Pine Lake - Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin Lake Management Plan

Transcription

1 25 Pine Lake - Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin Lake Management Plan Prepared by staff from the Center for Watershed Science and Education University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

2 Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 2

3 Lake Management Plan for Pine Lake Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin The Pine Lake Management Plan was developed with input from residents and lake users at a series of four public planning sessions held at the Wild Rose Community Center in Wild Rose, Wisconsin in August 24, Camp Twin Lakes in September and October 24, and Crossways Pine Lake Camp in November 24. The inclusive community sessions were designed to learn about and identify key community opportunities, assets, concerns, and priorities. Representatives of state and local agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations, also attended the planning sessions to offer their assistance to the group in developing a strategic lake management plan (LMP). The plan was adopted by the Pine Lake Property Owners Association on: The plan was adopted by the Town of Springwater on: The plan was adopted by Waushara County on: The plan was approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on: July 9, 25. Date. Date January 6, 26. Date. Date Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 3

4 A special thanks to all who helped to create the Pine Lake Management Plan and provided guidance during the plan s development. Pine Lake Management Planning Committee Members and Resources Fred Koch Alan Betz John Nelson Judy Nelson Ken Hurst Marlys Hurst Sonia Kendzierski Merry Stern Jean Medway James Rannie Planning Committee Carol Nohr Bud Oneil Susie ONeil Art Kucksdorf Rich Dokmo C. Meisner Bill Reisser Meil Austin Everette Scksteen Bill Nohr Tom Pritzlaff Sandy Young Dan Keller Judy Keller Sharon Rossebo Rich Rossebo Barb Krumrai Jeff Wiesman Ron Vande Kolk Waushara County County Conservationist Ed Hernandez Land Conservation Department Community, Natural Resources and Economic Development Agent University of Wisconsin-Extension Patrick Nehring University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Water Resource Specialist Ryan Haney Water Resource Scientist Nancy Turyk Center for Watershed Science and Education Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Water Resources Management Specialist Ted Johnson Fisheries Biologists Dave Bartz and Scott Bunde Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. Regional Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist Kaycie Stushek We are grateful to many for providing funding, support, and insight: Waushara County Watershed Lakes Council Waushara County Staff and Citizens Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Professionals, Mark Sessing and Ted Johnson Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Lake Protection Grant Program UW-Extension Dr. Samantha Kaplan and Dr. Paul McGinley, UW-Stevens Point Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 4

5 Contents Introduction... 7 Background... 8 The Planning Process... 9 Goals, Objectives and Actions... List of Goals... In-Lake Habitat and a Healthy Lake... 4 The Fish Community... 4 Critical Habitat... 6 Aquatic Plants... 9 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)... 2 Landscapes and the Lake Water Quality Shorelands Watershed Land Use... 3 People and the Lake Recreation Communication and Organization Updates and Revisions Governance References... 4 Appendices Appendix A. Waushara County Lake Information Directory Appendix B. Aquatic Plants Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 5

6 Appendix C. Invasive Species Rapid Response Plan Appendix D. Shoreland Survey Appendix E. Lake User Survey Results Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 6

7 Overarching Vision for Pine Lake Pine Lake, with its sandy beaches, great fishing and clean, clear, abundant water, will be a place where generations of friends and family come to enjoy each other and the outdoors. Introduction Pine Lake is a 37-acre seepage lake with a maximum depth of 48 feet located in northern Waushara County, Wisconsin. Land in the towns of Springwater, Saxeville, and Dayton are located in the Pine Lake watershed. Its shorelands are mostly developed, but it is surrounded by forested land and the minimally developed Twin Lake to the east. A large portion of the northern shore of the lake is home to Pine Lake Lutheran Camp. Residents enjoy the lake s sandy bottom and clean, clear water for swimming, boating, and aesthetic pleasure. Most residents have a long history with the lake and value the traditions they have established at this central Wisconsin jewel. The purpose of this plan is to provide a framework for the protection and improvement of Pine Lake. Implementing the content of this lake management plan (LMP) will enable citizens and other supporters to achieve the vision for Pine Lake now and in the years to come. The plan was developed by community members who learned about the lake and identified features important to the Pine Lake community to help guide the fate of the lake. It is a dynamic document that identifies goals and action items for the purpose of maintaining, protecting and/or creating desired conditions in a lake and identifies steps to correct past problems, improve on current conditions, and provide guidance for future boards, lake users, and technical experts. Because many entities are involved in lake and land management, it can be challenging to navigate the roles, partnerships, and resources that are available; the planning process and content of this plan have been designed to identify where some key assistance exists. The actions identified in this LMP can serve as a gateway for obtaining grant funding and other resources to help implement activities outlined in the plan. Who can use the Pine Lake Management Plan, and how can it be used? Individuals: Individuals can use this plan to learn about the lake they love and their connection to it. People living near Pine Lake can have the greatest influence on the lake by understanding and choosing lake-friendly options to manage their land and the lake. Pine Lake Property Owners Association: This plan provides the Association with a well thought out plan for the whole lake and lists options that can easily be prioritized. Annual review of the plan will also help the Association to realize its accomplishments. Resources and funding opportunities for Association management activities are made more available by placement of goals into the lake management plan, and the Association can identify partners to help achieve their goals for Pine Lake. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 7

8 Neighboring lake groups, sporting and conservation clubs: Neighboring groups with similar goals for lake stewardship can combine their efforts and provide each other with support, improve competitiveness for funding opportunities, and make efforts more fun. The Townships of Springwater, Saxeville, and Dayton: The Town can utilize the visions, wishes, and goals documented in this lake management plan when considering town-level management planning or decisions within the watershed that may affect the lake. Waushara County: County professionals will better understand the community vision and needs, which can enable staff and elected official to base decisions, and allocate resources to assist in lake-related efforts documented in this plan. This plan can also inform county board supervisors in decisions related to Waushara County lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: Professionals working with lakes in Waushara County can use this plan as guidance for management activities and decisions related to the management of the resource, such as the fishery, water quality and quantity, and aquatic invasive species. Lake management plans help the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to identify and prioritize needs within the Pine Lake community, and decide where to apply resources and funding. A well thought out lake management plan increases an application s competitiveness for funding from the State if multiple Waushara County lakes have similar goals in their lake management plans, they can join together when seeking grant support to increase competitiveness for statewide resources. Background One of the first steps in creating this plan was to gather and compile data about the lake and its ecosystem to understand past and current lake conditions. This was done alongside 32 other lakes as part of the Waushara County Lakes Project. The Waushara County Lakes Project was initiated by citizens in the Waushara County Watershed Lakes Council who encouraged Waushara County to work in partnership with personnel from UW-Stevens Point to assess 33 lakes in the county. This effort received funding from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Lake Protection Grant Program. There was insufficient data available for many of the lakes to evaluate current water quality, aquatic plant communities, invasive species, and shorelands. The data that were available had been collected at differing frequencies or periods of time, making it difficult to compare lake conditions. Professionals and students from UW-Stevens Point and the Waushara County Land Conservation Department conducted the Waushara County Lakes Study and interpreted data for use in the development of lake management plans. Data collected by citizens, consultants, and professionals at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources were also incorporated into the planning process to provide a robust set of information from which informed decisions could be made. Sources of information used in the planning process are listed at the end of this document. Several reports from the Pine Lake Study and the materials associated with the planning process and reports can be found on the Waushara County website: Hover over the Departments tab, then Zoning and Land Conservation, Land Conservation, and finally click on Lake Management Planning. Unless otherwise noted, the data used in the development of this plan were detailed in the report Waushara County Lake Study - Pine Lake (Springwater) 2-22, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 8

9 The Planning Process The planning process included a series four public planning sessions held between August and November 24 at the Wild Rose Community Center, Camp Twin Lakes and Crossways Pine Lake Camp. The Pine Lake Planning Committee consisted of property owners, lake users and residents. During the planning process, technical assistance was provided by the Waushara County Conservationist, the Waushara County Community, Natural Resources and Economic Development Extension Agent, and professionals from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development, Inc. (RC&D), University of Wisconsin-Extension (UWEX), and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Center for Watershed Science and Education (CWSE). Participation in the planning process was open to everyone and was encouraged by letters sent directly to Pine Lake waterfront property owners and by press releases in local newspapers. In addition, members of the planning committee were provided with s about upcoming meetings which could be forwarded to others. To involve and collect input from as many people as possible, a topic-specific survey related to the subject of each upcoming planning session was made available prior to each session. Property owners and interested lake users were notified about the surveys and how to access them (via postcards mailed to waterfront property owners, s, and press releases in local newspapers). The surveys could be filled out anonymously online, or paper copies were available upon request. Survey questions and responses were shared at the planning sessions and can be found in Appendix E. Lake User Survey Results. Implementing the content of this lake management plan will enable citizens and other supporters to achieve the vision for Pine Lake now and in the years to come. Guest experts and professionals attended the planning sessions. They presented information and participated in discussions with participants to provide context, insight and recommendations for the lake management plan, including environmental and regulatory considerations. This information was organized with the survey results into discussion topics, which included: the fishery and recreation; the aquatic plant community; water quality and land use; shoreland health; and communication. After learning about the current conditions of each topic, planning committee members identified goals, objectives, and actions for the lake management plan that were recorded by professionals from UW-Stevens Point. Planning session notes and presentations are available on the Waushara County website. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 9

10 Goals, Objectives and Actions The following goals, objectives and associated actions were derived from the values and concerns of citizens interested in Pine Lake and members of the Pine Lake Management Planning Committee, as well as the known science about Pine Lake, its ecosystem and the landscape within its watershed. A lake management plan is a living document that changes over time to meet the current needs, challenges and desires of the lake and its community. Implementing and regularly updating the goals and actions in the Pine Lake Management Plan will ensure that the vision is supported and that changes or new challenges are incorporated into the plan. A management plan is a living document that changes over time to meet the current needs, challenges and desires of the lake and its community. The goals, objectives and actions listed in this plan should be reviewed annually and updated with any necessary changes. Although each lake is different, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources requires that each comprehensive lake management plan address a specific list of topics affecting the character of a lake, whether each topic has been identified as a priority or as simply something to preserve. In this way, every lake management plan considers the many aspects associated with lakes. These topics comprise the chapters in this plan and have been grouped as follows: In-Lake Habitat and a Healthy Lake Fish Community fish species, abundance, size, important habitat and other needs Aquatic Plant Community habitat, food, health, native species, and invasive species Critical Habitat areas of special importance to the wildlife, fish, water quality, and aesthetics of the lake Landscapes and the Lake Water Quality and Quantity water chemistry, clarity, contaminants, lake levels Shorelands habitat, erosion, contaminant filtering, water quality, vegetation, access Watershed Land Use land use, management practices, conservation programs People and the Lake Recreation access, sharing the lake, informing lake users, rules Communication and Organization maintaining connections for partnerships, implementation, community involvement Updates and Revisions continuing the process Governance protection of the lake, constitution, state, county, local municipalities, Pine Lake Property Owners Association Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25

11 List of Goals Goal. Pine Lake will have a sustainable, balanced fishery. Goal 2. Prevent the degradation of critical habitat areas in Pine Lake. Goal 3. Protect native plants in and around Pine Lake. Goal 4. Reduce populations of Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) in Pine Lake and prevent the establishment of any new aquatic invasive species. Goal 5. Maintain water quality in Pine Lake. Median summer total phosphorus levels will remain less than 2 ug/l and inorganic nitrogen below.3 mg/l. Goal 6. Protect and restore healthy, stable shoreland habitats near and around Pine Lake. Approximately 25% (582 feet) of currently mowed lawn will be restored over the next 5 years. Goal 7. Watershed property owners and Town and City board members will know about and utilize resources for healthy land management practices. Goal 8. Pine Lake will provide a variety of recreational opportunities that are balanced by a combination of informed users and supportive regulations. Goal 9. Maintain open communications with lake users, keep visitors and residents informed about responsible lake stewardship, and encourage involvement in Pine Lake Property Owners Association. Goal. This plan and its contents will be current to the needs of Pine Lake and its community. The following goals were identified as the highest priority goals. Details surrounding these goals can be found in the body of the plan. Goal. Pine Lake will have a sustainable, balanced fishery. (The Fish Community) Objective.. Work toward a more balanced fishery including northern pike. Request Fisheries Biologists from the WDNR adjust northern pike regulations with changes to size and bag limits, receive guidance on resolution to Conservation Congress, acquire recent fish survey data, provide letter of support to fisheries biologist. Goal 4. Reduce populations of Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) in Pine Lake and prevent the establishment of any new aquatic invasive species. (Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)) Objective 4.. Reduce or eliminate Eurasian watermilfoil in Pine Lake. Inform property owners about importance of aquatic vegetation and to refrain from its removal, work with area lakes to apply for a grant to hire divers for hand pulling, consider no action, reevaluate the plant community routinely to guide next steps, explore the use of milfoil weevils. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25

12 Goal 5. Maintain water quality in Pine Lake. (Water Quality) Objective 5.2. Maintain healthy, natural shorelands to minimize runoff and protect water quality. Inform property owners about refraining from the use of fertilizers on shoreland properties; offer soil testing for those interested, minimize stormwater runoff by reducing impervious surfaces and installing rain gardens/barrels, improve shoreland vegetation. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 2

13 Lead persons and resources are identified for each action in this plan. These individuals and organizations are able to provide information, suggestions, or services to accomplish objectives and achieve goals. The following table lists organization names and their common acronyms used in this plan. This list should not be considered all-inclusive assistance may also be provided by other entities, consultants, and organizations. Resource Clean Boats, Clean Waters WDNR Citizen Lake Monitoring Network UWSP College of Natural Resources Center for Land Use Education UWSP Center for Watershed Science and Education Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection North Central Conservancy Trust USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Pine Lake Property Owners Association Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. University of Wisconsin Extension University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Waushara County Land Conservation Department Waushara County Watershed Lakes Council Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wisconsin Department of Transportation UWSP Water and Environmental Analysis Lab Acronym CBCW CLMN CLUE CWSE DATCP NCCT NRCS PLPOA RC&D UWEX UWSP WCLCD WCWLC WDNR WDOT WEAL Contact information for organizations and individuals who support lake management in Waushara County can be found in Appendix A. Waushara County Lake Information Directory. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 3

14 In-Lake Habitat and a Healthy Lake Many lake users value Pine Lake for its swimming, wildlife, fishing, and good water quality. These attributes are all interrelated; the health of one part of the lake system affects the health of the rest of the plant and animal community, the experiences of the people seeking pleasure at the lake, and the quality and quantity of water in the lake. Habitat is the structure for a healthy fishery and wildlife community. It can provide shelter for some animals and food for others. Lake habitat occurs within the lake, along all of its shorelands, and even extends into its watershed for some species. Many animals that live in and near the lake are only successful if their needs food, a healthy environment, and shelter are met. Native vegetation including wetlands along the shoreline and adjacent to the lake provides habitat for safety, reproduction, and food. Even wetlands throughout the watershed can improve water quality and balance water quantity. Some lake visitors such as birds, frogs, and turtles use limbs from trees that are sticking out of the water for perches or to warm themselves in the sun. Aquatic plants infuse oxygen into the water and provide food and shelter for waterfowl, small mammals, and people. The types and abundance of plants and animals that comprise the lake community also vary based on the water quality, and the health and characteristics of the shoreland and watershed. Healthy habitat in Pine Lake includes the aquatic plants, branches, and tree limbs above and below the water. The Fish Community A balanced fish community has a mix of predator and prey species, each with different food, habitat, nesting substrate, and water quality needs. Activities in and around a lake that can affect a fishery may involve disturbances to the native aquatic plant community or substrate, excessive additions of nutrients or harmful chemicals via groundwater or surface runoff, removal of woody habitat, shoreline alterations, and/or an imbalance in the fishery. Shoreland erosion can cause sediment to settle onto the lake s substrate, causing the deterioration of spawning habitat. Habitat can be improved by allowing shoreland vegetation to grow, minimizing the removal of aquatic plants, providing fallen trees or limbs in suitable areas, protecting wetlands and other areas of critical habitat, and mitigating the impacts from impervious surfaces. People are an important part of a sustainable fish community; their actions on the landscape and the numbers and sizes of fish taken out of the lake can influence the entire lake ecosystem. Putting appropriate fishing regulations in place and adhering to them can help to balance the fishery with healthy prey and predatory species, can be adjusted as the fish community changes, and can provide for excellent fishing. Managing a lake for a balanced fishery can result in fewer expenses to lake stewards and the public. While some efforts may be needed to provide a more suitable environment to meet the needs of the fish, they usually do not have to be repeated on a frequently reoccurring basis. Protecting existing habitat such as emergent, aquatic, and shoreland vegetation, and allowing trees that naturally fall into the lake to remain in the lake are free of cost. Alternatively, restoring habitat in and around a lake may have an up-front cost, but the effects will often continue for decades. Costs in time, travel, and other expenses are associated with routine efforts such as fish stocking and aeration. Ideally, a lake contains the habitat, water quality, and food necessary to support the fish communities that are present within the lake and provide fishing opportunities for people without a lot of supplemental effort and associated expenses to maintain these conditions. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 4

15 The Pine Lake fishery was most recently surveyed by fisheries biologists with the WDNR in 28. Northern pike were found in average abundance, but with below average growth rates. Walleye, a stocked fishery, were found in low abundance, but with above average growth rates. Largemouth bass were found in average abundance with below average growth rates, and bluegill were found in average abundance with average growth rates. Black crappie also had a good size structure and average growth rates. Recommendations from the WDNR Fisheries Biologist presented at the November 8, 24 planning session primarily included the improvement of fish habitat in Pine Lake with an overall low score (see Shorelands) and the management of invasive species. Pine Lake experiences frequent lake level fluctuations associated with changes in groundwater flow. During times of low water, the already shallow western lobe of Pine Lake becomes even lower. Increased shoreland erosion and cloudier water almost always accompany the lower water levels, ruining key fish habitat and loading the lake with excess nutrients. Boat traffic in the western lobe during these times greatly exacerbates the problem - wave action has more energy, as waves have a shorter distance to travel to shore and there is less vegetated area to baffle the waves. Additionally, propellers closer to the lake bottom tend to re-suspend nutrient-rich bottom sediments, clouding the water and making more food available for plant and algae growth. Planning session participants were interested in exploring ways to minimize wake impacts during these times. Guiding Vision for the Fish Community Pine Lake will host healthy, abundant fish communities and the habitat to support them. Goal. Pine Lake will have a sustainable, balanced fishery. Objective.. Work toward a more balanced fishery, including northern pike. Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline Request that fisheries biologists with the WDNR adjust northern PLPOA Dave Bartz, WDNR Fisheries Biologist 25 pike regulations through changes to size and bag limits. We Really Kare Fishing Club Acquire fishery data to recommend the needed regulatory WDNR Fisheries 25 changes for northern pike. Biologist Provide letter of support for proposed regulation changes to PLPOA We Really Kare Fishing Club As needed WDNR Fisheries Biologist. Contact WDNR Fisheries Biologist for guidance on the process for introducing resolution to Conservation Congress. PLPOA Dave Bartz, WDNR Fisheries Biologist We Really Kare Fishing Club Hearing is first Tuesday in April Draft resolution supporting changes in northern pike regulations with approval of PLPOA; attend Conservation Congress meeting in spring 25 to introduce resolution. PLPOA Dave Bartz, WDNR Fisheries Biologist We Really Kare Fishing Club April 25 Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 5

16 Objective.2. Improve habitat to enhance the fishery. Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline Determine optimal number and locations of tree drops to provide coarse woody habitat; consult with and seek cooperation from property owners. PLPOA WDNR Fisheries Biologist WCLCD WDNR Healthy Lakes Grant Program As needed Apply to WDNR for necessary permits for tree drops. Once approved, install tree drops anchored to shore. Acquire and install brush bundles below piers to provide habitat for minnows and aquatic insects. Manage invasive species (see Aquatic Invasive Species section, Goal 4). PLPOA WDNR Fisheries Biologist Waushara Co. Land Conservation WDNR Healthy Lakes Grant Program Feb Grant deadline PLPOA We Really Kare Fishing Club Ongoing PLPOA WDNR Aquatic Plant Biologist RC&D Ongoing Explore a No Wake designation and/or motor restriction for the west lobe of Pine Lake during times of low water to minimize shoreland erosion and re-suspension of bottom sediments. PLPOA UWEX Lakes Town of Springwater WDNR Aquatic Plant Biologist Critical Habitat Special areas harbor habitat that is essential to the health of Pine Lake and its inhabitants. In Wisconsin, critical habitat areas are identified by biologists and other lake professionals from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). This is done to protect features that are important to the overall health and integrity of the lake, including aquatic plants and animals. While every lake contains important natural features, not all lakes have official critical habitat designations. Designating areas of the lake as critical habitat enables these areas to be located on maps and information about their importance to be shared. Having a critical habitat designation on a lake can help lake groups and landowners plan waterfront projects that will minimize impact to important habitat, ultimately helping to ensure the long-term health of the lake. In July and August 2, biologists and specialists from the WDNR, accompanied by several Pine Lake Property Owners Association members, identified eight sensitive areas on Pine Lake (Gansberg, 2). These eight areas area shown in Figure. The significant features associated with these sites are described in the sensitive survey report, and summaries follow here. Critical Areas -4: Fishery values, wildlife values, and water quality protection provided by sedges and rushes along the shoreline that stand in the water when water levels are higher, but are completely on shore when water levels are lower. Sedges and rushes provide important spawning areas for pike Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 6

17 and cover for smaller fish. Protect the sedges and rushes in this area regardless of water levels to prevent erosion and provide habitat for fish and wildlife. Critical Area 5: Fishery values providing important walleye and sucker spawning habitat. The site consists of rubble and gravel along the shoreline and extending out into the water. The substrate also provides excellent habitat for the production of macroinvertebrates (insects), which in turn feed fish, waterfowl, and other creatures. Coarse substrate like this is very limited in Pine Lake. Protect this unique and valuable rubble/gravel substrate for fish spawning and insect production. Critical Area 6: Wildlife value and scenic beauty. The site consists of diverse near-shore terrestrial vegetation, which is important habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Because much of the shore is sand beach and developed, this relatively small area is important to the overall health and aesthetics of the lake. Protect the near-shore terrestrial vegetation that currently exists at this site. Maintain shrubs, herbaceous cover, snags, cavity trees, and perch trees for wildlife and aesthetic benefits. Critical Area 7: Diverse aquatic vegetation provides critical habitat for fish, macroinvertebrates, and other aquatic organisms. Figure. Sensitive habitat areas in Pine Lake. Critical Area 8: Aquatic vegetation and natural scenic beauty. This site offers a desirable aquatic plant community in the littoral area that is not present anywhere else on the lake. The mix of floating-leaf vegetation and submerged vegetation are excellent habitat for fish and insects. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 7

