News & Reports
From Beth Feind, Property Manager, Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Parks and Recreation
Docks- We plan to remove docks October 16-18th. If we cannot remove all of them on our own that weekend we will be using the assistance of the NHAL crew, removing the rest by the end of the month.
Murray’s Landing- Rock has been added, per my request, by the Town of Sherman, to help prevent more washouts to the parking lot and the landing. If anyone notices anymore big washouts here please let me know.
Trude Lake Landing- Rock was added to correct a power-load hole and to secure the sides of the concrete ramp. We were receiving a few complaints about this, so if you hear anything you can let them know it is done…
Fisherman’s Landing- Rock was added to the large washout area on the soft launch side and should help with the problem in the future.
Murray’s Landing Rd. project.- Jake from the Town of Mercer said that the road will be graded and left for the winter and paved in the Spring. There could be a slight chance they could have it paved by this fall but he is unsure at this time-tba.
Dumpsters at landings– Dumpsters will be chained, locked and signed (closed for the season) by the end of October. This is new from previous years. We would usually bring the dumpsters back to the shop. But we are testing out a “less labor” method this year.
Campsites- Group campsites close Oct.30th. No one is allowed to use them after this time. Bathrooms will be locked. Regular (Family/Rustic) campsites are open and may be utilized during winter months if people really want to use them. Hazard tree cutting at our campsites is almost completed for this year.
Vault Toilets– Our boat landing vault toilets will be pumped Oct. 19th in cause you see a truck out and about. Murray’s landing vault toilet will be locked when the snow fly’s, the other 2 vault toilets at Springstead and Fisherman’s will remain open as of right now.
Trails- All trails have been inspected (hazard trees removed) and mowed. Except, Wilson Hills Trails still needs mowing- the condition of the road needs to improve (dry out) before this happens. Hidden Rivers Trail and Deadhorse Trails are also being maintained by ICORE and are in excellent condition-complements! Little Turtle Trail was mowed by MECCA- Greatly appreciated!
MADISON, Wis. – To continue managing walleye populations across the state, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin updating Wisconsin’s Walleye Management Plan through regional public meetings and surveys.
“The Walleye Management Plan provides direction to fisheries managers as they implement stocking practices, regulation options, habitat projects and other important factors used to manage walleye populations around the state,” said Mike Vogelsang, DNR fisheries supervisor. “The current plan is over 20 years old and needs updating to reflect current science and technology for managing walleye and to address emerging issues and angler desires.”
Last completed in 1998, the current walleye management plan serves as a guide for one of the most sought-after fish species in Wisconsin and outlines seven goals and strategies for walleye management. The updating process will include a review of the existing plan, an analysis of available data and trends and significant public input on angling and management preferences.
The DNR is seeking public input on stocking priorities, regulation acceptance and agency resource allocation among other things. Public input on the planning process will be gathered through:
- Comments from the public on walleye management preferences and issues via this public input form,
- Detailed random mail/online surveys of fishing license holders (both resident and non-resident) to scientifically gauge angler attitudes about management options, and
- Regional virtual meetings with stakeholder groups and individuals to discuss local management issues and partnership opportunities.
The first regional meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Oct. 13, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. for Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland and Iron counties. Individuals from those counties with a strong interest in walleye management and who would like to apply to participate should contact Max Wolter. Pre-registration is required.
More information on future walleye meetings can be found on the DNR’s public meetings calendar.
Road limits have been lifted and all State docks on the Flowage are in as of Monday, May 10th. A big thanks to the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest Crew for their help with equipment and manpower that was needed to get the rest of these in! All individual boat-in State camping sites are open on the Flowage, but all group sites (reservable and non-reservable) are currently closed. All boat landings and parking areas (including overnight parking) are open but vault toilets will remain closed at this time. All trailheads and trail parking are open and signs are posted to practice social distancing. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly. Thank you.
Beth A. Feind
Property Manager- Bureau of Parks and Recreation
Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
We need volunteers to help remove Curly-leaf Pondweed
An aquatic invasive plant called Curly-leaf pondweed (CLP) has been present in Rice Lake since 2014, and has been spreading downstream through the Turtle River system toward the TFF. It was found in Pike Lake last year.
The infestation is quite bad in Rice Lake, and to a lesser extent in Pike Lake and the Turtle River. Next in line downstream is Lake of the Falls, and then the Turtle Flambeau Flowage.
The Iron County Lakes and Rivers Alliance (ICLRA) has been battling this for years. They are now organizing a CLP pulling effort this spring.
Please see the attached documents for details, and a sign-up sheet. They are looking for volunteers to go out with non-motorized craft and pull weeds with rakes.
Please consider volunteering to help our neighbors to the north with this issue, and in turn, helping the TFF with the potential influx of this nasty invasive.
Randy Payne
Invasive Species Coordinator
TFFTL-POA