Program Notes - Lake Koshkonong Wetland Association Annual Meeting

June 26, 2007 at 6:00 pm

Fair Meadows; Shackelford home

Vice-Chairman, Linn Duesterbeck, called the meeting to order at 6:14 pm. There were 15 persons in attendance.

A motion was passed to approve the minutes of April 24, 2007 as Emailed.

The treasurer’s reports for 3/20/2007 and 6/26/2007 were distributed and discussed and approved.

Penny presented the 2006 Annual Report for our organization. Much of this information was included in the annual membership letter that was mailed in January. The report highlighted our efforts to support the decision of the DNR that the water level of Lake Koshkonong should not be raised. Penny also reviewed our work on three research grants and on achieving dedication of Lake Koshkonong as an Important Bird Area. Finally, our program to build nesting structures for birds continues to be very successful. In addition to wood duck nest boxes, we also now make mallard nesting structures and Prothonotary warbler boxes.

Penny next presented the 2006 Annual Financial Report.

Penny announced the results of the election of Board members and officers. She noted that the Board has decided to add another Board position to bring the Board membership to eight individuals. Susan Shultz and Penny Shackelford were re-elected to 3-year terms on the board. Allen Haight was elected to a 3-year term to fill the new Board position. Rick Persson was elected to serve a 1-year term as Chairman. Susan Yates was elected to serve a 1-year tem as Vice Chairman. Penny Shackelford was elected to serve a 1-year term as Secretary-Treasurer. Linn Duesterbeck will be responsible for programs, membership and publicity.

New Business:

  1. We discussed the issue of accounts payable to NRC and Axley-Brynelson. The Board feels that with another year of generous donations from our members, we will be able to pay off these accounts.
  2. We discussed applying for additional grants in order to improve our wetlands and to learn more about the natural history of these valuable areas. Penny noted that the Natural Resources Foundation (NRF) has created a special fund for IBAs to monitor, manage and protect the areas. The citizen-based monitoring program of Wisconsin also has funds to support or initiate monitoring of aquatic and terrestrial plants, animals and their habitats. Both of these grants would be appropriate for our organization. We may wish to monitor species of concern such as black terns, prothonotary warblers, or blue-winged teal, and we may also apply for funding to improve habitat for these species. We also may wish to monitor the increasing population of white pelicans on the lake.
  3. We discussed programs for next year. Suggestions included Andy Paulios re prothonotary warbler nest boxes and black tern habitat. Also requested was a program on osprey. We encourage members to bring ideas for programs.

Old business:

  1. 1. Water level issue: Buck Sweeney reported that tomorrow there will be a hearing with Judge Dillon to discuss the timetable of briefs and replies for the appeal of the decision of the Administrative law judge. NOTE: the timetable was determined the next day. It extends into November.
  2. 2. The annual meeting of the RKLD will be on Saturday, July 28 at 9:00 am at the Fort Atkinson High School. It is very important for us to attend.
  3. 3. Our annual picnic will be on Sunday, August 19 at Carcajou form 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The hosts will provide a pig roast and beverages. We will be asked to make a contribution ($5 per person) toward the cost of the pig. Also please bring a dish to pass. Most important, bring friends and family!! We are also encouraged to bring antique boats that were used on Lake Koshkonong.

Announcements:

Next meeting is July 31 at Linn Duesterbeck’s home, 6:00 pm. The program will be on control of purple loosestrife with beetles. There will be no business meeting, so you will enjoy a pleasant walk and be home in time for dinner!

Please consider attending the Odyssey of Nature at Mush-Ko-Se-Day Park (south of Hackbarth Road in Fort Atkinson). It starts at 9:00 am on Saturday, July 7 and continues until 4:00 pm.

The meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.

Program: Birds around Lake Koshkonong.

  1. Roger Martin showed a video of wood duck ducklings jumping out of their nest box in Roger and Margaret’s back yard on Vinnie Ha Ha.
  2. Ron Martin showed photographs of a kestrel chicks successfully reared in the nest box he has at his home on Charlie Bluff road.
  3. Penny and Gary reported a successful pair of nesting osprey on the nesting platform in Thiebeau Marsh.
  4. Penny and Gary led a bird walk around their prairie. We identified tree swallows, purple martins, barn swallows, song sparrows, chipping sparrows, a great blue heron, and little green heron. We heard sedge wrens, common yellow throat and house wren. We enjoyed the beautiful array of prairie plants, butterflies and dragonflies.

Respectfully submitted,

Penny Shackelford, Secretary-Treasurer