DNR "Experts"

Just because they have DNR in their title doesn't mean they know anything. I know alot of people who call themselves electricians and I wouldn't let them wire a dog house!
Jack

Do All Wetlands Owners Agree?

Do you know whether there are members of LKWA not supporting the group's point of view? Or is it a closed membership group?
Charles

Jeff Folk, candidate for the RKLD Board of Commissioners, is a wetlands owner, and yet he opposes the LKWA.

I’m not sure who all belongs to the LKWA, their membership list is not available to the public. I know some members of other hunting clubs are LKWA dues-paying members, but are not fully supportive of LKWA.

As far as I know, none of the clubs in Krump Creek are members. Crescent Bay Club are members, but not all owners support the LKWA. The Blackhawk Island clubs -- some are members, others don’t.

Haights Bay has 2 clubs; all are members but I know one who is not in total support of LKWA.

Lautz Bay has Shearer’s, Thiebeau and I believe 3 - possibly 4 - other land owners that connect to wetlands behind the shoreline. I know of one who definitely does not support the LKWA.

Crescent Bay is club owned with a number of members who support them and a number of members who don’t support the LKWA

Carcajou is club-owned and most support the LKWA.

Stinkers Bay area is State land managed by the DNR

Arguments against raising lake level are laughable

(Published Thursday, July 28, 2005 )

Editor, the Gazette:

I recently read the nonsense put forth by Roger Martin (letter, July 19), the DNR and the hunt clubs and laughed in disbelief.

Where are the facts? The DNR and hunt clubs appear to mimic the same deceptions that our high-level leaders presently subject us to.

Hopefully they're inevitably forced to come clean. If a legal battle is what it takes to expose the truth, so be it.

What is it the DNR is really fighting to protect? Is it the money the DNR receives from the hunt clubs?

Or is it that the DNR enjoys the stench of an 11,000-acre toxic waste swamp, has no concern for the public's health due to toxic concentrations of neurotoxins and hepatotoxins in the water and air, really doesn't care about the wildlife or the wetlands and doesn't consider physical safety due to boating accidents an issue for small children, older retired couples and unsuspecting, dollar-spending tourists out to have nice getaway weekends?

Their entire argument reeks of absurdity.

The birds won't be hurt by higher water levels; they'll be helped, as will the wetlands.

If you recall, two years ago many birds and fish died as a result of low water and stagnation, thereby increasing toxin concentrations in the water and air.

So, again I ask: How can the DNR claim that it's safe for people to boat, swim and eat fish from a lake that is killing its own wildlife?

ROGER B. HOLLIS
Fort Atkinson

Costs to raise lake include buying land

This letter is among the most dishonest ever submitted...

(Published Wednesday, July 27, 2005)

Editor, the Gazette:

Rock Koshkonong Lake District directors petitioned the DNR to allow raising Lake Koshkonong's water level. The DNR denied the petition. The DNR understands that raising the lake would be detrimental to wildlife habitat. It would add little benefit to the majority of lake users.

The district plans to sue the DNR over this denial. The district plans to raise the special assessment of members by around $100 to pay for it. Only a few would benefit from raising the lake level, but everyone in the district will have to pay for it.

This is only the beginning. If the district wins, residents will have another special assessment to pay. Raising the level will mean taking some shoreline property from owners of large wetlands. These owners will have to be paid for taking their property. District residents will have to pay for it. This may cost each property owner an average between $100 and $800, depending on the amount and value of land taken.

District members, do you really want to pay these added assessments simply so a few can enjoy the benefits of higher water? The district will hold its annual meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday at Fort Atkinson High School, 926 Lexington St., Fort Atkinson. A motion will be made at this meeting to prevent money from being spent on this lawsuit. Attend and vote yes on this motion. Failure to do so may cost you additional special assessments.

BILL HALLSTROM
President
Green-Rock Audubon Society

Support Science

Brian, I am looking forward to the meeting on Sat. I was just looking at the Gazette letter from Roger Martin.

His 2 questions in the second paragraph have already been answered by the lake model the District has completed. If complaints about the water level existed for as long as he states in his letter I think it is about time the level was raised to the correct height.

Boating does improve when water levels are higher. Boats float they need water, also fish and plants. Wetlands also need water or they are not a wetland.

Who projected the costs at $380,000.00 for legal fees? Are those Buck dollars?

In my neighborhood we had the shoreline of our wetland protected and each spent $3000.00 per lot. None of us looked for any state grants.

You also answered his statement about the water levels south of the dam.

The District is spending our money for a proposal that has been fully studied by professional people. The District is spending our money on a proposal that the people of the District have voted in favor of at several annual meetings.

I do not want to talk about what may or could happen. We have facts to know what will happen and those facts need to be presented at the hearing so we all can move on to other issues. We have come a long way. It would be foolish to walk away from the hearing now and throw away the ONLY data that has been collected pertaining to our lake.

We spent our money for facts. Now is the time for action, not walking away.
Fred

Watch for Children - Swimmers

On a nice sunny day last week, I watched some younger children attempt to play and swim in our lake.

