FALL NEWSLETTER 2009
BLPO PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE by Jenny Morrow
Unfortunately, I have bad news. For those of you who have spent months waiting for summer, 2009 to arrive, it’s not coming! That is, unless you count the three weeks of beautiful summer weather we experienced in September. Instead, the changing colors on the trees and the chill in the air have made it apparent that fall has arrived and we’ll have to wait to see what next year brings.
Despite our lack of summer – like weather, we didn’t lack in any way for interesting issues concerning our lake this year. Beginning with our spring 2009 meeting, it was clear that some familiar topics as well as some new ones would draw our attention. First, we appear to have seen some nice success in protecting our lake from the spread of Eurasian Water Milfoil (“EWM”). In that regard, we have deep gratitude to extend to those of our group who have spent so many hours spotting, marking and pulling EWM over the last number of months. We also must thank many of you who spent their precious weekend hours to support our Clean Boats/Clean Waters campaign so that we may try to prevent the introduction of EWM and other invasive species into our lake.
While many of you devoted your time and effort to the prevention of EWM, all of us watched as the water of our lake receded from our shores. We have been provided some interesting historical data to show us that our water is not “as low as it can go.” However, I’m sure I’m not alone in pondering whether we may be experiencing something other than a low point in a normal generational water cycle. Over the last few years, our low water level has begun to have a significant impact on the way we utilize our lake and I have to say it is a bit disconcerting to see people standing ankle-deep in water in the center of our lake!
I believe any discussion on the topic of water levels on our lake must start with a discussion of the nature of our lake as a “seepage lake”. I recently spent some time speaking with Mark Putra of the DNR in Madison. Mark is Chief of the Private Water Supply Section of the Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater. Mark shared with me that, generally, seepage lakes in the State are suffering as groundwater levels have declined due to drought conditions experienced by many areas. This may not make us feel any better as we look upon our own lake but at least we know we are not alone. In fact, Mark shared with me some data taken from the closest DNR monitoring well that is located in a similar geologic setting to Berry Lake, i.e. shallow sand aquifer. Here is the link to the data from that monitoring well: http://groundwaterwatch.usgs.gov/AWLSites.asp?S=450819088263901&ncd
I think the data illustrated by this monitoring well is an amazing visual depiction of the cyclical lake level fluctuations we are all familiar with and it clearly illustrates the close connection between our groundwater level and the level of our lake. In its simplest form, you can see that in the early ‘90s when the water in our lake was so high, the groundwater was 16.54 feet below the surface at this monitoring well. In contrast, currently, it appears as though the groundwater level is about 20.75 feet below the surface at this monitoring well. If there were an absolutely linear relationship between the groundwater level and our lake level this would mean that we are “missing” about 4 feet of water from the lake since the early 90’s. Does that seem about right? It does to me!
Mixed in with the discussion of cyclical water level fluctuations connected with groundwater is the speculation that some “outside force” is having an impact on our lake. Specifically, a number of individuals have pondered whether the heavy development we have witnessed at Apple Creek Whitetails and its associated large water utilization may be having an impact on our lake water levels. In that regard, I spoke to Mark Putra regarding a High Capacity Well application which was recently submitted by Apple Creek. Currently, Apple Creek (St. Nick’s Pines) has an application before the DNR which includes 4 wells which are already in existence. The application includes a requested total combined maximum daily pumpage of 108,200 gallons for the period of April to October and 57,800 gallons for the remainder of the year. The application is, according to Mark Putra, incomplete at this time but is expected to be complete shortly. This application is public record.
108,200 gallons of water seems like a whole lot of water. However, Mark Putra explained that it is unlikely that this amount of water pumped from wells on Apple Creek’s property would have an impact on our lake. He explained that, in contrast, modern irrigation wells are equipped with pumps ranging from 800 gallons per minute to 1000 gallons per minute which would translate into approximately 1 million to 1.4 million gallons per day if operated 24 hours. Mr. Putra and I pondered whether there were; perhaps, any such irrigation wells located near our lake that could be having an effect on our water levels but Mr. Putra’s search of DNR records found that there is no such irrigation well located within several miles of our lake.
This brings us back to Apple Creek and its well application. Although, as explained above, it is unlikely that Apple Creek’s proposed (or existing) water utilization could have an impact on our water levels, it’s important to keep in mind that under current rules, even if Apple Creek’s activity was having a direct and demonstrable effect on our water levels, the DNR has no authority to deny any well application on that basis. Instead, under current regulations, the only time the DNR may inquire further into whether a proposed well and its associated water utilization is having an impact on another body of water is:
- When the well has an impact on a Groundwater Protection Area i.e. a trout stream
- When the proposed well will be a consumptive use (withdrawal resulting in water loss of greater than 95%) i.e a water bottling facility
- When the well will have a significant impact on a high flow spring i.e. greater than 1 cubic foot per second
It is not believed that Apple Creek’s proposed water utilization would have an impact in any of these three areas. Therefore, any impact that Apple Creek’s proposed use would have on our lake is, unfortunately, legally irrelevant.
