
warm and do heed the advice of Phil Esterhaus, “Let’s be careful out there!”
CFAPOA Newsletter
Winter 2014
CFAPOA Board Discusses and Votes on Upcoming Conservation
Congress Questions Affecting The Chippewa Flowage
By Doug Kurtzweil – Fisheries Committee Member
Changing The Rules?—Again!!
Wisconsin has a byzantine process for making changes to hunting and fishing regulations. It often becomes
a drawn-out affair that prevents local fish and wildlife biologists from reacting efficiently to changing local conditions. It has taken NINE years of effort, after we recognized the need, to get the normal opener for Largemouth Bass (LMB) restored on the Chippewa Flowage.
A part of the process is the opportunity for the folks who care enough to show up, to vote on proposed
changes at the Conservation Congress Spring Hearings. They are typically held in every county on the 2 nd
Monday in April. The vote is supposed to be “advisory” in even years and “binding” in odd years. This year
there will be 3 questions of importance to the fishery of your Chippewa Flowage—‘advisory’ and ‘binding’!
Question # 1—A 15 inch minimum size limit on walleyes on the Flowage—Due to the lack of recruitment of
young fish, walleye numbers have declined dramatically. Through the Big Chip Fish Fest, the Flowage community has invested well over $100,000 in 6” to 8” extended growth fingerlings over the last several years. A
15” size limit will give them a chance to grow and begin to multiply. This change should have been done 5
years ago. Your CFAPOA Board supports this and encourages you to support it too, by a unanimous vote of
10-0. This will be an “advisory” question on the ballot.
Question # 2—A rule change to eliminate the size limit on Largemouth Bass (LMB) on the Chippewa Flowage and a couple dozen other lakes in northwestern Wisconsin—For the last several years we have been
exempted from the 14” size limit on LMB under a temporary emergency provision because Dave Neuswanger from the DNR was able to conclusively, scientifically prove there were too many them and they were becoming stunted. Now it has become recognized this has happened on lots of other lakes too. The adoption
of this proposal will, to a large degree, eliminate the possibility of a return to the old 14” limit on LMB without
the science to justify it. Your CFAPOA Board, by a unanimous vote of 10-0, supports this “advisory” question, and encourages you to do so as well.
Question # 3—Motor trolling, with 1 extra line—This is the one chance for people to weigh-in with a “binding”
vote on a rule change proposal (even though this is an even-numbered year) that was nearly pushed through
last year even though it wasn’t even on the ballot! Most waters in the state can be trolled with 3 lines per
passenger. The proposal would allow motor trolling with 1 line on all waters where trolling is now prohibited—mostly Class A musky waters in the north. They say this will “simplify” the rules. They say this will allow
for fishing opportunities for the elderly and disabled.
Fishing Has No Boundaries holds a huge event on the Flowage every year. I have never heard anyone connected with it clamor for trolling. A vocal professional guide who trailers his boat from lake-to-lake tells me he
can already troll on the Flowage because he has a ‘disability’ permit. He just can’t troll while guiding unless
his clients also have a ‘disability’ permit.
Continued on page 3
Page 2
Published 01.25.14 (hjn)
CFAPOA Newsletter
Winter 2014
Conservation Congress Questions from page 2
Some veteran musky anglers have a problem with this proposal—especially in the heat of summer. What
happens when that 46 incher you trolled up out of the 30 foot river channel doesn’t revive in the 80 degree
surface water?
“Simplify?” How is it simpler to troll with 3 or troll with 1, than it is to troll or not to troll? I have asked DNR
staff, “If this passes, can we expect to go from 1 line to 3 lines in a couple years to further ‘simplify’?” Their
responses have been profoundly vague!
Finding walleyes is much more difficult than catching them. Motor trolling is proven to be an extremely efficient and effective way to find them—especially if you have a low density population. We currently have a
low density population. About the only walleyes we have coming up the ‘age/size ladder’ are the ones we’ve
stocked the last 4 years. The idea of adding this efficient/effective exploitation technique to the pressure on
this diminished population at this time seems to be the exact opposite of responsible fishery management.
For this reason, more than all, your CFAPOA Board has voted 9-1 to oppose motor trolling on the Chippewa
Flowage and other waters included in the question. We certainly encourage you to do likewise. This is a
‘rule change’ proposal in spite of this being an even-numbered year.
Please check out Page 8 of the Summer 2013 Newsletter for some history on this matter. If you’ve misplaced yours (or if you’re ‘new’) it can be found at www.cfapoa.org quite easily. The actual ballot will be
available at the Conservation Congress link at dnr.wi.gov in several weeks. While they do accept written and
electronic comments, I’m not certain they carry the weight of your vote. The Hearings are on April 14, 2014.
To summarize, the CFAPO Board of Directors encourages:
YES—for a 15 inch size limit on walleyes.
