Doing Research and Making Connections
Welcome to CHAPTER 4 of our educational series,
“Ten Things You Should Know About Eagle Lake’s Environmental Challenges."
 
Through this Education Series, we aim to broaden our outreach and enhance the community's understanding of water health challenges.  We deeply value our engaged community and take pride in highlighting past and ongoing initiatives that strive to improve Eagle Lake's environmental outlook for current and future generations.
 
Collaboration has consistently been a central focus in these historical efforts.  Notably, the Eagle Lake Management District, the Town of Dover, the Racine County Land Conservation office, and the Wisconsin DNR have built strong and impactful partnerships.  Our lake community can take pride in the dedication and achievements of these groups.
 
Historical Environmental Efforts
Eagle Lake Management District (1996): The district was established in 1996.  Under ELMD direction, Eagle Lake has been monitored for decades by volunteers, the DNR and several contracted sampling projects.  Volunteers began monitoring water clarity with a black and white Secchi disk for readings, and in 2018, the ELMD expanded the program by collecting phosphorus and chlorophyll samples.  Read more on the ELMD website.
 
Eagle Lake Aquatic Plant Management Plan (2005): The primary goals and objectives were to enhance the preservation of aquatic systems, including water quality, fisheries, and wildlife, while minimizing the impact of aquatic nuisances, and to maintain recreational uses of Eagle Lake.  To support the creation of this report, activities included water quality monitoring, community surveys, aquatic vegetation surveys, wetland inventories, shoreline stabilization efforts, educational lake fairs, and watershed improvement initiatives.  This plan has been reviewed and updated over the years, with the most recent report published in 2021.
 
Lavin Wetland Created (2006): Through a generous donation of land by the Barney Lavin family, the area of land just north of Hwy 11 and west of Hwy 75 was converted to a natural buffer zone designed to collect and filter nutrients before they reach Eagle Lake.
 
Eagle Lake Watershed Management Plan (1997, 2007, 2017-present): The initial watershed plan, created in 1997, underwent its first update in 2007 after ELMD received a watershed planning grant to revise the original study.  In October 2016, ELMD requested Racine County's assistance in preparing a second update to compare the original plans with current watershed conditions.  This update aimed to identify changes in land use, sources of erosion, and livestock operations, while utilizing the latest phosphorus and sediment loading models to evaluate results against previous findings.  Use these links to view these important resources:
 
 
Zinnen Boat Launch Shoreline Demonstration Garden (2004-present): To emphasize the importance of creating healthy shorelines, our association has maintained the Zinnen Demonstration Garden on the lake's west side since 2004.  This educational site showcases how native plants with deep root systems can effectively stabilize eroding shorelines.  Dedicated volunteers from around the lake care for the garden throughout the growing season, making it a valuable tool for fostering connections among lake residents.  To learn more, please visit our Shoreline Restoration page.
 
Clean Boats Clean Waters (Present): This DNR grant program is designed to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species between bodies of water.  Eagle Lake has one of the most successful and longest running CBCW programs in the state.  Every season at Eagle Lake County Park, trained and paid staff members interact with and educate boaters coming into or leaving the lake.  This joint venture of ELMD and ELIA runs from late spring until early fall.  To learn more, click here.
 
ELMD Ongoing Projects and Efforts:  In recent years, numerous positive actions have been implemented by ELMD to enhance the lake's health.  These include adopting more proactive treatments and improved chemicals, adjusting harvesting methods in terms of timing and location, and transitioning to environmentally friendly oils.  Efforts have also involved bio-manipulating predator fish populations and reintroducing walleyes to the lake.  Additional measures include preventing the removal of the carp barrier at the dam, ongoing aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention and education, securing a six-year DNR grant for chemical sampling, obtaining grant funding to refurbish and maintain harvesting equipment, and staying informed on best practices regarding blue-green algae management.
 