That said, however, there is some activity right now on the legislative front that has the potential to modify the scope of protected water to include surface water such as our lake. In fact, the Wisconsin Legislature is currently considering just this issue. There is an archived hearing on this topic located at the following link:
http://www.wiseye.org/wisEye_programming/ARCHIVES-jointcommittees.html
Once you find the link, work down the page to: “07.29.09 The Assembly Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Environment held a joint informational hearing on July 29, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committees received testimony from invited speakers regarding groundwater protection in Wisconsin”
In addition, on October 23, 2009 a field trip was held for state legislators interested in high capacity well issues. Wisconsin Eye documented the trip on video and a portion of the field trip was spent visiting Long Lake which is a seepage lake southeast of Plover which is experiencing some serious water level issues. The Long Lake portion of the video is approximately 30 minutes in. The link to this field trip video is as follows: http://www.wisconsineye.org/wisEye_programming/ARCHIVES-forums.html#2414
I urge you to view the hearing and field trip located at the links indicated above and consider contacting your legislator to express your concern on this topic which may have a direct impact on our lake if not today, at some point in the future.
There are, of course, a few other “hot topics” that have concerned our lake this year. First, we all remember the animated discussion of grants, studies, and the Berry Lake Stakeholders’ Committee at our spring meeting. We owe our thanks to all who dedicated significant portions of their time to serve on the Stakeholders’ Committee and to provide their input on the Lake Planning Grant. We are hopeful that these efforts have helped to establish a framework for the future of our lake. We are also optimistic that if the Lake Planning Grant has no other lasting impact, the guidelines which were the work product of the Stakeholders’ Committee will help to clarify the degree of confusion which remains as to the variety of grants and studies that may be taking place relating to the lake at any one time.
Also, our Lake Association is now in good shape to become a “Qualified Lake Association” and, as a consequence, it will be entitled, if appropriate, to apply for grants and seek state financial assistance in its own name. In preparing to submit the Lake Association Organizational Application, our group experienced a sort of “re-birth” when we became a Chapter 181 Wisconsin Non-Stock Corporation with the filing of a new set of Articles of Incorporation on April 14, 2009. Now there are just a few steps remaining in this process. First, it is anticipated that we will adopt a new set of Bylaws in our spring meeting in 2010 which will be virtually identical to those we discussed at our spring, 2009 meeting. Second, I will complete and submit a simple application on behalf of the association and we should, shortly thereafter, be recognized as a Qualified Lake Association.
Finally, I hope all of you took ample time to enjoy our lake over the last number of months with your family and friends. We know that, above all, our lake is a precious resource that we all care deeply about. I wish you all a safe and healthy fall and winter and before you know it we will see each other again “on the water” in spring.
EWM UPDATE
Some questionable milfoil plants were sent in for confirmation this fall and the good news is that they were the "good" milfoil, not EWM. It appears that it will not be necessary to treat Berry Lake for EWM this fall. A big thank you to all who volunteered their time this summer, monitoring our boat landing or searching for EWM plants.
Although the report is good for now, it is most likely that EWM will appear here again and that future treatments WILL be necessary. I was informed by the Town of Underhill that if treatment would have been necessary this fall, that funds were still available through the Town for treatment of EWM.
All of us need to continue our efforts...monitoring our boat landing during peak hours next year, and searching for the plants around the lake. The BL board is currently looking into a reporting mechanism that all can use to report sightings of invasive species. PLEASE VOLUNTEER when asked next spring. As bad as the boat landing was for all of us to navigate this past year, it was a blessing in disguise as it probably helped to deter outsiders from coming onto our lake and infecting us with AIS.
BERRY LAKE GEOCACHING 2010?
What is Geocaching? Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers (called geocaches) outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment.
This could be a great activity to do on those cool, rainy weekends from spring through fall. It encourages all to get outdoors (and off their behinds!) for HIKE & SEEKING. Teens/college students/families/kids/individuals could put a geocache together and hide it somewhere in the Berry Lake area or towards Cecil, Gillett, or Shawano. I was surprised to learn after visiting a Geocaching website of the many geocaches already hidden within a 20 mile radius of Berry Lake!