YES—for elimination of a size limit on largemouth bass.
NO—on incremental open motor trolling, especially at this time!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2013-2014
Doug Kurtzweil, Chair
715-462-9679
Terry Moe, Vice Chair
715-462-3033
Jackie Eckerly, Secretary
715-945-2358
Patty Swaffield, Treasurer
715-462-9429
Dennis Clagett
Pete Czarnecki
Contact Your
Brenda Dettloff
CFAPOA Directors
Jim Montag
at
Hank Narus
[email protected]
Sherri Wasielewski
Mike Whetstone
Amanda Wilson
VIOLATIONS ON OUR LAKE?
If you see something that you know or suspect
is against the law or dangerous, please contact
a local DNR warden. All calls are kept confidential. 1-800-TIP-WDNR
QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?
CFAPOA,
PO Box 555
Hayward, WI 54843-0555
OR
[email protected]
OR
www.cfapoa.org
Published 01.25.14 (hjn)
Page 3
CFAPOA Newsletter
Winter 2014
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
By Carolyn Fritsch - Membership Committee Chair
This past Fall letters were mailed to property owners who were not current members of the CFAPOA. As a
result of that letter, the following registered as new or returning members who will help in our efforts to keep
the Chippewa Flowage clean and safe.
Please welcome:
Paul Behrens - Hay Creek Rd
Richard & Cheryl Orth - Radisson
Dave & Linda Beyer – County Rd B
Harry Patterson – Vogel Rd
Ronald & Judith Borgerson – River Rd
Phillip & Kathleen Pierce – Big Musky Rd
Ken & Royal Corbin – Chief Lake Rd
John & Connie Piper – LaRush Rd
Robert Dahl – Dun Rovin Rd
Mike & Kay Porecca – Conger Rd
Brian Elliott – Osprey Rd
Paul & Colleen Poblocki – River Rd
Ronald Erlandson – Big Musky Rd
Paul Salsman – Buckley Rd
Gasper Ficarrotta – Kelsey Road
Paul & Karen Schanfield – Woodland Dr
Robert & Frances Fitzgerald – R&R Bayview
Fred Scheer – West Fork Ave
Bill & Marsha Gardner – Fawn Trl
Barbara Sealey – LaRush Rd
Bob & Rhonda Gazdik – Buckley Dr
Bill Shirriff - Kelsey Rd
Randy & Cindy Gutsch – Oak Rd
Brian & Roz Smith – County Rd A
Stephen & Marillyn Hale – County Rd CC
Jason & Mary Speros – Tiger Musky
Robert Heers – Sandy Point Rd
Erv & Kris Steiner – Big Musky Rd
Steve & Dawn Johnson – Conner Ln
Tim & Carol Thomas – Wooodland Dr
Wayne & Linda LeVassear Tiger Musky
Paul & Dawn Tweed – Hickory Ln
Norma Motl – Conner Ln
Gary & Tami Varilek – Sandy Point Rd
John & Ann Mylin – Lake Shore Dr
Greg & Tess Yukins – Kelsey Lane
Brian Novak – Lampe Rd
Barbara Zempel – Big Musky Rd
John Olesczuk – Big Musky Rd
Since our last newsletter, the following members included a donation to the CFAPOA when paying their annual dues:
STEWARD MEMBERS ($100 - $999)
Bob & Pam Cummings
John & Ann Mylin
Michael & Shirley Singer
Gasper Ficarrotta
Brian Novak
Erv & Kris Steiner
Bill & Marsha Gardner
Connie Fortin &Roman Rowan
Gary & Tami Varilek
Peter & Colleen Marvoulis
Bill Shirriff
Mark & Joni Zich
Continued on page 5
Page 4
Published 01.25.14 (hjn)
CFAPOA Newsletter
Winter 2014
Membership from page 4
CONTRIBUTORS ($26 - $99)
Robert Dahl
Mike & Kris Maly
John B. Ellis
Robert & Lois Olson
Ann Mobeck & Charles H. Sibley
Jim & Colleen Strous
James & Sue Fox
Paul & Karen Schanfield
Ron & Sue Weiler
Stephen & Marillyn Hale
Barbara H. Sealey
Thank you for your contributions to the three funds of the CFAPOA; namely, the General Fund (annual operating costs); Conservation Project Fund (supports current projects); Conservation Trust Fund (long term endowment for future projects.)
The annual Membership Directory was mailed in mid-December to all current members. If you did not receive a copy, please let us know at: [email protected]. Also, Steward Members who selected a golf shirt
as their gift from the association should receive them in early January. Please contact the association if you
do not receive your shirt.
Have a friend or neighbor
who wants to join CFAPOA?