Because the water is low, they went further out than they should have gone. What I saw was a speed boat going by and later two wave runners that were going to fast for the area and were to close to the children.

I fear someday that a boater or wave runner will not see the children playing in the water.

Another danger is many of the people that are not familiar with the lake, are not aware of how shallow this lake is. For instance, Haight's bay, you could walk out 100 feet and the water is up to your knees when the water is low.

I believe the issue of the longer piers and boat lifts that are placed further out due to shallow water are another hazard worth repeating. Especially at night when boaters and fishermen cannot see the piers and lifts.

I strongly support higher water and the Rock Koshkonong Lake District's efforts to improve this lake so it will benefit everyone.
Patricia Tonning

Duesterbeck Open House

Yesterday, Saturday, Lake Koshkonong Wetlands Association founder Linn Duesterbeck hosted an open house to discuss and educate residents about the Lake District's request for 7.2 inches of more water and the elimination of the winter drawdown.

Although reports today indicate only 5 people attended the open house (10am-noon), the RKLD would like to hear from anyone who visited the Duesterbeck open house.

Mr. Duesterbeck has a tremendously gorgeous parcel of land. We would appreciate hearing what claims might have been expressed re: flooding, etc, in order to better prepare and respond to questions others may have about the RKLD's request for nominally higher, stable water levels.

Get educated on lake's low water

Editor, the Gazette:
Perhaps it is time for the uneducated people on this matter, as well as state officials and judges, to take the time to personally visit the shores of Lake Koshkonong and see the piers that extend out 150plus feet in the water.

Perhaps it is time for everyone to speak with the rescue squads and understand how their efforts are hindered by the low water.

Perhaps it is time for everyone to be fully educated on this matter and understand that lake habitat will improve with higher water levers. Water clarity will improve. Wetland areas will be more robust.

Perhaps it is time to raise the water level 7 inches.

STEVEN PROUD
Fort Atkinson

An EMAIL from Mr. Brown

Thank you Stephen, and you are correct. I should have removed that one adjective.

I am using every ounce of my Christian nature to provide honest and transparent information to everyone, RKLD supporters and foes alike. Sometimes my heartfelt passion for this lake overwhelms my brain. :-)
BC

Dear Mr. Christianson;

I have been an out of state property owner on Lamp Road since 1985. I have followed with interest the saga of the dam and lake levels for many years.

I support the efforts of the RKLD, and applaud and appreciate the work of yourself and your predecessors in organizing the RKLD and establishing its agenda for the betterment of the lake and ecosystem. An observation that I have is that this water level request does not have to be a permanent thing. If it turns out to be the ecological disaster that the Wetlands Association and the DNR says, we can lower the level back to where it was in about five minutes. Why not a trial period of a year or two?

My observation of the tactics of the RKLD have been very positive. They are transparent, and reasoned, even in the face of the political (in the worst sense of the word) and opaque methods of the Wetlands Association.

What really inspired me to write to you was your response to the letter from the Smiths that I saw today on the blog. If you had omitted the characterization of their letter as "smarmy", (which it was) you would have focused the power of a reasoned response much more effectively.

I can only imagine that you are very personally invested in this conflict, but I often find it helpful in these situations to let a response "marinate" for a day before I send it.

Sincerely
Stephen Brown

More EMAIL with the Smiths

Brian,
I regret that expressing my personal position has raised any hostility, and do apologize for being smarmy. You owe me nothing, but I appreciate your consideration and time. I realize that the RKLD's board acts in what it believes to be the best interest of the district, much like a school board.

I am aware of several district members who are my neighbors, one an attorney, that opposed rebuilding the Indianford damm. Birdwatchers etc., who wanted the lake restored to its natural state. I know of two families who moved from Vinnie HaHa fearing higher taxation of being in a lake district. Nancy and I have no such concerns with the property tax rate and it is not a factor in forming our opinion. I will not venture a guess on what motivates the DNR Secretary's beliefs, and don't know what his/hers expertise is on this matter.

Mark Twain once said, " An expert is a fool a long way from home".

Fortunately, the locals will decide on July 30th. You have expressed the position of the RKLD to nominally raise the lake level in open and honest terms. So have those with different views. We will accept the will of the majority and continue to live here with pleasure. This will end my discourse.
RS

Mr. Smith;

I intended no hostility; rather, I do appreciate your opposing view on this matter of special charges and lake management.

You may have picked-up on my exasperation with receiving phone calls and emails from those expressing their “opinions,” feelings,” “beliefs,” and speculating on the effects of what the RKLD is requesting. Also, we have been responding to biases against the RKLD. But, from the beginning, we have worked with great diligence to remove all bias, all feelings and opinions from how to properly manage Lake Koshkonong.

The RKLD would never generate false science and then expect to prevail in a contested case hearing. It would be a fool’s mission. However, when the Department (DNR) invokes a blanket rejection of science that they themselves have never, ever conducted on the lake itself -- rather, the DNR simply cites “the literature” and applies their dictatorial authority in a fashion that harms both the ecosystem and recreation – then, unfortunately, lawyers are needed to sort it all out.

