Eagle Lake Protection Program
From the ELIA Board of Directors
 
We are set to continue the multi-year Eagle Lake Protection Program aimed at improving the quality of Eagle Lake.   This initiative functions similarly to a healthcare model, with the initial step being data collection.  Over the first two years, we've focused on gathering data through our ongoing collaboration with Dr. Marcel Dijkstra and the Environmental Research and Innovation Center (ERIC) at UW Oshkosh.
 
Our Surface Water Action Team (SWAT), consisting of dedicated community members, conducts weekly water sampling, data collection, summer sediment testing, and monitors stream flow rates during major rain events.  We are pleased with the significant progress in this expanded water testing and analysis effort.
 
As we move into our third year in 2025, the testing will establish a baseline ecology for the lake. Accurate assessment of the lake's ecology is crucial for determining the best interventions to enhance lake quality.  Although the issues are complex and data collection is time-consuming, our supporters are about to be rewarded with a comprehensive plan of action.
 
 
The Healthcare Model?  For Eagle Lake?  Yes!
 
Eagle Lake is suffering from an excess of phosphorus.  When you fall ill, you consult a healthcare provider for assistance. What steps do they take?  They first collect data on your condition by ordering comprehensive lab work, diagnostic imaging, and other tests to gain a complete understanding of the issue.  You may question why three years of data collection is necessary when we already know excess phosphorus is the problem.  The reason is that the precise source and concentrations of the phosphorus is uncertain.  Is it coming from the Eagle Creek inflow under Highway 75, or the Oakcrest Creek inflow south of Michael’s On The Lake?  Or is it from phosphorus already present in the lake, buried in the bottom sediment and being gradually disrupted back into the water?  Who knows, there might even be another source.
 
With this information, we can proceed as a healthcare provider would: making a specific diagnosis and researching treatment plans based on current best practices and the experience of others.  Once treatment plans are selected, they are funded and implemented.  Data collection continues to assess whether the treatments are yielding the desired results, and adjustments may be made to further enhance the lake’s health.
 
We have adopted this vision statement for the ELPP:
 
“The goal of the Eagle Lake Protection Program is to make fundamental changes to Eagle Lake and its watershed to enhance the enjoyment of the lake for current and future generations.”
 
The first step in this community-driven project, the Eagle Lake Water Testing Program, has been ongoing for the first two years.  ELIA has renewed the contract with Dr. Marcel Dijkstra and the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh Environmental Research and Innovation Center to assist us and provide technical expertise in the process.
 
 
We urge the entire lake community to join us in positively impacting the quality of Eagle Lake!
 
Why 3 Years of Testing?
Collecting three years of data and nutrient measurements is a time-intensive yet essential process for any lake improvement initiative. Patience is crucial, as this effort provides the comprehensive understanding needed to implement meaningful and lasting improvements.  It can also strengthen our case and demonstrate the need for funding support from government agencies.
 
Establishing Baselines: A multi-year dataset provides a clear understanding of the lake's current condition and natural fluctuations, which helps identify long-term trends rather than short-term anomalies.
 
Seasonal and Annual Variations: Nutrient levels and other environmental parameters can vary greatly between seasons and years due to factors like weather patterns, runoff, and biological activity.
 
Informed Decision-Making: Comprehensive data allows for evidence-based decisions when implementing improvement strategies, ensuring that efforts target the actual causes of issues rather than assumptions.
 
Evaluating Impact: Having historical data enables comparison and assessment of the effectiveness of any interventions applied, confirming whether the initiative is achieving its objectives.
 
Community and Stakeholder Trust: A thorough data collection process demonstrates due diligence and transparency, building trust with the community and stakeholders involved in the initiative.
Project Vision Statement
The goal of the Eagle Lake Protection Program is to make fundamental changes to Eagle Lake and its watershed to enhance the enjoyment of the lake for current and future generations.
How Will We Fund This?
The early phase of the project is focused on gathering and analyzing water and sediment samples on a regular basis, most importantly when large rain events take place.  Costs for this phase are more easily controlled, and will largely be covered by the ELIA, along with restricted donations from the community and support from our lake partners.
Restricted Donations
In year 2 of this multi-year initiative, we budgeted $20,450 to support the expanded Eagle Lake Water Testing Program, and our projected expenses for year 3 are expected to remain comparable.  Since our application for a Surface Water Grant through the DNR was unsuccessful, securing private donations will once again be essential to sustaining these efforts
 
We encourage the entire lake community to come together in making a meaningful difference for the quality of Eagle Lake, and we sincerely appreciate your consideration of this important donation.
 
Eagle Lake Improvement Association
PO Box 655
Kansasville, WI 53139
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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.