CLAM LAKE PROTECTION AND REHABILITATION DISTRICT
Siren, Wisconsin
CURRENT INFORMATION
Updated information on the Clam Lakes Aquatic Plant Management Plan.

The summer of 2009 two volunteers have been doing water clarity and water chemistry testing on both lakes.  Two aquatic plant surveys have been done on both lakes also.   

The Annual Meeting and Lake Fair was held August 29, 2009 at the Moose Lodge attended by approximately 60 people.  Dave Blumer, Lake Scientist with SEH, provided those attending with wild rice and sausage soup for lunch.  During and after lunch Dave had on display outside a number of aquatic plants both native and invasive species for viewing for anyone interested. 
Following lunch John Haack, University Extension St. Croix Basin Educator, made a presentation on lake scaping for wildlife.  What this was is telling people what trees to plant on their property to attract wildlife, birds, etc. 

Following John Haack, Dave Blumer gave a presentation on carp and their effects on the lakes. It was during this presentation that Dave stated the St. Croix Tribe, as part of the lake plan, has done a carp survey in which they "shocked" and counted over 200 carp in their test; over 50% of those carp counted were in the four year class, in other words four years old.  The Tribe thought this was very unusual to have over 50% of the fish counted in the same age class.

Following Dave's presentation, Peter David, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, did a presentation on wild rice which was an overview on its ecology, history, harvest and cultural significance.

As part of the Lake Plan a Lake Users Survey has been developed and is now ready and available on line and by mail.  All land owners will be either mailed a survey or advised to download survey on www.clamlakeprd.com.

Clam Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District (PRD) has contracted with SEH Engineering in Rice Lake to coordinate a two-year, four part aquatic plant study.  In conjunction with this study, the St. Croix Tribe will be conducting a wild rice and carp study.  The purpose of the study is to produce an aquatic plant management plan.

The total cost of this study will be approximately $40,000, of which 75% of the $40,000 will be paid for in grant dollars from the DNR.  Part of the remaining $10,000 can be credited with volunteers hours worked in conjunction with this study.

Yes this fall another Turion Survey will be completed and posted on this site.

A meeting was held on May 30, 2009 with Dave Blumer explaining the management study to land owners and to get volunteers  to participate in the Clean Boats Clean Water Program sponsored by the WI DNR.  For each volunteer hour we are credited with $12 per hour towards our 25% of the total cost that the PRD is responsible for.

On June 6, 2009 volunteers were trained for identifying aquatic plants and later that same day the volunteers met at the Ag Center at Spooner and were trained how to conduct the Clean Boats Clean Water Program at the boat landings.

On October 29 and 30 and November 4 and 5, 2010 J.R. Fisheries Company along with the St. Croix Chippewa Tribe, GLIFWC, PRD, WI DNR, and volunteers removed, clipped, counted and returned 1,445 carp back into Upper Clam Lake.  In January or February of 2011, carp will be removed from Clam Lakes.  Check back for future updates of the removal of the carp along with photos.
AIS VOLUNTEERS:  click here to enter site to add your data.
INFORMATION from SEH Engineering:
ANNUAL MEETING FOR 2012
August 25, 2012, 10:00 a.m.
Moose Lodge
State Road 70, Siren, WI

VANDALISM OF NETS IN SOUTHERN MOST BAY ON UPPER CLAM
NEED LAND OWNERS ASSISTANCE

May 13, 2011

Tony Havranek
Land and Water Resources Manager
St. Croix Tribal Environmental/Natural Resources Department

This past Monday, Big Mike informed me that one of the nets that we placed near the entrance to the southern most bay had been damaged.  We had three staff inspect and repair it on Tuesday.  I then received a call from a gentleman that
is conducting aerial waterfowl surveys for us that both nets appeared damaged Thursday morning.  I did not receive this call until late Thursday afternoon, so I was not able to ascertain the condition of the nets; or determine if the damage was similar to what had taken place Monday I have asked law enforcement to monitor the site.  I would also ask lake association members and others who use the lake to please keep an eye on this area and report any suspicious activity.
If this is a case of vandalism, maybe the person who is damaging the net is not aware that these barriers are placed as part of our joint project to restore the natural resources of Clam Lake.  We specifically chose the design of the nets to
allow usage of the bay.  Users can simply idle their boats over the nets with props up.

I would ask that people who do have an awareness of this project continue to spread the word on our project goals of whole lake restoration.  I think it is also important that people have a realization that the protection and rehabilitation district has a financial and personal investment in this project as well, as many volunteers have assisted in this project.

We do plan to repair the net, as well as assess the number of carp and game fish
that may be in the bay at this point.

Thanks very much to everyone who has helped us with this project with encouragement and by volunteering on the water.

Sincerely,
Tony Havranek
Land and Water Resources Manager
St. Croix Tribal Environmental/Natural Resources Department