News & Reports – Page 3 – Turtle Flambeau Flowage & Trude Lake

ALERT!!! LOON FALLOUT CURRENTLY in NORTHERN WISCONSIN!

We are getting calls on many loons on land and small ponds the past 2 days. A few loons can be a normal situation of a loon accidentally landing as a mistake however, due to the many calls received over the past 24 hrs., it appears we may have a LOON FALLOUT occuring. That occurs when atmospheric conditions are such that the migrating loons develop ice on their body as they fly at high altitude …

Celebration Wisconsin Water Week April 17-21, 2023

Wisconsin Water Week begins tomorrow! Water is fundamental to Wisconsin’s identity. Wisconsin Water Week is a time for everyone and anyone to learn more about what’s happening with our precious water resources and how they can be involved in protecting and restoring them. In addition to the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention in Stevens Point, Water Week offers local and regional in-person events as well as online opportunities for people to connect and …

Opportunity for Public Input on Natural Resources Issues April 10-13

The Wisconsin Conservation Congress is a government department that conveys the wisdom and influence of Wisconsin citizens in the formation of natural resource policy, research, education and conservation. Every year the WCC conducts a citizen resolution survey. If the citizen resolution can make it through the gauntlet of surveys, committee approvals and district leadership approvals, the resolution could become a state law.

An online questionnaire survey will be available through a link on the Wisconsin Conservation …

SHORELINE EROSION

SHORELINE EROSION has become an increasing concern on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage and other Wisconsin lakes. The topic of erosion was discussed in two articles in the recent issue of our newsletter Driftwood, and was mentioned as a concern by members in the 2022 survey that was conducted by our association.

A recent article in the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel discusses erosion and other potential impacts generated by the increased use of wakeboard boats in Wisconsin lakes. Here …

Watch How Bottle Gentian Get Pollinated

This video was referenced in the fall/winter 2022 issue of our newsletter the Driftwood, in an article on gentians. Click to watch the video.

TFF Water Level – 2022 Summary

The 2022 open water season on the TFF will be remembered for close to average water levels up to mid-July. From mid-July to mid-August water levels were approximately 6” below target levels. From mid-August through mid-October the water level was within 3” of target level, and was 6-9 inches higher than last year at the same time.

The spring refill target of 1571.50’ was achieved on April 20, 2022, and “ice-out” on Baraboo took place on …

Dock Removal

The DNR normally plans to take docks out each year around Columbus Day because of staffing, weather and consistency. The tentative dates set for DNR dock removal for the 2022 season on the TFF are October 12th-14th.

Master Planning Process begins for Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area

The WDNR has initiated a master planning process for DNR properties of the North Central Forest Ecological Landscape, which includes the Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area. During this scoping phase of the planning process, the public is invited to share their thoughts on the future use and management of DNR properties in the region and to help identify topics that should be addressed in the plan.

As a part of this process, two open house informational …

Proposed zoning change NOT approved

On March 15, 2022 the Iron County Zoning Committee met at the courthouse in Hurley, WI to discuss a change in the shoreland zoning ordinance at the request of a developer. This request would have modified the definition of “lot” by permitting a greater building density on certain lake and riverfront properties. The Iron County Zoning Office presented an analysis of WI counties showing that 40 of the 72 counties have a similar “lot” definition …

Proposed Zoning Change to Iron County Shoreland

Background on Proposed Shoreland Ordinance Change In Iron County, WI

Iron County’s current shoreland zoning ordinance contains some limits on shoreland development in Iron County. The ever-changing view from our lakes is a good indicator that the County’s ordinance allows owners many opportunities for development. But the zoning ordinance can also limit the most intense and harmful development. It is a balance that has helped retain the character of our lakes that we all appreciate. These …