WHAT’S NEW ON THE FLOWAGE?

 

PHRAGMITES AT THE DAM SITE

Phragmites have been identified along the shore of the dam site. A DNA sample showed it to be the invasive species, “prohibited” in this part of the state. The Lake District (which has an easement on the site) is taking on the eradication project, contracting with the North Lakeland Discovery Center. The project is delayed until next year, since many of the grass stems were cut and sprayed by well-meaning landowners. Next season, the area will be marked with a sign explaining why the grasses must grow to maturity (forming seed heads), in order for the chemicals to reach the roots (rhizomes) successfully. A few days ago members of the Water Quality Committee cut and removed the dead stems.

The control process is called “cut-stem application”. Each stalk is cut near the ground (or water), and a few drops of the chemicals are applied to the hollow stem with a syringe. The chemicals are specific to phragmites, and do not harm aquatic plants or animals, Glyphosate and Imazapyr, 50/50. A permit from the DNR is required for application close to or in the water. Although we received a permit for this year, we won’t use it, and will re-apply next year.

The eradication will take place in the fall of 2023, after the seed-heads have formed. Until then, the plants’ energy brings resources upward from the roots toward the growth process. Once the seed-heads have formed, the plants begins to draw resources back down to it roots (rhizomes), and will take the chemicals with it, where they will do the most good (damage!) Here are pictures of the phragmites growth process:

 June – new growth                                July-August – almost full growth                             September – seed heads form, time to eradicate!


ART AND WHIMSY ON THE FLOWAGE!

People have been taking advantage of the rebar post marking a prop-killing stump in the channel to Spring Lake ever since it was placed there in 2003. First it was trail ribbon. Then a gold-sprayed coke bottle. Later, a great little duck decoy, last summer an alligator. This summer, there’s a sweet little rubber ducky on the post. Thanks – whoever did it!!! Very clever!

Someone with a flair for the fantastic created a flying fish or maybe a sea monster out of a piece of driftwood that has been stuck on the end of a bog for a few years. What do you think it is? Thanks – whoever did it! Very talented!!!

If you have a great photo of wildlife, people life, pontoon life, fish life, or more interesting art exhibits, please share them! Email to littletamaracklakedistrict@gmail.com

 

“WILDFIRE IN WISCONSIN”   Wednesday, July 27, 6:00 pm A presentation for home and cabin owners Co-sponsored by the Conover Lakes Committee and the Conover Volunteer Fire Department

The program was well-attended by around 50 local homeowners. Laura Hayes, a wildfire specialist with the WDNR presented information that might save your life and property, explaining how every property owner can reduce fire risk. The simple steps to reduce or change the fuels around a building could determine whether or not your home or cabin survives.

 There was a little trivia, prizes and a lot of great wildfire information, and Smokey Bear made a visit.

Quite a few attendees signed up for wildfire assessments. The Conover Fire Department is conducting them. Email the Lake District or Conover Fire Department for information.

 

IMPORTANCE OF BAT MONITORING TO SAVING WISCONSIN’S BATS

In 2014, white-nose syndrome (WNS) began to devastate Wisconsin bat populations. White-nose syndrome is caused by a white fungus that grows on infected bats and interrupts their hibernation. They wake up, and burn up their stored energy. The infected bats starve to death before winter ends. Bat monitoring by volunteers is helping Wisconsin DNR and other groups to assess the impact and, hopefully, save our bats.

This summer, the Mosbruckers, Holloways, and friends have paddled the route from Baker Lake through the Little Tamarack Flowage and Spring Lake several times, on dark and sometime moonlit nights, to monitor bats. Here is the latest map. Quite a variety – hope the bats are coming back!

The Lake District 2022 Annual Meeting took place at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, July 2rd, at the Conover Recreation Building in the Town Park. Approximately 50 property owners were in attendance. Minutes of the meeting can be found on the Archives page.

 

ELEVATION ABOVE SEA LEVEL

Now that the benchmarks have been installed at the dam site, the readings on the lake level gauges (yardsticks) can be converted to actual water level above sea level. For instance, 45 cm on the gauge means the water level is 1672.16 ft. above sea level. (At Baker Lake, 37 cm means the same – 1672.16 ft. above sea level). Here is the conversion chart (email for a more detailed chart if you want it)