In August 2015, Dan Benson found the milfoil near his dock on the upper lake while kayaking.  He did an internet search and determined that the plant he found was Eurasian Watermilfoil.  Eurasian Watermilfoil is an invasive species that was brought to this country from Asia, West Africa or parts of Europe by means of the St Lawrence Seaway.  Dan contacted Cathy Higley, Lake Conservation Specialist of Vilas County.  She recommended that Dan contact Pat Coggin at the UW Extension.  

After a conversation with Pat, it was recommended that an association be formed between the Upper and Lower lakes.  Letters were sent out to all property owners on the lake and a meeting was scheduled and the association was established.  The town of Conover sponsored the Association to meet the sponsorship requirement for receiving grants.  

The Association received a $20,000 grant from the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) and hired Many Waters to do a survey.  The milfoil was a bit more extensive in population than initially thought.  The Association used Many Waters to implement the 'DASH' (Diver-Assisted Suction Harvesting) method of eradication.  Over the years, the Association received over $175,000 in grants.  In addition, the County offered a grant opportunity for the lakes to take part in a Weevil experiment.  This was a 4-year project that while not as successful as hoped, the experiment has shown success and shows the passion of the residents to try natural and alternative methods to protect these lakes.  (The results of the Wevil project can be found in the 2024 State of the Lakes Report in the Projects & Accomplishments Section of this site) 

Since 2015, the Association received a total of six grants.  In 2022, it was apparent that funds were tight, the EWM was spreading and our options for control over the milfoil in the lakes were limited.  In 2023, the Association did not receive a grant- for many reasons, but it was decided in 2023 that the association be disbanded and we focus on the newly formed Upper Lower Buckatabon Lakes District.  

It is our hope that the District will provide leadership and direction to keep our Upper and Lower Buckatabon Lakes healthy for many generations to come.

Board Members

Chair: Peggy DeFranceschi Secretary:  Jeff Milke

Vice Chair: Karl Jennrich Director:  Joe Muehlbach

Treasurer: Rick Schwandt

Non-Voting Positions

Recording Secretary: Barb Benson

Bookkeeper:  Gary Croisatiere

Contracts & Vendor Manager: Chris DeFranceschi

Communications and Webmaster: Stephanie Atwood

We thank this team for their time and talents that are dedicated to keeping the Upper and Lower Buckatabon Lakes healthy.