2013-14 CFAPOA
membership applications
are now available online at
www.cfapoa.org
TOWN OF HUNTER
DUMP HOURS
[http://home.centurytel.net/huntertownship]
WINTER HOURS
Saturdays only
8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Garbage Stickers can be purchased at
Hillman’s Grocery Store
located on County Hwy B
(Please cut on dashed lines and post for future reference.)
Published 01.25.14 (hjn)
Page 5
CFAPOA Newsletter
Winter 2014
CHRISTMAS PARTY by Jackie Eckerly
Well another great Christmas Party was held at the Chippewa Inn and was attended by 71 members. Everyone enjoyed great food, gifts and company. Winners of the 50/25/25 raffle were: Terry
Moe won $145.00 Louise Schubert and Ruth Aaron both won $72.50 each.
Thanks go out to Sandy Zeznanski for getting all those great gifts for the raffle. Good job Sandy.
Also we would like to thank Debbie, Tom and Eric Landgraff for putting together the great food and
the nice Christmas spirit, thank you all.
Remember to mark your calendars for the Spring Fling to be held on June 7 th at Treeland’s Resort.
Details to follow.
See you all there.
An EXTRA GRATEFUL THANK YOU goes out to all the area businesses and individuals who donated prizes and gifts to make the Christmas Party raffle a huge success. Remember that your generous donations by buying raffle tickets helps fund future lake projects on our beautiful Chippewa
Flowage. Please give your support to these and all area businesses who make our “neck of the
woods” such a great place to spend time in.
Angler’s Bar & Grill - One $20 gift certificate; Anonymous - one bottle of Korbel brandy;
BackRoads Coffee - Two “Get 1 pound of coffee free” certificates; D & B Bait - Two XL
“Chippewa Flowage” sweatshirts; DQ Grill & Chill - Two certificates for one free ice cream cake;
Deerfoot Lodge - One full day pontoon rental; Hayward Comfort Suites - Two pool pass punch
cards (10 free pool passes/card); Hayward Mercantile - Gift basket of store “goodies” ; Hayward
Outdoor Gear - Two $10 gift certificates; Hillman’s Store - One bottle UV brand cherry vodka;
Jackie Eckerly - Large assortment of Johnson Wax products; Jenk’s Bait & Tackle - Porta-fillet kit
by Angler’s Choice; Johnnie B’s Restaurant - one $25.00 gift certificate; Kathy Kisch of Nature’s
Design and Landscaping - Original floral arrangement; Keith Steffenson - Black n Decker LED
spotlight; LCO Casino Lodge - Two “play and stay” packages including 1 night double queen room
for 2,buffet for 2 and $20 certificate; Lynne Marie’s Candies - One free pound of her famous fudge;
Marlen and John Kaiser - Homemade baked “goodies” and a set of John’s original photography
notecards; NorthStar Landscaping & Garden Center - Two $20 Gift cards; Perkins Restaurant One free pie; Pizza Hut - Three certificates good for ANY large pizza; Ray Jay’s Bar & Grill - Two
certificates for one 18” deluxe Pizza; Robin’s Nest - One $10 gift certificate; Round Lake Marina Ladies Fuzion X PFD (size medium); Sandy Hutchison - Original watercolor artwork; Sandy Zeznanski - Thirty One brand cosmetic bag set; Sawyer County Record - Book: “A Pictorial History of
the Sawyer County Region”; The Landing Restaurant - One $25.00 gift certificate; The Steakhouse
& Lodge - Two $20 certificates; The Stove Works -Snowflake wrought iron “mitten tree”; Tony and
Laurie Shubert/Steve and Jane Richardson - Floral arrangement designed by Winter WOW .
Page 6
Published 01.25.14 (hjn)
CFAPOA Newsletter
Winter 2014
Aquatic Invasive Species By Dennis Clagett - Invasive Species Chair
It's definitely an old time winter so far in December! Hopefully the cold temperatures will have the
desired effect of killing the roots of our number one invasive species, Eurasian watermilfoil. During
the fall these plants die back to the root tops. In the spring the sprout again when temperatures
reach about 59 0 F. These roots that are now exposed to the cold temperatures because of the early drawdown will freeze, and kill the roots. No sprouting in the spring. Time will tell. On that note I
would appreciate the volunteers of the Adapt- A- Shoreline program, and any other folks to be
looking at past infestations sites, and let me know what you think. Your feedback is part of evaluating the extra drawdown this year. I have been asked to document are findings and present it the
Chippewa Flowage Partners Group for their review.
Happy New Year to you all.