18 For more detailed information and recommendations to protect these features, reference the Pine Lake (Waushara County, Wisconsin) Sensitive Area Survey Report (Gansberg, 2). Guiding Vision for Pine Lake s Critical Habitat The critical habitat areas in Pine Lake will remain in high quality condition and continue to provide cover, forage, and water quality benefits for the lake and its inhabitants. Goal 2. Prevent the degradation of critical habitat areas in Pine Lake. Objective 2.. Property owners and lake users will be informed about the meaning and importance of critical habitat designations. Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline Create an informational/interpretive brochure describing the eight critical habitat areas around the lake. Develop an informational kiosk at the boat landing, and/or post notices or signs on the lake informing visitors and lake users of the importance of these unique areas. PLPOA CLUE PLPOA UWSP College of Natural Resources Environmental Education Program UWEX Lakes Objective 2.2. Balance the needs of the camp and while exploring options for long-term protection of the camp property to maintain a healthy lake now and into the future. Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline Explore the pros and cons of conservation easements. PLPOA NCCT As needed Gathering Waters Explore the purchase of development rights or outright PLPOA Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund As needed purchase of land. WDNR Lake Protection Program WDNR Lake Manager Research the requirements and process of forming a lake district for the purpose of future land holding to protect undeveloped areas around Pine Lake. PLPOA UWEX Lakes 26 Research existing and future zoning options in the town s land use plan. PLPOA Town and County Zoning Administrator Town Plan Commissions Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 8

19 Explore the use of conservation subdivisions. PLPOA WCLCD As needed WCWLC Meet with Camp Executive Directors on a regular basis, to be determined (every 2 5 years). PLPOA 26 Aquatic Plants Aquatic plants provide the forested landscape within Pine Lake. They provide food and habitat for spawning, breeding, and survival for a wide range of inhabitants and lake visitors including fish, waterfowl, turtles, amphibians, as well as invertebrates and other animals. They improve water quality by releasing oxygen into the water and utilizing nutrients that would otherwise be used by algae. Aquatic plants near shore and in shallows provide food, shelter and nesting material for shoreland mammals, shorebirds and waterfowl. It is not unusual for otters, beavers, muskrats, weasels, and deer to be seen along a shoreline in their search for food, water, or nesting material. A healthy lake typically has a variety of aquatic plant species which creates diversity that makes the aquatic plant community more resilient and can help to prevent the establishment of non-native aquatic species. An aquatic plant survey conducted on Pine Lake in August 23 documented 24 species of aquatic plants (Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc., 23). The diversity of an aquatic plant community is defined by the type and number of species present throughout the lake. A diverse aquatic plant community can be more resilient to changes within the lake. The 24 species observed within Pine Lake ranked it above average compared with the other lakes in the Waushara County Lakes Study. The dominant plant species found in Pine Lake was muskgrass, followed by stonewort and variable pondweed. Muskgrass is a favorite waterfowl food and also offers cover for fish. The algae and invertebrates living on the surfaces of stonewort plants provide food for waterfowl, and provide food and cover for fish. Variable pondweed is eaten by muskrat, beaver and deer. Four of the species found in Pine Lake were considered high quality plants (with a C value of 8), indicating good health in the aquatic plant community. These species were Fries' pondweed, southern naiad, stiff pondweed, and white-stem pondweed. The greatest depth at which aquatic plant growth was found was 36 feet. One aquatic invasive plant, Eurasian watermilfoil, was encountered in low abundance in scattered populations, primarily in the western half of the lake. More detailed information can be found in the Pine Lake Aquatic Plant Report, the Pine Lake 2-22 Lake Study Report (UWSP Center for Watershed Science and Education, 24) and in Appendix B. Aquatic Plants. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 9

20 Guiding Vision for the Aquatic Plant Community in Pine Lake Pine Lake s healthy native aquatic plant community will continue to thrive with minimal impedance to recreational activities and minimal disturbance by invasive species. Goal 3. Protect native plants in and around Pine Lake. Objective 3.. Minimize disturbance to the native aquatic plant community. Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline Minimize removal and disturbance of native PLPOA UWEX Lakes vegetation via educational materials provided in annual mailing, Facebook re: mitigation methods available. Minimize disturbance by conducting any aquatic Shoreland property owners plant removal by hand. Explore No Wake status for west lobe of lake. PLPOA Town of Springwater UWEX Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Aquatic invasive species are non-native aquatic plants and animals that are most often unintentionally introduced into lakes by lake users. This most commonly occurs on trailers, boats, equipment, and from the release of bait. In some lakes, aquatic invasive plant species can exist as a part of the plant community, while in other lakes populations explode, creating dense beds that can damage boat motors, make areas non-navigable, inhibit activities like swimming and fishing, and disrupt the lakes ecosystems. Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) was originally documented in 2 in Pine Lake, and again found in low abundance in scattered populations in 22. EWM can create dense beds that can damage boat motors, make areas non-navigable, stunt or alter the fishery, create problems with dissolved oxygen, and prevent activities like fishing and swimming. This plant can produce a viable seed; however, its primary mode of reproduction and spread is fragmentation of the plant. A one-inch fragment is enough to start a new plant, making EWM very successful at reproducing. Steps to control EWM have been taken by the lake association and should be continued. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 2

21 The Pine Lake Property Owners Association (PLPOA) has been annually (except for one year) treating for EWM since its discovery in 2 using spot treatments on approximately 4 acres of established beds. According to participants in the planning process, EWM populations have remained fairly stable over this time. A map of EWM observed during the August 23 point-intercept survey is included in Appendix B. Aquatic Plants. Summary of Aquatic Plant Management Planning Session Discussion September 6, 24 Various aquatic plant management options involving the control of invasive species (EWM) were discussed at the September 6, 24 lake management planning meeting. Attendees of this meeting included community members, lake residents and professionals from CWSE, Waushara County, and UW- Extension. Survey responses to questions about aquatic plants in Pine Lake indicated aquatic plants were prevalent but did not adversely affect most activities in the lake. Most respondents supported herbicide treatment to control EWM, if necessary. According to WDNR records, Pine Lake has been undergoing chemical treatment for invasive species since 2, the most recent being approximately 4 acres in summer 23. Residents at the planning session indicated they have been generally satisfied with results of the treatments. The following EWM management strategies were discussed. Successful EWM management includes routine monitoring of EWM and native plant species to ensure that management strategies are improving conditions and are not impacting the native aquatic plant community. Strategies should be altered if they are not reducing EWM populations or are having an impact on the native community. Do nothing. Doing no active management is an option to see how the EWM may respond. Although EWM is present in the lake and typically behaves very aggressively, there have been cases in other lakes where the population stabilized and did not present a significant issue to the lakes users, particularly lakes that have a robust native aquatic plant community such as Pine Lake. The native aquatic plant community does not appear to be of major concern to residents or impediment to recreation. The shallower western lobe of the lake has always been, and likely will always be, much denser in plant growth and serves as a nursery for fish and a refuge for various other wildlife. Manual removal. Those trained to properly identify and remove EWM and other types of AIS can remove those manually any time of year. This is being done by individual lake front property owners now. They may clear an area up to 3 around their dock for boat and swimming access to open water; however, to reduce the establishment of AIS in open areas and ensure needed habitat is present, discretion should be used. Mechanical harvesting. This approach is not recommended for Pine Lake, as EWM is limited to isolated beds. Harvesting would enhance the fragmentation of EWM, which is a primary method of spread for this invasive species and would increase the chances of spread of EWM in Pine Lake. Milfoil weevils. Weevils can be an effective bio control for species such as EWM and has proven effective in many lakes. The weevils, however, require healthy shorelines to overwinter and they cannot survive in areas being chemically or mechanically treated. They are also subject to predation by panfish. With some effort and cost to get established, they can be a long-term strategy for EWM control in some areas of Pine Lake. Chemical treatment: spot. Chemical spot treatment has been the approach in Pine Lake for the past twelve years. Residents have indicated that they are generally satisfied with the results. Spot treatments may allow for control of isolated beds of EWM (particularly in the eastern lobe), Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 2

22 while other approaches such as weevils could be attempted in the western lobe. Spot treatments combined with an aggressive manual removal campaign including divers for the deeper water could be extremely effective on Pine Lake. Other lakes using chemical spot treatments have developed chemically resistant strains of EWM and/or hybrid watermilfoil (HWM). Chemical treatment: whole-lake. This may become an option in Pine Lake if EWM expands beyond ten acres, becomes a recreational nuisance, and/or if EWM/HWM becomes chemically resistant. EWM should be treated in early spring after plant growth is active but water temperatures are below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. A granular 2,4-D herbicide is typically used for treatment of EWM. If HWM is present, a modified approach may be warranted. Each lake is different and its response to EWM control may differ from lake to lake. No single approach will be appropriate for all lakes. Often multiple approaches and adaptive year-to-year changes in approach are most successful. The population of EWM should be evaluated using a point-intercept method (accompanied by more thorough observations) before and after treatments to determine the effectiveness of an approach in a given year. Strategies for the subsequent year should be adjusted accordingly. EWM management involves evolving scientific knowledge; therefore, the management strategies for EWM in Pine Lake should be adapted as EWM populations in the lake change and as new information becomes available. HWM results from a hybridization of native watermilfoils with Eurasian watermilfoil. HWM tends to be more resilient and less affected by chemical treatment. HWM may be suspected in a lake if ) the plants appearance is different than EWM; 2) management with chemicals becomes difficult or ineffective; and, 3) the lake is near other lakes with HWM. If these criteria are met, plant samples should be submitted to a lab for confirmation. Once HWM is confirmed, a challenge test should be conducted to determine which combination of chemicals will be effective in controlling that particular strain of HWM. Many combinations of chemicals can potentially be used to treat HWM the only way to know the appropriate combination is by sending samples to be challenge tested. Treating HWM without knowing the appropriate combination of chemicals can result in an even more resilient strain in the lake, damage to the native aquatic plant population, and a waste of money. Chemical control of EWM beds that are less than 5 acres should be done using a contact herbicide (examples: endothall or diquat). Systemic herbicides should not be used. Treatment should occur early in the season, prior to emergence of native plants. To reduce the chance of developing resilient strains of EWM, different treatments should be used each year. Guiding Vision for Aquatic Invasive Species Pine Lake will not be detrimentally affected by aquatic invasive species. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 22

23 Goal 4. Reduce populations of Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) in Pine Lake and prevent the establishment of any new aquatic invasive species. Objective 4.. Reduce or eliminate EWM in Pine Lake. Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline Use signs, newsletters, and other methods to educate lake visitors about invasives PLPOA RC&D Ongoing and removing aquatic hitchhikers. UWEX Lakes Inform property owners of the importance of aquatic vegetation and to refrain PLPOA RC&D Ongoing from removing native aquatic vegetation to diminish the possibility of AIS colonization. Include information in welcome packets to new residents. UWEX Lakes Conduct laboratory analysis of EWM to determine if an hybrid is present. The presence of HWM may change the chemical treatments that are used. PLPOA RC&D 25 Evaluate the EWM population annually and review with professionals to determine the management approach in the upcoming year. Remain informed about current recommendations for EWM management and adapt the management of EWM in Pine Lake accordingly. PLPOA PLPOA RC&D Consultant WDNR Aquatic Plant Biologist RC&D Consultant WDNR Aquatic Plant Biologist Wisconsin Lakes Conference RC&D WDNR Aquatic Plant Biologist Consider the possibility of no management action if EWM are not causing a PLPOA nuisance. Works with area lakes to apply jointly for a grant to hire divers to hand pull EWM. PLPOA RC&D WDNR Aquatic Plant Biologist WDNR AIS Grant Provide opportunities for shoreland property owners to learn proper techniques in hand-pulling EWM. PLPOA RC&D Consultant WDNR Aquatic Plant Biologist WDNR AIS grant Explore the use of milfoil weevils to control EWM, particularly in the western lobe. PLPOA RC&D Test for hybrid watermilfoil at least every 3 years. Review and possibly change management approach, if found. PLPOA RC&D Consultant WDNR Aquatic Plant Biologist When choosing chemical treatment options, follow the strategies outlined above. PLPOA Consultant WDNR Aquatic Plant Biologist Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing 25 Ongoing Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 23

24 Objective 4.2. Learn how to identify and monitor aquatic invasive species (AIS). Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline Provide opportunities for volunteers to review how to identify aquatic PLPOA RC&D; Nearby lake groups As needed invasive species in the field. Continue to connect with RC&D when they survey Pine Lake to expand PLPOA RC&D; Aquatic Plant Biologist - Ongoing opportunities to learn about AIS. WDNR Continue to monitor for AIS. If any new species of AIS are observed, PLPOA Aquatic plant specialist WDNR; Ongoing refer to Appendix C. Invasive Species Rapid Response Plan. RC&D; Consultants Continue to implement the annual monitoring strategy for AIS. Use a combination of contracted vendor, PLPOA member reports, etc. PLPOA RC&D; Aquatic Plant Biologist WDNR Local schools and clubs Annually Objective 4.3. Prevent any new species of AIS from becoming established in Pine Lake. Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline Educate residents and their guests to only put clean boats into the lake. PLPOA UWEX Lakes RC&D Ongoing provide materials in spring and summer Work with RC&D to coordinate boat launch monitoring PLPOA RC&D Ongoing shared with other area lakes through the Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program. WDNR AIS Grants (funds) Waushara County (funds) Town of Springwater (funds) Maintain signage at boat landing. Town of Springwater UWEX Lakes RC&D As needed check annually Include AIS information in welcome packet/shoreland owner s guide (County). (See Communication section.) PLPOA WCWLC Waushara County Ongoing Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 24

25 Landscapes and the Lake Land use and land management practices within a lake s watershed can affect both its water quantity and quality. While forests, grasslands, and wetlands allow a fair amount of precipitation to soak into the ground, resulting in more groundwater and good water quality, other types of land uses may result in increased runoff and less groundwater recharge, and may also be sources of pollutants that can impact the lake and its inhabitants. Areas of land with exposed soil can produce soil erosion. Soil entering the lake can make the water cloudy and cover fish spawning beds. Soil also contains nutrients that increase the growth of algae and aquatic plants. Development on the land may result in changes to natural drainage patterns and alterations to vegetation on the landscape, and may be a source of pollutants. Impervious (hard) surfaces such as roads, rooftops, and compacted soil prevent rainfall from soaking into the ground, which may result in more runoff that carries pollutants to the lake. Wastewater, animal waste, and fertilizers used on lawns, gardens and crops can contribute nutrients that enhance the growth of algae and aquatic plants in our lakes. Land management practices can be put into place that better mimic some of the natural processes, and reduction or elimination of nutrients added to the landscape will help prevent the nutrients from reaching the water. In general, the land nearest the lake has the greatest impact on the lake water quality and habitat. Shoreland vegetation is critical to a healthy lake s ecosystem. It helps improve the quality of the runoff that is flowing across the landscape towards the lake. It also provides habitat for many aquatic and terrestrial animals including birds, frogs, turtles, and many small and large mammals. Healthy shoreland vegetation includes a mix of tall grasses/flowers, shrubs, and trees which extend at least 35 feet landward from the water s edge. Shorelands include adjacent wetlands, which also serve the lake by allowing contaminants to settle out, providing shelter for fish and wildlife, and decreasing the hazard of shoreline erosion by providing a shoreland barrier from waves and wind. Photo: Doreen Stefanac-Wiener The water quality in Pine Lake is the result of many factors, including the underlying geology, the climate, and land management practices. Since we have little control over the climate and cannot change the geology, changes to land management practices are the primary actions that can have positive impacts on the lake s water quality. The water quality in Pine Lake was assessed by measuring different characteristics including temperature, dissolved oxygen, water clarity, water chemistry, and algae. All of these factors were taken into consideration when management planning decisions were made. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 25

26 Water Quality Water quality was assessed during the 2-22 lake study, and past water quality data were also reviewed. These data included a number of measures including temperature, dissolved oxygen, water chemistry, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Each of these interrelated measures plays a part in the lake s overall water quality. In addition, water quality data collected in past years were also reviewed to determine trends in Pine Lake s water quality. In general, the water quality in Pine Lake was good. Throughout the year, dissolved oxygen was plentiful in the upper 3 feet of water. The concentrations of pollutant indicators such as chloride, potassium, and sodium were low. Water clarity was good, but during the summer the water was not as clear as past measures. Water quality was affected by natural factors, as well as land management near shore and in the watershed. Each type of land use contributes different amounts of phosphorus, nitrogen, and pollutants in runoff and through groundwater. The types of land management practices that are used and their distances from the lake affect the contributions to the lake from a parcel of land. Identifying and taking steps to maintain or improve water quality in Pine Lake depends upon understanding the sources of nutrients and pollutants to the lake and identifying those that are manageable. Forests comprised the greatest percent land use in the watershed. Based on water quality modeling results, agriculture and forests had the greatest contributions of phosphorus from the watershed to Pine Lake. The summer median total phosphorus concentrations were ug/l and 8 ug/l in 2 and 22, respectively. This is well below Wisconsin s phosphorus standard of 2 ug/l for deep seepage lakes. The hard water in Pine Lake helps to keep the phosphorus concentrations low, but because capacity can be exceeded, efforts should be made to limit phosphorus additions to the lake. One pound of phosphorus entering a lake can result in up to 5 pounds of algal growth! (Vallentyne, 974) During the study, inorganic nitrogen concentrations in samples collected during the spring averaged.22 mg/l. Concentrations above.3 mg/l are sufficient to enhance algal blooms throughout the summer (Shaw et al., 2). Inorganic nitrogen typically moves to lakes with groundwater, and this was observed during a groundwater survey of Pine Lake in an earlier study (Turyk et al., 23). For this reason, testing of private wells for nitrates may also be advisable. Atrazine (DACT), an herbicide commonly used on corn, was detected in the samples analyzed from Pine Lake. Some toxicity studies have indicated that reproductive system abnormalities can occur in frogs at these levels (Hayes, 2; Hayes, 23). The presence of this chemical indicated that agricultural activities were influencing the water quality in Pine Lake. The concentration of atrazine detected in the lake (. µg/l) may be less than the concentration of the chemical in the groundwater entering the lake; testing private wells for the presence of atrazine is advisable. Managing nitrogen, phosphorus and soil erosion throughout the Pine Lake watershed is one of the keys to protecting the lake itself. Near-shore activities that may increase the input of phosphorus to the lake include applying fertilizer, removing native vegetation (trees, bushes and grasses), mowing vegetation, and increasing the amount of exposed soil. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 26

27 Approximately one-half of the respondents to a water quality survey perceived a decline in water quality since they first began living on, visiting, or recreating on Pine Lake. Heavy recreational use and water level changes were cited most frequently as the primary causes. Approximately one-half perceived no change. Results from the survey also indicated many residents are aware of positive water quality-based management practices; however, additional education in this area may support other residents in transitioning to more lake-friendly lawn management practices. Over-application of chemicals and nutrients should be avoided. Landowners in the watershed should be made aware of their connection to the lake and should work to reduce their impacts through the implementation of water quality-based best management practices. Guiding Vision for Water Quality in Pine Lake Pine Lake will have clear, clean water that supports fish and wildlife while providing ample opportunities for recreation. Goal 5. Maintain water quality in Pine Lake. Median summer total phosphorus levels will remain less than 2 ug/l and inorganic nitrogen below.3 mg/l. Objective 5.. Routinely monitor water quality to evaluate changes over time. Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline Establish a water clarity monitoring program using Secchi depth measurements during the summer. Establish a water quality monitoring program; initiate annual fall overturn sampling and analysis to include nitrogen and phosphorus series. Submit lake data to WDNR SWIMS database for long-term storage PLPOA CLMN local coordinator Summer 5 times May Sept. PLPOA WEAL (Package B) Annually in fall PLPOA CLMN local coordinator Min. annually Initiate a Drinking Water Education program for communitywide testing of private wells for atrazine (DACT) and nitrates. PLPOA WC UWEX UWEX Groundwater Educator Inform PLPOA members and others about purpose and importance of monitoring programs through lake newsletter, Facebook page and website. PLPOA Routinely Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 27

28 Objective 5.2. Maintain healthy, natural shorelands to minimize runoff and protect water quality. Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline Inform property owners of the importance of soil testing (for nutrients) to minimize or eliminate use of fertilizers. Offer/facilitate soil testing for interested landowners at an annual meeting. Decrease/eliminate the use of fertilizers on lawns around the lake to reduce inputs of nitrogen and phosphorus. Minimize stormwater runoff by encouraging landowners to limit new construction of impervious surfaces (blacktop driveways), to utilize rain gardens/rain barrels and to restore vegetation. Improve shoreland vegetation and use plantings to mitigate runoff from impervious surfaces such as driveways (see also Shoreland section). PLPOA WC UWEX Winter/early spring Shoreland property owners PLPOA Shoreland property owners UWEX Lakes WCLCD WDNR Healthy Lakes grants WCLCD WDNR Healthy Lakes grants Consultants Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Shorelands Shoreland vegetation is critical to a healthy lake ecosystem. It provides habitat for many aquatic and terrestrial animals including birds, frogs, turtles, and small and large mammals. It also helps to improve the quality of the runoff that is flowing across the landscape towards the lake. Healthy shoreland vegetation includes a mix of unmowed grasses/flowers, shrubs, trees, and wetlands which extends at least 35 feet landward from the water s edge. To better understand the health of the Waushara County lakes, shorelands were evaluated. The survey inventoried the type and extent of shoreland vegetation. Areas with erosion, rip-rap, barren ground, sea walls, structures and docks were also inventoried. A scoring system was developed for the collected data to provide a more holistic assessment. Areas that are healthy will need strategies to keep them healthy, and areas with potential problem areas and where management and conservation may be warranted may need strategies for improvement. The scoring system is based on the presence/absence and abundance of shoreline features, as well as their proximity to the water s edge. Values were tallied for each shoreline category and then summed to produce an overall score. Higher scores denote a healthier shoreline with good land management practices. These are areas where protection and/or conservation should be targeted. On the other hand, lower scores signify an Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 28