Aldo Leopold, the father of wildlife ecology and a Wisconsin native once said, “"Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land."

The existing DNR water level orders offer no such harmony.

Regards,
Brian Christianson

Responding to the Smiths

Mr. and Mrs. Smith;

I am not sure why you felt compelled to place the term experts in quotes. How many PhDs do we need to study the ecological and hydrological behavior of Lake Koshkonong to satisfy your definition of expert analysis? Your note was quite smarmy, but nonetheless, we owe a response to everyone who pays property taxes here and has a desire to express themselves.

I found your comments re: DNR employees to be largely true, with the exception of your last comment – not having personal agendas. I suspect this battle the RKLD finds itself in is the result of personal agendas that began when the last (and current) water level orders were established.

If the DNR had conducted research from the lake at the time they set those orders, then why was it not referenced when DNR proposed the new orders a few months ago? And if the RKLD is without any merit in requesting a legal review of DNR staff rejection of our water level request, then why does the DNR Secretary believe the quality of RKLD research warrants a legal review? A legal review, by the way, that demands the expertise of attorneys knowledgeable in chapter 30 and chapter 33 statutes and the foundation of the Public Trust Doctrine?

Thank you for your note, and I respect you signing your name.

Brian Christianson
www.RKLD.org

An EMAIL from the Smiths

Brian,
Sorry, I don't have the letter or envelope anymore. My wife shredded everything earlier this evening. But you are probably correct, it must have come from a Wetlands owners group as I recall numerous references to wetlands damage if lake levels are raised. The cover letter was attached to the multi-page newsletter that I had seen before from RKLD. Perhaps that is why I thought, without closer observation, that it was additional info from RKLD.

I also received a letter urging a No vote to higher property taxes, and an end to the Districts legal battle against the WDNR from Roger and Margaret Martin. It was very up front and forthcoming about who sent it and why, and I was clear on the author immediately.

I am compelled to tell you that my wife and I are both state employees and more than a little tired of the DNR bashing by local 'experts' throughout the state. I have found employees of the DNR to be educated, professional, scientific and conscientious. And without personal agendas. We will be voting against lining any more lawyers pockets with taxpayer money, chasing a folly.

Sincerely,
Robert & Nancy Smith
N998 Vinnie HaHa Rd.
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

RKLD Supporters

After living on this water system for the last 10+ years we feel that
the level of water is dangerously low. Raising the water level would
decrease the algae content because of of water flow, and would
decrease boat damage and accidents.

Bruce and Sue Newton
9691 N Blackhawk Drive
Edgerton WI 53534

RKLD Opposition

Because we will be out of town on Saturday, July 30, 2005 I wish to take this means of voicing our opinion on the proposed budget for the Lake District. After have read some of the reports by the DNR regarding the Koshkonong Lake we are opposed to any proposals that would be counter to the findings of the DNR.

While I realize that we must be present to vote on these issues I would hope that a meaningful discussion will take place during this meeting that will enlighten everyone.

Further, in these days of wanting to keep property taxes and other assessments down and within certain boundaries, we oppose the raising of RKLD fees.

Trinidad & Billie Chavez
N824 Fairway Dr
Fort Atkinson,WI 53538

The Chair Responds to the Martins

Mr. Martin;
It is a bit disingenuous of you to send an email nearly a week after you mass-mailed your letter of 14 reasons to oppose the Lake District. There was nothing "respectful" in your letter that simply parroted the same rhetoric, speculation and misinformation that your colleagues at the Lake Koshkonong Wetland Association have been peddling. There was nothing creative or original in your letter -- which makes it easy for me to post your letter with a rebuttal on each point, at the http://www.rkld.org/ website.

The reason the Lake District needs to propose a $5.00 increase to the special charge is to defend the data the scientists have collected from Lake Koshkonong and currently under attack by the DNR, a small band of wetlands owners, and you.

It is borderline insulting for you to "remind" me that the lake was once a "vast marsh." I remind you, the United States was once just 13 colonies, trains replaced the stage coach, Main Street was once hitching posts and dirt. What's your point?

Please don't promote yourself as someone who supports recreation, safety and navigation. It is a transparent attempt to be something you are not. Just be honest with the property taxpayers of the Lake District. Tell them you have not read one page of any report the Lake District has commissioned. Tell them you support the LKWA and the Rock River Coalition. Tell them you are on the side of the DNR and their man-made drought conditions for low water levels.

Be honest. That would be the "respectful" thing to do.

Regards,
Brian Christianson
Chair, RKLD

An EMAIL From Roger Martin

Brian Christianson:
I am writing as a lake district resident to respectfully express my opinion against the increased tax assessment in next year's budget. I am pro-recreation on the lake, but I do not think increasing our taxes for a lawsuit is a wise use of our money.