ATTENTION ALL ADOPT-A-SHORELINE PARTICIPANTS: If you’ve been frustrated by
your purple loosestrife area because you can see the flowers but can’t get to them in the summer,
this might be the answer to that situation. Put on your snowshoes or cross county skies and instead of removing the flowers in the summer, go to the area now and remove the canes (flower remains). Just make sure you’re going only to safe areas and be sure you haul away whatever plant
material you’ve carefully removed. If some seeds are dropped in the process, not to worry. Removing the cane and its seeds is the important part. The canes and stems are very tough and
sharp and tend to puncture the bag, so be careful and don’t do a “Johnny Loosestrife Seed” on
your way out. If your section doesn’t have this problem and you would like to try this, I know many
locations that do need attention. Just call me at 715.462.4814. Good Luck and let me know if you
have any questions and if this method works for you.
THANK YOU to all volunteers for your time and dedication! If there are any volunteers unable to
work their sections, please let me know. See you on the lake.
Member
Section(s)
Sue Baron
Ron & Jan Bergman
Dennis Clagett and
Herman the Big, Black Lab
Tony DeJoode
Jim & Marion Dier
Karl & Kathleen Euler
Alan & Lynda Fish
Whitey & Donna Gilbertson
Larry Gilmer
Gary & Mary Lou Hosler
Chris & Patti Jeffords
Jerry & Nancy Johnson
John & Marlen Kaiser
Steve & Louise Paulson
Terry Kinderman
Larry & Sharon Kirby
Roger & Kathy Kisch
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Member
Rick Marks
Tom & Laura Marquardt
Al & Nancy McElroy
Dan & Denise Lessard
Terry & Kay Moe
Jim & Jane Montag
Rick & Linda Olson
Jack & Marl Reeder
Don & Sue Reinardy
Steve Richardson
Nancy Ruhlow
Barb Schweig
George & Carmen Sipes
Jack Sweeney
Dick & Karen Terry
Terry & Debra Wall
Darrel & Jean Weihert
Section(s)
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Page 7
CFAPOA Newsletter
Winter 2014
A Historical Perspective on Winter Drawdowns and its Effects
on the Fishery
By John Dettloff
As many of you have probably read, this winter - for the first time since 1997 - the Chippewa Flowage will have a more significant winter drawdown, maxing out at about 8 feet below normal full pool
by late March. Much has been said about the benefits of a drawdown combating the ever growing
problem with Eurasian milfoil and other invasive weeds. I whole heartedly agree. This article, however, will deal with an equally important issue involved with having this year’s drawdown… the benefit to the recruitment numbers of our musky and walleye fishery.
Drawdowns have been an integral part of the water level management of the Chippewa Flowage
for most of its history; so they are nothing new to the Flowage. However, because we’ve experienced droughts for most of the past 15 years, winter drawdowns have been reduced to an average
of only 4 feet for the past decade and a half. Thanks, in part, to the fact that we’ve been getting
normal precipitation during the past two years and that all the entities who care about the long-term
health of the Chippewa Flowage want to improve this unique body of water’s habitat and fishery,
everyone involved has worked together to encourage Xcel Energy to go back to more of a moderate winter drawdown.
Historically, during its 90 year existence, the Chippewa Flowage’s winter drawdown has been at
least 10 feet for 62 out of its 90 years. In fact, the average winter drawdown of the Chippewa
Flowage has been: 20 feet during the 1920s and 1930s, 15 feet during the 1940s, 16.9 feet during
the 1950s, 15.7 feet during the 1960s, 13.6 feet during the 1970s, 9.6 feet during the 1980s, 7.1
feet during the 1990s, and only 4.2 feet since 2000. Prior to 1987 there was only one year (1977)
when the winter drawdown was less than 9½ feet; however, since droughts began to consistently
plague our region in 1987 the Flowage’s winter drawdowns have been significantly reduced.
Obviously, extreme drawdowns like we had during the early years (the 1920s and 30s) had some
serious consequences, isolating fish in small pools or sections of the Flowage were they died due
to a lack of oxygen. In some instances, men like John Weidman were hired to dig trenches from
some of these pools so they would connect with deeper water sections and streambeds to allow
the fish to migrate to safety. These drawdowns were most extreme in 1925, 1926, 1928, and 1931
when the Flowage was dropped more than 24 feet, nearly back to the levels of the original river and
lake system. After 1939 consistent extreme drawdowns were halted; between 1940 and 1971
drawdowns fluctuated between 11 and 23 feet down (averaging around 15 feet); and from 1971
thru 1997 more moderate drawdowns in the 8 to 14 foot range were utilized. The moderate drawdowns of this later period proved to be very beneficial to the health of the Flowage’s fishery while at
the same time not being so extreme as to isolate and kill significant numbers of fish.