29 ecologically unhealthy shoreline. These are areas where management and/or mitigation practices may be desirable for improving water quality and habitat. The summary of scores for shorelands around Pine Lake is displayed on the map in Appendix D. Shoreland Survey 2. Many stretches of Pine Lake s shorelands are in good to moderately-good shape, but several long portions have challenges that should be addressed. Some of these stretches of Pine Lake ranked as poor. For a more complete understanding of the ranking, an interactive map showing results of the shoreland surveys can be found on the County s webpage. Shoreland ordinances were enacted to improve water quality and habitat, and to protect our lakes. To protect our lakes, county and state (NR 5) shoreland ordinances state that vegetation should extend at least 35 feet inland from the water s edge, with the exception of an optional 3 foot viewing corridor for each shoreland lot. With a total of 7 lakefront lots, 3,2 feet (25%) of disturbed shoreland is permitted. Based on the 2 shoreland inventory, 42% (5,536 feet) of Pine Lake s shoreland was mowed lawn. Although some properties were grandfathered in when the ordinance was initiated in 966, following this guidance will benefit the health of the lake and its inhabitants. Guiding Vision for Pine Lake s Shorelands Pine Lake will have shorelands that provide aesthetic beauty as well as quality habitat and lake water quality benefits. Goal 6. Protect and restore healthy, stable shoreland habitats near and around Pine Lake. Approximately 25% (582 feet) of currently mowed lawn will be restored over the next 5 years. Objective 6.. Protect the healthy shorelands around Pine Lake while working to ensure that all shorelands meet the current County and State shoreland zoning ordinances. Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline Provide information to property owners about the importance of maintaining vegetation/trees on the shoreline. Include technical and financial sources. Encourage those interested in shoreland restorations to contact the Waushara County Land Conservation Department for available resources. Consider restoring and showcasing a demonstration site with a sign at the water s edge about shoreland restoration and/or hosting a shoreland tour. PLPOA WCLCD WCLWC UWEX Lakes Ongoing PLPOA WCLCD As needed PLPOA Camp Shoreland property owner WCLCD WC UWEX WDNR Healthy Lakes grant Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 29

30 Consider regulating use of wakeboard boats to limit erosional damage to shorelands and littoral areas (as referenced in Recreation section, Objective 8.3). PLPOA Town of Springwater Watershed Land Use It is important to understand where Pine Lake s water originates in order to understand the lake s health. During snowmelt or rainstorms, water moves across the surface of the landscape (runoff) towards lower elevations such as lakes, streams, and wetlands. The land area that contributes runoff to a lake is called the surface watershed (Figure 2). Groundwater also feeds Pine Lake; its land area may be slightly different than the surface watershed. The capacity of the landscape to shed or hold water and contribute or filter particles determines the amount of erosion that may occur, the amount of groundwater feeding a lake, and ultimately, the lake s water quality and quantity. Essentially, landscapes with greater capacities to hold water during rain events and snowmelt slow the delivery of the water to the lake. Less runoff is desirable because it allows more water to recharge the groundwater, which feeds the lake year-round - even during dry periods or when the lake is covered with ice. A variety of land management practices can be put in place to help reduce impacts to our lakes. Some practices are designed to reduce runoff. These include protecting/restoring wetlands, installing rain gardens, swales, rain barrels, and routing drainage from pavement and roofs away from the lake. Some practices are used to help reduce nutrients from moving across the landscape towards the lake. Examples include manure management practices, eliminating/reducing the use of fertilizers, increasing the distance between the lake and a septic drainfield, protecting/restoring wetlands and native vegetation in the shoreland, and using erosion control practices. Figure 2. Surface watershed of Pine Lake. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 3

31 The surface watershed for Pine Lake is 2,679 acres. Primary land use is forested land. The lake s shoreland is surrounded primarily by wetlands and development. In general, the land closest to the lake has the greatest immediate impact on water quality. Groundwater was examined at 62 sites around the perimeter of Pine Lake in 2 (Turyk et al., 23). Groundwater inflow areas are important habitat for many fish and wildlife; however, groundwater inflow can also carry pollutants from other parts of the watershed, reflecting local land use patterns and practices. The flow direction was determined at each site around the lake to establish whether it was a source of groundwater inflow to the lake, outflow from the lake, or was not connected with the groundwater. This information indicated that the direction of regional groundwater flow is from the northwest of the groundwater watershed to the southeast (Figure 3). A variety of land management practices can be put in place to help reduce impacts to our lakes. Some practices are designed to reduce runoff. These include protecting/restoring wetlands, installing rain gardens, swales, rain barrels, and routing drainage from pavement and roofs away from the lake. Some practices are used to help reduce nutrients from moving across the landscape towards the lake. Examples include manure management practices, eliminating/reducing the use of fertilizers, increasing the distance between the lake and a septic drainfield, protecting/restoring native vegetation in the shoreland, and using erosion control practices. Estimates of phosphorus from the landscape can help to understand the phosphorus sources to Pine Lake. Land use in the surface watershed was evaluated and used to populate the Wisconsin Lakes Modeling Suite (WILMS) model. In general, each type of land use contributes different amounts of phosphorus in runoff and groundwater. The types of land management practices that are used and their distances from the lake also affect the contributions to the lake from a parcel of land. Based on modeling results, developed land and agriculture had the greatest percentages of phosphorus contributions from the watershed to Pine Lake. Figure 3. Location of mini-piezometer sites used to determine groundwater flow direction. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 3

32 Guiding Vision for Pine Lake s Watershed Land within the Pine Lake watershed will be managed in a way that supports clean water and a healthy lake. Goal 7. Watershed property owners and Town and City board members will know about and utilize resources for healthy land management practices. Objective 7.. Support healthy land management activities around Pine Lake. Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline Reach out to residents throughout the watershed to inform them of the PLPOA WC UWEX Pine Lake management planning process (to educate people about how land use in the watershed is connected to health of Pine Lake). Encourage the County to support and follow-up with water quality-based PLPOA WCLCD Ongoing Best Management Practices (BMPs) within the watershed. NRCS Continue to use WCLCD as a resource for land management activities. PLPOA WCLCD Ongoing Support landowners interested in the protection of their land via a land PLPOA NCCT As needed conservation program (i.e. conservation easement, purchase of development rights, or sale of land for protection). NRCS Explore funding options for land purchase within the watershed for WCLCD WDNR Lake Grants As needed conservation, preservation, or restoration purposes. DATCP Encourage subdivisions and other new developments to manage WC Zoning WCLCD As needed stormwater on site and consider septic system impacts to Pine Lake. Developers Discourage large water withdrawal projects that may impact the water PLPOA Friends of Central Sands Ongoing levels in Pine Lake. Elected officials Protect wetlands to maintain the water budget of Pine Lake. Any altered wetlands will be mitigated within the lake s watershed. PLPOA WCLCD As needed Encourage design of road and construction projects that will minimize impacts to Pine Lake. WI DOT WC Highway Dept. Towns WCLCD As needed Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 32

33 People and the Lake The people that interact with the lake are a key component of the lake and its management. In essence, a lake management plan is a venue by which people decide how they would like people to positively impact the lake. The plan summarizes the decisions of the people to take proactive steps to improve their lake and their community. Individual decisions by lake residents and visitors can have a positive impact on the lake and on those who enjoy this common resource. Collaborative efforts may have a bigger positive impact; therefore, communication and cooperation between the PLPOA, community, and suite of lake users are essential to maximize the effects of plan implementation. Boating hours, regulations, and fishing limits are examples of principles that are put into place to minimize conflicts between lake users and balance human activities with environmental considerations for the lake. Photo: Pine Lake Family - Facebook Recreation The lake is enjoyed by people who swim, boat, fish, and appreciate its beauty. A public boat launch on the western side of the lake provides public access. The boats used on Pine Lake include those with and without motors. This combination has the potential to lead to conflicts and even safety issues. Having no-wake hours and other rules helps to reduce conflicts. The wake boating hours for Pine Lake are a.m. to 5 p.m. During the planning meeting on November 8, 24, citizens affirmed support for current regulations related to boating and use of personal watercraft, but expressed concern that many lake users were not following regulations. Most concerns about violations were related to excessive speed, operating in a counter-clockwise direction, and ignoring slow/no wake hours. Citizens indicated that these violations were beyond nuisance levels and were creating dangerous conditions on the lake. Survey respondents also indicated frustration with lake users who leave litter behind or anchor in the channel. The Pine Lake Lutheran Camp is located on the northern side of the lake, near the point. This private camp offers a variety of activities for campers. Guiding Vision for Recreation Residents and visitors to Pine Lake will continue to appreciate and respect the lake and recreate responsibly. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 33

34 Goal 8. Pine Lake will provide a variety of recreational opportunities that are balanced by a combination of informed users and supportive regulations. Objective 8.. Inform boaters and jet-skiers of current regulations that guarantee safe recreational experiences for all users. Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline Construct informational kiosk for boat launch area including with maps, boating rules, fishing rules, and information about invasive species identification and prevention. PLPOA Town of Springwater UWSP Environmental Education students Create brochure with lake map and rules; make available at kiosk. PLPOA UWSP Environmental Education students Objective 8.2. Enhance existing infrastructure and enforcement of existing regulations to minimize conflicts between users. Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline Request that County Sheriff visit Pine Lake more frequently to ensure that PLPOA WC Sheriff 26 rules are enforced. Request that Town Chair or Sheriff deputize a lake resident or member of the PLPOA to increase availability of enforcement personnel. PLPOA Town of Springwater WC Sheriff Identify an individual who would be willing to take on deputy PLPOA responsibilities. Maintain and improve boat launch. Town of Springwater Waushara County Objective 8.3. Explore options for additional regulations in the interest of safety. Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline Explore ways to minimize erosional damage and danger from wakeboard boats such as regulating horsepower, speed, decibel and boat weight PLPOA WDNR UWEX Lakes limits. If determined to be beneficial, cooperate with Town Board to develop Town of Springwater PLPOA new regulations. Consider implementing a boat launch (or parking) fee. Town of Springwater WDNR Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 34

35 Communication and Organization Many of the goals outlined in this plan focus on distributing information to lake and watershed residents and lake users in order to help them make informed decisions that will result in a healthy ecosystem in Pine Lake enjoyed by many people. Working together on common values will help to achieve the goals that are outlined in this plan. Guiding Vision for Communication Property owners around Pine Lake will be informed. The Pine Lake Property Owners Association (PLPOA) and planning committee will maintain and build communications internally and within the community. Goal 9. Maintain open communications with lake users, keep visitors and residents informed about responsible lake stewardship, and encourage involvement in Pine Lake Property Owners Association. Objective 9.. Maintain and enhance communications between PLPOA members. Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline Announce lake happenings and management activities, events, at the annual PLPOA Annually meeting. Invite guest speakers, as needed. Continue communicating with members through PLPOA newsletter. PLPOA UWEX Lakes Ongoing WCWLC Develop a website for PLPOA. PLPOA WC UWEX 26 Develop list and/or listserv for PLPOA members. PLPOA WC UWEX 26 and ongoing Encourage PLPOA members to Like the Pine Lake Family Facebook page. Encourage non-members to join PLPOA. PLPOA UWEX Lakes Use the survey responses to understand perspectives and guide the implementation of this plan (Appendix E. Lake User Survey Results). PLPOA Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 35

36 Objective 9.2. Maintain and enhance communications between PLPOA and the wider community of lake visitors and users. Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline Encourage property owners and stewards to obtain Lake Tides, a PLPOA UWEX Lakes quarterly newsletter about Wisconsin lakes. Encourage membership in the We Really Kare fishing club. PLPOA Ongoing Share fish stocking information with PLPOA. PLPOA representative on We We Really Kare Ongoing Really Kare Board Ensure that PLPOA is represented in the Waushara County Watershed PLPOA WCWLC Ongoing Lakes Council. The representative should share information discussed at the WCWLC meeting. Encourage property owners and stewards to attend the Wisconsin Lakes PLPOA UWEX Lakes Annually in spring Convention in Stevens Point. Encourage property owners to participate in Lake Leaders Institute. PLPOA UWEX Lakes Even calendar years fall Updates and Revisions A management plan is a living document that changes over time to meet the current needs, challenges and desires of the lake and its community. The goals, objectives and actions listed in this plan should be reviewed annually and updated with any necessary changes. Goal. This plan and its contents will be current to the needs of Pine Lake and its community. Objective.. Review this plan annually and update as needed. Actions Lead person/group Resources Timeline Include plan updates as a regular agenda item at the annual meeting. PLPOA Partners listed in this plan Annually Notify PLPOA members of any potential changes in the lake PLPOA Partners involved in the As needed management plan. changes Notify organizations that adopted the Pine Lake Management Plan of proposed changes to the plan. PLPOA or other partners WCLCD Town of Springwater WDNR Lake Manager As needed Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 36

37 Governance Lake Management Plan Approval The draft lake management plan will be completed by the lake association/district board, a committee, or a committee of the whole. The final draft of the lake management plan will be approved through a vote of the lake association/district membership or board. The final draft will be approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to have met the lake management plan requirements and grant requirements. If the DNR requires modifications or additional information before approving the plan, the plan will be changed to meet DNR requirements that are acceptable to the lake association/district. The completed plan that has been approved by the lake association/district and the DNR will be presented to the municipalities containing the lake and Waushara County. The municipality may reference the lake management plan or parts of the plan in their comprehensive plan to guide municipal or county decisions. Lake Assistance The lake management plan will enhance the ability of the lake to apply for financial assistance. The lake management plan will be considered as part of the application for grants through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Current listings of grants available from the DNR can be found at Waushara County offers technical and financial assistance through the Land Conservation and Zoning Department and University of Wisconsin-Extension Department. Additional assistance may be available from other agencies and organizations, including DNR, UW-Extension Lakes Program, Golden Sands RC&D, Wisconsin Wetlands Association, and Wisconsin Trout Unlimited. Lake Regulations The lake management plan is superseded by federal, state, county, and municipal laws and court rulings. However, the lake management plan may influence county and municipal ordinances and enforcement, which is why the lake management plan will be reviewed and included or referenced in the county and related municipal comprehensive plans. Federal laws contain regulations related to water quality, wetlands, dredging, and filling. State laws contain regulations related to water quality, water and lake use, aquatic plants and animals, shoreline vegetation, safety, and development. County laws contain regulations related to development, safety, use, and aquatic plants and animals. Municipal laws contain regulation of use and safety. The court system interprets these rules and regulations. The rules and regulations are primarily enforced by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Waushara County Sheriff Department, and the Waushara County Land Conservation and Zoning Office. If considering development near or on a lake, addressing problem plants or animals, or changing the lake bottom contact the Waushara County Land Conservation & Zoning Department at the Waushara County Courthouse (92) and/or the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (888) Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 37

38 Comprehensive Plans The lake management plan and changes to the plan will be presented to the County and the Municipality for review and possible incorporation into their comprehensive plans. The comprehensive plan is intended to be used to guide future decision. Zoning, subdivision, and official mapping decisions must be consistent with the comprehensive plan. Process for Inclusion in the Municipal Comprehensive Plan The Municipal Plan Commission will review the lake management plan to determine if it is consistent with the municipality s comprehensive plan. If the lake management plan is found by the Municipal Plan Commission to not be consistent with the municipality s comprehensive plan, the plan commission may (a) recommend changes to the comprehensive plan or (b) ask that an aspect of the lake management plan be revisited. When the Municipal Plan Commission has reached a consensus that the lake management plan aligns with the municipality s vision, the Municipal Plan Commission will develop an amendment to the comprehensive plan referencing the lake management plan. This could include a reference to the lake management plan under local policies in the agricultural, natural and cultural resources background information and the addition of a recommendation to support the lake management plan and to implement the applicable recommendations contained in the lake management. The Municipal Plan Commission will recommend by resolution that the amendment to the comprehensive plan be adopted by the Municipal Board. A public hearing on the changes to the comprehensive plan will be held with a thirty-day class one notice. The Municipal Board will consider the recommendations from the Municipal Plan Commission. The Municipal Board may (a) adopt the recommendations to the comprehensive plan by ordinance, (b) adopt by ordinance the recommendations with changes, or (c) request the plan commission revisit the changes to the comprehensive plan. Process for Inclusion in the County Comprehensive Pl an Waushara County Land Use Committee will review the updates to the municipality s comprehensive plan and the lake management plan as referenced by the municipality s comprehensive plan to determine if they are consistent with the County s comprehensive plan. If they are found by the land use committee to not be consistent with the municipality s comprehensive plan, the land use committee may (a) recommend changes to the County s comprehensive plan or (b) ask that an aspect of the lake management plan or municipality s comprehensive plan be revisited. When the Land Use Committee has reached a consensus that the updates to the municipality s comprehensive plan and the lake management plan aligns with the county s vision, and if it is not already consistent, it will develop an amendment to the County s comprehensive plan. The amendment may be include a reference to the lake management plan under local policies in the agricultural, natural and cultural resources background information and the addition of a recommendation to support the lake management plan and to implement the applicable recommendations contained in the lake management. The Land Use Committee will recommend the amendment to the comprehensive plan to the Land, Water, and Education Committee. The Land, Water, and Education Committee will review the amendment and if it concurs with the recommendation from the Land Use Committee, it will make a recommendation to the Planning & Zoning Committee. The Planning & Zoning Committee will hold a public hearing with a thirty-day class one notice. The Planning & Zoning Committee will recommend by resolution the amendment to the comprehensive plan or the amendment with changes be adopted by the County Board. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 38

39 The County Board will consider the recommendations from the Planning & Zoning Committee. The County Board may (a) adopt the amendment to the comprehensive plan by ordinance, (b) adopt the amendment with changes, or (c) request the Land Use Committee or Planning & Zoning Committee revisit the changes to the comprehensive plan. Use of the Comprehensive Plan The lake management plans as referenced in the comprehensive plans will be used by the County and the Municipality to consider certain actions or in the implementation of zoning and other applicable regulations. The County Board of Adjustments and the County Planning and Zoning Committee may reference the lake management plans as referenced in the comprehensive plan when considering zone changes, variances, conditional uses, and suitable mitigation measures. The Municipality and County may take action as called for in the lake management plan as referenced in the comprehensive plan, including changes to zoning and other applicable regulations, shortly after the County s comprehensive plan has been updated or may take action as needed. The lake organization, lake residents, riparian property owners, or other citizens may request that the Municipality or County take a specific action to implement aspects of the lake management plan as referenced in the comprehensive plan. The lake organization lake residents, riparian property owners, or other citizens may provide written or oral support to encourage the Municipality and County to reference the lake management plan when considering regulation or action that may impact the lake. The lake organization will inform the Municipality and the County when the lake management plan is updated and allow the Municipality and County an opportunity to participate in the update process. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 39

40 References Bartz, David, 24. Habitat and the Fishery of Twin and Pine Lakes. Presentation given at Crossways Pine Lake Camp on November 8, 24. Boat Ed, 23. The Handbook of Wisconsin Boating Laws and Responsibilities. Approved by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Borman, Susan, Robert Korth, and Jo Temte, 2. Through the looking glass, a field guide to aquatic plants. Reindl Printing, Inc. Merrill, Wisconsin. Johnson, Ted, 24. Aquatic Plant Management. Presentation given at the Camp Twin Lakes Boy Scout Camp on September 6, 24. Haney, Ryan, 24. Water Quality and Twin and Pine Lakes. Presentation given Camp Twin Lakes Boy Scout Camp on October 4, 24. Gansberg, Mary, 2. Pine Lake (Waushara County, Wisconsin) Sensitive Area Survey Report. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Dates of Surveys: July 3 & August 3, 2. Hayes, T., K. Haston, M. Tsui, A. Hoang, C. Haeffele and A. Vonk. 23. Atrazine-Induced Hermaphroditism at. PPB in American Leopard Frogs (Rana pipiens): Laboratory and Field Evidence. Environmental Health Perspectives : Hayes, T.K. A. Collins, M, L,, Magdelena Mendoza, N. Noriega, A. A. Stuart, and A. Vonk. 2. Hermaphroditic, demasculinized frogs after exposure to the herbicide atrazine at low ecologically relevant doses. National Academy of Sciences vol. 99 no. 8, Panuska and Lillie, 995. Phosphorus Loadings from Wisconsin Watershed: Recommended Phosphorus Export Coefficients for Agricultural and Forested Watersheds. Bulletin Number 38, Bureau of Research, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Shaw, B., C. Mechenich, and L. Klessig, 2. Understanding Lake Data. University of Wisconsin-Extension, Stevens Point. 2 pp. Stushek, Kaycie, 24. Aquatic Invasive Species. Presentation given at Camp Twin Lakes Boy Scout Camp on September 6, 24. Turyk, Nancy, 24. Aquatic Plants of Twin and Pine Lakes. Presentation given at the Camp Twin Lakes Boy Scout Camp on September 6, 24. Turyk, Nancy, 24. Healthy Land = Healthy Water. Presentation given at Camp Twin Lakes Boy Scout Camp on October 4, 24. Turyk, N., McGinley, P., Dechamps, A. 23. Water Quality Assessment of Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin. Final Report to Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Center for Watershed Science and Education. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 4

41 UW-Stevens Point Center for Watershed Science and Education, 24. Waushara County Lake Study - Pine Lake Final Report to Waushara County and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. UW-Stevens Point Center for Watershed Science and Education, 23. Waushara County Lake Study - Pine Lake Mini-Report. Report to Waushara County and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Planning Meeting Presentations Vallentyne, J.R., 974. The Algal Bowl-Lakes and Man. Ottawa Department of the Environment. Wetzel, R.G., 2. Limnology, Lake and River Ecosystems, Third Edition. Academic Press. San Diego, California. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 4

