Water Quality Management

The Wheeler Lake Association (WLA), founded in 1938, has been actively involved in improving water quality. WLA activities include fish surveys, fish stocking, ongoing Citizen’s Lake Monitoring Network (CLMN) water chemistry sampling, and the Clean Boats Clean Waters boat inspection program.

For over 20 years, WLA has been mitigating the spread of an aquatic invasive species (AIS) - Eurasian watermilfoil. We conduct annual plant surveys, hand-pull weeds, and apply herbicides to manage this invasive plant, and maintain lake chemistry, diverse plant biota, and recreational capacity of Wheeler Lake.

All of these activities are coordinated through our Lake Management Plan, and are supported through member dues, fundraising activities, and volunteers like you. We partner with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the FLOE Counties coordinator, and the Oconto County Lakes and Waterways Association (OCLAWA) to learn effective lake management practices and share our work with other lake associations.

Click on the pictures below to learn more about each of our programs

Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW)

Have you met our Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) boat inspectors at the Wheeler Lake boat landing? WLA supports this program with DNR grants and local fundraising. Click the image below to learn more and how to participate.

Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM)

Since 2006, WLA has been managing the spread of Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) with herbicide treatments and contracted hand pulling. This invasive plant crowds out native plants, affects water chemistry, and impacts swimming and boating. WLA budgets about $30,000 per year for this activity, the largest portion of our budget and our primary fundraising objective. Click the image below to learn more abourt EWM and our other programs for managing invasive species.

Citizens Lake Monitoring Network (CLMN)

WLA volunteers take water quality and chemistry samples four times each open water season, as part of the Citizen Lake Monitoring Network (CLMN). Learn more by clicking on the image below.

Fundraising Socials

WLA volunteers support water quality activities, in addition to grants and fundraising at our annual Fish Jamboree and Golf Outing. Click on the image below to learn more about how you can participate!