Program Notes from February 22, 2005 Meeting of LKWA
The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Rick Persson, at 6:50 pm at the Duesterbeck home. There were 20 persons in attendance. Prior to the meeting, we enjoyed pizza and ice cream.
The minutes and treasurer's reports were approved.
Penny and Rick reported that wood duck nest box distribution and education is good. We have received excellent media coverage and have had inquiries from as far away as Superior.
Linn Duesterbeck reminded us of the importance of placing predator guards if boxes are mounted in trees. He recommended attaching 20 inch aluminum flashing with staples, being sure to leave room for the tree to grow. Another option is to place the box on a bracket that holds the box at some distance from the tree. Rick has these available for $12.50 each.
Penny presented an annual report of the accomplishments and the financial status of our organization. Our organization has been very busy in educational activities and in scientific studies of the status of the natural communities in the lake and its wetlands.
Jeff Kraemer reported on the status of our three grants.
The floodplain forest grant is completed and the final report is in preparation. It has been reviewed by Penny and Rick.
The comprehensive survey of vegetation is in the planning stage. Expert botanists are being recruited to perform these surveys. Surveys will be done in early summer (June) and late summer (August). Members can help by providing access and recording data.
Rick brought up a request for a financial donation to Operation Migration, the nonprofit group that has coordinated the project to establish a new migratory flock of whooping cranes. We felt that this was a project of great interest to our members and a motion was passed to donate $100 to Operation Migration.
Penny reported on the plans for nomination of Lake Koshkonong as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The committee of Penny and Gary Shackelford and Susan Yates met with Andy Paulios (Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative Coordinator) and Mike Ramsden (Ned Hollister Bird Group) on January 24. Plans are in the works to survey the lake for diving ducks during mid to late March and to survey the marshes and adjacent uplands for nesting birds in late May through early June. Expert birders will do the surveys, but they will need help from our members or other interested parties to access the wetlands.
We reviewed the status of the petition by the RKLD to change the operating orders of the Indianford dam and thus raise lake levels. The DNR's EA (environmental assessment) has been through the required period of public comment. The EA contains a great deal of scientific evidence showing the adverse environmental effects of increased water levels. After incorporating the public comment, the DNR will issue an EIS (environmental impact statement) and rule on the request.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.
The next meeting will be March 22 at 6:00 pm at the DNR office in Janesville. The program will be given by Quentin Carpenter on the "History of Lake Koshkonong". Please bring friends and family. Anyone interested in History will really enjoy hearing Quentin.
Respectfully submitted,
Penny Shackelford