Healthy Lakes Homeowner Shoreline Grants (2018-2021):  The goals of this grant program are to protect and restore the health of our lakes and rivers by increasing property owner participation in habitat restoration and runoff and erosion control projects.  Grants are available to offset much of the cost when following a best management practice described below, and to date, several residents around Eagle Lake have participated in the program.
 
A healthy shoreline initiative focuses on restoring and maintaining the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems through key best practices.  Implementing "fish sticks," which are nearshore woody habitats, provides critical shelter and feeding areas for fish and other wildlife.  Native plantings play a vital role in stabilizing the shoreline, reducing erosion, and enhancing biodiversity with plants naturally adapted to the environment.  Rock infiltration systems and diversion techniques help manage stormwater runoff by redirecting it away from the lake and promoting water filtration into the ground.  Additionally, rain gardens—specially designed plant beds—capture and filter runoff while adding visual appeal.  Together, these practices work harmoniously to protect water quality, foster healthy habitats, and support a vibrant and sustainable lake ecosystem.
 
To participate in this program, the Eagle Lake Improvement Association can apply for funding on your behalf.  Be sure to contact us and we will work with you to make sure your desired shoreline improvements qualify.
 
 
 
Thank you for visiting CHAPTER 4 of our educational series,
“Ten Things You Should Know About Eagle Lake’s Environmental Challenges."
 
 
 
"No research without action, no action without research."  - Kurt Lewin
 
Current Environmental Efforts
Exploring the methods used by other lakes across the state to enhance water quality and overall health.   Wisconsin has more than 1,200 lakes and rivers labeled as "impaired" due to excessive nutrient levels.  By examining the strategies used by groups managing these bodies of water, we can unite resources and work together to achieve better outcomes.
 
Engaging with experts in freshwater science can significantly enhance our understanding and approaches to lake management. These are some of the great ways to make connections:
 
Attend the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention: Held annually in Stevens Point, this convention brings together professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts to discuss the latest trends and strategies in water resource management.
 
Participated in the Phosphorus Convention in Madison (2023): This event focused on addressing phosphorus pollution in water bodies. Experts shared their research findings and discussed innovative solutions.
 
Collaborate with Dr. Marcel Dijkstra, UW Oshkosh: Dr. Dijkstra is a renowned expert in freshwater science, particularly in the areas of water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and lake management initiatives.
 
By making connections with these experts and attending key events, we can stay informed about the latest developments in freshwater science, share our experiences, and collaborate on innovative solutions to improve water quality and ecosystem health.
 
Attending meetings with state and local officials is another strategic move to establish connections that can bolster our efforts, many of which requiring both collaboration and financial support.  Click to learn more:
 
 
Eagle Lake Protection Program
This is our multi-year initiative which began in 2023 with a group of volunteers conducting comprehensive water testing to research our particular nutrient issues.  To better understand our lake's ecosystem, more than 500 water samples have been collected and analyzed by certified labs at UW Oshkosh led by Dr. Dijkstra.  You'll learn much more about the ELPP in chapter 5.
 
Ongoing Education Initiatives
 
ELIA Education via Ripples
Educating the community on the complexity of Eagle Lake environmental issues has been the focus of our Ripples newsletters, a key program of the ELIA for almost 30 years.
 
ELIA Hands-On Experiences
Homeowner workshops and landscape improvement demonstrations are offered to lake residents in an effort to encourage the use of best practices for maintaining shoreline properties.
 
ELIA Annual Meetings
Our annual meetings are arguably the most impactful way we engage with the community.  During these gatherings, we provide valuable updates on our various initiatives and encourage audience questions and feedback.  They also serve as a great opportunity to build connections with our lake neighbors.
Eagle Lake Improvement Association
PO Box 655
Kansasville, WI 53139
Send Us An Email
The Eagle Lake Improvement Association is a volunteer based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are generously supported by nearly 200 households and businesses within the watershed who share our vision for Eagle Lake.