42 Appendices Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 42

43 Appendix A. Waushara County Lake Information Directory Algae - Blue-Green Contact: Ted Johnson Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Phone: TedM.Johnson@wisconsin.gov Website: Contact: Wisconsin Department of Health Services West Wilson Street, Madison, WI 5373 Phone: Website: contactus.htm Aquatic Invasive Species/Clean Boats Clean Water Contact: Golden Sands RC&D Main St., Suite 5, Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: Websites: Aquatic Plant Management (Native and Invasive) Contact: Ted Johnson Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Phone: TedM.Johnson@wisconsin.gov Website: Aquatic Plant Identification Contact: Golden Sands RC&D Main St., Suite 5, Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: Website: Contact: Dr. Emmet Judziewicz UWSP Freckmann Herbarium TNR 3, 8 Reserve St., Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: ejudziew@uwsp.edu Contact: Ted Johnson Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Phone: TedM.Johnson@wisconsin.gov Aquatic Plant Surveys/Management Contact: Ted Johnson Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Phone: TedM.Johnson@wisconsin.gov Website: Best Management Practices (rain gardens, shoreland buffers, agricultural practices, runoff controls) Contact: Ed Hernandez Waushara County Land Conservation Department PO Box 9, Wautoma, WI Phone: lcdzoning.courthouse@co.waushara.wi.us Website: Boat Landings, Signage, Permissions (County) Contact: Scott Schuman Waushara County Parks PO Box 3, Wautoma, WI Phone: wcparks.parks@co.waushara.wi.us Website: Boat Landings (State) Contact: Dave Bartz Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Hwy 22N, Box 43, Montello, WI Phone: David.Bartz@wisconsin.gov Website: Boat Landings (Town) Contact the clerk for the specific town/village in which the boat landing is located. Citizen Lake Monitoring Network Contact: Brenda Nordin, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Phone: brenda.nordin@wisconsin.gov Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 43

44 Conservation Easements Contact: Gathering Waters Conservancy 2 S. Paterson St., Suite 27, Madison, WI 5373 Phone: info@gatheringwaters.org Website: Contact: Ted Johnson Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Phone: TedM.Johnson@wisconsin.gov Contact: Patrick Sorge Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources PO Box 4, Eau Claire, WI 5472 Phone: Patrick.Sorge@wisconsin.gov Contact: North Central Conservancy Trust PO Box 24, Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: info@ncctwi.org Website: Contact: NRCS Stevens Point Service Center 462 Strongs Ave., Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: Critical Habitat and Sensitive Areas Contact: Ted Johnson Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Phone: TedM.Johnson@wisconsin.gov Website: Dams Contact: Joe Behlen Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 473 Griffith Ave., Wisconsin Rapids, WI Phone: joseph.behlen@wisconsin.gov Website: Fertilizers/Soil Testing Contact: Ken Williams Waushara County UW- Extension 29 S St. Marie St, PO Box 487, Wautoma, WI Phone: ken.williams@ces.uwex.edu Website: Fisheries Biologist (management, habitat) Contact: Dave Bartz Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Hwy 22N, Box 43, Montello, WI Phone: David.Bartz@wisconsin.gov Website: Frog Monitoring Citizen Based Contact: Andrew Badje, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Phone: Andrew.badje@wisconsin.gov WFTS@wisconsin.gov Grants Contact: Ted Johnson Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Phone: TedM.Johnson@wisconsin.gov Website: Contact: Ed Hernandez Waushara County Land Conservation Department PO Box 9, Wautoma, WI Phone: lcdzoning.courthouse@co.waushara.wi.us Website: Groundwater Quality Contact: Kevin Masarik UWSP Center for Watershed Science & Education TNR 224, 8 Reserve St., Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: kmasarik@uwsp.edu Website: Groundwater Levels/Quantity Contact: Ed Hernandez Waushara County Land Conservation Department Address: PO Box 9 Wautoma, WI Phone: lcdzoning.courthouse@co.waushara.wi.us Contact: George Kraft UWSP Center for Watershed Science & Education TNR 224, 8 Reserve St., Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: george.kraft@uwsp.edu Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 44

45 Groundwater Levels/Quantity (cont d) Contact: Scott Provost Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 473 Griffith Ave., Wisconsin Rapids, WI Phone: Website: artup Informational Packets Contact: UWSP Center for Watershed Science & Education TNR 224, 8 Reserve St. Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: pclakes@uwsp.edu Lake Groups Friends, Associations, Districts Contact: Patrick Nehring UWEX Economic Resource Development Agent PO Box 487, Wautoma, WI Phone: Patrick.nehring@ces.uwex.edu Contact: Patrick Goggin UWEX Lakes TNR 23, 8 Reserve St., Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: pgoggin@uwsp.edu Website: rganizations/ Contact: Eric Olson UWEX Lakes TNR 26, 8 Reserve St., Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: eolson@uwsp.edu Website: s/organizations/ Contact: Susan Tesarik Wisconsin Lakes 453 Vernon Blvd., Suite, Madison, WI 5375 Phone: lakeinfo@wisconsinlakes.org Website: Lake Levels See: Groundwater Lake-Related Law Enforcement (no-wake, transporting invasives, etc.) Contact: Ben Mott State Conservation Warden Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 427 E. Tower Drive, Suite, Wautoma, WI Phone: Website: Land Use Plans and Zoning Ordinances Contact: Terri Dopp-Paukstat Waushara County Planning and Zoning PO Box 9, Wautoma, WI Phone: lcdzoning.courthouse@co.waushara.wi.us Website: Land Use Plans and Zoning Ordinances (cont d) Contact: UWSP Center for Land Use Education TNR 28, 8 Reserve St., Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: Center.for.Land.Use.Education@uwsp.edu Website: Nutrient Management Plans Contact: Ed Hernandez Waushara County Land Conservation Department PO Box 9, Wautoma, WI Phone: lcdzoning.courthouse@co.waushara.wi.us Website: Contact: NRCS Stevens Point Service Center 462 Strongs Ave., Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: Parks (County) Contact: Scott Schuman Waushara County Parks PO Box 3, Wautoma, WI Phone: wcparks.parks@co.waushara.wi.us Website: Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 45

46 Purchase of Development Rights Contact: North Central Conservancy Trust PO Box 24, Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: Website: Purchase of Land Contact: Ted Johnson Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Phone: Website: Rain Barrels Order Contact: Golden Sands RC&D Main St., Suite 5, Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: Website: Rain Gardens and Stormwater Runoff Contact: Ed Hernandez Waushara County Land Conservation Department PO Box 9, Wautoma, WI Phone: Website: Septic Systems/Onsite Waste Contact: Terri Dopp-Paukstat Waushara County Planning and Zoning PO Box 9, Wautoma, WI Phone: Website: Shoreland Management Contact: Ed Hernandez Waushara County Land Conservation Department PO Box 9, Wautoma, WI Phone: Website: Shoreland Vegetation Shoreland Zoning Ordinances See: Land Use Plans and Zoning Ordinances Soil Fertility Testing Contact: Ken Williams Waushara County UW- Extension 29 S St. Marie Street, PO Box 487, Wautoma, WI Phone: Ken.williams@ces.uwex.edu Website: Water Quality Monitoring Contact: Ted Johnson Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Phone: TedM.Johnson@wisconsin.gov Water Quality Problems Contact: Ted Johnson Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Phone: TedM.Johnson@wisconsin.gov Contact: Nancy Turyk UWSP Center for Watershed Science and Education TNR 26, 8 Reserve St., Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: nturyk@uwsp.edu Wetlands Contact: Keith Patrick Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 53 Rib Mountain Drive, Wausau, WI 544 Phone: keith.patrick@wisconsin.gov Website: Contact: Wisconsin Wetlands Association 24 N. Hamilton Street, #2, Madison, WI 5373 Phone: info@wisconsinwetlands.org Wetland Inventory Contact: Dr. Emmet Judziewicz UWSP Freckmann Herbarium TNR 3, 8 Reserve St., Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: ejudziew@uwsp.edu Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 46

47 Woody Habitat Contact: Dave Bartz, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Phone: Address: Hwy 22N Box 43, Montello, WI If you are looking for any information that is not listed in this directory, please contact: Ryan Haney UWSP Center for Watershed Science and Education TNR 224, 8 Reserve St., Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 47

48 Appendix B. Aquatic Plants Table. Pine Lake-Springwater aquatic plant survey summary, 23. Lake Average Statewide Average North Central Hardwood Forests Ecoregion Average Littoral Frequency of Occurrence (%) Maximum Depth of Plant Growth (ft) Species Richness (Including visuals) Floristic Quality Index (FQI) Table 2. Frequency of occurrence of aquatic plant species observed in Pine Lake-Springwater, 23. Scientific Name Common Name Coefficient of Conservatism Value (C Value) 23 % Frequency of Occurrence Floating Leaf Species Nymphaea odorata White water lily 6.62 Submergent Species Chara Muskgrasses Nitella Nitella Potamogeton gramineus Variable pondweed Potamogeton praelongus White-stem pondweed Najas flexilis Slender naiad Vallisneria americana Wild celery Najas guadalupensis Southern naiad Elodea canadensis Common waterweed Potamogeton amplifolius Large-leaf pondweed Potamogeton zosteriformis Flat-stem pondweed Potamogeton illinoensis Illinois pondweed Myriophyllum spicatum Eurasian water-milfoil 2.47 Potamogeton strictifolius Stiff pondweed Potamogeton natans Floating-leaf pondweed 5.93 Myriophyllum sibiricum Northern water-milfoil 6.3 Stuckenia pectinata Sago pondweed 3.3 Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 48

49 Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 49

50 The following options were discussed during the Pine Lake Management Planning Process. A summary of the discussion can be found in the aquatic invasive species section of this plan. General recommendations: Reduce nutrients traveling to the lake from the landscape. Avoid increasing algal blooms by maintaining a healthy amount of aquatic plants. Don t denude the lakebed. Increases potential for aquatic invasive species establishment. Sediments can add phosphorus to the water which may lead to increased algal growth. Choose options that are appropriate for your lake s situation. Monitor and adjust your strategies if you are not making headway! List of Aquatic Plant Management Options (selection of options varies with situation): No Action ADVANTAGES No associated cost. Least disruptive to lake ecosystem. LIMITATIONS May not be effective in achieving aquatic plant management objectives. Hand Pulling ADVANTAGES Can be used for thinning aquatic plants around docks. Can target specific plants - with proper training. Can be effective in controlling small infestations of aquatic invasive species. No associated cost. LIMITATIONS Removes near-shore wildlife and fish habitat. Opens up areas where invasives to become established. If aquatic invasive species are not pulled properly, could worsen the problem. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 5

51 Hand Pulling Using Suction ADVANTAGES Can be used for thinning plants around docks. Can be used in deeper areas (with divers). Can target specific plants with proper training. Can be effective in controlling small infestations of aquatic invasive species. May be useful in helping to remove upper root mass of aquatic invasive species. LIMITATIONS Costs associated with hiring a diver may be comparable to chemical treatment expenses. Currently an experimental treatment not readily available. If aquatic invasive species are not pulled properly, could worsen the problem. Mechanical Harvesting NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PINE LAKE ADVANTAGES Removes plant material and nutrients. Can target specific locations. Used to manage larger areas for recreational access or fishery management. LIMITATIONS Not used in water depths less than 3 feet. Some harm to aquatic organisms. Is a temporary control. Risk of introduction of new aquatic invasive species (on a hired harvester) or spread of some existing invasive species. Hired cost at least $5/hr. Water Level Manipulation NOT AN OPTION FOR PINE LAKE ADVANTAGES Controls aquatic plants in shallower, near-shore areas. Can be low cost. LIMITATIONS Requires a controlling structure on the lake. May cause undesired stress on ecosystem. Cannot be used frequently. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 5

52 Milfoil Weevils ADVANTAGES Natural, native maintenance of native and exotic milfoils. Prefers the aquatic invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil. Some lakes may already have a native populations; need a professional stem count and assessment of shoreland health, structure of fishery, etc. Doesn t harm lake ecosystem. LIMITATIONS Require healthy shoreline habitat for overwintering. Cannot survive in areas of mechanical harvesting or herbicide application. Effectiveness highly variable between lakes (only works well for some lakes). Limited access to weevils for purchase in WI. Still considered experimental. Chemical Treatment: Spot ADVANTAGES May be less destructive to lake ecosystem than lake-wide treatment. Chemical Treatment: Lake-wide ADVANTAGES May reduce aquatic invasives for a time. Treatment not needed as frequently. LIMITATIONS Only considered in lakes with aquatic invasive plants. Usually not fully effective in eradicating target species. Contaminants may remain in sediment. Effects on lake ecosystem not fully understood. Does not remove dead vegetation, which depletes oxygen and releases nutrients, adds to build-up of muck. Extra nutrients may spur additional aquatic plant and algae growth. May result in chemically resistant strains of EWM or HWM LIMITATIONS Only considered in lakes with aquatic invasive plants. Usually not fully effective in eradicating target species. Contaminants may remain in sediment. Does not remove dead vegetation, which depletes oxygen and releases nutrients, adds to build-up of muck. Extra nutrients may spur additional aquatic plant and algae growth. Negatively affects native vegetation. Effects on lake ecosystem not fully understood. Opens up space once taken up by natives for invasive species to colonize once again. ~$4 per 5 acres. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 52

53 Appendix C. Invasive Species Rapid Response Plan SURVEY/MONITOR. Learn how to survey/monitor the lake. Contacts: Water Resource Management Specialist Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Phone: Regional Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator Golden Sands RC&D Main St., Suite #5 Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: Survey/monitor the lake monthly/seasonally/annually. If you find a suspected invasive species, report it as soon as possible using the procedure below. REPORTING A SUSPECTED INVASIVE SPECIES. Collect specimens or take photos. Regardless of the method used, provide as much information as possible. Try to include flowers, seeds or fruit, buds, full leaves, stems, roots and other distinctive features. In photos, place a coin, pencil or ruler for scale. Deliver or send specimen ASAP. Collect, press and dry a complete sample. This method is best because a plant expert can then examine the specimen. -OR- Collect a fresh sample. Enclose in a plastic bag with a moist paper towel and refrigerate. -OR- Take detailed photos (digital or film). 2. Note the location where the specimen was found. If possible, give the exact geographic location using a GPS (global positioning system) unit, topographic map, or the Wisconsin Gazetteer map book. If using a map, include a photocopy with a dot showing the plant's location. You can use TopoZone.com to find the precise location on a digital topographic map. Click the cursor on the exact collection site and note the coordinates (choose UTM or Latitude/Longitude). Provide one or more of the following: Latitude & Longitude UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) coordinates County, Township, Range, Section, Partsection Precise written site description, noting nearest city & road names, landmarks, local topography Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 53

54 3. Gather information to aid in positive species identification. Collection date and county Your name, address, phone, Exact location (Latitude/Longitude or UTM preferred, or Township/Range/Section) Plant name (common or scientific) Land ownership (if known) Population description (estimated number of plants and area covered) Habitat type(s) where found (forest, field, prairie, wetland, open water) 4. Mail or bring specimens and information to any of the following locations: Digital photos may be ed. Wisconsin Dept. Natural Resources 427 E. Tower Drive, Suite Wautoma, WI Phone: (92) Regional AIS Coordinator Golden Sands RC&D Main St., Suite #5 Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: info@goldensandsrcd.org UW-Stevens Point Herbarium 3 Trainer Natural Resources Building 8 Reserve Street Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: ejudziew@uwsp.edu Wisconsin Invasive Plants Reporting & Prevention Project Herbarium-UW-Madison 43 Lincoln Drive Madison, WI 5376 Phone: (68) invasiveplants@mailplus.wisc.edu 5. Once the specimen is dropped off or sent for positive identification, be sure to contact: Regional AIS Coordinator Golden Sands RC&D Main St., Suite #5 Stevens Point, WI 5448 Phone: info@goldensandsrcd.org Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 54

55 If an invasive species is confirmed, the Regional AIS Coordinator will make the following public information contacts: o Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 427 E. Tower Drive, Suite Wautoma, WI Phone: (92) The town board(s) in which the water body is located Town of:springwater o The Lake District/Association in which the waterbody is located. Contact: Dan Doyle Phone: o University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Water Resource Scientist Nancy Turyk Trainer Natural Resources Building 8 Reserve Street Stevens Point, WI 5448Telephone: nturyk@uwsp.edu o Local Residents If an invasive species is confirmed, secretary or president of the Irogami Lake Management District will make the following public information contacts: o Newspapers: Argus, Waupaca Now Contact the WDNR to post notice(s) at the access point(s) to the water body. Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 55

56 Appendix D. Shoreland Survey 2 A scoring system was developed for the collected data to provide a more holistic assessment. Areas that are healthy will need strategies to keep them healthy, and areas with potential problem areas and where management and conservation may be warranted may need a different set of strategies for improvement. The scoring system is based on the presence/absence and abundance of shoreline features, as well as their proximity to the water s edge. Values were tallied for each shoreline category and then summed to produce an overall score. Higher scores denote a healthier shoreline with good land management practices. These are areas where protection and/or conservation should be targeted. On the other hand, lower scores signify an ecologically unhealthy shoreline. These are areas where management and/or mitigation practices may be desirable for improving water quality. The summary of scores for shorelands around Pine Lake are displayed on the next page. The shorelands were color-coded to show their overall health based on natural and physical characteristics. Blue shorelands identify healthy shorelands with sufficient vegetation and few disturbances. Red shorelands indicate locations where changes in management or mitigation may be warranted. Many stretches of Pine Lake s shorelands are in good to moderately-good shape, but several long portions have challenges that should be addressed. Some of these stretches of Pine Lake (Springwater) ranked as poor. For a more complete understanding of the ranking, an interactive map showing results of the shoreland surveys can be found on the County s webpage at Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 56

57 Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 57

58 Appendix E. Lake User Survey Results Lake Management Plan Pine Lake-Springwater, Waushara County, Wisconsin, 25 58

59 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q What is your Waushara County Lakes Survey ID? Answ ered: 2 Skipped: # Responses Date rol632 8/8/24 :46 AM 2 enn48 8/7/24 :5 PM 3 ine58 8/6/24 6:25 PM 4 Eth89 8/6/24 7:4 AM 5 ven243 8/5/24 2:2 PM 6 lee464 8/4/24 6:9 PM 7 ina666 8/4/24 6:5 PM 8 ike94 8/4/24 3:26 PM 9 een93 8/4/24 6:29 AM ara57 8/3/24 3:3 PM lan59 8/3/24 :5 PM 2 vin23 8/3/24 :38 PM / 23

60 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q2 How did you hear about this survey? Answ ered: 2 Skipped: Postcard/letter (2) Answer Choices Newspaper Postcard/letter Facebook Radio Responses 2 Total 2 # Other (please specify) Date Pine Lake Property Owners Association meeting 8/6/24 6:3 PM 2 / 23

61 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q3 Do you own or rent property... Answ ered: 2 Skipped: Less than /2 mile from the lake 8% () Around the lake 92% () Answer Choices Around the lake Less than /2 mile from the lake /2 mile to mile of the lake More than mile from the lake I do not own or rent property near the lake Responses 92% 8% Total 2 3 / 23

62 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q4 If you own or rent property near the lake, is this property your permanent residence, a part-time residence (such as a vacation home, rental, etc.), or other? Answ ered: 2 Skipped: Part-time residence 5 (6) Permanent residence 5 (6) Answer Choices Permanent residence Part-time residence I do not own or rent property near the lake Responses Total 2 # Other (please specify) Date There are no responses. 4 / 23

63 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q5 I own property on or near the lake because I inherited it. Answ ered: 2 Skipped: Yes 25% (3) No 75% (9) Answer Choices Yes No Responses 25% 3 75% 9 Total 2 5 / 23

64 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q6 How long have you lived on, visited or recreated on the lake? Answ ered: 2 Skipped: <2 years 8% () 2-5 years 8% () 6- years 8% () >2 years 67% (8) -2 years 8% () Answer Choices <2 years 2-5 years 6- years -2 years >2 years Responses 8% 8% 8% 8% 67% 8 Total 2 6 / 23

65 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q7 Are you familiar with the Pine Lake Property Owners Association? Answ ered: 2 Skipped: I've heard of it 25% (3) Very familiar 75% (9) Answer Choices Very familiar Somewhat familiar I've heard of it Never heard of it Responses 75% 9 25% 3 Total 2 7 / 23

66 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q8 Are you a member of the Pine Lake Property Owners Association? Answ ered: 2 Skipped: No 25% (3) Yes 75% (9) Answer Choices Yes No I don't know Responses 75% 9 25% 3 Total 2 8 / 23

67 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q9 What time of year do you generally use the lake? Select all that apply. Answ ered: 2 Skipped: Winter 75% Spring 83% Summer Fall 83% Answer Choices Winter Spring Summer Fall Responses 75% 9 83% 2 83% Total Respondents: 2 9 / 23

68 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q Which category below includes your age? Answ ered: 2 Skipped: >65 25% (3) 8-4 8% () % (8) Answer Choices Under >65 Responses 8% 67% 8 25% 3 Total 2 / 23

69 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q When you visit Pine Lake, are you typically...(check all that apply) Answ ered: Skipped: Alone 73% With family 82% With friends 55% With members of a club Answer Choices Alone With family With friends With members of a club Responses 73% 8 82% 9 55% 6 Total Respondents: # Other (please specify) Date There are no responses. / 23

70 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q2 I live on or near the lake... Answ ered: 2 Skipped: 73% 27% To spend time with family 45% 55% To entertain friends 83% 7% For the peace and tranquility 83% 7% Because I enjoy the v iew 55% 36% Because it is a good... 9% 2 / 23

71 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree I do not live on or near the lake Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree I do not live on or near the lake Total To spend time with family 73% 8 27% 3 To entertain friends 45% 5 55% 6 For the peace and tranquility 83% 7% 2 2 Because I enjoy the view 83% 7% 2 2 Because it is a good investment 55% 6 36% 4 9% 3 / 23

72 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q3 What do you value most about Pine Lake? Answ ered: 2 Skipped: # Responses Date We enjoy living at the lake. We, and our family, enjoy swimming, kayaking, pontoon boat rides, etc. We enjoy watching the birds, squirrels and other wildlife. 8/8/24 2:6 PM 2 Clean water 8/7/24 :54 PM 3 Clean water, fresh air, beautiful view, abundance of wildlife. 8/6/24 6:3 PM 4 Swimming 8/6/24 7:42 AM 5 The beautiful area and the quality of the lake 8/5/24 2:23 PM 6 Clear water, sandy shoreline, fishing, swimming and boating. 8/4/24 6:3 PM 7 That it is a habitat for wildlife as well as a source of enjoyment for people. 8/4/24 6: PM 8 It's natural state with proximity to major metropolitan areas 8/4/24 3:29 PM 9 I value having enough water on the small side to use the lake. There have been years when we were unable to put a boat in the water because the lake level was too low. 8/4/24 6:34 AM View, fishing 8/3/24 3:9 PM Its clean water and sand beach 8/3/24 :54 PM 2 the sand bar and clear water 8/3/24 :4 PM 4 / 23