Arthur Oehmcke, one of the State’s most well-known and accomplished fish culturists, was present
on the Chippewa Flowage working its hatchery at the Winter Dam during the late 1930 and 1940s
and remained intimate with the fishery of the Flowage during the years that followed. Although
Oehmcke agreed that it was a good thing that the extreme drawdowns of the early years ceased,
he empathically stated that the more moderate drawdowns were good for the Flowage in that
continued on page 9
Page 8
Published 01.25.14 (hjn)
CFAPOA Newsletter
Winter 2014
Historical Perspective from page 8
exposing the bottom sediments created oxidation which in turn released the much needed nutrients
into the ecosystem of the Flowage. These nutrients, forms of zooplankton known as crustaceans more specifically referred to as “water fleas” (Daphnia, Cyclopes, and Polyphemus) - are the critical
forms of feed that newly hatched fry need to survive for the first two weeks of their lives after they
lose their food sac and become free swimming.
These free swimming fry are too small to subsist on small minnows, rather they must forage on the
tiny water fleas - which are the size of pepper - to survive. For decades, this is what gave the Chippewa Flowage an enormous edge, especially to it musky and walleye recruitment numbers.
Because of the drawdowns and the resulting oxidation and significant nutrient releases of water
fleas every year, the Chippewa Flowage had some of the highest recruitment numbers of musky and
walleye in the State. During the past 10 or 15 years however, these recruitment numbers have been
low for both musky and walleye…. very likely because their newly hatched fry have had much less
natural food (water fleas) to eat.
Naturally, there is pro and con to whatever drawdown that is utilized; however, I firmly believe that
the pros greatly outnumber the cons regarding a moderate Winter drawdown. Years ago, during the
more moderate drawdowns, in addition to having higher populations of young musky and
walleye, the crappie averaged much larger and the bluegill population was considerably less…. a
much better circumstance to sustaining healthy walleye and musky populations. Keep in mind: although bluegill are fun to catch, allowing a lake to overpopulate with stunted growth bluegill can seriously threaten newly hatched walleye and musky fry.
As far as bass go: the smallmouth bass seem much less affected by drawdowns as they seek out
deeper water during such periods. Largemouth, however, are more likely impacted by moderate
drawdowns so their numbers would also likely drop to some degree. But remember, because (like
the bluegill) they are not a friend to walleye populations, it is best for the health of the walleye fishery
- and probably the musky fishery as well - to keep largemouth populations in check.
So the stage is set with this Winter’s drawdown to help the Chippewa Flowage by not only taking
care of the weed buildup problem… but also giving our newly hatched musky and walleye fry much
more food to eat and a lot less predators waiting to gobble them up.
Catching Up On Fishing with Max
By Max Wolter, Fisheries Biologist at Hayward Service Center
Hi everyone and Happy New Year from the Hayward Fish Team ! We hope you’re staying warm.
I was just crunching some 2013 numbers and I had a few I wanted to share with you all (note: “large
fingerlings” is the DNR hatchery term for “extended growth”).
Continued on page 10
Published 01.25.14 (hjn)
Page 9
CFAPOA Newsletter
Winter 2014
Catching Up from page 9
► 440,481- the total number of LARGE fingerling walleye stocked statewide by the DNR in 2013.
► 100- the number of lakes that were stocked with these large fingerlings.
► 118,237- total number of large fingerling walleye stocking in Sawyer County (85,225 DNR,
33,012 private groups, 14 lakes in total).
► 57,352- total number of large fingerling walleye stocked into the Chippewa Flowage (34,352
DNR, 23,000 private groups) HIGHEST TOTAL IN THE STATE, possibly in the history of the
state.
► 22,308- next largest stocking of large fingerling walleye in the state (Shawano Lake), still lower
than the Big Chip Fish Fest amount from 2013.
► 3,055- fingerling muskies stocked into the Chippewa Flowage, all PIT tagged.
I continue to be amazed at the generosity and enthusiasm in this area. There are many people who
worked very hard to make these numbers possible. As you can see the numbers of fish purchased
by private groups in this area is HUGE. Thank you all for all your efforts. My team and I are looking
forward to 2014 and working hard to live up to the high standard that you have set. There are many
exciting things coming our way.
I also wanted to let you know about an important upcoming event. On WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY
19th from 7:00-9:00 PM at the HAYWARD HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM we will be hosting our
second annual Sawyer County Fish Management Forum. Many people we able to attend this
last year and I thought it was a great opportunity to share all the things happening the world of fisheries with our partners and interested fisher-people.
This year I plan to talk about:
► 2013 fisheries surveys- what we saw and what it means to you the anglers (lots of pictures and
videos this year!).
► Stocking report- what happened in 2013, what can we expect for 2014 (walleye, muskies, and
trout).
► Regulation change proposals- previewing what may appear at future conservation congress
hearings, lots of possible changes coming (walleye, panfish, trout, bass, musky, we’ve got ‘em
all covered)
► Selective harvest- how we can use it effectively, and how we can keep the message positive
and concise.
