University of Wisconsin - Extension

Governor Scott McCallum has declared June 30 through July 8

Wisconsin Lakes Appreciation Week.

The request for the week to spotlight Wisconsin's lakes was made by the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership, which includes 350 member organizations. The partnership is a national model for cooperation on lake management issues among the University of Wisconsin-Extension, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and citizens, primarily represented through the Wisconsin Association of Lakes (WAL).

"Wisconsin is home to more than 15,000 lakes that are important for a variety of recreational, economic and aesthetic reasons," says Robert Korth, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point/Extension lake management specialist. "Lakes are the heart of Wisconsin's tourism, which in 2000 generated $9.97 billion in revenue."

The public uses lakes for water supply for municipal, industrial and agricultural use; recreation including boating, swimming, and fishing; flood control; and aesthetic enjoyment," explains Korth. "However, lakes often are considered as `free' resources by

lake users. This can result in abuse and neglect.

To draw attention to the value and importance of lakes and reservoirs, UW-Extension is promoting Lakes Appreciation Week. To help celebrate the event, Wisconsin citizens are

encouraged to visit lakes in their community and learn ways to help protect these valuable water resources.

"Now is an ideal opportunity to share your lake stories and educate others about the importance of lakes," says Korth. "Wisconsin citizens should take pride in their lake resources and recognize the unique qualities of these rich water resources." Members of the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership offer these suggestions on activities for people to increase lake awareness:

• Organize a lakeshore clean up to collect trash and other wastes that have washed up to shore.
• Plan a picnic, water festival or other event to get lake property owners and users involved with lake awareness.
• Photograph community participation in lake activities and send the photo and related caption to your local newspaper.
• Become an active member of the lake organization in your community, or start a lake organization.
• Prepare an article or editorial about how valuable your lake is.
• Contact the Department of Natural Resources Self-help Lake Monitoring Program at (608) 266-8117 to find out more about the 1,500 citizen volunteers who have monitored lake quality over the past 10 years.
• Work with young people through Adopt-A-Lake to learn more about hands-on lake protection activities in your community. For more information, call the Adopt-A-Lake office at (715) 346-3366.
• Learn more about how to control exotic species like Eurasian water milfoil and zebra mussels that threaten our enjoyment of lakes. Call your local DNR lake coordinator for more information.
• Find out more about the state's lake planning and protection grants program by calling (608) 261-6423.
• Tell others about Lake Awareness Week and share your enthusiasm for lakes with local media, family, friends, colleagues and youth groups.
• Relax and enjoy the view of your lakes!