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Board Meeting May 18, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. See Resources Section for More Info & Agenda
How to Identify Milfoil Types
How to Identify Milfoil Types
Not all Milfoil is bad! The non-native invasive Watermilfoil that has invaded our lakes is called Eurasian Watermilfoil. Use this graphic to identify the non-native invasive species vs. the native species.
This graphic is also located on the Projects + Accomplishments section under Awareness.
UWSP Lakes Extension is a wealth of knowledge regarding Wisconsin lakes and lake health. Lakes Tides is a subscription-based newsletter that keeps its subscribers informed on lake issues
Click to Visit Town of Conover Agendas & Minutes for Upper & Lower Buckatabon Lakes District
Protecting the natural environment of Wisconsin’s Northwoods for current and future generations
In 2023, Vilas County implemented annual membership and daily permit fees for all vehicle access to county parks and landings. Scan the QR Code at the ramp or click Vilas County Link below to pay fees- The Lake District did not institute this fee.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources can help with Healthy Lakes & Rivers Grants.
Wake Boat Legislation- Wisconsin
Wake Boat Legislation- Wisconsin
Wakeboat Regulation in Wisconsin: What’s Happening Now
The Wisconsin Legislature is nearing the end of its current session, and discussions continue around possible statewide regulations for wakesurfing boats. Industry groups have promoted a 200‑foot distance-from-shore standard for wakesurfing activity. However, multiple scientific studies and lake user reports suggest that larger distances — often 500 feet or more, depending on lake characteristics — may be necessary to limit shoreline erosion, protect habitat, and reduce safety risks.
Recent research has also raised questions about water-depth impacts. While industry recommendations suggest a minimum of 10 feet, independent studies indicate that wakesurfing in 20–25 feet of water is needed to avoid disturbing lake bottoms.
Around 76 Wisconsin municipalities have adopted local ordinances addressing wakesurfing, reflecting varying lake conditions and community priorities. Any statewide legislation could interact with or influence these existing local rules, but no bill details are currently available.
Because conditions vary widely across Wisconsin’s lakes, residents often seek more information about emerging proposals and how they may affect their specific lake environment.
Finding Your Wisconsin Legislators
Residents who want to stay informed about legislative developments can look up their State Senate and Assembly representatives using the Wisconsin State Legislature’s “Find Your Legislator” tool:
https://legis.wisconsin.gov
Wake Boat Information from Lakes at Stake
Wake Boat Information from Lakes at Stake
LakesatStake.org Wisconsin is a nonpartisan grassroots organization concerned about the outsized impacts of wake sports on our inland lakes and rivers.
We believe that our lakes are Wisconsin’s greatest treasure, valued for their natural beauty and the economic value they generate for tourism, recreation, small businesses, and property owners.
Our guiding principle is that everyone has the right to enjoy our lakes, and that the rights of a majority of lake users should not be infringed upon by the small minority of boaters who create hazardous conditions on, under, and along the shorelines of our lakes.
Some interesting information from the LakesatStake.org website:
The 200 Foot Myth
The University of Minnesota published a study in 2022 that shows wake boats in surf mode create wakes 3-12 times greater than ski boats. These wakes cause significant damage up to 600 feet from shore. The Water Sports Industry Association promotes the idea that 200 feet from shore is safe, but everyone else studying the impact of enhanced wakes on shorelines and lake bottoms disagrees.
The University of Minnesota study indicates that wake boats need to operate at least 600 feet offshore to allow for wave energy to attenuate to levels similar to those of a typical ski boat operating 200 feet from shore.
Energy Dissipation and Bottom Scrubbing
Wake boat energy doesn’t dissipate in deep water but damages shorelines and habitats upon contact. Lake bottom friction increases damage, especially in steep-sloping lakes.
Destructive Prop Wash
Wake boats in surf mode create downward prop wash, disrupting sediments and uprooting vegetation up to 20 feet deep, harming fish habitats.
Check out their website at the links above. Interesting reading.
No Wake Reminder at Narrows & Near Piers/ Docks
No Wake Reminder at Narrows & Near Piers/ Docks
When crossing through the narrows between the upper and lower lakes, please remember Wisconsin State Legislature: 30.66 Speed restrictions.
(3) Prohibited operation.
(a) No person may operate a motorboat within 100 feet of any dock, raft, pier, or buoyed restricted area on any lake at a speed in excess of slow-no-wake.
**Volunteers Wanted**
**Volunteers Wanted**
Dates to Be Determined (dates subject to change based on water conditions but will get advance notice) the Upper and Lower Buckatabon Lakes District have contracted APM to perform DASH (Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting) work on Lower.
Kayakers are needed to net small fragments that break away from the DASH divers in the targeted areas. This effort improves the effectiveness as fragments will reseed. Small nests can be provided.
Meeting times and location to be announced.
Interested Persons Please email: ULBuckatabonSupervisor1@gmail.com or
Call Chris DeFranceschi (Lake Management Planning Committee Chair) 715-477-3289
Citizens Lake Monitor Network Training
Citizens Lake Monitor Network Training
We have a few volunteers who already work with Water Clarity and Quality Tests, but would love to have a full-blown team to assist these efforts! [Thank you! Gary Croisatiere, Dan Benson, Chris DeFranceschi, and Art Ekberg, if I forgot anyone else- my sincere apologies!!]
The Citizen Lake Monitoring Network is offering a training on [TBD] to train people to check water clarity, measure dissolved oxygen & temperature profiles, take water samples to determine total phosphorus & chlorophyll concentrations, and monitor for invasive species. Sounds like some super mad-scientist stuff! Not really, but it is important to the health of our lakes and its future. Cathy Higley is our contact for this training at 715-479-3738 or cahigl@vilascountywi.gov
When: TBD
Where: TBD
What time: TBD
Citizens Lake Monitoring Network Website
Onterra Lake Management on Upper & Lower Buckatabon Lakes
Onterra Lake Management on Upper & Lower Buckatabon Lakes
Communications & Annual Meeting Agendas | Minutes
Communications & Annual Meeting Agendas | Minutes
Board Meeting Agenda & Minutes
Agenda for May 18, 2026 Meeting- Coming Soon
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