Important Information for Lake Organizations
August 2022
Greetings!
We are sending this message to all our lake organization contacts found in the Wisconsin Lake List. Please check your group’s listing in the Lake List Directory and email us your updates. You can look up your group and send updates here.

We send these emails monthly to keep people posted and share important news. We hope you find this information beneficial.
Save the Date - 2023 Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention
April 19-21 in Stevens Point
Theme: Building Trust Around Water Together
Have an idea for a presentation you would like to share at next year's convention? Submit a proposal! Deadline Oct. 1.

Make your Hotel Reservation now!
If you know you'll be attending the Lakes and Rivers Convention, you can make your hotel reservation now using the group block code. Visit the website for instructions.

How do you enjoy water together?
Send us a 20-second or less video sharing how you enjoy water together. What does that mean? You tell us!
Be creative: gather a group, recite a poem, perform a dance, include your pet, sing for us! Your submission could be part of the digital production shown at the 2023 Wisconsin Lakes & Rivers Convention.
Submit your video here by Oct. 1.

Nominate a Lake Steward
Do you know an outstanding person or group who dedicates time and talent to our state’s water resources? We encourage you to nominate them for the prestigious Wisconsin Lake Stewardship Award! The Wisconsin Lakes Partnership presents the Wisconsin Lake Stewardship awards each year in celebration of the extraordinary volunteer and professional efforts made to protect and improve lakes in Wisconsin. Awardees will be celebrated at the Convention. Nominate a Lake Steward today! Deadline Dec. 1.

2023 Photo Contest
We're planning way ahead so you can take amazing photos this year and submit them for the 2023 photo contest. We're looking for photos that answer the question: "Why do we need healthy lakes and rivers?" We are also looking for before/after photos that help us answer this important question (i.e. shoreland restoration photos).
All photos are due March 27, 2023. Learn more here.
Organizational Capacity
Are you planning to submit a surface water grant this fall? If so, why not integrate some capacity development into your proposal? Developing organizational capacity can look very different for different organizations. Some organizations may need to increase the effectiveness of their internal functions while others may need to develop their external relationships more. Depending on what you need to become a more effective and efficient organization, you may be able to include some activities in your proposal. Here are a few examples:
  • Mileage and/or registration fees for capacity-building workshops and other events; this could include attendance at the annual Lakes and Rivers Convention
  • Field trips or networking meetings with other organizations who are able to share strategies; this is developing your external relationships
  • Hiring a consultant to guide your organization through different planning activities with the goal of developing a strategic plan, communication plan, transition plan, etc.
To learn more about integrating capacity into your Surface Water Grant proposal, visit the Surface Water Grants | Wisconsin DNR website, download the Guidance document (PDF), and search for "capacity". Remember that the DNR requires a pre-application by September 15.

Explore the Capacity Corner website for additional resources.
Resources

How's the Water?
Planning for Recreational Use on Wisconsin Lakes & Rivers
The story of water recreation is a story of access. Recreational use on our state's and nation's waterways is growing not just in the number of people taking to our lakes and rivers, but also in the variety of ways in which they use them. The congestion that often results from this demand compels us to consider a fundamental question: Is the quality of the recreational experience we envision when visiting the lakeshore being compromised?
 
This manual was created to assist those who believe that recreational experiences on our waters should be enjoyable. It is intended for people who believe that working towards limiting frustration and disappointment during a recreational outing is a worthwhile goal. It is intended to be used by elected officials, citizens, property owners and others having an interest in water-based recreation. This manual is a tool to assist in the process of building a healthy lake and river ecosystem and a strong lake community.
 
Explore more about recreational use and impacts:


Funding Opportunities

WI DNR Surface Water Grants Recording
Did you miss the July 21 webinar focused on the Surface Water Grants? Do you want to watch it again or share it with your board members? Visit the Extension Lakes YouTube Channel to watch the webinar so you can be prepared for the pre-application due date of Sept. 15.

Watch the YouTube recording here:https://youtu.be/sfH4N2ETkos
Upcoming Events

Sept. 8 in Milwaukee, WI
For the past seventeen years, the Clean Rivers, Clean Lake Conference has been a hallmark occasion for the watershed community of practice in southeastern Wisconsin to come together to discuss strategies and projects to improve the health of our watersheds.

Sept. 13 in Williams Bay, WI
The Friends of Hackmatack NWR have planned a special Fall Gathering to celebrate their 10th Anniversary. They are joining with George Williams College of Aurora University to host Guest Speaker Chad Pregracke, Environmental Speaker and Bestselling Author. Chad is the founder of Living Lands & Waters, and was CNN’s Hero of the Year in 2013. He gave a rousing keynote at this year's Lakes and Rivers Convention in Stevens Point.

Sept. 14-16, Virtual
Every two years, the Michigan Inland Lakes Convention brings together passionate lakeshore owners, lake scientists, policy makers, and conservationists to spark new ideas and inspire stewardship of inland lakes. This year’s convention theme is “Protecting Lakes Today for Tomorrow”, and it will take place virtually on Zoom.

Oct. 6-8 in Waukesha, WI
Gather in-person with Master Naturalists and others interested in natural resources and volunteering in Wisconsin. Learn in small group settings during field tours, hikes, workshops and presentations about Wisconsin’s natural world and the nurturing aspect we give to the natural world and receive from our time in nature.
This event is open to adults 18 and older. Master Naturalist certification is not required.

Find more local, regional and statewide events on the Extension Lakes calendar.
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Stay well,
Extension Lakes Team