73 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q4 In your opinion, what should be done to restore, maintain, or improve Pine Lake? Answ ered: 2 Skipped: # Responses Date At this time we think no-wake on the small part might be a good idea. Of course, we need to keep treating the milfoil. 8/8/24 2:6 PM 2 Keep spending money to keep Milfoil under control. 8/7/24 :54 PM 3 Maintaining excellent water quality is top priority. Also important to control invasive species and balance needs of wildlife with desires of property owners. 8/6/24 6:3 PM 4 Muck and weed control 8/6/24 7:42 AM 5 Continue to control invasive species, help educate property owners and lake users about water quality and shoreland management 6. Limit the number of visitors to the lake that bring their boats on the weekend. This clogs the lake and makes it less enjoyable for those of us who live on the lake, pay our taxes. I realize this does not happen every weekend but during the summer season it can get quite congested. It's not large enough to handle all of the traffic. It's getting dangerous Improve the fishery of the lake by stocking the lake, consistently with walleye, northern pike and smallmouth. Stocking does occur, but not consistently, every year as it needs to. Fish kills and fish survival rates affect the fishery greatly along with those fishermen who bag their limits and more. 3. The Association as the governing body needs to continue its fight on the emerging vegetation, to rid the lake of those species the ruin the lake. This is an ongoing fight that will never end. 8/5/24 2:23 PM 8/4/24 6:3 PM 7 Whatever possible that is in the best interest of the ecosystem while still offering recreational activities for people. 8/4/24 6: PM 8 Maintain the water quality and a high level 8/4/24 3:29 PM 9 In my opinion, the small side is badly in need of dredging to reduce the extremely thick layer of black muck on the bottom. 8/4/24 6:34 AM keep people from abusing the waters, by taking out weeds (not invasives), and being careful about their septic systems. 8/3/24 3:9 PM Make west lobe a slow no wake area, It's less than 5 acres in size 8/3/24 :54 PM 2 leave as is and dont improve boat landing anymore. get rid of the pier at boat landing to. 8/3/24 :4 PM 5 / 23

74 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q5 How familiar are you with Wisconsin's Public Trust Doctrine? Answ ered: 2 Skipped: Never heard of it 42% (5) Somew hat familiar 33% (4) I've heard of it 25% (3) Answer Choices Very familiar Somewhat familiar I've heard of it Never heard of it Responses 33% 4 25% 3 42% 5 Total 2 6 / 23

75 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q6 How I recreate in and around the lake can affect other lake users. Answ ered: 2 Skipped: Agree 25% (3) Strongly Agree 75% (9) Answer Choices Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Responses 75% 9 25% 3 Total 2 7 / 23

76 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q7 How I manage my land can affect other lake users. Answ ered: 2 Skipped: Agree 33% (4) Strongly Agree 67% (8) Answer Choices Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Responses 67% 8 33% 4 Total 2 8 / 23

77 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q8 Which of the following meeting topics, in your opinion, are the most important to talk about regarding Pine Lake? (Please rank at least your top three.) Answ ered: 2 Skipped: Aquatic Plants Water Quality Wildlif e and Fishery Habitat Shorela nd Health CommuniRecreat cation ion and Lake... Land Use Water lev els Aquatic Other Inv asiv e Species Total Average Ranking Aquatic Plants 8%.. 25% 3. 7% 2. 33% % Water Quality % 2. 25% 3.. 8% Wildlife and Fishery Habitat. 25% % 3. 7% 2. 8%.. 7% 2. 8% Shoreland Health.. 7% 2. 7% 2. 8%. 42% 5. 8%.. 8% Communication and Lake Group Support.. 8%... 25% 3. 7% 2. 33% 4. 7% Recreation. 8%.. 8%. 25% % 3. 8%. 25% Land Use % 3. 33% 4. 25% 3. 8%. 8% Water levels 42% 5.. 7% 2. 7% %.. 7% Aquatic Invasive Species %. 8%. 8%.. 8%.. 7% Other... 8% % / 23

78 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q9 Many of the decisions determining the final lake management plan will be made at the planning sessions. Sessions will typically take place monthly on weeknights. How likely is it that you will attend one or more of the planning sessions? Answ ered: 2 Skipped: I w on't attend any 25% (3) Definitely 7% (2) Very Likely 7% (2) Not likely 25% (3) If it fits my schedule Answer Choices Definitely Very Likely If it fits my schedule Not likely I won't attend any Responses 7% 2 7% 2 7% 2 25% 3 25% 3 Total 2 2 / 23

79 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q2 Previous experience has shown that weekday evenings work best for most people. If you will attend the planning sessions, which weeknights do you prefer? Answ ered: 8 Skipped: 4 Mondays 3% Tuesdays Wednesdays 38% Thursdays 3% No preference 38% Answer Choices Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays No preference Responses 3% 38% 3 3% 38% 3 Total Respondents: 8 2 / 23

80 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q2 Most sessions will last around 2 hours. If you will attend the planning sessions, which times do you prefer to start? Answ ered: 7 Skipped: 5 No preference 4% () 6pm 43% (3) 6:3pm 43% (3) Answer Choices 6pm 6:3pm 7pm 7:3pm No preference Responses 43% 3 43% 3 4% Total 7 22 / 23

81 Pine Lake-Springwater Survey # Q22 How would you like to receive information about meetings (agendas, minutes), the planning process, and updates? (Select all that apply) Answ ered: Skipped: * 9% Facebook ("Waushara... 45% Waushara County w ebsite 27% Video of planning... 9% Answer Choices * Facebook ("Waushara County Lakes Project") Waushara County website Video of planning meeting posted on the web Responses 9% 45% 5 27% 3 9% Total Respondents: # Other (please specify) Date post card 8/7/24 :59 PM 23 / 23

82 Pine Springwater Survey #2 Q Enter your Waushara County Lakes Survey ID. If you've forgotten your ID or haven't created one yet, follow the instructions below. Answered: 8 Skipped: # Responses Date rol632 9/5/24 :5 PM 2 eth589 9/5/24 2:58 PM 3 ela628 9/5/24 2:2 PM 4 ina666 9//24 7:3 PM 5 tommae 9//24 4: PM 6 ohn3 9//24 : AM 7 ard355 9//24 5:5 PM 8 grammab 9//24 :27 PM 9 ven243 9/9/24 4:46 PM nia574 9/8/24 3:58 PM nia574 9/8/24 3:9 PM 2 IEL684 9/8/24 3:9 PM 3 nia574 9/8/24 3:9 PM 4 mes945 9/8/24 :23 AM 5 INE58 9/8/24 :57 AM 6 tommae 9/7/24 4:2 PM 7 lan59 9/5/24 2:53 PM 8 jkkl 9/4/24 8:39 AM / 7

83 Pine Springwater Survey #2 Q2 How did you hear about this survey? Answered: 5 Skipped: 3 3% (2) 7% () 8 (2) Newspaper Postcard/letter Facebook Radio Answer Choices Newspaper Postcard/letter Facebook Radio Responses 3% 2 7% 8 2 Total 5 # Other (please specify) Date homeowners association pine lake 9/5/24 2:58 PM 2 Sister 9//24 5:5 PM 2 / 7

84 Pine Springwater Survey #2 Q3 Were you aware of the importance of aquatic plants? Answered: 4 Skipped: 4 7% () 4% (2) 79% () Yes No Unsure Answer Choices Yes No Unsure Responses 79% 4% 2 7% Total 4 3 / 7

85 Pine Springwater Survey #2 Q4 In your opinion, which statement best describes the amount of aquatic plant growth in Pine Lake? Answered: 4 Skipped: 4 Less than optimum for... 8% 46% 5% 8% 23% Just the right amount for f... 9% 27% 36% 27% More than optimum for... 9% 45% 8% 27% Little to none 4 4 Present, but does not aff... 8% 58% 25% 8% Dense, affects my use of th... 8% 45% 27% 9% Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Not Sure Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Not Sure Total Less than optimum for fish and wildlife 8% 46% 6 5% 2 8% 23% 3 3 Just the right amount for fish and wildlife 9% 27% 3 36% 4 27% 3 More than optimum for fish and wildlife 9% 45% 5 8% 2 27% 3 Little to none Present, but does not affect my use of the lake 8% 58% 7 25% 3 8% 2 Dense, affects my use of the lake 8% 2 45% 5 27% 3 9% 4 / 7

86 Pine Springwater Survey #2 Q5 If you selected dense or choked, what month(s) do the problems occur? Check all that apply. Answered: 2 Skipped: May June July August September Answer Choices May June July August September Responses Total Respondents: 2 5 / 7

87 Pine Springwater Survey #2 Q6 Do you believe aquatic plant control is needed on Pine Lake? Answered: 3 Skipped: 5 8% () 23% (3) 3% (4) 38% (5) Definitely Probably Unsure Probably not Definitely not Answer Choices Definitely Probably Unsure Probably not Definitely not Responses 23% 3 38% 5 3% 4 8% Total 3 6 / 7

88 Pine Springwater Survey #2 Q7 What is your level of support for the responsible use of the following techniques TO MANAGE AQUATIC PLANTS on Pine Lake? Answered: 4 Skipped: 4 Herbicide (chemical)... 36% 36% 9% 8% Dredging of bottom... 8% 25% 25% 7% 25% Hand-removal by divers 33% 25% 7% 25% Manual removal by property... 8% 25% 7% 7% 7% 7% Biological control... 5% 5% 5% 5% 8% 3% Mechanical harvesting 8% 7% 25% 7% 33% Water level drawdown 7% 75% 8% Do nothing (do not manage... 7% 8% 58% 7% Highly supportive Somewhat supportive Neutral Somewhat unsupportive Not supportive Unsure, need more info Highly supportive Somewhat supportive Neutral Somewhat unsupportive Not supportive Unsure, need more info Total Average Rating Herbicide (chemical) control 36% 4 36% 4 9% 8% 2.55 Dredging of bottom sediments 8% 25% 3 25% 3 7% 2 25% Hand-removal by divers 33% 4 25% 3 7% 2 25% Manual removal by property owners 8% 25% 3 7% 2 7% 2 7% 2 7% Biological control (milfoil weevil, loosestrife beetle, etc.) 5% 2 5% 2 5% 2 5% 2 8% 3% Mechanical harvesting 8% 7% 2 25% 3 7% 2 33% / 7

89 Pine Springwater Survey #2 Water level drawdown 7% 2 75% 9 8% Do nothing (do not manage plants) 7% 2 8% 58% 7 7% / 7

90 Pine Springwater Survey #2 Q8 In your opinion, does establishing or maintaining native vegetation IN THE WATER in the near-shore area Answered: 4 Skipped: 4 Decrease shoreline... 2% 64% 4% Increase fish populations? 43% 43% 7% 7% Decrease the value of... 4% 43% 29% 4% Improve water quality? 2% 57% 4% 7% Limit recreational... 2% 2% 36% 2% Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No Unsure Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No Unsure Total Decrease shoreline erosion? 2% 3 64% 9 4% 2 4 Increase fish populations? 43% 6 43% 6 7% 7% 4 Decrease the value of shoreline property? 4% 2 43% 6 29% 4 4% 2 4 Improve water quality? 2% 3 57% 8 4% 2 7% 4 Limit recreational enjoyment? 2% 3 2% 3 36% 5 2% / 7

91 Pine Springwater Survey #2 Q9 Have you ever heard of aquatic invasive species? Answered: 4 Skipped: 4 7.4% () 92.86% (3) Yes No Answer Choices Yes No Responses 92.86% 3 7.4% Total 4 / 7

92 Pine Springwater Survey #2 Q After you have been to another lake, do you clean your... before bringing it back to Pine Lake? Answered: 4 Skipped: 4 Boat (motor boat, canoe,... Trailer Fishing Equipment Live wells Yes, always Sometimes Rarely No, never Not applicable Yes, always Sometimes Rarely No, never Not applicable Total Respondents Boat (motor boat, canoe, kayak, etc.) Trailer 42.86% % Fishing Equipment 5.38% % % 3 Live wells 7.69% 7.69% 7.69% % 3 / 7

93 Pine Springwater Survey #2 Q Who should pay for the cost of managing invasive aquatic plants? Check all that apply. Answered: 4 Skipped: 4 Individuals (Districts,... 23% 54% 8% 5% Local municipality 33% 5 7% County 42% 33% 8% 7% State 25% 58% 8% 8% No one (no management i... 75% 25% Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Not Sure Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Not Sure Total Individuals (Districts, associations, lakefront property owners) 23% 3 54% 7 8% 5% 2 3 Local municipality 33% % 2 2 County 42% 5 33% 4 8% 7% 2 2 State 25% 3 58% 7 8% 8% 2 No one (no management is undertaken) 75% 9 25% 3 2 # Other (please specify) Date What about sharing cost, county, state, muni & individuals associations etc. 9/5/24 :5 PM 2 Depends on what is being done to prevent it 9//24 7:27 PM 3 Since the water is public, taxpayer money should be used for its management. However, since lake property owners are most affected, the should contribute their own money, too. 9/8/24 :3 AM 2 / 7

94 Pine Springwater Survey #2 Q2 What is the most effective way to inform others about aquatic invasive species? Answered: 4 Skipped: Newspaper Billboard Info pamphlets Placemats at local restaurants Interpretiv e water trail Volunteer staff at boat launch Answer Choices Newspaper Billboard Info pamphlets Placemats at local restaurants Interpretive water trail Volunteer staff at boat launch Responses 42.86% % % % % % 6 Total Respondents: 4 # Other (please specify) Date Multiple informing important 9/5/24 :5 PM 2 I like the volunteer staff idea, but worry that people may feel it is intrusive and that it may result in being counterproductive. 9//24 7:27 PM 3 topics at lake association meetings 9/9/24 4:54 PM 4 at the boat launch 9/8/24 :32 AM 5 Many methods are necessary to inform the most people. 9/8/24 :3 AM 3 / 7

95 Pine Springwater Survey #2 Q3 Below is a list of possible negative impacts commonly found in Wisconsin lakes. To what level do you believe each of the following factors may be impacting Pine Lake? (Please rate - 5)* Not Present means that you believe the issue does not exist on Pine Lake.**No Impact means that the issue may exist on Pine Lake but it is not negatively impacting the lake. Answered: 4 Skipped: 4 Water quality degradation 36% 2% 7% 7% 7% 2% Loss of aquatic habitat 4% 4% 36% 7% 7% 2% Shoreline erosion 7% 36% 2% 2% 7% 7% Development 7% 4% 2% 36% 7% 7% 7% Aquatic invasive... 7% 4% 36% 36% 7% Excessive watercraft... 4% 29% 2% 4% 4% 7% Unsafe watercraft... 4% 2% 2% 4% 2% 7% Excessive fishing... 23% 38% 8% 8% 8% 5% Excessive aquatic plan... 4% 29% 4% 29% 7% 7% Algae blooms 7% 2% 2% 7% 4% 29% Septic system discharge 4% 4% 4% 7% 4% 7% 29% Excessive noise/light... 8% 5% 23% 3% 8% 5% *Not present **No Impact 2 Moderately negative impact 3 4 Great negative impact 5 Unsure - need more info 4 / 7

96 Pine Springwater Survey #2 *Not present **No Impact 2 Moderately negative impact 3 4 Great negative impact 5 Unsure - need more info Total Average Rating Water quality degradation 36% 5 2% 3 7% 7% 7% 2% Loss of aquatic habitat 4% 2 4% 2 36% 5 7% 7% 2% Shoreline erosion 7% 36% 5 2% 3 2% 3 7% 7% 4.79 Development 7% 4% 2 2% 3 36% 5 7% 7% 7% Aquatic invasive species introduction 7% 4% 2 36% 5 36% 5 7% Excessive watercraft traffic 4% 2 29% 4 2% 3 4% 2 4% 2 7% Unsafe watercraft practices 4% 2 2% 3 2% 3 4% 2 2% 3 7% Excessive fishing pressure 23% 3 38% 5 8% 8% 8% 5% Excessive aquatic plant growth (excluding algae) 4% 2 29% 4 4% 2 29% 4 7% 7% Algae blooms 7% 2% 3 2% 3 7% 4% 2 29% Septic system discharge 4% 2 4% 2 4% 2 7% 4% 2 7% 29% Excessive noise/light pollution 8% 5% 2 23% 3 3% 4 8% 5% # Other (please specify) Date floating weedy bogs - especially last year 9/5/24 2:49 PM 2 agricultural odors from potato & pickle storagenearby 9/8/24 3:45 PM 5 / 7

97 Pine Springwater Survey #2 Q4 From the list below, please mark your top three concerns regarding Pine Lake. Answered: 3 Skipped: 5 Water quality degradation 62% Loss of aquatic habitat 23% Shoreline erosion 23% Development 5% Aquatic invasive... 77% Watercraft traffic 3% Excessive fishing... Excessive aquatic plan... 8% Algae blooms Septic system discharge 23% Noise/light pollution 5% Other 5% Answer Choices Water quality degradation Loss of aquatic habitat Shoreline erosion Development Aquatic invasive species introduction Watercraft traffic Responses 62% 8 23% 3 23% 3 5% 2 77% 3% 4 6 / 7

98 Pine Springwater Survey #2 Excessive fishing pressure Excessive aquatic plant growth (excluding algae) Algae blooms Septic system discharge Noise/light pollution Other 8% 23% 3 5% 2 5% 2 Total Respondents: 3 7 / 7

99 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q What is your Waushara County Lakes Study ID? Answered: 6 Skipped: # Responses Date ard533 /4/24 :45 PM 2 rol632 /4/24 :46 AM 3 INE58 /3/24 :23 AM 4 iel684 //24 5:5 PM 5 mas75 //24 7:44 PM 6 son725 //24 2:7 PM 7 ron554 //24 2:4 PM 8 eth589 //24 9: AM 9 ina666 /3/24 6: PM art654 /3/24 3:25 PM Eth89 /3/24 : AM 2 79 /2/24 :48 PM 3 ven243 /2/24 9:4 PM 4 lan59 /2/24 6:7 PM 5 ara57 /2/24 2:46 PM 6 dra98 /2/24 2:5 PM / 27

100 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q2 How did you hear about this survey? Answered: 6 Skipped: Word of mouth 6% () 3% (2) Newspaper 6% () Postcard/letter 75% (2) Answer Choices Newspaper Postcard/letter Facebook Radio Word of mouth Responses 3% 2 6% 75% 2 6% Total 6 # Other (please specify) Date Homeowners association told us about it //24 9: AM 2 also on list /3/24 6: PM 2 / 27

101 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q3 How much impact does the water quality of Pine Lake have on the following? Answered: 3 Skipped: 3 Personal enjoyment value 92% 8% Economic value of the lake 85% 5% Major impact Some impact No impact Unsure Major impact Some impact No impact Unsure Total Personal enjoyment value 92% 2 8% 3 Economic value of the lake 85% 5% / 27

102 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q4 Which statement best describes water clarity during the times you spend most on the lake? Answered: 5 Skipped: Beautiful, could not be... 3% Very minor aesthetic... 8 Swimming and aesthetic... 7% Swimming and aesthetic... Swimming and aesthetic... None of the above Unsure Answer Choices Beautiful, could not be any nicer Very minor aesthetic problems; excellent for swimming and boating enjoyment Swimming and aesthetic enjoyment of the lake is slightly impaired because of algae Swimming and aesthetic enjoyment of the lake is moderately reduced because of algae Swimming and aesthetic enjoyment of the lake is substantially reduced because of algae None of the above Unsure Responses 3% % Total 5 4 / 27

103 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q5 During the time that you have lived on, visited, or recreated on the lake, how would you say the water quality has changed? Answered: 5 Skipped: Unsure 7% () Declined 47% (7) Stayed the same 47% (7) Answer Choices Improved Declined Stayed the same Unsure Responses 47% 7 47% 7 7% Total 5 5 / 27

104 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q6 If it has declined, in your opinion, what are the primary causes? Answered: Skipped: 6 Loss of aquatic plants 5 Shoreline damage 4 2 Development pressure 5 Heavy recreation 3 4 Septic system 4 3 Fertilizers Soil erosion Herbicides Air pollution 2 3 Vegetable agriculture 5 2 Livestock agriculture 4 Water level changes Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Unsure Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Unsure Total Respondents Loss of aquatic plants 63% 5 3% 3% 3% 8 Shoreline damage % 44% 4 22% 2 % % 9 Development pressure 7% 5 4% 4% 7 Heavy recreation 33% 3 44% 4 % % 9 6 / 27

105 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Septic system 5 4 3% 38% 3 8 Fertilizers % 2 38% 3 8 Soil erosion 25% % 2 8 Herbicides 38% 3 38% 3 25% 2 8 Air pollution 3% 3% 25% 2 3% 38% 3 8 Vegetable agriculture 63% 5 3% 25% 2 8 Livestock agriculture 4% 57% 4 4% 4% 7 Water level changes / 27

106 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q7 Do you use herbicides or pesticides (i.e. "weed and feed") on your land? If selecting 'No', please skip to Question. Answered: 5 Skipped: Yes 33% (5) No 67% () Answer Choices Yes No Responses 33% 5 67% Total 5 8 / 27

107 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q8 Where do you apply herbicides and/or pesticides? Answered: 5 Skipped: Garden 4 (2) Lawn 6 (3) Answer Choices Agricultural fields Garden Lawn Responses Total 5 # Other (please specify) Date flowers /2/24 2:9 PM 9 / 27

108 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q9 In a typical year, how often do you apply herbicides and/or pesticides? Answered: 7 Skipped: 9 Winter 6 Spring Summer Fall Never Once Once a week Once a month Varies Never Once Once a week Once a month Varies Total Respondents Winter 6 6 Spring 29% 2 29% 2 43% 3 7 Summer 29% 2 29% 2 43% 3 7 Fall / 27

109 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q If you apply herbicides and/or pesticides on lakefront property, how close to the lake are they applied (select the closest distance to the lake where herbicides/pesticides are applied)? Answered: 6 Skipped: I do not apply herbicides/pesticid es on lakefront property 7% () Farther than 35 feet from the lake. 83% (5) Answer Choices I do not apply herbicides/pesticides on lakefront property Up to the lake Within 35 feet of the lake Farther than 35 feet from the lake. Responses 7% 83% 5 Total 6 / 27

