The president's current report to members.
  [late summer 2007]

When I first became a lake property owner I had only a vague understanding of how my footprint could affect water quality.  Because of the conferences, programs and information promoted by the Sawyer County Lakes Forum (SCLF) many of my behaviors have changed.   For example, instead of cutting down shoreline shrubbery to plant grass, I’ve learned that native vegetation best retards run off that pollutes lakes.  And leaving woody material, such as branches, along the shore provides cover for breeding fish.  I always wanted to maintain and improve Sawyer County’s water bodies, environs, and watersheds for present and future generations.  The relevant question is how to achieve that goal.

The ongoing political process of establishing standards to protect our environment, I now realize, requires collective effort.   The reason for having this Sawyer County Lakes Forum is that with the collaboration of many lake associations we have the opportunity to effect desired changes that benefit our waters.  The Forum carries weight because we represent a multitude of voices as we endorse actions in decision making processes.   As a town official I’ve experienced the significance of the Forum’s testimony.  And the SCLF writes letters of support for grants, makes presentations at county board and committee sessions, plans and attends conferences (such as the Northwest Wisconsin Lakes Conference at Telemark every June), participates in the development of county ordinances (such as prohibiting phosphorus fertilizers and designating class 4 Wilderness Lakes) and promotes projects (such as base line studies, milfoil/loosestrife patrols and information packets to new shoreline home owners).

You may ask whether your presence at Forum annual meetings is worthwhile.  Remember the saying: “history is made by the people who show up.”  The Forum gives you a chance to participate in the ongoing process of how we impact our environment.  Not only will you benefit by receiving information to make environmentally wise decisions, but you will add your voice to those who speak for public policy that protects what we all prize—the natural treasures of Northwest Wisconsin.  You do not have to merely delegate the mission of protecting our environment, for regular and special board meetings of the SCLF are open to the public, and your input is welcome.

SCLF is committed to maintaining communication with lake associations through their newsletters and board officers as well as through articles published in the Sawyer County Record.  SCLF will appreciate your ideas for action, suggestions for programs, requests for assistance and information, and comments as to what is happening on your lake or river.  Please contact Waldo Asp, president 354-7450; Cris Jeffords, vice president treasurer; Tom Rehfeldt, secretary/treasurer 634-9898; Phil Nies 634-2920; Tom High 266-2068; Dale Anderson 634-6488; Chuck Block 266-8800; and Bruce Meyers, past president and web page master 462-4119.