We all want cleaner water, better fishing, and better water skiing, but I'm not convinced the proposal will sufficiently improve things to justify the negative effects that may result. I believe it's important to remember that this area was originally a vast marsh, and it may never be possible to turn it into a high-quality resort lake. We need to balance it's natural tendency to be a marsh with our understandable desire for swimming, fishing, and boating.

I fully support alternative methods to increase the navigability and recreational use that do not carry such a high risk of environmental damage. I look forward to working with the district as a helpful contributor on these ideas.

Best Regards,
Roger Martin
N1020 Vinnie Haha Rd
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
rdogmartin@gmail.com

Martin Letter - They Keep Coming

Do I recall reading the menu at the Lake House Inn which showed drawings of people using the area for recreational swimming and boating back in the early part of the 20th century? And still they come every summer as demonstrated by the number of permanent campsites in the area. The lake and river are an important attraction when you consider the economic advantages.
Al Baxter

We went pass Roger Martin's home and they are not on the lake. There house is across the road from the lake. Also want to mention that Margaret Martin has a letter "to the editor" in the Daily Jefferson County Union on July, 13th. The article is almost identical to the letter we received by mail from the
Martin's.
Pat

If Mr. and Mrs. Martin think 6 or 7 inches of water won't help get to your dock they must not be boaters. I have an 80ft. pier with 6 inches if tire exposed at the end. In years when the water covers the tire I have not had any problem docking my boat. To me 7 inches of water would be like a foot.
Rick

Hunting Associates must be one of the only sane Wetland Clubs on Lake Koshkonong because we are for higher water, stable water levels, NO winter draw downs...wait a minute, we are for everything the RKLD is for.
Jeff Folk
Mark Tomaszewski

DNR, Wetlands Club Boat Ride

Wow! Just went thru some of the letters. Why is Don Bush an organizer for their pontoon boat trip? Why would anyone lend them a pontoon boat? Do they pay back the DNR for Don's time or does he donate it? This is starting to smell worse than the lake with not enough water in it.
Ted

Previous
Post #1

Previous
Post #2

I do not know the answers to those questions. However, given the Wetlands Club holds their private club meetings at the Janesville DNR Service Center, their cozy, nose-rubbing relationship is no real surprise.

Martin Letter - Letter Backfires

From all of the feedback I'm hearing, the Martin letter has definitely backfired for the LKWA.

Isn't it strange how those wetland idiots can find some poor schmuck to do what they are afraid to do themselves because of the flack they know they would get. Talk about a cowards corner, they are the best of the best of cowards.
Carl

Martin Letter - Responses V

REALLY, what is the DNR's ultimate goal here, to create a giant 11,000 acre toxic waste swamp uninhabitable by man or beast ?!? The water level is so low that the wet lands are being drained, isn't this detrimental to the DNR's demands. This has became a senseless battle that the DNR can not win. Why can't the DNR & the hunt clubs be responsible, work together with all the people & reach a compromise ???

By all implications the DNR simply needs to acknowledge that they have made a mistake, correct it & move on. It's good for the Lake, the River, the Wetlands, the Wildlife, Tax Payers, Property Owners & Businesses.

7 1/2" OF ADDITIONAL WATER IS REALLY NOT TOO MUCH TO ASK !!!

Roger B. Hollis
Fort Atkinson

Lake Koshkonong should available for the enjoyment of ALL the people... including boaters. Let's bring the water to a safe and sane level so that the time spent while family boating and fishing can be fun again, not the dangerous exercise in futility it is today. ALL the people deserve it.
Kevin

IT'S TIME TO PUT THIS ISSUE TO BED IF IT TAKES A LITTLE BIT OF MONEY TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED THEN SO BE IT THIS ISSUE IS JUST LIKE THE LAKE STAGNANT Mark Tomaszewski

Three props wrecked on rocks in the last two years.
Matt Wellenkotter

Martin Letter - Responses IV

We have lived on the Rock River in Newville for 38 years and fully support the RKLD in its quest for higher water levels.

The low water level is ridiculous, unless you have a floating pier you need a ladder to get out of your boat. We pay taxes on waterfront property not mud puddle property.
Fred & Itzie Richardson

IT IS WAY PAST TIME THAT THE WATER LEVELS WERE RAISED TO A LEVEL WHERE THE BOATERS, AS WELL AS THE WETLAND OWNERS, COULD ENJOY THE LAKE.
THANK YOU
THOMAS KELLY

Bird watchers? Are you kidding? Raising the water 7.2 inches is not going to adversely affect birds or fish. Martin said it himself...people move here to boat. Safety is another big issue, when when rescue boats can not navigate in the the low water.
Sara

I believe in the facts presented by the environmental study that has been funded by the Lake District. I am in complete support of the lake districts efforts to increase and stabilize water levels. It is unfortunate that it will take additional tax dollars to fight for approval of the Lake District’s (OUR) request But if that’s what it takes, then I am in complete support of increasing the special tax charge to support the effort.
Bruce Harrison

Martin Letter - Ready to Retire Response

After 30 tears of having and improving our house and enjoying the views, we are hoping to retire to our house on the lake. Well, after 30 years of promises with the water level, I do believe that the people in charge who make these decisions do not care about us, I am sure if they had family, kids or relatives that depend on the lake to support their family, they might look at things a little different.

