Save the Date for 2025 Six-County Lakes and Rivers Meeting

Northwoods Six-County Lakes and Rivers Meeting to highlight benefits and risks of herbicides for AIS control

RHINELANDER, WI — Eurasian watermilfoil and other nuisance vegetation is spreading in northern lakes. Are herbicide treatments an answer? Or are they too risky?

A panel of experts will explore that topic at the annual Northwoods Six-County Lakes and Rivers Meeting on Friday, July 11, Nicolet College in Rhinelander.

“Herbicides are commonly used to control invasive species as well as native species that can grow to nuisance proportions,” said Ted Rulseh, president of the Oneida County Lakes and Rivers Association (OCLRA), a co-sponsor of the meeting. “Our panelists will spell out the pros and cons and also describe alternatives to chemical treatment.” The panelists are:

• Eddie Heath, senior aquatic ecologist at the Onterra lake management consulting firm
• Michelle Nault, lakes and reservoir ecologist with the Wisconsin DNR
• Representatives from the Eagle River Chain of Lakes Association and the Lac du Flambeau Tribe

The panelists will offer their perspectives and take questions from the audience.

The theme of this year’s meeting is, Quakes to Our Lakes: What’s Shakin’? Speakers will look in depth at the biggest threats facing our waters, from invasive species and climate impacts to the enhanced wakes created by wakesurf boats.

The morning will kick off with a legislative update on policy developments at the state level that affect lakes and natural resources generally. Featured presentations include:

• Gina LaLiberte, harmful algal bloom coordinator with the DNR, will be presenting on the growing issue of cyanobacteria (toxic blue-green algae) in our waters.
• John Richter, president of the Plum Lake Association and board member of the Last Wilderness Alliance, will be presenting on wake boats and their effects on shorelines, lake health, and more.
• Michele Sadauskas, Oneida County conservationist, and Beckie Gaskill, Lumberjack Resource Conservation and Development Council communications director, will be presenting on grant opportunities for lake associations and communities striving to protect their waters.

The doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee, camaraderie, and networking. Free registration is now open at https://SixCountyMeeting.eventbrite.com.

The meeting sponsors are OCLRA and the Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association (VCLRA). Attendees are expected from Oneida, Vilas, Forest, Iron, Langlade and Lincoln Counties, but all are welcome.