If there’s an interest in doing this, I’m willing to coordinate our Berry Lake Cache; better yet, maybe there’s a teen/college student/family/individual who would like to work on this activity that has more knowledge than I do. Interested Berrylakers will need to hide their geocaches and notify the coordinator of the GPS coordinates so that all information can be submitted online. Please contact me if you are interested in participating by creating your own geocache, or if you would like to help organize this event. For more information on Geocaching, visit the following website: http://www.geocaching.com/ or read one of the many books available on this subject.
NEW!!! 2009 WRITING/COLORING CONTEST FOR KIDS
For the first time, the BLPO will be sponsoring an annual writing/coloring contest for Berry Lake kids. This is something that Legend Lake has been doing for years, and we thought it would be a good idea to promote the same here at Berry Lake. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be awarded in all age groups, and your story and/or picture will be published in our newsletter. Please submit your entry to our mailing or email address above prior to November 30th 2009, and include your NAME, AGE, BERRY LAKE ADDRESS, & EMAIL ADDRESS. Here are the categories for this year:
- AGES 3-7: Color a picture of the lake or something in it, or a picture of the wildlife in our area
- AGES 8-12: Write about “My Favorite Memories or Activities @ Berry Lake in 2009” or “My Observations of the Wild Life @ Berry Lake in 2009”
- Ages 12-16: Write about “What I Have Learned to Make Me a Safe Boater” or “My Favorite Memories or Activities @ Berry Lake in 2009” or “My Observations of Wild Life @ Berry Lake in 2009” or “How I would Improve Berry Lake if I Were in Charge”.
ICE ON CONTEST!!!
We had our first flurries at the lake on October 12th of this year. So it won’t be long before the ice forms here at the lake, and it’s time for you to get your guess in for the date that this will happen. “Ice On” refers to the day that Berry Lake is completely covered in ice and remains covered for at least 24 hours. The BLPO member that comes closest to this date will win a prize! FYI… here are the ICE-ON dates from the past few years: 2008 – Nov 21, 2007 – Nov 23, and the 2006- Dec 2. Email your guess to berrylakewi@gmail.com by November 15th, 2009.
ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY COMPETITION
The annual competition this year was "Through the Decades @ Berry Lake". There was a lot of rock n' roll and disco to be heard and all who participated did a great job! It was a difficult decision for the judges, but finally all came to a consensus...
- Tied for 1st place were the Holman and Lenz families!!! Both families did an awesome job. The Holman's offered wonderful bribes as they always do, and did a great job portraying the Beatles. They even had a real beetle dishing out the bribes!!! Elvis appeared on the lake and was part of the Lenz family’s great performance (the judges noted that he's lost quite a bit of weight since his last sighting!) The Lenz family set the scene and thought of every detail...drive-in theater, Twister, Wonder Woman, and platform shoes to name just a few.
- In second place was the Weyenburg family!
They had the best go go girls, afro, and signage. They also had the best drummer (sorry Sigrid!). Peace Out man!!! - In 3rd place was the Van Pietersom family!
The family built the most awesome sand castle you'd ever want to see on Berry Lake...those boys will grow up to be architects some day! They also had the the best bribes (from a minor I might add!). - And an honorable mention went to the Stein family!
Better late than never for their 2009 rendition of Berrylakers. Loved those stars, Ginny!
THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED AND MADE THIS ANOTHER GREAT 4TH @ BERRY LAKE. And a BIG THANK YOU to Barb Keesler who created the artistic wood-etched design on our traveling trophies, which are new canoe paddles. The 2010 4th of July competition will be a boat parade, and the theme is “SAFARI”. For those receiving this letter via email, I’m including 2 attachments (I couldn’t fit all in one scan) of the article which appeared in our local paper on the 4th competition. They gave us great coverage, including color pictures!!!
2010 BL EVENTS
The following dates were tentatively set for 2010 events at Berry Lake. At this time, there are no confirmed hosts for the Berry Lake Socials…if you have never hosted a Social and would like to volunteer, please email a note to berrylakewi@gmail.com.
- Sat May 29th – Annual Meeting
- Sat June 19th – June Social
- Sat July 3rd – Annual 4th of July completion (“SAFARI” boat parade)
- Sat July 17 – July Social
- Sat Aug 7th – Annual Corn Boil with August Social to follow
DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN (if you have any memories to share, please post them on our Berry Lake blog @ http://berrylakewi.blogspot.com/)…
- you knew you were getting close to BL when you smelled the mint fields on Blueberry Road (now Hwy R)?