Living on the lake and being a flat-lander for 30 years, I think it is time for some of the so-called old-powers-to-be to look around, see and listen to what the new people are trying to do and make sure that their children can enjoy it just like they did.

All this talk, time and money, and our time also, is just a waste. We should all try to live with each other. Let's get this done once and for all. It seems that we going to be on the same page for the next 30 years. If so, I think myself and some of the rest of us will just have to move on.

Let's give the people what the want and try to keep going forward not backward. We need the revenue to keep up so people will come and enjoy the lake just like we did 30 years ago.

But if we have to give in to the old-timers or the duck hunters, I guess we will be doing this for the next 30 years or more.

Bob & Elaine

Martin Letter - Responses III

It's time we recognize our lake as more than just a currently, shallow body of water. It impacts businesses, employment, taxes and the overall economic health of the region. We can have a lake that meets the needs of the users, is ecologically viable, and still contributes to the needs of the area. It's time to move ahead and meet all those objectives.
Bill

You can most certainly add my name to those supporting higher water. Many of the piers I have put out are unusable because of the low water.
Dorothy Zaccari

Having come from Lake Delavan, which had its share of problems in the 80's, and finally a dredging and subsequent kill-off of the rough fish, I have to say that at sometimes strong measures are needed to address a number of problems that not all realize are there. The fish are thriving and the lake has become much healthier, envying its sister lake, Geneva. Change is hard to accept but some times it is best. I think our time has come for our change for the betterment of all.
Kathy Ward

Thank you DNR for causing my son to become sick from all the algae in the river.
Patrick Durante

I'm sick of green stinking water can't even sit out on our deck and enjoy the summer!!
Bob Danielson

Martin Letter - A Fisherman Responds

What happened to the river and lake I have fished , boated and enjoyed for many years ? When can I take my boat out and not be worried about hitting submerged objects in spots I never had to worry about in years past ? When can I launch my boat in Fort Atkinson and head either upstream to the rapids and beyond or to Kosh without the fear of damaging my boat like I once did ?
Why do I have to tell my 7 year nephew we can't go Catfishing in the good spots not many know about because there's not enough water in the river to get to them ?

I have yet to talk to one person ( And I have talked with many ) who fishes or boats on this system that is pleased with how things are now water level wise.
I guess to sum things up. When can we have our river and lake back ?

Bryan Tupper

Martin Letter - More Responses

We have lived up here for seventeen years. We have gone through a season like this several times in these past years. It is unthinkable that the people who are on the DNR (God only knows their background) can dictate to us how we are suppose to live with these conditions. We cannot even get our boat off the lift, unless of course, if my husband injures his back in the process.

We can't even invite friends to visit us, because of course, they expect to go out on the boat for the day. And who wants to go outside! The stink from the lake is so bad you can't breath. Let alone our immediate family and grandchildren who we regrettable say, "Sorry about this" We abstain from explaining to them about the "Wetlands" people and the DNR....No one wants to listen to the obvious.....POLITICS.

The toxins from the boiling filth and crud we have experienced this year is unbearable. I have had correspondence with a Ms. Stephens from the DNR and she has denied hearing about any of these problems and, or lawsuit. What are we to do dealing with people like this? It will take the whole Lake District to fight for OUR well deserved rights!!

Randy and Vivian Knoble

Martin Letter - A Grandpa Responds

I have been part of Lake Koshkonong for the last 39 years. I discovered Lake Koshkonong just after getting married in 1965. My in-laws owned a home on the lake in the Edgerton area. My wife and my children fell in love with the lake and now I have also owned lake property on the North Shore of Lamp Road for the last 10 years.

I love the Lake and its people. In the spring everything is beautiful. The water is just about the right level. Birds are all over the place. Fishing is fun right off of my pier. Boating is fun too and the water is not shallow. My 3 children and 6 grandchildren visit the lake often and love to swim in the lake during the warmer days of spring.

Now comes summer and the DNR insists on a low water level. The birds go away. Well most of them anyway. The shoreline turns from a lush green to a smelly, dirty, insect ridden collection of muck. I even wonder about disease? Is all this muck loaded with disease that could harm my children or grandchildren? I am not a scientist or a biologist, but I hope the DNR is aware of the potential disease hazard of shallow smelly mucky stagnant water!

At low water level my grandchildren make faces when I ask them if they want to go swimming. "Grandpa, is that water okay to swim in"?, is what I hear. It makes me sad. My boat no longer can be brought to my pier. It has to stay about 40 yards away from the pier so it will still float without becoming stuck in the muck. There are no fish at the end of my pier because it is way too shallow.

I am very sorry Brian, but all this makes me very discouraged. What's wrong the the DNR? Don't they have families? Do the want the lake to go away? What are they thinking?