And of course the most important part of the meeting for me is hearing from all of you. Last year we
had a lot of folks come with great questions and spurred some lively discussions. We’ll also be
handing out a formal survey that touches on some of the hot topics in our local area so we can use
your feedback to make decisions.
See you on the Lake where we’ll have some ‘Catching Up’ to do !
Page 10
Published 01.25.14 (hjn)
CFAPOA Newsletter
Winter 2014
23,000 EXTENDED GROWTH WALLEYES STOCKED BY BIG
CHIP FISH FEST COMMITTEE IN OCTOBER 2013
Day One: Deerfoot Lodge and Hay Creek Boat Launch
John Kaiser assisted with the stocking of 3600
extended growth walleyes at Deerfoot Lodge.
BCFF Co-Chair Al McElroy getting things rolling at the Hay
Creek Boat Launch where another 3600 extended growth
walleyes were stocked.
Published 01.25.14 (hjn)
Just one of the vigorous walleye
that dispersed rapidly.
Mike Gollon, one of the family
owners of Gollon Fish Farm located in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, that
raised the walleyes stocked.
Page 11
CFAPOA Newsletter
Winter 2014
Day Two: “The Landing”, Chippewa Campground and Crane Lake
BCFF Co-Chairs Al McElroy and Rick Marks are all smiles as
they set up at “The Landing” boat launch where another 3600
extended growth walleyes were stocked.
BCFF Co-Chairs Al McElroy and Rick Marks at
the Chippewa Campground boat launch where
3600 more walleyes found a home.
Page 12
Beautiful walleye that were
the culmination of a great
fundraising program.
We stocked 1500 into Crane Lake, which was
recommended by Fisheries Biologists Dave
Neuswanger and Max Wolter.
Published 01.25.14 (hjn)
CFAPOA Newsletter
Winter 2014
Day Three: Tiger Muskie Resort and Timberlake Resort
Co-Chair Al McElroy stands ready as Tiger Muskie Resort owner Richard “Moose”
Speros and his son Jeff wait for the 3800 extended growth walleyes that entered the
Flowage at the Tiger Muskie Resort boat launch.
Our seventh and final stop was at Timberlake
Lodge at the South end of Chief Lake where the
final 3600 extended growth walleye were
stocked.
A check for $33,950.00 was presented to the
Gollon Fish & Baits Farm by John Kaiser and Al
McElroy for the 23,000 extended growth walleyes stocked this year. Walleyes for Northwest
Wisconsin also contributed $4,000.00.
We sincerely thank all of our CFAPOA members for their tremendous support! We also want to
thank the CFAPOA, LCFRA (Lake Chippewa Flowage Resort Association), LCO Tribal Board, and
Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin for substantial donations, as well as many personal donations
from the resorts, local businesses, and the community.
Published 01.25.14 (hjn)
Page 13
CFAPOA Newsletter
Winter 2014
2013-14 CFAPOA COMMITTEES & LIAISONS
Big Chip Fish Fest Committee
Rick Marks & Al McElroy, Co-Chairs
Patty Swaffield
Bylaws/Policy
Terry Moe, Chair
Pete Czarnecki
Mike Whetstone
Sherri Wasielewski
Clean Boats, Clean Waters Committee
Jim Montag, Chair
Jane Montag
Membership/Recruitment Committee
Carolyn Fritsch, Chair
Patty Swaffield
Amanda Wilson
Nominating Committee
Sherri Wasielewski, Chair
Pete Czarnecki
Mike Whetstone
Terry Moe
Shoreline Protection Committee
Dennis Clagett, Chair
Barb Czarnecki
Kris Treland-Neumann
Finance Committee
Patty Swaffield, Chair
Pete Czarnecki
Terry Moe
Social Committee
Jackie Eckerly, Chair
Patty Swaffield
Sandy Zeznanski
Fisheries Committee
Terry Moe & Brenda Dettloff, Co-Chairs
Doug Kurtzweil
Amanda Wilson
Website/Communications Committee
Amanda Wilson, Chair
Hank Narus, Newsletter Editor
Fundraising Committee
Mike Whetstone, Chair
Invasive Species Committee
Dennis Clagett, Chair
Brenda Dettloff, Purple Loosestrife Patrol
Sue Baron
Tom & Laura Marquardt
Ron & Jan Bergman
Al & Nancy McElroy
Tony DeJoode
Terry & Kay Moe
Jim & Marion Dier
Jim & Jane Montag
Karl & Kathleen Euler
Rick & Linda Olson
Alan & Lynda Fish
Steve & Louise Paulson
Whitey & Donna Gilbertson Jack & Marl Reeder
Larry Gilmer
Don & Sue Reinardy
Gary & Mary Lou Hosler Steve Richardson
Chris & Patti Jeffords
Nancy Ruhlow
Jerry & Nancy Johnson
John & Marlen Kaiser
Tyler & Krista Sauder
Terry Kinderman
Barb Schweig
Larry & Sharon Kirby
George & Carmen Sipes
Roger & Kathy Kisch
Jack Sweeney
Bob Kondrasuk
Dick & Karen Terry
Dan & Denise Lessard
Terry & Debra Wall
Rick Marks
Darrel & Jean Weihert
Page 14
CFAPOA LIAISONS
Chippewa Flowage Partners (CFP)
Doug Kurtzweil & Terry Moe
Couderay Waters Regional Land Trust (CWRLT)
Dennis Clagett
Lake Chippewa Flowage Resort Association
(LCFRA)
Pete Czarnecki & Amanda Wilson
Sawyer County Lakes Forum (SCLF)
Chris Jeffords
Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin (WFNW)
Rick Marks
Please contact the committee’s chair if you’re interested in joining any of these CFAPOA committees.