110 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q Do you have your septic tank pumped at least every 3 years? Answered: 5 Skipped: I don't have a septic tank 7% () Yes 93% (4) Answer Choices Yes No I don't have a septic tank Responses 93% 4 7% Total 5 2 / 27

111 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q2 Do you use fertilizer on your land? Answered: 5 Skipped: Yes 4 (6) No 6 (9) Answer Choices Yes No Responses Total 5 3 / 27

112 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q3 Do you use fertilizer which contains phosphorus? Answered: 4 Skipped: 2 I don't know 2% (3) Yes 7% () No 7% () Answer Choices Yes No I don't know Responses 7% 7% 2% 3 Total 4 4 / 27

113 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q4 Do you have your soil tested before applying fertilizer? Answered: Skipped: 5 Yes, all of the time 9% () Yes, some of the time 8% (2) No, never 73% (8) Answer Choices Yes, all of the time Yes, some of the time No, never Responses 9% 8% 2 73% 8 Total 5 / 27

114 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q5 Where do you apply fertilizer? Answered: 5 Skipped: Garden 4 (2) Lawn 6 (3) Answer Choices Agricultural fields Garden Lawn Responses Total 5 # Other (please specify) Date There are no responses. 6 / 27

115 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q6 In a typical year, how often do you apply fertilizer? Answered: 6 Skipped: Winter 4 Spring 3 3 Summer 2 2 Fall Never Once Once a week Once a month Varies Never Once Once a week Once a month Varies Total Respondents Winter 4 4 Spring Summer Fall 25% 25% / 27

116 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q7 If you apply fertilzer on lakefront property, how close to the lake is it applied (select the closest distance to the lake where fertilzer is applied)? Answered: 6 Skipped: I do not apply fertilizer on lakefront property 7% () Farther than 35 feet from the lake. 83% (5) Answer Choices I do not apply fertilizer on lakefront property Up to the lake Within 35 feet of the lake Farther than 35 feet from the lake. Responses 7% 83% 5 Total 6 8 / 27

117 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q8 Before reading the previous paragraph, did you know about the effects of phosphorus on lakes? Answered: 3 Skipped: 3 Unsure 8% () No 23% (3) Yes 69% (9) Answer Choices Yes No Unsure Responses 69% 9 23% 3 8% Total 3 9 / 27

118 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q9 Do you own shoreland property? If selecting 'No', please skip to Question 25. Answered: 3 Skipped: 3 Yes (3) Answer Choices Yes No Responses 3 Total 3 2 / 27

119 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q2 How do you currently manage the majority of your property within 35 feet of the lake? Check all that apply. Answered: Skipped: 5 Mowed or weed-whacked 55% Restored shoreland/pl... 9% Natural except for access path 9% The shoreland isn't managed 45% Answer Choices Mowed or weed-whacked Restored shoreland/planted Natural except for access path The shoreland isn't managed Responses 55% 6 9% 9% 45% 5 Total Respondents: # Other (please specify) Date Sandy beach--rake /4/24 :54 PM 2 weed whack only once or twice //24 2:6 PM 3 Till the beach every month in summer /3/24 :4 AM 2 / 27

120 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q2 If you have unmowed shoreland vegetation, how far inland from the water's edge does it extend? Answered: Skipped: 6 over 35 feet 4 (4) I do not have unmowed shoreland vegetation 3 (3) -5 feet () 6-35 feet 2 (2) Answer Choices I do not have unmowed shoreland vegetation -5 feet 6-35 feet over 35 feet Responses Total 22 / 27

121 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q22 Have you observed erosion from your path to the lake? Answered: 2 Skipped: 4 I have no path 8% () No 58% (7) Yes 33% (4) Answer Choices I have no path Yes No Unsure Responses 8% 33% 4 58% 7 Total 2 23 / 27

122 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q23 Did you understand the importance of shoreland vegetation before reading this? Answered: 4 Skipped: 2 Unsure 7% () No 2% (3) Yes 7% () Answer Choices Yes No Unsure Responses 7% 2% 3 7% Total 4 24 / 27

123 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q24 In your opinion, does shoreland vegetation... Answered: 4 Skipped: 2 enhance the beauty of th... 29% 57% 4% increase the economic val... 23% 54% 23% Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Unsure Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Unsure Total enhance the beauty of the property? 29% 4 57% 8 4% 2 4 increase the economic value of the property? 23% 3 54% 7 23% / 27

124 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Q25 What might motivate you to change how you manage your land? Answered: 3 Skipped: 3 Improving water quality 33% 5 7% Improving water levels 7% 67% 8% 8% Providing better habit... 25% 58% 7% Increasing the natural beau... 5% 69% 8% 8% Displaying a commitment t... 8% 75% 7% Available financial... 8% 5 7% 25% Available technical... 7% 42% 7% 25% Setting an example for... 9% 55% 9% 27% Savings on landscaping/... 8% 33% 42% 7% Increasing my privacy 7% 42% 7% 25% Increasing my property value 25% 58% 8% 8% Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't know Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't know Total Improving water quality 33% % 2 2 Improving water levels 7% 2 67% 8 8% 8% 2 Providing better habitat for fish and wildlife 25% 3 58% 7 7% 2 2 Increasing the natural beauty of my property 5% 2 69% 9 8% 8% 3 Displaying a commitment to the environment 8% 75% 9 7% / 27

125 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #3 Available financial assistance 8% 5 6 7% 2 25% 3 2 Available technical assistance 7% 2 42% 5 7% 2 25% 3 2 Setting an example for community members 9% 55% 6 9% 27% 3 Savings on landscaping/maintenance costs 8% 33% 4 42% 5 7% 2 2 Increasing my privacy 7% 2 42% 5 7% 2 25% 3 2 Increasing my property value 25% 3 58% 7 8% 8% 2 # Other (please specify) Date Post card forward just arrived today /4/4 /4/24 :57 PM 2 Shoreland managment ideas that enhance recreational use of the beach. /3/24 :37 AM 3 Available physical assistance - we no longer can do all that is necessary family helps a lot but do not live in the area. //24 9:5 AM 4 It's my parents' property, so it depends on them (how they decide to manage it). /3/24 6:2 PM 27 / 27

126 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q Enter your Waushara County Lakes Survey ID. Your survey cannot be processed without this information. If you've forgotten your ID or haven't created one yet, follow the instructions below. Answered: 9 Skipped: # Responses Date Jas333 /9/24 9:49 PM 2 ina666 /7/24 6:45 PM 3 mes939 /7/24 2:5 PM 4 iel684 /5/24 3:34 PM 5 dra98 /4/24 2:56 PM 6 eth589 /4/24 8:4 AM 7 79 /3/24 :48 AM 8 ard533 /2/24 2:5 PM 9 ith7 /2/24 6:3 AM Rey3 //24 6:3 PM ara57 //24 3:38 PM 2 oll62 //24 9:25 AM 3 oll //24 9:23 AM 4 Eth89 /9/24 2:55 PM 5 ron554 /7/24 9:25 AM 6 lan59 /6/24 :37 AM 7 ven243 /4/24 3:56 PM 8 nia574 /3/24 3:3 PM 9 enn38 /2/24 6:49 PM / 22

127 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q2 How did you hear about this survey? Answered: 6 Skipped: 3 25% (4) Postcard/letter 56% (9) Newspaper 9% (3) Answer Choices Newspaper Postcard/letter Facebook Radio Responses 25% 4 9% 3 56% 9 Total 6 # Other (please specify) Date , postcard, and newspaper /7/24 6:45 PM 2 Homeowners Association /4/24 8:4 AM 3 Only had post card once /2/24 6:49 PM 2 / 22

128 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q3 Does a desire to provide better habitat for fish and wildlife motivate you to support (morally) efforts to improve Pine Lake? Answered: 8 Skipped: Probably 33% (6) Definitely Yes 67% (2) Answer Choices Definitely Yes Probably Not Likely Definitely No Unsure Responses 67% 2 33% 6 Total 8 3 / 22

129 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q4 Does a desire to provide better habitat for fish and wildlife motivate you to support (by direct action) efforts to improve Pine Lake? Answered: 8 Skipped: Probably 5 (9) Definitely Yes 5 (9) Answer Choices Definitely Yes Probably Not Likely Definitely No Unsure Responses Total 8 4 / 22

130 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q5 For what purposes do you value the fishery in Pine Lake? (Check all that apply.) Answered: 8 Skipped: Catch-and-relea se fishing 67% Fishing for food 39% Food for wildlife and... 72% Enjoy seeing/watch... 72% Teaching children abo... 6% Answer Choices Catch-and-release fishing Fishing for food Food for wildlife and birds Enjoy seeing/watching fish Teaching children about fishing/lakes Responses 67% 2 39% 7 72% 3 72% 3 6% Total Respondents: 8 # Other (please specify) Date Relaxation /9/24 9:5 PM 2 healthy ecosystem /2/24 6:4 AM 5 / 22

131 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q6 How many years of fishing experience do you have on Pine Lake? Answered: 8 Skipped: I don't fish Pine Lake 28% (5) More than 2 years 56% () 6- years 6% () -2 years % (2) Answer Choices I don't fish Pine Lake -5 years 6- years -2 years More than 2 years Responses 28% 5 6% % 2 56% Total 8 6 / 22

132 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q7 In the years you have been fishing Pine Lake, would you say the quality of fishing has... Answered: 6 Skipped: 3 Not sure 9% (3) Improved 6% () Stayed the same 3% (2) Declined 63% () Answer Choices Improved Stayed the same Declined Not sure Responses 6% 3% 2 63% 9% 3 Total 6 7 / 22

133 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q8 What factors do you feel have contributed to the change in fishing? Answered: 3 Skipped: 6 # Responses Date None /9/24 9:5 PM 2 N/A /7/24 6:47 PM 3 More homes around the lake. /7/24 2:5 PM 4 excessive boating and changes in water levels /5/24 3:36 PM 5 More people and habitat decline /3/24 :5 AM 6 Have been on Pine Lake for more then 5 years and while not a fishermen myself others have told me that it used to be better. Probably boats traffic has been the biggest factor. /2/24 2:2 PM 7 heavier fishing pressure year round and vboating /2/24 6:4 AM 8 panfish were bigger. Use to catch them drifting across the middle of the lake. Nothing there anymore. //24 3:4 PM 9 Size limits on predatory fish reducing stunting of pan fish. //24 9:26 AM pressure /7/24 9:26 AM boating in the west lobe where the water is shallow /6/24 :38 AM 2 Invasive Species of aquatic plants and their treatment, shoreland development, water levels /4/24 3:59 PM 3 To many large boats churning up the water, more people fishing the lake than 4 years ago. In those years you rowed your boat. More public boats on lake and a lot more ice fisherman during winter. /2/24 6:52 PM 8 / 22

134 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q9 When and how often do you typically fish Pine Lake?(Please answer a-e) Answered: Skipped: 9 a) Daily b) Weekly 5 5 c) Once or twice a month % d) A few times a year 7% 86% 7% e) Not at all 9 / 22

135 Pine Lake Springwater Survey # Winter Spring Summer Fall Winter Spring Summer Fall Total Respondents a) Daily b) Weekly c) Once or twice a month d) A few times a year 43% 3 7% 5 86% 6 7% 5 7 e) Not at all 3 3 / 22

136 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q What fish do you typically catch at Pine Lake? Check all that apply. Answered: Skipped: 9 Northern Pike 3 Largemouth Bass 7 Panfish 8 I haven't caught any fish Answer Choices Northern Pike Largemouth Bass Panfish I haven't caught any fish Responses Total Respondents: # Other (please specify) Date There are no responses. / 22

137 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q In general, how often do you catch fish on Pine Lake? Answered: Skipped: 9 Every time I go out Most times I go out 5 Sometimes 3 Never Answer Choices Every time I go out Most times I go out Sometimes Never Responses Total Respondents: 2 / 22

138 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q2 In general, how many of the fish you catch are big enough to keep? Answered: Skipped: 9 None () Most () Some 8 (8) Answer Choices All Most Some None Responses 8 8 Total 3 / 22

139 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q3 What do you believe is the greatest threat to the fishery in Pine Lake in the next years? Answered: Skipped: 9 Loss of in-lake habitat Loss of shoreline... Overfishing Soil erosion/sedi... Heavy recreational... Too many aquatic plants Invasive Species Decline in water level Algae Agricultural chemicals Winter fish kill 5 5 Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know Total Respondents Loss of in-lake habitat Loss of shoreline habitat 22% 2 44% 4 33% 3 9 Overfishing % 2 25% 2 8 Soil erosion/sedimentation % 78% 7 22% / 22

140 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Heavy recreational use Too many aquatic plants 22% 2 56% 5 % % 9 Invasive Species 22% 2 44% 4 22% 2 % 9 Decline in water level 22% 2 44% 4 22% 2 22% 2 9 Algae 3% 75% 6 3% 8 Agricultural chemicals 3% 63% 5 38% 3 8 Winter fish kill 56% 5 33% 3 % 9 # Other (please specify) Date high capacity wells //24 9:29 AM 5 / 22

141 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q4 Do you believe fish from Pine Lake are safe to eat? Answered: 3 Skipped: 6 Unsure 8% () Probably Yes 3% (4) Definitely Yes 62% (8) Answer Choices Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No Unsure Responses 62% 8 3% 4 8% Total 3 6 / 22

142 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q5 Do you have any additional comments regarding the fishery in Pine Lake? Answered: 7 Skipped: 2 # Responses Date no /5/24 3:39 PM 2 Used to see lots more large fish swimming by and under pier, some took the same route every day at the same time of day. /4/24 8:4 AM 3 Good fishery would generally be thought to mean a healthy lake. /2/24 2:4 PM 4 spawning beds for bluegils are heavily fished in the springtime /2/24 6: AM 5 I would like to see many property owners put trees under their piers to protect the little ones. //24 3:44 PM 6 We need slot limits /7/24 9:27 AM 7 if boaters and jet skiers would obey the laws for distance from shore fishing habitat would be helped no wake in small lobe would be huge for fishery /6/24 :42 AM 7 / 22

143 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q6 No wake is currently allowed on Pine Lake between 5pm and am. Do you like the rules as they are? Answered: 8 Skipped: Probably No 6% () Probably Yes 7% (3) Definitely Yes 78% (4) Answer Choices Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No Unsure Responses 78% 4 7% 3 6% Total 8 8 / 22

144 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q7 If you think the boating regulations should be adjusted...in what way? Answered: 6 Skipped: 3 8 "No Wake" hours should % Fish Lake should be a... 8% 38% 38% 8% Some "No Wake" hours should... 25% 58% 8% Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Total Respondents "No Wake" hours should be kept for evenings and mornings Fish Lake should be a "No Wake" lake. 5% 2 8% 38% 5 38% 5 3 Some "No Wake" hours should be established, but not sure when. 8% 58% 7 25% 3 8% 2 9 / 22

145 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 # Other (please specify) Date We do have no wake hours and our lake people follow them usually to the minute /4/24 8:44 AM 2 Fish Lake? I answered as if you meant Pine Lake? /3/24 3:8 PM 2 / 22

146 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q8 Do you think there should be a boating speed limit on Pine Lake? Answered: 8 Skipped: Unsure 6% () Definitely No 7% (3) Probably Yes 5 (9) Probably No 28% (5) Answer Choices Definitely Yes Probably Yes Probably No Definitely No Unsure Responses % 5 7% 3 6% Total 8 2 / 22

147 Pine Lake Springwater Survey #4 Q9 What could be done to improve your recreation experience on Pine Lake? Answered: 2 Skipped: 7 # Responses Date Most of my experience have been just fine /9/24 9:52 PM 2 Keep no wake hours (5p to a is ok with me) /7/24 6:5 PM 3 Fewer or no jet skis some turn in front of ski boats, cross over too fast go the wrong way get too close to other boats and piers, there are too many Pine Lake is too small for jet skis. Boats come fron elsewhere and some don't follow good boating rules, also park on the point and stay all day leaving junk and bottles and you know what. Fewer did that this last summer probably because of cooler weather. /4/24 8:44 AM 4 Limit horsepower of boats on lake to 25 /3/24 :56 AM 5 I think things are fine. /2/24 2:6 PM 6 reduce number of outside boaters that use the lake /2/24 6: AM 7 The Pine lake experience is great for the wildlife, clean water, and fishing experiences as compared to other lakes in the area.pine lake boating recreation is also good because most users live on the lake and are respectful and law abiding. //24 6:4 PM 8 nothing //24 3:46 PM 9 keep water levels high //24 9:3 AM ban wake board boats. boats over 3, lbs /6/24 :45 AM boaters education of current rules and regulations and common sense use of boats/personal watercraft /4/24 4: PM 2 Get people who use the point to stop littering. Also boats should not anchor in the channel. Limited room for fishing boat, bouys, Private pier, raft and lift with another boat coming through the point. /2/24 6:58 PM 22 / 22

148 Waushara County Lakes Study Pine Lake Spring 24 University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

149 Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 2

150 PRIMARY AUTHORS Authors listed are from the UW-Stevens Point unless otherwise noted. Aquatic Plants Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. Sediment Core Samantha Kaplan Paul Garrison (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) Shoreland Assessments Ed Hernandez and Waushara County Land Conservation Department Staff Dan McFarlane Water Quality and Watersheds Nancy Turyk, Paul McGinley, Danielle Rupp and Ryan Haney Ed Hernandez and Waushara County Land Conservation Department Staff UW-Stevens Point Students Melis Arik, Nicki Feiten, Sarah Hull, Chase Kasmerchak, Justin Nachtigal, Matt Pamperin, Scott Pero, Megan Radske, Anthony Recht, Cory Stoughtenger, Hayley Templar, Garret Thiltgen Editor: Jeri McGinley ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We are grateful to many people for supporting this project by providing insight, enthusiasm, and funding. We would like to recognize our project partners: Waushara County Watershed Lakes Council Waushara County Staff and Citizens Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Professionals, Mark Sessing and Ted Johnson Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Lake Protection Grant Program Dr. Samantha Kaplan and Dr. Paul McGinley UW-Stevens Point Water and Environmental Analysis Lab Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 3

151 Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 4

152 TABLE OF CONTENTS PRIMARY AUTHORS... 3 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS... 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS... 5 LIST OF FIGURES... 6 LIST OF TABLES... 6 PINE LAKE STUDY RESULTS... 7 WAUSHARA COUNTY LAKES STUDY BACKGROUND... 7 ABOUT PINE LAKE... 7 WHERE IS THE WATER COMING FROM? - WATERSHEDS AND LAND USE... 9 PINE LAKE SURFACE WATERSHED... PINE LAKE GROUNDWATER WATERSHED... WATER QUALITY... 2 AQUATIC PLANTS... 8 SHORELANDS... 2 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS REFERENCES GLOSSARY OF TERMS Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 5

153 LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE. CONTOUR MAP OF THE PINE LAKE LAKEBED FIGURE 2. LAND USE IN THE PINE LAKE SURFACE WATERSHED.... FIGURE 3. GROUNDWATER FLOW DIRECTION NEAR PINE LAKE.... FIGURE 4. CARTOON SHOWING INFLOW AND OUTFLOW IN A SEEPAGE LAKE FIGURE 5. TEMPERATURE PROFILES IN PINE LAKE, FIGURE 6. DISSOLVED OXYGEN PROFILES IN PINE LAKE, FIGURE 7. WATER CLARITY IN PINE LAKE, 2-22 AND HISTORIC... 5 FIGURE 8. ESTIMATED PHOSPHORUS LOADS FROM LAND USES IN THE PINE LAKE WATERSHED FIGURE 9. NUMBER OF AQUATIC PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED AT EACH SAMPLE SITE IN PINE LAKE (SPRINGWATER), FIGURE. OVERALL SHORELAND HEALTH AROUND PINE LAKE (SPRINGWATER), LIST OF TABLES TABLE. MINERALS AND PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS IN PINE LAKE, TABLE 2. PINE LAKE AVERAGE WATER CHEMISTRY, TABLE 3. SEASONAL SUMMARY OF NUTRIENT CONCENTRATIONS IN PINE LAKE, TABLE 4. MODELING DATA USED TO ESTIMATE PHOSPHORUS INPUTS FROM LAND USES IN THE PINE LAKE WATERSHED ( LOW AND MOST LIKELY COEFFICIENTS USED TO CALCULATE RANGE IN POUNDS) TABLE 5. LIST OF AQUATIC PLANTS IDENTIFIED IN THE 23 AQUATIC PLANT SURVEY OF PINE LAKE TABLE 6. DISTURBANCES WITHIN 5 FEET OF SHORE AROUND PINE LAKE, Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 6

154 PINE LAKE STUDY RESULTS WAUSHARA COUNTY LAKES STUDY BACKGROUND Lakes and rivers contribute to the way of life in Waushara County. Local residents and visitors alike enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, wildlife viewing, and the peaceful nature of the lakes. Healthy lakes add value to our communities. They provide places to relax and recreate, and they can stimulate tourism. Like other infrastructure in our communities, lakes require attention and good management practices to remain healthy in our developing watersheds. Thirty-three lakes in Waushara County were selected for this study. The study focused on learning about the lakes water quality, aquatic plant communities, shoreland habitats, watersheds and histories in order to help people make informed lake management decisions. This report summarizes data collected for Pine Lake between fall 2 and fall 22. ABOUT PINE LAKE To understand a lake and its potential for water quality, fish and wildlife, and recreational opportunities, we need to understand its physical characteristics and setting within the surrounding landscape. Pine Lake is located in the township of Springwater, northeast of Wild Rose, east of Highway 22, and north of County Highway A. There is one public boat launch located on the western side. Pine Lake is a 37 acre seepage lake with surface runoff and groundwater contributing most of its water. The maximum depth in Pine Lake is 48 feet; the lakebed has a steep slope (Figure ). Its bottom sediments are mostly sand with a small amount of muck. Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 7