Correct me if I am wrong, but if there is a higher water level, then the flow into the river is better resulting in cleaner water, better fishing, nicer looking shorelines, happier residents, etc. As far as the wetlands are concerned, just use common sense. For thousands of years the birds built nests and the animals adapted to whatever level of water is given to them. They have always survived and will continue to survive. Raise the water 7 or 8 inches and they all will survive. They will just build their nests a little higher and the animals will have more water in which to live. It's a no brainer. What are we all waiting for?

Whoever reads this, please, please, write the DNR, write to your federal and state legislators. We all know higher water levels are better, are safer and good for the economy of our towns. Haven't we waited long enough. Lets do whatever it takes to raise the water level just 7 or 8 inches.

Regards,

James J Pupelis
Fort Atkinson

Martin Letter - Sample Responses

It is a crime against the environment to let the lake level fall as the DNR mandates.
Bob Hausler

Re- R & M Martin letter today. All 14 statements are BS or irelevant without facts of any kind to back them up.
Ron

I live on the lake @ N987 Vinne Haha Rd. and find it hard for anyone to justify keeping the water levels so low all year long for a couple of weeks of good duck hunting that the hunters enjoy, when 10 times the number of hunters could be enjoying the higher water for 3 or 4 months during the summer boating & recreation months.
Ed Smith

Please let us have some more water to enjoy boating and fishing. I've already went thru two props this year and this low water is dangerous for skiing.
Steve

My wife and I have lived and worked around the lake for more than 35 years helping maintain our family frontage and create a place for our kids and grand kids to play, swim and in general just have fun as we did when we were kids. Now with the water level as low as it is we can not allow the kids to play in the stench because of the low water anymore. What are the duck hunters going to do when people start getting sick or even die from this fowl water?
Don & Kathy Quarterman

Martin Neighbors on Vinnie Ha Ha (voice mails);

We support what you are doing. Keep up the good work.
Dan

You have probably seen the letter, but my neighbors do not represent the rest of us here. You should know that.
Bill

Roger and Margaret Martin Letter

On Saturday, April 30th, we informed RKLD constituents that the Wetlands Club had requested the names and addresses of all property taxpayers within the lake district boundaries.

(see original posting here)

As of Tuesday, July 12th, we now know what their intentions were for obtaining this public document; to mail pro-LKWA propaganda that is littered with inaccuracies.

What is interesting about the letter Mr. and Mrs. Martin mailed is that their letters were postmarked from Milwaukee (532xx). Also, each of the 3 pages is marked Copyright 2005/All Rights Reserved.

And I find it very curious that the final page is a bullited laundry list of 14 reasons to oppose the Lake District.

A copywritten letter? From your neighbor? Postmarked, Milwaukee?

Not only does the formal nature of the letter smack of something a lawyer would write, but the 14 bullit points are the same talking points the Wetlands Club members recite at every interview.

I don't need to watch CSI or Law and Order reruns to figure-out the Martins had an attorney, perhaps Wetlands Club lawyer Buck Sweeney, draft this letter for them.

Democracy is great. No matter how wrong someone is, they still have the right to be wrong.

THANK YOU Newsletter Volunteers

Thank you to the following volunteers for rescuing the 2005 annual newsletter from printer snafus;

Jeff Folk
Ed Sandner
Shelley Sandner
Doug Sandner
Larry Kundert
Frank Micale and Cindy
Terry Micale
Larry Schroeder
Candy Schroeder
Brian Christianson
Ray Lunder
Gayle Lunder
Nicole Lunder
Weston Lunder

Norbert Jim Johnson Candidate Bio #2

Meeting minutes from the LKWA website:

The August meeting will be a joint event with the Wisconsin Wetlands Association. There will be a pontoon trip around the lake with Quentin Carpenter as leader. He will point out the various types of wetlands in the lake, their natural features and their health or problems.

A committee to help plan the event was formed with: Susan Yates, Don Bush and Jim Johnson. Persons with pontoon boats are: Susan Yates, Linn Duesterbeck, and Jim Johnson.

We will probably have to borrow some from marinas. Those who know individuals or marinas that might be willing to loan a pontoon boat, please let us know.

Public Response to Coward's Corner

From Janesville Gazette Sound-Off, July 6th;

On Lake Level: I live north of Janesville on the Rock River, and I'd like to know how the Koshkonong lake district's proposal to raise the water level will effect my water level. It would seem that if they hold back water for rich boaters on the lake, there will be less water for us. I'd like the lake district and the DNR to explain this clearly.

That person should take his head out of the paper bag; the Centerway Dam controls the river water level below Indianford. As for the District wanting to raise the lake level and then to say if we raise the lake level they won’t have any water is all BS as they will continue to get the same amount of water flow allowable according to the flows received in the lake. All the district would be doing is holding back 7.2 more inches after the periodic high flow periods, which would not affect the water flow above or below the Indianford Dam once the lake level of 776.8 was achieved.

Why don’t they make a formal request to the DNR to raise the river water level operating orders at the Centerway Dam?

