Welcome to CHAPTER 2 of our educational series,
“Ten Things You Should Know About Eagle Lake’s Environmental Challenges."
"Not everything that is faced can be changed,
but nothing can be changed until it is faced."
- James Baldwin
Did you know Wisconsin is home to more than 15,000 lakes? According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, any body of water covering at least 2.2 acres is classified as a lake, with approximately 12,000 of them being 50 acres or smaller. So, where does Eagle Lake, at 529 acres, stand? It’s among the 268 lakes in the state that are 500 acres or more. However, comparing Eagle Lake to others in this size range isn’t straightforward, as factors like water depth and watershed size significantly affect water quality. The conditions we face often differ from those of similarly sized lakes, making our efforts to enhance lake health a unique challenge.
While all lakes are unique in their own way, Eagle Lake presents us with a particularly fortunate situation. Our community is actively involved in maintaining and enjoying the lake’s health. As shown in the statistics below, our watershed-to-lake ratio is relatively high at 8:1. However, with a total watershed area of just under 7 square miles, it remains small in the context of our project’s goals. Why is this important? A smaller watershed allows for more effective monitoring, easier implementation of conservation efforts, and quicker responses to potential issues. While the challenges are complex, increased awareness, engagement, and advocacy from the community can pave the way for meaningful, positive change.
Eagle Lake Facts and Figures
General Information
- Lake Name: Eagle Lake
- Location: Racine County, Town of Dover
- Watershed: Eagle Creek-Fox Creek Watershed
- Waterbody Type: Lake
- Water Body ID: 759800
- Ecoregion: Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains
Lake Characteristics
- Hydrologic Lake Classification: Drainage
- Area: 529 acres
- Lake Volume: 3,267 acre-feet
- Maximum Depth: 11 feet
- Mean Depth: 6 feet
- Percent of Area Less than 3 Feet Deep: 13.9%
- Percent of Area Greater than 20 Feet Deep: 0%
- Bottom Composition: 20% sand, 5% gravel, 75% muck
Water Quality & Ecology
- Water Clarity: Very Low
- High-Quality Water: No
- Trophic Status: Hypereutrophic
Watershed & Surrounding Area
- Watershed Size: 6.82 square miles
- Watershed Area: 4,228 acres
- Watershed Runoff Depth: 9 inches/year
- Wetlands: 115 acres
Shoreline & Recreation
- Shore Length: 4.75 miles
- Boat Landings: 3
- Inlet Streams: 2 (Eagle Creek and Oakcrest Creek)
- Outlet: 1 (Dam is located in the northwest corner)
Invasive Species
- Purple Loosestrife
- Eurasian Watermilfoil
- Curly-Leaf Pondweed
- Rusty Crayfish
The Appeal of Lake Living and Its Environmental Trade-offs
Why do we choose lake life? The tranquil visuals of water and the soothing sounds of nature near a lake are valued for their stress-reducing effects. Lakes offer a myriad of activities, from swimming and fishing to boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing. The ever-changing scenery, with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, enhances their charm. Lake communities, like those around Eagle Lake, foster a strong sense of belonging among residents who share a passion for the water. Notably, Eagle Lake Park on our northern shoreline is a year-round destination for our lake visitors who also enjoy boating, kayaking, and fishing.
But how do our recreational activities impact lake health? Sadly, recent studies indicate that the effects aren't always positive. Given Eagle Lake's shallowness, some of our activities could very well be affecting the lake ecosystem. As we continue to examine the causes of excessive nutrient and sediment loading, we must also confront the difficult discussions about our lake activities. Can our shallow lake support wake-enhanced boating, for instance? Disruptions to shorelines and lake sediments from such activities may necessitate restrictions to preserve lake health. Understanding our lake ecosystem is a complex task, and we are likely to face some tough choices ahead.
The challenge of balancing recreational use in a shallow lake environment is explained in the video entitled "Getting to Know Shallow Lakes", which we have included on this webpage. Less than 10 minutes in length, this video is well worth your time if you are concerned about Eagle Lake.
Hydrologic Lake Classifications
Drainage lakes (like Eagle Lake) have both an inlet and outlet where the main water source is stream drainage. Drainage lakes usually have higher nutrient levels than many natural seepage or spring lakes.
Seepage lakes do not have an inlet or an outlet, and only occasionally overflow. Seepage lakes, the most common lake type in Wisconsin, have a smaller drainage area which may account for lower nutrient levels.
Spring lakes have no inlet but do have an outlet. The primary source of water for spring lakes is groundwater flowing into the bottom of the lake from inside and outside the immediate surface drainage area.
Drained lakes have no inlet, but like spring lakes, have a continuously flowing outlet. They are not groundwater-fed, and their primary source of water is from precipitation and direct drainage from the surrounding land.
Impoundments are artificial lakes that are human-made bodies of water. A lake is considered an impoundment if one-half or more of its maximum depth results from a dam or other type of control structure.
Thank you for visiting CHAPTER 2 of our educational series,
“Ten Things You Should Know About Eagle Lake’s Environmental Challenges."
Check out this video to gain some insights into why our small watershed is an advantage for the ELPP.