Published 01.25.14 (hjn)
CFAPOA Newsletter
Winter 2014
CFAPOA’S PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
New to CFAPOA? Being connected with other organizations that value the Chippewa Flowage is important for us. Below is a description of the various organizations CFAPOA works with during the year to
help and protect the Chippewa Flowage. If you have any questions or want more information, please
contact the CFAPOA liaison listed on page 14.
CFP — Chippewa Flowage Partners
The Chippewa Flowage Partners (CFP) group, formerly known as the Chippewa Reservoir Steering
Committee, was formed following an October, 2006, public meeting with Xcel Energy to discuss low summer water levels on the Flowage. In the August, 2000, Chippewa Flowage Joint Agency Management
Plan, the parties (Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources, and United States Department of Agriculture-Forest Service) agreed to establish a
joint, non-regulatory team to facilitate on-going communication and the resolution of outstanding issues.
The CFP is now that team. In addition to the “parties”, XCEL Energy, CFAPOA, LCFRA, and Wisconsin
Conservation Congress are also members of the Chippewa Flowage Partners.
Example topics addressed have included water level management, vegetation and fisheries management, erosion control, dissolved oxygen monitoring, invasive species, cultural resource protection, and
public access.
It is the responsibility of the CFAPOA liaison(s) to represent Association members’ interests at CFP
meetings. Try to become informed about Flowage management issues by reading the Association Newsletter and by other means. Be sure to contact a CFAPOA Board member if you need information or wish
to make your opinion known.
CWRLT — Couderay Waters Regional Land Trust
CWRLT’s mission is “protecting and promoting preservation of the natural environment of Northwestern
Wisconsin through land conservancy.” They were very instrumental in helping us with the Chippewa Islands Project. (The purchase of Big Timber and Moonshine Islands.) Individuals may belong directly to
this group. CFAPOA Director, Dennis Clagett, serves on its Board of Directors. For more information,
please go to www.cwrlt.org or write them at CWRLT, PO Box 13097, Hayward, WI 54843.
LCFRA — Lake Chippewa Flowage Resort Association
LCFRA is an organization of resorts and businesses on or near the Chippewa Flowage. We have partnered with them on numerous projects over the years, e.g. fish cribs, Chippewa Flowage Islands Project,
and 75th Anniversary of the Chippewa Flowage. Their website is extensive and has many useful features like trail conditions, fishing reports and local events. Check it out at: www.chippewaflowage.com
They even offer free screen saver downloads of our lake.
SCLF — Sawyer County Lakes Forum
The CFAPOA is an active member of SCLF. In fact, CFAPOA Past - Director Chris Jeffords serves as
Vice Chair on the SCLF Board of Directors. “The purpose of the Forum is to facilitate education, research, and sharing between organizations, individuals, governmental bodies, and the general public of
Sawyer County; to maintain and improve Sawyer County’s water bodies, environs, and watersheds for
now and future generations, including, but not limited to: aesthetics, water quality, wildlife habitat, fisheries, and recreation. These purposes will be accomplished while respecting the rights of property owners.” For more information, contact them at Sawyer County Lakes Forum, PO Box 20, Hayward, WI
54843 or online at www.sawyercountylakesforum.org.
continued on page 16
Published 01.25.14 (hjn)
Page 15
CFAPOA Newsletter
Winter 2014
CFAPOA Partner Organizations from page 15
WFNW — Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin
WFNW's mission is to improve fishing in Northwest Wisconsin for our children’s future, particularly for but
not limited to Walleyes. Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin accomplishes this by supporting conservation
practices, focus on water quality, improving our fish habitat by involvement with weed control projects and
working with the WDNR as needed to accomplish mutual goals. WFNW is committed to educating our
young anglers about our fish resources and how to keep our lakes in balance so quality fishing opportunities can be shared for generations to come.
