Winter 2010 President's letter to all Lake Associations:

Both state legislation and local initiatives protecting our waters have been realized this past year. State legislation was enacted regulating phosphorus levels and slow-no-wake speed within 100 feet, and both the Totogatic and Brunsweiler Rivers were designated as wild rivers.  Also, our Sawyer County Lakes Forum has written numerous letters of support for lake association project grant proposals.

The Wisconsin Association of Lakes (WAL) is now focusing on groundwater issues.  Although sometimes an “out of sight, out of mind” issue, our Forum has concern for groundwater, wetlands, streams and lakes.  Starting with a Sawyer County Lakes Forum letter to the editor in the Sawyer County Record, a citizens committee with SCLF board members participating (one of our board members chaired) presented the Sawyer County Zoning Committee with a Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) list of recommendations.  These recommendations were favorably received and the following actions will be initiated:

1. Sawyer County provide the necessary staffing and support to meet statutory requirements to inventory all POWTS by October 2011 and maintain a comprehensive program using the existing Carmody program.
2. Property owners provide proof of inspection or pumping of POWTS at the time of recording sales and transfers of property.
3. Sawyer County update sewage systems ordinances.
4. Sawyer County revise the current lake POWTS survey program to provide protection of both ground and all surface waters (lakes, ponds, rivers, streams) and wetlands.
5. Sawyer County publish informational and educational materials for the public.
6. Sawyer Count update the Septic System Inspection Form.
7. Sawyer County pursue efforts to establish regional waste treatment facilities.

As issues are addressed this year, the Sawyer County Lakes Forum believes that an individual can make a difference, but collaborating with lake associations, countywide forums and regional waters organizations can further result in significant and enduring accomplishments.  We shall address issues such as Asian carp control measures, clarification of Sawyer County’s land and Sub-Division Ordinance, and the effects of the consolidation of Zoning with Land and Water.  Regional issues such as Conservation Planning for the Lake Superior Basin of Sawyer County will be addressed in dialog with the Northwest Wisconsin Waters Consortium.

The Third Annual Meeting of the Northwest Wisconsin Waters Consortium will be held beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Telemark in suite Namakagon C prior to the start of the Northwest Wisconsin Lakes Conference Friday June 17, 2010.  Issues and proposals on the agenda will be sent out for consideration to representatives of the counties of our region. During the opening ceremonies, the Northwest Wisconsin Waters Consortium will again present awards to lake associations for outstanding newsletters and websites.

The Sawyer County Lakes Forum is committed to maintaining communication with lake associations, their newsletter editors and board officers as well as through articles published in the Sawyer County Record.  SCLF will appreciate your ideas for action, suggestions for programs, requests for assistance and information, and comments as to what is happening on your lake or river.  Sawyer County Forum open meetings are as follows:

Regular 2010 Spring Board Meeting: Thursday, April 29, 10 a.m. at Flat Creek Eatery

Annual 2010 Spring Meeting: Saturday, May 15, 9 a.m. at Comfort Suites, Hayward

Regular 2010 Summer Board Meeting: Thursday, July 15, 10 a.m. at Winter Town Hall

Annual 2010 Fall Meeting: Saturday, September 18, 9 a.m. at Comfort Suites, Hayward

Regular 2010 Fall Board Meeting: Thursday, November 11, 10 a.m. at Bass Lake Town Hall

If you have questions or requests please contact Waldo Asp, president 354-7450; Cris Jeffords, vice president 945-3085; Tom Rehfeldt, secretary/treasurer 634-9898; Phil Nies 634-2920; Dan Tyrolt 634-2353; Bruce Paulson 634-3618; William Voight 266-2066; Al Reinemann 462-3272; and, Bruce Meyers, past president and web page master 462-4119.

Thank you for your consideration.

Waldo Asp, President

Sawyer County Lakes Forum

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