I know the answer already, that would be too easy, it is always easier to blame someone else, which we all know so well, look at the LKWA, they were standing in line for $10,000 dollars to protect their wetlands, why didn’t they think about riprapping before the free money that the district secured for them in State Grants?

This is a Quote from the DNR’S Jon Bergquist, now retired. “The only way to protect the shoreline of Lake Koshkonong is to Armor it”.

Hope you post this.

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Feedback: On Candidates I

I don't understand why this guy Norbert Jim Johnson would write such an E-mail to you in the manner he did, isn't this guy considering a run for chairman & if so it looks as though he is only doing it for his own personal gain.

We don't need anymore BS, red tape or? delays, we need people who really care about the cause & will not make matters worse.

What has this guy done to show he cares about the cause other than position himself for personal kick backs as observed by his E-mail ???

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Mr. Johnson is a CPA, per his bio. I can only guess that the LKWA is now engaged in a game of gotcha.

Norbert Jim Johnson EMAIL

Brian:
State statutes require an AUDIT of the financial statement be presented at the annual meeting s 33.29(2). Jerry told me that the Board have hired Larson Accounting to do something on the 12/31/04 financial statements, it can't be an audit because Mr. Larson is not a CPA licensed by the State of Wisconsin.

I expect that you will comply with the law and have an audit of the 12/31/04 financial statements available at the annual meeting.
Norbert Jim Johnson

Mr. Johnson:
Check the statutes. You are not correct.

The statute you cite contains no requirement that the audit be conducted by a CPA.

This advice concurs with the information in the UW publication entitled “A Guide to Wisconsin’s Lake Management Law” (10th ed., 1996) which states: “The law does not specify further requirements for this audit which may be performed by an accounting firm or by an internal committee.”

The District’s retention of Larson Accounting to perform the audit complies with the statute and the audit can be presented or submitted to the Annual Meeting.

More Comments re: Algae

I read this & think, you don't have to be a scientist, an engineer or have a PHD in chemistry to know that if you want to dilute the parts per million of a contaminate with in a particular solution, just add H2O, WATER !!!!

This does further justify the need for attorney's tho, to expose the TRUTH.

Q: What makes a wetland wet ?

A: H2O, WATER...

The observations of the wetlands seen this week-end showed a parched, cracked mud, desert with withering plant growth. The rain helped though, now if only the DNR would be realistic & honest maybe a compromise could be reached...

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Comments re: Algae

For precision sake, if I am not mistaken, the flow is proportionate to the rate of water going into the lake, and not as much as height.

Interestingly enough, if you have height, you have the opportunity to increase the flow in emergencies.

However, a higher water level, will produce colder waters that discourages algae growth, and at the same time it will have more water mass, which decreases concentration, by definition.

No matter how you look at it, a higher water level would relief the algae problem drastically, due to elementary physics.

Let's keep the fight!

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Danger: Rocks

ON THE NORTH END OF THE LAKE BY THE RIVER, AS YOU ARE COMING OUT OF THE RIVER, HEADED SOUTH. ON ANY GIVEN WEEKEND, WITH THE LOW WATER LEVEL CONTRIBUTING TO THIS PROBLEM.

IF YOU TURN LEFT, YOU WILL HIT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR BOAT AND YOU MAY HANG UP ON THE ROCKS.

DAMAGE TO BOATS ON THE WEEK END EXCEEDS $25000.00 EASY. ( AN ESTIMATE)

SOME ONE TOOK IT ON THEMSELVES & PUT UP A SIGN UP (ROCKS) THIS HAS HELPED & SAVED MANY PEOPLE FROM DAMAGING THEIR BOAT.

7" OF MORE WATER WILL SURE HELP TO KEEP OUR LAKE SAFE.

GERRY

Letter to State Officials

I am writing in regards to the water levels on the Rock River and
Lake Koshkonong. We are property owners who are asking you to
consider our request of helping us raise our water levels. My
husband and I live on the river, we understand what true high water
means as our property has been flooded in the past due to high
water. For us to be asking for higher water levels shows that we
have true concern and belief on the research that has been done
regarding this issue.

Lower water levels in the summer limits our recreational use. As
educated and responsible boaters who pride ourselves on knowing
the lake and river levels we have been stuck numerous times this
year boating in areas that are normally safe and deep. The current
levels are incredibly dangerous especially for boaters who enjoy our
lake and river but do not live here and do not know it very well. We
have already had one death on the lake this year due to the low
water levels.

These low water levels also lower our real estate value. The Newville
area alone has done quite a bit to fix up our area with new
restaurants and enhanced gas stations to attract new business to the
lake and river areas. These water levels will turn away tourist which
helps keep these businesses going even during the slower seasons.

I ask you to please consider this issue, as the Wetland Association
(consisting of 10 private hunting clubs) is what is holding us hostage
regarding this issue. I know we can find a water level that will work
for everyone, 7 inches is not much in the large scheme of things.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Sincerely,

Sara Knilans
Rock River Homeowner

Jeff Folk Bio

My name is Jeffrey L Folk. I graduated form Milton High School in 1983, Blackhawk Technical College with a associate degree in Electro Mechanical Technology. I served a 5 year state indentured apprenticeship as an electrician. I have my Master electrician's license and I'm a member of IBEW Local 890 for 16 years. I work as an electrician for UW Madison.