Walleyes for Northwest Wisconsin accomplishes this by supporting conservation practices, focus on water
quality, improving our fish habitat by involvement with weed control projects and working with the WDNR as
needed to accomplish mutual goals. WFNW is committed to educating our young anglers about our fish resources and how to keep our lakes in balance so quality fishing opportunities can be shared for generations
to come.
More information, including membership forms are available on their website www.wfnw.net.
Just a reminder when going out on our beautiful Chippewa
Flowage: Please inform a responsible person on your
whereabouts and scheduled return--We want you back for
many future visits.
Please Stay Safe on the Ice and Follow These Guidelines:
► Many ice drownings involve children.
When your child is near the ice, you
should be near your child.
► Avoid alcoholic beverages when you’re on
the ice. They can make you feel colder
and slow down your reaction time in case
of an ice emergency.
► Carry two large nails to use as ice picks to
pull yourself out if you fall through thin ice.
► Never drive on the ice at night.
► Avoid pressure ridges and areas with current, if you do choose to drive on the ice.
► Drive with your windows down and doors
partially open to avoid becoming trapped if
your car breaks through.
Copyright 2007, State of Minnesota,
Department of Natural Resources ISC
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Boat & Water Safety Section
500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155 - 4046
(651) 259-5400 or call MN toll free 1-888-MINNDNR
Page 16
Published 01.25.14 (hjn)
CFAPOA Newsletter
Winter 2014
Chippewa Storage Reservoir Forecast
Elevation as of January 22, 2014: 1306.85 ft.
Season: Winter 2013-14
Typical Winter Low Elevation: 1308.0 ft.
2013-14 Projected Winter Low Elevation: 1305.0 ft.
The operation of the Chippewa Reservoir dam for this winter will vary somewhat
from recent winter operations. Xcel Energy has been working since 2006 with a
number of stakeholders representing various interests on the Chippewa Reservoir to
better manage the reservoir and surrounding lands. Those stakeholders collectively
known as the Partners Group include: the Wisconsin DNR, U.S. Forest Service,
LCO tribe, Chippewa Flowage Area Property Owners Association, Lake Chippewa
Flowage Resort Association and Wisconsin Conservation Congress.
The Partner’s group has expressed a desire to increase the depth of the winter
drawdown, similar to what was done historically. The intent of a deeper drawdown is
to decrease the amount of aquatic vegetation, including Eurasian water milfoil, which
should favor the habitat conditions preferred by walleye over largemouth bass. The
largemouth bass population has increased substantially over the last ten years at the
expense of the walleye population. DNR surveys have confirmed that walleye
recruitment has been virtually non-existent over the last several years.
The intent is to reach a reservoir elevation of 1305.0 ft. (8 ft. drawdown) on March 1,
2014, and maintain that elevation until spring runoff begins.
Discharge flows from the dam at the conclusion of the 8-foot drawdown will be
maintained slightly above minimum levels (>250 cubic feet per second) to maintain
the desired reservoir elevation and to meet the minimum discharge flow
requirements from the dam.
Refill of the reservoir in the spring will be dependent upon inflows into the flowage.
Inflows will be dictated by a number of variables such as snowpack, how quickly the
snow melts, base flows in the tributaries and spring rains. It is anticipated that the
reservoir will refill during the spring season as normal, but it will require some
additional time to refill with additional storage in the reservoir.
The first half of the winter season has provided below-average cold temperatures
and above-average snowpack. Additional snows through the second half of winter
will be helpful in providing additional water for refill in the spring season.
Definitions of Seasons of the Year for Operating the Chippewa Storage Reservoir:
Winter:
December 1 – March 30
Spring:
April 1 – June 1
Summer:
June 2 – September 30
Fall:
October 1 – November 30
Published 01.25.14 (hjn)
Page 17
CFAPOA Newsletter
Winter 2014
CHIPPEWA FLOWAGE AREA PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 555
HAYWARD, W I 54843-0555
CFAPOA is committed to keeping the Chippewa Flowage area clean and safe for all peoples;
to protecting the environment; to providing a forum for the collection and exchange of ideas and
to pursuing any other lawful objectives that may benefit this pristine reservoir.
Please mark your calendar
02.06.14
CFAPOA Board Meeting — 6 pm at Town of Hunter Hall
02.19.14
2nd Annual Sawyer County Fish Management Forum
7-9 PM Hayward High School Auditorium
03.03.14
CFAPOA Board Meeting — 6 pm at Town of Hunter Hall
04.14.14
Conservation Congress Hearings — Location TBA
06.07.14
Newsletter Editor
Hank Narus
Page 18
Spring Fling at Treeland’s Resort
Newsletter Advisors
CFAPOA Board Members
Newsletter Contributors
CFAPOA Board Members & Committee Chairs
Published 01.25.14 (hjn)