- and you had to roll up your car windows once you got onto Blueberry Road to keep the gravel dust from getting in the car, but it did anyway; and on those 90+ degree days, it stuck to your sweaty skin so you just HAD to jump into the lake as soon as you got here!
- there was a telephone line that ran over the lake between the point and Gaynor's (now DePrey's); and every once in awhile, a small plane would fly underneath it (probably a Baldwin!)?
- there was a lighted telephone booth outside of the Berry Lake Club, at a time when few had phones on the lake? As teenagers who couldn't possibly live without a phone for more than a day, we were forced to put our flip flops on (we used to call them thongs back then before that word had another meaning!) before going inside the booth to make a call because of all the dead June bugs that filled the floor. Eeewww...
- the Krueger's barn that stood on their grounds on the east shore?
- there was an alternate route through the Town of Underhill and you had to drive over that neat, old metal bridge to cross the Oconto River to get to Reigert's or Klatt's taverns? Awesome fall colors were seen from that old bridge every year…
- from Ginny Stein: In 1956, my dirty fanny was washed under a pump on the back porch with ice cold artesian (?) water - I hate cold water to this day!!!! Then I graduated to an outhouse decorated with cartoons tacked to the walls, P.U.!!! Thank God for plumbing installed in 1965.
BERRY LAKE HISTORY by Kim Redlin Cismoski (if you have a story to share, please send it to our email address for future publication in our newsletters)…
In the early 1920's Emil and Whilamina Thibaudeau purchased lots on the south shore of Berry Lake in the Sandy Beach section. They had been the proud owners of the Blacksmith Shop in Gillett, next to where the Lutheran parsonage now stands. With the introduction of the automobile, this business became less lucrative and the buildings were torn down and used to build their cottage. One of the outbuildings was moved in one piece to the Thibaudeau lot, and it is still standing at the now Theekee cottage.
Emil and Whilamina's daughter and son-in-law, Joe and Della Husman, built on one of the lots which is now the Lyness’s property. Mary Lyness is Della's grand-daughter. Joe and Della's daughter, Sandra and husband Don Redlin, bought the now Van Pietersom cottage around 1965. That's where I grew up with my brother Kurt and sister Karla. What a wonderful life we had!
Awhile before the Thibaudeau's and Husman's were congregating on the lake, the Shier's and John's were coming out by horse and wagon. They rough camped, digging holes in the sand to keep their milk and other perishables from spoiling. They owned 3 lots in the area called The Pines, eventually building two log structures and one stick house. The logs and lumber for these buildings came from the surrounding land. The Shier's and John's were loggers and farmers with the original farmstead still standing on John's Road in Gillett. Mae Kolderup (nee Korotev) was third generation on Berry Lake. Mae and Harold had 2 children: Joel and Heather.
Joel and I, in turn, had 2 daughters: Anna and Inga Kolderup. Our delightful 6th generation addition is Leif Greipentrog, Anna's son. (Watch out 6th generation Stein girls! He looks a little like his Great Uncle Kurt!) We're truly blessed to be able to pass on this rich history. Between the two families we have many cousins still on Berry Lake that also share this heritage.
Fishing, water skiing, berry picking, bonfires, pontoon boat tie ups, walks on the beach and, most important, a wonderfully tight knit network of friends and neighbors sharing the best interests of Berry Lake. These are the things I hope we can all pass on to future generations.
BERRY LAKE ANNOUNCEMENTS (if you have anything that would be appropriate for this section of our newsletter, please forward your announcements to our email address for insertion into our spring 2010 newsletter)…
- Berrylaker Kathleen (Kitty) Koleske passed away in her trailer in early summer. Her funeral was held in Appleton.
- Former Berrylaker Doris Gabathuler, who is the mother of Berrylaker Barb (and John) Demerath, passed away in spring of this year.
- Longtime Berrylaker Dick Bains passed away in Green Valley Arizona in September. Dick served as the BLPO president for many years, and will always be remembered as the auctioneer at many Berry Lake annual meetings.
- Remember that you are able to order custom Berry Lake merchandise all year long through Hillcrest Custom Embroidery (N5539 Hillcrest Drive, Shawano, WI) which is located midway between Cecil and Shawano on Hwy 22.You can bring in your own items and pay $6.25 to have our logo embroidered on. They also have several items in their store (like polos, Tshirts, and jackets) that you can purchase and have embroidered there. Most items will be ready within a week’s time, and they’d make great Christmas presents!
- I’m attaching the BLPO annual financial report FYI.
- Not receiving our email notifications throughout the year? If you would like to be included, please send a note to our email address and I’ll add you to our email list (all emails are sent out Bcc to reserve your privacy).