Who’s Lake Is This Anyway?

(The following is an excerpt from the University of Wisconsin Extension 2009 publication “ Choosing the Right Waterfront Property” .)

When you purchase land on the edge of one of Wisconsin’s lakes or rivers, you are essentially buying property on the edge of a “public park.” Wisconsin’s waters belong to all of us. Wisconsin’s Public Trust Doctrine grants rights for all of us to use the waters of the state and grants waterfront property owners certain additional rights.

The public has the right to swim, boat, fish or walk in the water right to the shoreline edge of your property. Healthy watersheds make healthy lakes and higher property values. The quality of our lakes and streams is ultimately a reflection of how we take care of the land area that drains to our waterways. Natural shorelines full of trees and native plants form the foundation of a healthy lake or river.

As a waterfront property owner, you can help protect the water quality, and natural beauty of our lakes and streams for yourself, your neighbors and future generations. When you buy waterfront property, you assume part of the responsibility of caring for a lake or river. Your actions on the land as well as in the water affect the health of the lake or river, and everyone’s enjoyment of it.

The State of Minnesota Public Trust Doctrine echos these same sentiments.

Meeting Minutes – April 15th 2022

Attendees:  Board -  Jason Houle    Michelle Carlson    Travis Lamotte     Cheryl Kempenich Guest, Mark from the City Old Agenda items: 501C Jason to check with accountant on how to edit the 501c. Travis will apply for the 501c if needed. Board Meeting Terms/ start...

Meeting Minutes – May 11th 2021

Present- Jason Houle – President, Cheryl Kempenich – Treasurer, Travis LaMotte, Connie Mayfield Agenda Vice President position. Jason nominated Travis LaMotte for the VP position that Jason previously held. Board approved. By -Laws Overview Jason asked the board...

Meeting Minutes – Jan. 11, 2021

Present:  Bruce Meyer- President, Jason Houle, Bob Milam, Connie Mayfield Agenda GLA Bylaw Update Bruce asked board members to review the associations bylaw and send your recommendations to Jason. Then at the next meeting the board will discuss making any changes and...

Board Meeting of Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Present: Bob Milam, Cheryl Kempenich, Jason Houle, Bruce Meyer, Connie Mayfield Agenda Finances – Cheryl report the current balance is $31,285.  The fall newsletter with mailing came to $640 (note we used Copy Pro, which were very easy to work with and got the...

Board Meeting of Wednesday, September 14, 2020

Attendees:  Bruce Meyer, Connie Mayfield, Jason Houle, Bob Milam, Lori Reichert and guest: Mike O’Connell of Lake Management Little Green Milfoil and Curly Leaf Treatments – Mike O’Connell of Lake Management, Inc. which currently does some portions of AIS treatment on...

Meeting Minutes – July 15th 2020

Attendees:  Bruce Meyer, Cheryl Kempenich, Jason Houle, Bob Milam, Lori Reichert and Denise Houle Chisago City Entry on Stinson off Public Dock -   Lori The Chisago City arch is in.  We’ll wait for the sidewalks to be poured before contacting Casey to place the...