Married to Cheryl and have two daughters, Rachel (8) and Megan (5)

My beliefs are with the Lake District and if elected, I will help our great Lake District board defeat the LKWA and move on to more productive projects to improve Lake Koshkonong for EVERYONE!

I have lived on Lake Koshkonong all my live and I'm also a WETLAND owner who is NOT a member of the LKWA.

Email questions to;
jcfolk@ticon.net

Health Note from DNR

I am an environmental toxicologist in the Water Quality Standards Section at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in Madison, and I am currently serving as the coordinator of a statewide blue-green algae (BGA) monitoring project. The purpose of this message is to notify you that we have detected high concentrations of blue-green algae in a sample collected from the following lake in your county:

1) Lake Koshkonong, collected on 06/29/2005
Aphanizomenon sp. at 39,500 filaments/mL

Because the number of cells in the average filament ranged from approximately 15 to 50, the density of blue-green algae in this sample is very likely over the World Health Organization guideline of 100,000 cells/mL.

This species of blue-green algae is capable of producing toxins, including anatoxin-a, a neurotoxin.

The purpose of the DNR's monitoring project is to investigate the frequency, severity, and duration of BGA blooms, including information on which species of blue-green algae are present and their concentrations. In a select number of samples we will also determine the concentrations of specific toxins: anatoxin-a (a neurotoxin), microcystin (a hepatotoxin), and cylindrospermopsin (another hepatotoxin).

Unlike the DNR's beach monitoring program for bacteria, the blue-green algae monitoring program is NOT designed to provide real-time information on the presence of BGA or blue-green algal toxins, and only a very limited number of surface waters can be monitored in each region of the state. However, when DNR receives information from the SLOH that high concentrations of BGA are present or that a blue-green algal toxin has been detected, this information will be shared with the local public health agency through the county public health officer. Only DHFS or the local public health agency has the authority to close a beach.

Should you decide to close any beaches or post any advisory signs, I've attached a copy of a generic sign that can be modified for your county, laminated and posted. Last year, beaches were temporarily closed at Lake Menomin and Tainter Lake in Dunn County, Crystal Lake and Lake Kegonsa in Dane County, and Twin Valley Lake in Iowa County, based on the results of DNR sampling.

Additional information on blue-green algae and what people can do to protect themselves from exposure is listed below. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely, Elisabeth Harrahy, Ph.D.
P Elisabeth Harrahy, Ph.D. Environmental Toxicologist Water Quality Standards Section Bureau of Watershed Management Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
phone: (608) 264-6260
fax: (608) 267-2800
e-mail: Elisabeth.Harrahy@dnr.state.wi.us <>

Background Information
-blue-green algae are actually photosynthetic bacteria (a.k.a. cyanobacteria)

-can increase in number to "bloom densities" in surface waters with high concentrations of nutrients, particularly phosphorus

-most species are buoyant and when their densities become high, they can accumulate on the surface and form scum layers, mats, or blobs

-blooms tend to grow when there is a lot of sunlight, the temperature is warm, the water is shallow and there is little wind

-sometimes when the wind kicks up, blue-green algae will pile up on the windward side of the lake

Possible Effects on the Environment

-blue-green algae are not usually eaten by fish and invertebrates, so when they become high in density and outcompete the more palatable, true algae, they can have indirect effects on the food chain

-as a bloom dies, it can decrease the amount of oxygen in the water, which can result in fish kills

Possible Effects on People

-many species of blue-green algae are capable of producing toxins -dermatotoxins: skin rashes, gastrointestinal disturbances, headaches, eye,
nose and throat irritation

-hepatotoxins: liver damage, possibly liver cancer, death (at high
concentrations)

-neurotoxins: seizures, paralysis, respiratory failure, death

-not all species that are capable of producing toxins produce them all the time

Measures People Can Take to Protect Themselves

-avoid swimming or recreating in water that looks like "pea soup", green or blue paint, or that has a scum layer or puffy blobs floating on the surface

-do not let pets or livestock (BGA have been known to kill cattle also) swim in or drink such water -do not let children play with or in scum layers, even from shore -do not treat surface waters that are experiencing blue-green algal blooms with any
herbicide or algaecide-- toxins are released into the water when blue-green algae cells die

-always take a shower or bath after coming into contact with surface water
Measures People Can Take to Help Reduce Future Blue-Green Algae Blooms

-maintain native vegetation along shorelines as buffer areas -minimize activities that result in erosion -reduce the amount of fertilizer used on lawns

-please see DNR web site for more information
-http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/wm/wqs/bgafaq.pdf -http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/wm/wqs/bgabrochure.pdf

-contact Dr. Elisabeth Harrahy (DNR) for general information on BGA -contact Dr. Mark Werner (DHFS) for information on human health effects