Resources
Join us in preserving Sawyer County's natural beauty and enhancing our water bodies for future generations.
Wisconsin Lakes (WI DNR)
Red Cedar Watershed Conference Link to YouTube media on past presentations
The Score My Shore Shoreland Evaluation Survey walks you through questions about the physical aspects of your lake or river property, as well as how you manage it. Questions are set up by property zone: Upland, Transition, and In-Water areas. The Survey also includes a section for you to identify habitat restoration and runoff and erosion control projects that currently exist on your property.
Our Watershed, Our Water - This publication, although a bit older, is still a good resource. The Chequamegon Bay is used as an example to explain watersheds.
The Wisconsin Conservation Funding Coalition (WCFC) held its inaugural summit on August 24, 2026 in Madison, bringing together over 100 conservation stakeholders to address the state’s long‑term funding crisis for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Cleaning your boat and trailer
This video walks through the step-by-step process of taking the aquatic invasive species prevention steps. Before you leave the boat landing, it is important to remember to take these steps: INSPECT boats, trailers, and equipment; REMOVE all attached aquatic plants and animals; DRAIN all water from boats, vehicles, and equipment; NEVER MOVE plants or live fish away from a waterbody; For more information on the CBCW program, please visit: http://www.uwsp.edu/UWEXLakes/cbcw
The Value of Watershed Partnerships - Dan Zerr’s presentation starts off briefly explaining watersheds and then explains the work and partnerships in the Red Cedar watershed (Lake Chetac in Sawyer is headwaters). This presentation is from the Northwest Wisconsin Graziers Network November 11, 2025 grazing conference. Other County Land and Water Conservation departments, UW Extension and lakes groups have long been building relationships and partnerships to protect and improve water quality. Other counties’ LWC departments do so much more, also with limited staffing, and are very involved in many aspects of land and water conservation.
Lakes and Rivers: The Treasure of Washburn County, a new 5-minute video from the Washburn County Lakes and Rivers Association. Narrated pro-bono for by Caroline Fiala of WOJB Radio in Hayward, it is a beautiful and scenic look into the treasure that puts Washburn County on the map – treasure not buried, but on brilliant display all around all year. Featuring stunning photography donated by professional and amateur photographers in Washburn County, the video tells the story of our invaluable water resources and the efforts of residents and visitors to protect them – not only for ourselves, our visitors and future generations, but also for the plants, fish and critters who flourish in this watery home. It highlights the work of WCLRA in fighting the spread of invasive species that damage lakes and fishing; influencing county and state law to protect the waters; educating property owners about common-sense shoreland protection; advocating for safe boating and wake limits where needed; and giving voice to the needs of our water resources.
Sawyer County Lakes Forum is essential for preserving our natural resources and promoting community engagement.
John Doe
The forum has significantly improved our understanding of local water quality and conservation efforts.
Jane Smith