155 FIGURE. CONTOUR MAP OF THE PINE LAKE LAKEBED. Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 8

156 WHERE IS THE WATER COMING FROM? - WATERSHEDS AND LAND USE The water quality in Pine Lake is a reflection of the land that drains to it. The water quality, the amount of algae, aquatic plants, the fishery and other animals in the lake are all affected by natural and man-made characteristics. Natural characteristics that affect a lake include the amount of land that drains to the lake, the hilliness of the landscape, types of soil, extent of wetlands, and the type of lake. Within the lake s watershed, alterations to the landscape, the types of land use, and the land management practices are examples of how people may affect the lake. It is important to understand where Pine Lake s water originates in order to understand the lake s health. During snowmelt or a rainstorm, water moves across the surface of the landscape (runoff) towards lower elevations such as lakes, streams, and wetlands. The land area that contributes runoff to Pine Lake is called a surface watershed. Groundwater also feeds Pine Lake; its land area may be slightly different than the surface watershed. The surface watershed is shown in Figure 2. The capacity of the landscape to shed or hold water and contribute or filter particles determines the amount of erosion that may occur, the amount of groundwater feeding a lake, and ultimately, the lake s water quality and quantity. Essentially, landscapes with a greater capacity to hold water during rain events and snowmelt help to slow the delivery of the water to the lake. Less runoff is desirable because it allows more water to recharge the groundwater, which feeds the lake year-round - even during dry periods or when the lake is covered with ice. Land use and land management practices within a lake s watershed can affect both its water quantity and quality. While forests and grasslands allow a fair amount of precipitation to soak into the ground, resulting in more groundwater and better water quality, other types of land uses may result in increased runoff and less groundwater recharge, and may be sources of pollutants that can impact the lake and its inhabitants. Areas of land with exposed soil can produce soil erosion. Soil entering the lake can make the water cloudy and cover fish spawning beds. Soil also contains nutrients that increase the growth of algae and aquatic plants. Development on the land often results in changes to natural drainage patterns, alterations to vegetation on the landscape, and may be a source of pollutants. Impervious (hard) surfaces such as roads, rooftops, and compacted soil prevent rainfall from soaking into the ground, which may result in more runoff that carries pollutants to the lake. Wastewater, animal waste, and fertilizers used on lawns, gardens and crops can contribute nutrients that can enhance the growth of algae and aquatic plants in our lakes. A variety of land management practices can be put in place to help reduce impacts to our lakes. Some practices are designed to reduce runoff. These include protecting/restoring wetlands, installing rain gardens, swales, rain barrels, and routing drainage from pavement and roofs away from the lake. Some practices are used to help reduce nutrients from moving across the landscape towards the lake. Examples include manure management practices, eliminating/reducing the use of fertilizers, increasing the distance between the lake and a septic drainfield, protecting/restoring native vegetation in the shoreland, and using erosion control practices. Waushara County staff and other professionals can work with landowners to determine which practices are best suited to a particular property. Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 9

157 PINE LAKE SURFACE WATERSHED The surface watershed for Pine Lake is approximately 2,679 acres (Figure 2). The dominant types of land use in the watershed are forests (67%). The land closest to the lake often has the greatest impact on water quality and habitat; Pine Lake s shoreland is surrounded primarily by wetlands and development. FIGURE 2. LAND USE IN THE PINE LAKE SURFACE WATERSHED. Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24

158 PINE LAKE GROUNDWATER WATERSHED The more the lake s water interacts with groundwater, the more influence the geology has on the lake. The length of time water remains below ground affects the temperature and chemistry of the groundwater. Groundwater temperature is near constant year round; during the summer, groundwater feeding Pine Lake will help keep the lake water cooler. Groundwater flows below ground from higher to lower elevations, discharging into wetlands, streams, and lakes. The groundwater feeding the lakes in Waushara County originates nearby. The black arrows in Figure 3 indicate the general direction of groundwater flow. Much of the groundwater enters Pine Lake from the north/northwest. FIGURE 3. GROUNDWATER FLOW DIRECTION NEAR PINE LAKE. Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24

159 WATER QUALITY Lake water quality is a result of many factors including the underlying geology, the climate, and land management practices. Assessing lake water quality allows us to evaluate current lake health and changes from the past. We can then identify what is needed to achieve a more desirable state or preserve an existing state for aesthetics, recreation, wildlife and the fishery. During this study, water quality in Pine Lake was assessed by measuring different characteristics including temperature, dissolved oxygen, water clarity, water chemistry, and algae. FIGURE 4. CARTOON SHOWING INFLOW AND OUTFLOW IN A SEEPAGE LAKE. The source of a lake s water supply is important in determining its water quality and choosing management practices to preserve or influence that quality. Pine Lake is classified as a seepage lake. Seepage lakes receive their water primarily through groundwater and, to a lesser extent, direct runoff and precipitation (Figure 4). Seepage lakes have higher concentrations of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which are picked up by groundwater moving through soil and rock. Seepage lakes generally have longer retention time (length of time water remains in the lake), which affects contact time with nutrients that feed the growth of algae and aquatic plants. Seepage lakes are also more vulnerable to contamination moving towards the lake in the groundwater. Examples for Pine Lake may include septic systems, agriculture, and road salt. The geologic composition that lies beneath a lake has the ability to influence the temperature, ph, minerals, and other properties in the lake. As groundwater moves, some substances are filtered out, while others dissolve into the groundwater. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium in the soil around Pine Lake are dissolved in the water. The average hardness for Pine Lake during the study was 22 mg/l, which is considered hard (Table ). Hard water provides the calcium necessary for building the bones and shells of animals in the lake. The average alkalinity was 9 mg/l; higher alkalinity in inland lakes can support higher species productivity. Hardness and alkalinity also play roles in the types of aquatic plants that are found in a lake (Wetzel, 2). TABLE. MINERALS AND PHYSICAL MEASUREMENTS IN PINE LAKE, Pine Lake Alkalinity (mg/l) Calcium (mg/l) Magnesium (mg/l) Hardness (mg/l as CaCO 3 ) Color (SU) Turbidity (NTU) Average Value Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 2

160 Chloride concentrations, and to a lesser degree sodium and potassium concentrations, are commonly used as indicators of how a lake is being impacted by human activity. The presence of these compounds where they do not naturally occur indicates sources of water contaminants. During the study, the average concentrations of chloride and potassium were low, but sodium concentrations were slightly elevated (Table 2). These concentrations were not harmful to aquatic organisms, but indicated that pollutants might be entering the lake. Chloride and sodium sources include animal waste, septic systems, fertilizer, and road-salting chemicals. Atrazine (DACT), an herbicide commonly used on corn, was detected (. µg/l) in the sample analyzed from Pine Lake. The presence of this chemical suggested that agricultural activities in the surrounding area were impacting water quality. Some toxicity studies have indicated that reproductive system abnormalities can occur in frogs at these levels (Hayes et al., 2and Hayes et al., 23). TABLE 2. PINE LAKE AVERAGE WATER CHEMISTRY, Pine Lake Average Value Reference Value (Springwater) Low Medium High Low Medium High Potassium (mg/l).6 < >.5 Chloride (mg/l).8 < > Sodium (mg/l) 2. < >4 Dissolved oxygen is an important measure in aquatic ecosystems because a majority of organisms in the water depend on oxygen to survive. Oxygen is dissolved into the water from contact with the air, which is increased by wind and wave action. Algae and aquatic plants also produce oxygen when sunlight enters the water, but the decomposition of dead plants and algae reduces oxygen in the lake. Some forms of iron and other metals carried by groundwater can also consume oxygen when the groundwater discharges to the lake. In a lake, the water temperature changes throughout the year and may vary with depth. During winter and summer when lakes stratify (layer), the amount of dissolved oxygen is often lower towards the bottom of the lake. Dissolved oxygen concentrations below 5 mg/l can stress some species of cold water fish and over time can reduce the amount of available habitat for sensitive cold water species of fish and other aquatic organisms. Water temperature and dissolved oxygen were measured in Pine Lake from the surface to the bottom at the time of sample collection during the 2-22 study. Temperature followed a classic pattern for deeper lakes in Wisconsin. The lake water was mixed during the spring and fall, and during the summer Pine Lake became stratified (Figure 5). Thermal stratification was well-developed by June in Pine Lake, with similar patterns observed during the two years (2-22). The summer data illustrated decreasing temperatures with depth, ranging as high as 28C (82 F) at the surface to 7C (45 F) near the bottom in mid-summer. The winter data illustrated a very typical late winter profile in February 2 and 22 with freezing temperatures at the surface and gradual warming with depth. Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 3

161 Depth from surface (ft) Depth from surface (ft) Pine Lake (Springwater) Temperature ( C) 2 3 Date /8/2 2/23/2 4/27/2 6/9/2 6/3/2 7/9/2 9//2 /27/2 2/4/22 5//22 6/2/22 6/29/22 7/9/22 8//22 8/27/ Temperature ( C) 25 3 FIGURE 5. TEMPERATURE PROFILES IN PINE LAKE, Throughout the year, dissolved oxygen was plentiful in the upper 3 feet of water (Figure 6). Dissolved oxygen followed patterns similar to temperature, especially during the summer. Oxygen production by algal blooms was evident throughout the summer when dissolved oxygen increased with depths 8 to 22 feet below the surface. Pine Lake (Springwater) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Date 2//977 6/2/977 /4/977 2/28/996 5/8/996 6/9/996 7/29/996 9/2/996 7/2/2 /8/2 2/23/2 4/27/2 6/9/2 6/3/2 7/9/2 2/4/22 6/29/22 7/9/22 8//22 8/27/22 FIGURE 6. DISSOLVED OXYGEN PROFILES IN PINE LAKE, Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 4

162 Water clarity is a measure of the depth that light can penetrate into the water. It is an aesthetic measure and is also related to the depth that rooted aquatic plants can grow. Water clarity is affected by water color, turbidity (suspended sediment), and algae, so it is normal for water clarity to change throughout the year and from year to year. In Pine Lake, color was relatively low (Table ), so the variability in transparency throughout the year is primarily due to fluctuating algae concentrations and re-suspended sediment following storms and/or heavy boating activity. The water clarity measured in Pine Lake during the study was considered good: depending on the time of year, water clarity ranged from 8.2 feet to 2 feet (Figure 7). When compared with past data, the average water clarity measured during the study was better in May and November and poorer during the growing season months of June, July, August and September. Historic data extended back to 977. FIGURE 7. WATER CLARITY IN PINE LAKE, 2-22 AND HISTORIC. Nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) are used by algae and aquatic plants for growth. Phosphorus is present naturally throughout the watershed in soil, plants, animals and wetlands. Common sources from human activities include soil erosion, animal waste, fertilizers and septic systems. It is most common for phosphorus to move from the land to the water through surface runoff, but it can also travel to the lake in groundwater. Once in a lake, a portion of the phosphorus becomes part of the aquatic system in the form of plant and animal tissue, and sediment. The phosphorus continues to cycle within the lake for many years. Total phosphorus concentrations for Pine Lake ranged from a high of 24 ug/l in November 2 to a low of 3 ug/l in August 22 (Table 3). The summer median total phosphorus concentrations were ug/l and 8 ug/l in 2 and 22, respectively. This is below Wisconsin s phosphorus standard of 2 ug/l for deep seepage lakes. During the study, inorganic nitrogen concentrations in samples collected during the spring averaged.22 mg/l. Concentrations above.3 mg/l are sufficient to enhance algal blooms Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 5

163 throughout the summer (Shaw et al., 2). Inorganic nitrogen typically moves to lakes with groundwater, and this was observed during a groundwater survey of Pine Lake in an earlier study (Turyk et al., 23). Chlorophyll a is a measurement of algae in the water. Chlorophyll a concentrations in Pine Lake varied slightly throughout the monitoring period, ranging between.5 ug/l and 6 ug/l. The average for the monitoring period was 2.2 ug/l. TABLE 3. SEASONAL SUMMARY OF NUTRIENT CONCENTRATIONS IN PINE LAKE, Pine Lake (Springwater) Inorganic Nitrogen (mg/l) Organic Nitrogen (mg/l) Total Nitrogen (mg/l) Soluble Reactive Phosphorus (ug/l) Total Phosphorus (ug/l) Min Avg Max Min Avg Max Min Avg Max Min Avg Max Min Avg Max Fall Spring Summer Winter Estimates of phosphorus from the landscape can help to understand the phosphorus sources to Pine Lake. Land use in the surface watershed was evaluated and used to populate the Wisconsin Lakes Modeling Suite (WILMS) model. In general, each type of land use contributes different amounts of phosphorus in runoff and through groundwater. The types of land management practices that are used and their distances from the lake also affect the contributions to the lake from a parcel of land. Forests comprised the greatest percent land use in the watershed. Based on water quality modeling results, agriculture and forests had the greatest contributions of phosphorus from the watershed to Pine Lake (Figure 8). The phosphorus contributions by land use category, called phosphorus export coefficients, are shown in Table 4. The phosphorus export coefficients have been obtained from studies throughout Wisconsin (Panuska and Lillie, 995). Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 6

164 FIGURE 8. ESTIMATED PHOSPHORUS LOADS FROM LAND USES IN THE PINE LAKE WATERSHED. TABLE 4. MODELING DATA USED TO ESTIMATE PHOSPHORUS INPUTS FROM LAND USES IN THE PINE LAKE WATERSHED ( LOW AND MOST LIKELY COEFFICIENTS USED TO CALCULATE RANGE IN POUNDS). Pine Lake-Springwater Phosphorus Export Coefficient Land Use Area within the Watershed Estimated Phosphorus Load Land Use (lbs/acre-yr) Acres Percent Pounds Percent Water Developed Barren/Herbaceous/Wetland Forest Cultivated Agriculture *Values are not exact due to rounding and conversion. Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 7

165 AQUATIC PLANTS (Based on contributions from Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc., 24) Aquatic plants play important roles in a lake s ecosystem. They provide habitat for the fishery and other aquatic organisms, stabilize the sediment, reduce erosion, buffer temperature changes and waves, and infuse oxygen into the water. Aquatic plants near shore provide food, shelter and nesting material for shoreland mammals, shorebirds and waterfowl. It is not unusual for otters, beavers, muskrats and deer to be seen along a shoreline in their search for food or nesting material. The aquatic plants that attract the animals to these areas contribute to the beauty of the shoreland and lake. The rapid and dominant growth of aquatic invasive plants, such as Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM), can reduce the recreational value of a lake. Aquatic invasive plants may also outcompete and cause a decline in native vegetation, which degrades habitat diversity and can alter the aquatic ecosystem. An aquatic plant survey was conducted on Pine Lake (Springwater) in August 23 by staff from Golden Sands RC&D. The diversity of an aquatic plant community is defined by the type and number of species present throughout the lake. Twenty-three species of aquatic plants were found in Pine Lake, with one additional species observed visually (Table 5). The twenty-four species observed within Pine Lake ranked it above average compared with the other lakes in the Waushara County Lakes Study. Seventy-nine percent (324 of 47) of the sites visited had vegetative growth. The greatest depth at which aquatic plant growth was found was 36 feet. The greatest diversity of aquatic plants occurred in parts of the western lobe (Figure 9). The dominant plant species found in Pine Lake was muskgrass (Chara spp.), followed by stonewort (Nitella spp.) and variable pondweed (Potamogeton gramineus). Chara spp. is a favorite waterfowl food and also offers cover for fish. The algae and invertebrates living on the surfaces of Nitella spp. plants provide food for waterfowl, and provide food and cover for fish. Variable pondweed is eaten by muskrat, beaver and deer (Borman et al., 2). The Floristic Quality Index (FQI) evaluates how close a plant community is to undisturbed conditions. Each plant is assigned a coefficient of conservatism value (C value) that reflects its sensitivity to disturbance, and these numbers are used to calculate the FQI. C values range from to. The lower the number, the more tolerant the plant is of disturbance. Having more plants with low C values than high C values is an indicator of disturbance, as the lower C value plants better tolerate stresses caused by disturbance. A C value of is assigned to exotic species. The FQI for Pine Lake was 24.8, which is average for the lakes in the Waushara County Lakes Study. In Pine Lake (Springwater), C values ranged from to 8 (Table 5). Four of the species found in Pine Lake had a C value of 8, indicating good health in the aquatic plant community. These species included Fries' pondweed (Potamogeton friesii), southern naiad (Najas guadalupensis), stiff pondweed (Potamogeton strictifolius), and white-stem pondweed (Potamogeton praelongus). The average C value for Pine Lake (Springwater) is above the statewide average for lakes. One invasive plant species was sampled, Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM), which had a C value of. EWM was found in low abundance in scattered populations in Pine Lake. EWM can create dense beds that can damage boat motors, make areas non-navigable, stunt or alter the fishery, create problems with dissolved oxygen, and prevent activities like fishing and swimming. This plant can produce a viable seed; however, its primary mode of reproduction and spread is fragmentation of the plant. A one-inch fragment Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 8

166 is enough to start a new plant, making EWM very successful at reproducing. Steps to control EWM have been taken by the lake association and should be continued. The Simpson Diversity Index (SDI) quantifies biodiversity based on a formula that uses the number of species surveyed and the number of individuals per site. The SDI uses a decimal scale from to. Values closer to one represent higher amounts of biodiversity. The SDI of Pine Lake (Springwater) for the 23 survey was.82. This represents an average biodiversity when compared with the other lakes in the Waushara County Lakes Study. Aquatic plants play another critical role in the lake s ecosystem by using nutrients that would otherwise be available to algae. Any management activities should be planned to minimize the disturbance of native species in the water and on shore in order to maintain the balance between aquatic plants and algae. In addition, care should be taken to minimize raking the lake bed and pulling plants, since disturbing these valuable open spaces may allow invasive plants such as EWM to establish. TABLE 5. LIST OF AQUATIC PLANTS IDENTIFIED IN THE 23 AQUATIC PLANT SURVEY OF PINE LAKE. Common name Scientific name Sampled Visuals C value bearded stonewort Lychnothamnus barbatus x - common waterweed Elodea canadensis x x 3 coontail Ceratophyllum demersum x x 3 Eurasian watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum x x flat-stem pondweed Potamogeton zosteriformis x x 6 floating-leaf pondweed Potamogeton natans x x 5 Fries' pondweed Potamogeton friesii x x 8 large-leaf pondweed Potamogeton amplifolius x x 7 leafy pondweed Potamogeton foliosus x x 6 muskgrass Chara spp. x x 7 northern watermilfoil Myriophyllum sibiricum x 6 sago pondweed Stuckenia pectinata x x 3 slender naiad Najas flexilis x x 6 small pondweed Potamogeton pusillus x x 7 small stonewort Nitella tenuissima x x - southern naiad Najas guadalupensis x x 8 stiff pondweed Potamogeton strictifolius x 8 stoneworts Nitella spp. x 7 three-square bulrush Schoenoplectus pungens x 5 variable pondweed Potamogeton gramineus x x 7 water celery Vallisneria americana x x 6 water stargrass Heteranthera dubia x x 6 white water lily Nymphaea odorata x x 6 white-stem pondweed Potamogeton praelongus x x 8 freshwater sponges x x - Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 9

167 FIGURE 9. NUMBER OF AQUATIC PLANT SPECIES OBSERVED AT EACH SAMPLE SITE IN PINE LAKE (SPRINGWATER), 23. Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 2

168 SHORELANDS Shoreland vegetation is critical to a healthy lake s ecosystem. It provides habitat for many aquatic and terrestrial animals including birds, frogs, turtles, and many small and large mammals. It also helps to improve the quality of the runoff that is flowing across the landscape towards the lake. Healthy shoreland vegetation includes a mix of tall grasses/flowers, shrubs and trees which extend at least 35 feet landward from the water s edge. To better understand the health of the Waushara County lakes, shorelands were evaluated by the Center for Land Use Education and Waushara County as a part of the Waushara County Lakes Study. The survey inventoried the type and extent of shoreland vegetation. Areas with erosion, rip-rap, barren ground, sea walls, structures and docks were also inventoried. A scoring system was developed for the collected data to provide a more holistic assessment. Areas that are healthy will need strategies to keep them healthy, and areas with potential problem areas and where management and conservation may be warranted may need a different set of strategies for improvement. The scoring system is based on the presence/absence and abundance of shoreline features, as well as their proximity to the water s edge. Values were tallied for each shoreline category and then summed to produce an overall score. Larger scores denote a healthier shoreline with good land management practices. These are areas where protection and/or conservation should be targeted. On the other hand, lower scores signify an ecologically unhealthy shoreline. These are areas where management and/or mitigation practices may be desirable for improving water quality. The summary of scores for shorelands around Pine Lake (Springwater) is displayed in Figure. The shorelands were color-coded to show their overall health based on natural and physical characteristics. Blue shorelands identify healthy shorelands with sufficient vegetation and few human disturbances. Red shorelands indicate locations where changes in management or mitigation may be warranted. Many stretches of Pine Lake s shorelands are in good to moderately-good shape, but several long portions on the western and northern sides have challenges that should be addressed. Some of these stretches of Pine Lake (Springwater) ranked as poor. A summary of shoreland disturbances is displayed in Table 6. For a more complete understanding of the ranking, an interactive map showing results of the shoreland surveys can be found on the County s webpage at TABLE 6. DISTURBANCES WITHIN 5 FEET OF SHORE AROUND PINE LAKE, 2. Disturbance Length of Shore Feet Percent Artificial beach Barren, bare dirt Boat landing 97 Dock/pier at water Gully erosion Undercut banks erosion Mowed lawn Rip-rap Seawall Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 2

169 FIGURE. OVERALL SHORELAND HEALTH AROUND PINE LAKE (SPRINGWATER), 2. Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 22

170 CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS In general, the water quality in Pine Lake was good. The concentrations of pollutant indicators such as chloride, potassium, and sodium were low. Water clarity was good, but during the summer the water was not as clear as past measures. Water quality was affected by natural factors, as well as land management near shore and in the watershed. Each type of land use contributes different amounts of phosphorus, nitrogen, and pollutants in runoff and through groundwater. The types of land management practices that are used and their distances from the lake affect the contributions to the lake from a parcel of land. The summer median total phosphorus concentrations were ug/l and 8 ug/l in 2 and 22, respectively. This is well below Wisconsin s phosphorus standard of 2 ug/l for deep seepage lakes. The hard water in Pine Lake helps to keep the phosphorus concentrations low, but because capacity can be exceeded, efforts should be made to limit phosphorus additions to the lake. Identifying and taking steps to maintain or improve water quality in Pine Lake depends upon understanding the sources of nutrients and pollutants to the lake and identifying those that are manageable. Forests comprised the greatest percent land use in the watershed. Based on water quality modeling results, agriculture and forests had the greatest contributions of phosphorus from the watershed to Pine Lake. During the study, inorganic nitrogen concentrations in samples collected in the spring averaged.22 mg/l. Concentrations above.3 mg/l are sufficient to enhance algal blooms throughout the summer. Inorganic nitrogen typically moves to lakes with groundwater. This was observed during a groundwater survey of Pine Lake in 2. Atrazine (DACT), an herbicide commonly used on corn, was detected in the sample that was analyzed from Pine Lake. Some toxicity studies have indicated that reproductive system abnormalities can occur in frogs at these levels. The presence of this chemical indicated that agricultural activities were influencing the water quality in Pine Lake. Over-application of chemicals and nutrients should be avoided. Landowners in the watershed should be made aware of their connection to the lake and should work to reduce their impacts through the implementation of water quality-based best management practices. Shoreland health is critical to a healthy lake s ecosystem. Pine Lake s shoreland was assessed for the extent of vegetation and disturbances. Shoreland vegetation provides habitat for many aquatic and terrestrial animals, including birds, frogs, turtles, and many small and large mammals. Vegetation also helps to improve the quality of the runoff that is flowing across the landscape towards the lake. Healthy shoreland vegetation includes a mix of tall grasses/flowers, shrubs and trees extending at least 35 feet inland from the water s edge. Alone, each manmade disturbance may not pose a problem for a lake, but on developed lakes, the collective impact of these disturbances can be a problem for lake habitat and water quality. Many stretches of Pine Lake s shorelands are in good to moderately-good shape, but several long portions on the western and northern sides have challenges that should be addressed. Some of these stretches of Pine Lake ranked as poor. Structures such as seawalls, rip-rap (rocked shoreline), and artificial beach can result in habitat loss. Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 23

171 Docks and artificial beaches can result in altered in-lake habitat. Denuded lakebeds provide opportunities for invasive species to become established and reduce habitat that is important to fish and other lake inhabitants. Mowed lawns do not provide habitat for animals using the shorelands. Lawns do not properly filter runoff traveling to the lake, so they can contribute to a reduced quality of lake water. Strategies should be developed to ensure that healthy shorelands remain intact and efforts should be made to improve shorelands that have disturbance. Depending upon the source of the disturbances, erosion should be controlled, vegetation should be restored, and/or excess runoff should be minimized. Dissemination of relevant information to property owners is the recommended first step towards maintaining healthy shorelands. The Waushara County Land Conservation Department and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) have professional staff available to assist landowners interested in learning how they can improve water quality through changes in land management practices. Aquatic plants are the forested landscape within a lake. They provide food and habitat for a wide range of species including fish, waterfowl, turtles, and amphibians, as well as invertebrates and other aquatic animals. They improve water quality by releasing oxygen into the water and utilizing nutrients that would otherwise be used by algae. A healthy lake typically has a variety of aquatic plant species that creates the diversity needed to make the aquatic plant community more resilient and help prevent the establishment of non-native aquatic species. The diversity of an aquatic plant community is defined by the type and number of species present throughout the lake. The twenty-four species observed within Pine Lake ranked it above average compared with the other lakes in the Waushara County Lakes Study. The dominant plant species found in Pine Lake was muskgrass, followed by stonewort and variable pondweed. Muskgrass is a favorite waterfowl food and also offers cover for fish. The algae and invertebrates living on the surfaces of stonewort plants provide food for waterfowl, and provide food and cover for fish. Variable pondweed is eaten by muskrat, beaver and deer. Four of the species found in Pine Lake were considered high quality plants (with a C value of 8), indicating good health in the aquatic plant community. These species were Fries' pondweed, southern naiad, stiff pondweed, and white-stem pondweed. The amount of disturbed lakebed from raking or pulling plants should be minimized, since these open spaces are open real estate for aquatic invasive plants to establish. Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM), an aquatic invasive species, is established in Pine Lake. Efforts to control EWM should be continued. Early detection of additional aquatic invasive species (AIS) can help to prevent their establishment should they be introduced into the lake. Boats and trailers that have visited other lakes can be a primary vector for the transport of AIS. Programs are available to help volunteers learn to monitor for AIS and to educate lake users at the boat launch about how they can prevent the spread of AIS. Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 24

172 REFERENCES Borman, Susan, Robert Korth, Jo Temte, 2. Through the looking glass, a field guide to aquatic plants. Reindl Printing, Inc. Merrill, Wisconsin. Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc., 24. Aquatic Macrophyte Survey of Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin, Waushara County Lakes Study. Hayes, T., K. Haston, M. Tsui, A. Hoang, C. Haeffele and A. Vonk. 23. Atrazine-Induced Hermaphroditism at. PPB in American Leopard Frogs (Rana pipiens): Laboratory and Field Evidence. Environmental Health Perspectives : Hayes, T.K. A. Collins, M, L,, Magdelena Mendoza, N. Noriega, A. A. Stuart, and A. Vonk. 2. Hermaphroditic, demasculinized frogs after exposure to the herbicide atrazine at low ecologically relevant doses. National Academy of Sciences vol. 99 no. 8, Panuska and Lillie, 995. Phosphorus Loadings from Wisconsin Watershed: Recommended Phosphorus Export Coefficients for Agricultural and Forested Watersheds. Bulletin Number 38, Bureau of Research, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Shaw, B., C. Mechenich, and L. Klessig. 2. Understanding Lake Data. University of Wisconsin- Extension, Stevens Point. 2 pp. Turyk, N., P. McGinley, A. Dechamps. 23. Water Quality Assessment of Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin. Final Report to Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources. University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point. 58 pp. Wetzel, R.G. 2. Limnology, Lake and River Ecosystems, Third Edition. Academic Press. San Diego, California. Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 25

173 GLOSSARY OF TERMS Algae: One-celled (phytoplankton) or multicellular plants either suspended in water (plankton) or attached to rocks and other substrates (periphyton). Their abundance, as measured by the amount of chlorophyll a (green pigment) in an open water sample, is commonly used to classify the trophic status of a lake. Numerous species occur. Algae are an essential part of the lake ecosystem and provide the food base for most lake organisms, including fish. Phytoplankton populations vary widely from day to day, as life cycles are short. Atrazine: A commonly used herbicide. Transports to lakes and rivers by groundwater or runoff. Has been shown to have toxic effects on amphibians. Blue-Green Algae: Algae that are often associated with problem blooms in lakes. Some produce chemicals toxic to other organisms, including humans. They often form floating scum as they die. Many can fix nitrogen (N2) from the air to provide their own nutrient. Calcium (Ca++): The most abundant cation found in Wisconsin lakes. Its abundance is related to the presence of calcium-bearing minerals in the lake watershed. Reported as milligrams per liter (mg/) as calcium carbonate (CaCO3), or milligrams per liter as calcium ion (Ca++). Chloride (Cl-): The chloride ion (Cl-) in lake water is commonly considered an indicator of human activity. Agricultural chemicals, human and animal wastes, and road salt are the major sources of chloride in lake water. Chlorophyll a: Green pigment present in all plant life and necessary for photosynthesis. The amount present in lake water depends on the amount of algae, and is therefore used as a common indicator of algae and water quality. Clarity: See Secchi disk. Color: Color affects light penetration and therefore the depth at which plants can grow. A yellow-brown natural color is associated with lakes or rivers receiving wetland drainage. Measured in color units that relate to a standard. The average color value for Wisconsin lakes is 39 units, with the color of state lakes ranging from zero to 32 units. Concentration units: Express the amount of a chemical dissolved in water. The most common ways chemical data is expressed is in milligrams per liter (mg/l) and micrograms per liter (ug/l). One milligram per liter is equal to one part per million (ppm). To convert micrograms per liter (ug/l) to milligrams per liter (mg/l), divide by (e.g. 3 ug/l =.3 mg/). To convert milligrams per liter (mg/l) to micrograms per liter (ug/l), multiply by (e.g..5 mg/l = 5 ug/l). Cyanobacteria: See Blue-Green Algae. Dissolved oxygen: The amount of oxygen dissolved or carried in the water. Essential for a healthy aquatic ecosystem in Wisconsin lakes. Drainage basin: The total land area that drains runoff towards a lake. Drainage lakes: Lakes fed primarily by streams and with outlets into streams or rivers. They are more subject to surface runoff problems, but generally have shorter residence times than seepage lakes. Emergent: A plant rooted in shallow water and having most of its vegetative growth above water. Eutrophication: The process by which lakes and streams are enriched by nutrients, and the resulting increase in plant and algae. The extent to which this process has occurred is reflected in a lake's trophic classification: oligotrophic (nutrient poor), mesotrophic (moderately productive), and eutrophic (very productive and fertile). Groundwater drainage lake: Often referred to as a spring-fed lake, it has large amounts of groundwater as its source and a surface outlet. Areas of high groundwater inflow may be visible as springs or sand boils. Groundwater drainage lakes often have intermediate retention times with water quality dependent on groundwater quality. Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 26

174 Hardness: The quantity of multivalent cations (cations with more than one +), primarily calcium (Ca++) and magnesium (Mg++) in the water expressed as milligrams per liter of CaCO3. Amount of hardness relates to the presence of soluble minerals, especially limestone or dolomite, in the lake watershed. Intermittent: Coming and going at intervals, not continuous. Macrophytes: See Rooted aquatic plants. Marl: White to gray accumulation on lake bottoms caused by precipitation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in hard water lakes. Marl may contain many snail and clam shells. While it gradually fills in lakes, marl also precipitates phosphorus, resulting in low algae populations and good water clarity. In the past, marl was recovered and used to lime agricultural fields. Mesotrophic: A lake with an intermediate level of productivity. Commonly clear water lakes and ponds with beds of submerged aquatic plants and mediums levels of nutrients. See also eutrophication. Nitrate (NO3-): An inorganic form of nitrogen important for plant growth. Nitrate often contaminates groundwater when water originates from manure, fertilized fields, lawns or septic systems. In drinking water, high levels (over mg/l) are dangerous to infants and expectant mothers. A concentration of nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) plus ammoniumnitrogen (NH4-N) of.3 mg/l in spring will support summer algae blooms if enough phosphorus is present. Oligotrophic: Lakes with low productivity, the result of low nutrients. Often these lakes have very clear waters with lots of oxygen and little vegetative growth. See also eutrophication. Overturn: Fall cooling and spring warming of surface water increases density, and gradually makes lake temperatures and density uniform from top to bottom. This allows wind and wave action to mix the entire lake. Mixing allows bottom waters to contact the atmosphere, raising the water's oxygen content. Common in many lakes in Wisconsin. Phosphorus: Key nutrient influencing plant growth in more than 8 of Wisconsin lakes. Soluble reactive phosphorus is the amount of phosphorus in solution that is available to plants. Total phosphorus includes the amount of phosphorus in solution (reactive) and in particulate form. Rooted aquatic plants (macrophytes): Refers to higher (multi-celled) plants growing in or near water. Macrophytes are beneficial to lakes because they produce oxygen and provide substrate for fish habitat and aquatic insects and provide food for many aquatic and terrestrial animals. Overabundance of such plants, especially problem species, is related to shallow water depth and high nutrient levels. Secchi disk: An 8-inch diameter plate with alternating quadrants painted black and white that is used to measure water clarity (light penetration). Sedimentation: Materials that are deposited after settling out of the water. Stratification: The layering of water due to differences in density. As water warms during the summer, it remains near the surface while colder water remains near the bottom. Wind mixing determines the thickness of the warm surface water layer (epilimnion), which usually extends to a depth of about 2 feet. The narrow transition zone between the epilimnion and cold bottom water (hypolimnion) is called the metalimnion. Common in many deeper lakes in Wisconsin. Watershed: See Drainage basin. Draft report for Pine Lake, Waushara County, Wisconsin UW-Stevens Point, 24 27

175 Aquatic Macrophyte Survey of Pine Lake Town of Springwater Waushara County, Wisconsin Water celery (Vallisneria americana), a species common in Pine Lake. Photo by Paul Skawinski January 24 Prepared by Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc.

176 Acknowledgements This Pine Lake aquatic macrophyte study and report were the result of a cooperative effort between the Pine Lake Property Owners Association, Waushara County, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP), and Golden Sands Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc. (RC&D). Thank you all for the collaboration and direction provided. Special thanks to: Student Associates at the Center for Watershed Science and Education (CWSE) for assistance creating the maps for the reports. Paul & Allie Skawinski and Kaycie Stushek for the use of their personal kayaks for the survey.

177 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION... METHODS RESULTS & DISCUSSION... 2 Frequency of Occurrence Simpson Diversity Index... 3 Floristic Quality Index... 3 AIS... 3 CONCLUSIONS List of Figures Figure. Survey points for aquatic macrophyte survey using the Wisconsin DNR point-intercept method Figure 2. Total rake fullness of aquatic macrophytes in Pine Lake, August 29-3, Figure 3. Total number of species at each sample site in Pine Lake, August 29-3, Figure 4. Location and relative abundance of muskgrasses in Pine Lake, August 29-3, Figure 5. Location and relative abundance of stoneworts in Pine Lake, August 29-3, Figure 6. Location and relative abundance of variable pondweed in Pine Lake, August 29-3, Figure 7. Location and relative abundance of EWM in Pine Lake, August 29-3, Figure 8. Maximum Coefficient of Conservatism value at each sample site in Pine Lake, August 29-3, List of Tables Table. Aquatic plant species identified in the survey of Pine Lake, August 29-3, Table 2. Coefficient of Conservatism values for species present in Pine Lake, August 29-3,

178 INTRODUCTION A point-intercept survey of aquatic plants was conducted on Pine Lake during August 29-3, 23. The information in the survey was obtained to evaluate the aquatic plant community and can be used as baseline information for the development of an aquatic plant management plan. According to the WDNR website, Pine Lake is a 37-acre, hard-water lake. The maximum depth of rooted vegetation we recorded during our survey was 36 feet. Aquatic plants play an important role in a lake s ecosystem. They provide habitat for the fish and other aquatic organisms, stabilize the sediment, reduce shoreline erosion, buffer temperature changes and waves, and infuse oxygen into the water. Rapid and dominant growth of aquatic invasive plants, such as Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM), can choke out native vegetation, which degrades habitat diversity and recreational value. In Wisconsin, aquatic invasive species (AIS) have spread quickly via transport on boats, trailers, and equipment. One aquatic invasive plant species was found in our survey: EWM. METHODS The aquatic plant survey in Pine Lake was conducted by Golden Sands RC&D Council, Inc. on August 29-3, 23. The survey was accomplished using the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) point-intercept sampling protocol. The GPS coordinates for the grid, which consisted of 537 sample sites, was provided by WDNR (Figure ). The grid was laid out with equal spacing between all points to ensure future replicability and thorough coverage of the lake. The shape of the lake and the size of the littoral zone are the two factors used to determine the number of points and their spacing. The GPS points were first overlaid onto an aerial photograph that was used in the field. A handheld GPS unit was also used to navigate to sampling sites while in the field. For aquatic plant sampling, a pole-mounted rake was used at each accessible site by dropping the rake straight down, turning it 36, then pulling it straight back up. The rake had a double rake head with fourteen teeth on each side with a width of 3.8 inches. The pole rake method was usable to a depth of 3.5 feet. At depths greater than this, a rake on a rope was used by towing the rake.75 meters before pulling it straight back up. After the rake was retrieved, each species present was assigned a rake fullness rating to quantify relative abundance. Ratings ranged from (plants not present) to 3 (plants overflowing the rake tines). Visual observations were also made at these sites. If an aquatic plant was seen at a site but not pulled up on the rake, it was noted with a V on the data sheets and included in the plant list on Table of this report. At each site, depth was recorded by using the rake rope or pole which were marked in -foot increments. Sediment type was assessed by visual observation or by tapping the rake on the bottom to feel the sediment.

179 Three one-man kayaks were used during this survey. One person navigated, while another recorded data and the third sampled and identified aquatic plants. There were no points that were inaccessible by boat; however, there were many which were too deep and unlikely to support vascular plant growth. RESULTS & DISCUSSION The survey was based on 537 sample sites that were assigned using the WDNR s point-intercept protocol; 47 of these points were visited for sampling during this survey. The remaining points were too deep and were unlikely to have vascular plants. 79% (324) of the 47 sampled sites had vegetation present. The greatest depth at which aquatic plant growth was found was 36 feet. In Pine Lake, aquatic plants are capable of growing this deep due to the high water clarity; plant growth at such depths is common in many clear Wisconsin lakes. 77% of the sites sampled had vegetation growing shallower than the maximum plant depth. Figure 2 shows the total rake fullness recorded at each site. Our survey found 9 plant species, 2 if visuals are included. We noted freshwater sponges, which are actually animals and great water quality indicators. Bearded stonewort (Lychnothamnus barbatus), stoneworts (Nitella spp.), and muskgrasses (Chara spp.), which are types of macroalgae, were also recorded. Figure 3 shows the total number of species found at each sample site, indicating how diverse each site is. Frequency of Occurrence The frequency of occurrence (FO) value is a measure of the frequency at which a species occurs in the lake. The FO at sites shallower than the maximum plant depth for Pine Lake was 8%. The most frequently occurring aquatic plant species found in Pine Lake was muskgrasses (Chara spp.), occurring at 7 of areas that had vegetation (Figure 4). The second most frequently occurring aquatic plant was stoneworts (Nitella spp.), a macroalgae, at 25% of areas that had vegetation (Figure 5). Variable pondweed (Potamogeton gramineus), occurred in 6% of areas that had vegetation (Figure 6). Although northern watermilfoil, (Myriophyllum sibiricum) (NWM), had a low frequency of occurrence, it is one of the more important species to know in the lake. NWM can look very similar to its invasive counterpart EWM; however, it tends to be less abundant. There were a number of points in the lake which had NWM present, but the plants were in low densities. This native milfoil can easily be misidentified as EWM, which may prompt unnecessary action.

180 Simpson Diversity Index The Simpson Diversity Index (SDI) quantifies biodiversity based on a formula that uses the number of species surveyed and the number of individuals per site. The SDI uses a decimal scale; values closer to one represent higher amounts of biodiversity. The SDI of the lake for the 23 survey was.82. This is slightly lower than Big Silver Lake, which is larger in surface area size, but has a similar in depth and dominant sediment type and had an SDI of.88. Floristic Quality Index The Floristic Quality Index (FQI) evaluates the similarity of a plant community to undisturbed conditions. Each plant is assigned a coefficient of conservatism value ( Cvalue ) that reflects its sensitivity to disturbance and these numbers are used to calculate the FQI (Figure 7). C-values range from to, the higher the number, the more intolerant of disturbance. A C-value of is assigned to non-native species. The FQI for Pine Lake was The FQI and average C-value for Pine Lake are above the average statewide averages for lakes. In Pine Lake the C-value ranged from to 8 (Table 2). One invasive species was sampled, EWM, which has a C-value of. 4 of the 2 species found in Pine Lake (stiff pondweed, white-stem pondweed, Fries pondweed, and southern naiad) had a C-value of 8 or greater, indicating good health in the aquatic plant community. Within vegetated areas, stiff pondweed was found at 2% of the sites, white-stem pondweed occurred at 3%, and southern naiad occurred at 6%. The species with the highest frequency of occurrence within vegetated areas was muskgrasses; they have a C-value of 7. Figure 8 shows the maximum C-value of the species recorded at each sample site. AIS EWM is present in low abundance in scattered populations in the western half of the lake, with an additional three sample sites near the south central shore that had it. EWM has been identified and steps to control it has been taken by the lake association. Locations of EWM detected during our August survey are shown in figure 7. CONCLUSIONS Pine Lake has a moderately diverse aquatic plant community. Pine Lake is designated as allowing wake speed hours, AM to 5 PM. This can create unstable conditions for aquatic plants and in some cases may decrease the presence of rare species that may be less tolerant of disturbance. EWM currently accounts for a small portion of the plant biomass in Pine Lake. Most of the populations exist in the northwestern portion of the lake, west of the peninsula. There were also two populations recorded along the south-central shoreline and one at the tip of the peninsula.

181 EWM can create dense beds which can stall or burn up boat motors, make areas nonnavigable, and prevent activities like swimming and fishing. This plant can produce viable seed; however, its primary mode of spread is fragmentation. A one-inch stem fragment is enough to start a new plant. Boats and trailers that have visited other lakes can be a primary vector for the transport of AIS. Volunteer boat inspectors at the boat landing, trained through the Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) program, can prevent new invasive species introductions. The lack of intensive high speed recreational boating helps to preserve the integrity of West Branch Millpond by reducing disturbance to the lakebed, which can favor AIS. Monitoring for AIS should be conducted routinely throughout the lake by either trained citizen volunteers or paid personnel. Free training for volunteers for both CBCW and AIS monitoring is available through the Regional AIS Program at Golden Sands RC&D Council, Inc. Contact Golden Sands RC&D at or Aquatic plants play a critical role in the aquatic ecosystem by providing quality habitat and food for fish, invertebrates, birds, and mammals. The plants tie up nutrients which would otherwise be available to algae. Any management activities should be planned to minimize disturbance of the native species in the water and on shore and maintain the balance between aquatic plants and algae. In addition, care should be taken to minimize the amount of disturbed lake bed from raking or pulling of plants, since these open spaces are simply open real estate for AIS to establish. Sedimentation and excessive nutrient inputs accelerate algae and aquatic plant growth in the lake. Some erosion occurs naturally in the watershed but can be increased by shoreline disturbance and fertilizer applications. Protecting lakefront and riverfront habitat throughout the watershed will help to reduce the amount of sediment and phosphorus delivered to the lake. A minimum 35-foot vegetative buffer is recommended to provide sufficient filtering of runoff. Healthy vegetated shoreline buffers are comprised of native, unmown grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees. Riparian property owners looking to add native plants to their shorelines can find several local sources, including: Prairie Nursery of Westfield, WI J&J Aquatic Nursery of Wild Rose, WI Marshland Transplant of Berlin, WI

182 Figure. Survey points for the aquatic macrophyte survey using WDNR point-intercept method.

183 Figure 2. Total rake fullness of aquatic macrophytes in Pine Lake, August 29-3, 23.

184 Figure 3. Total number of species at each sample site in Pine Lake, August 29-3, 23

185 Figure 4. Location and relative abundance of muskgrasseses in Pine Lake, August 29-3, 23.

186 Figure 5. Location and relative abundance of stoneworts (Nitella spp.) in Pine Lake, August 29-3, 23.