The charge for the Legend Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District is to maintain the two dams and protect the quality of Legend Lake. Over the past twenty years, this has been the main mission of the members of the Board of Commissioners.
The latest report on the Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) and curly leaf pond weed from our biologist. EWM continues to plague the navigational routes through the lake system. This would indicate that we are still getting gifts of invasive species from other lakes in the area. Also that the EWM found at the boat launches continues to spread through out the system.
A survey of the lake system by our Lake Manager, Tom Ittner, found that the native plants are coming back thicker than in the past few years. The original weed harvesters were purchased when the native plants were so thick that they caused navigational and recreational problems. Each lot was assessed $100.00 to purchase the original equipment. The equipment that is moth balled and maintained in the shed was purchased with state grants and Lake District membership assessments. The grant money has dried up. The cost of new harvesters is over $200,000.00 without the necessary ax11ary equipment. Our harvesters are ready to go and the District has a DNR permit to use them to pick up floaters, if the DNR determines that they are a hazard to navigation. Once the EWM is under control, we can expect an explosion of native plants.
The LLPRD was sanctioned by the Menominee County Board. It is a governmental body subject to State Law. This limit’s the way our budget is made up, how we can raise funds to operate, how the meetings are posted, and how commissioners can meet and discuss business. The state sets the mil rate for District taxes at .50 mills maximum and what budget items the mil rate can be used for. Items that are paid for by lot assessment are clearly defined. The District is eligible for State loans. The loan for the repair of Dam #3 will be paid off this year. The District is eligible to apply for grants from the WDNR. This year there is a $40,000.00 grant for invasive species control providing lake residents hand pull weeds for 500 hours. Each resident needs to make out a simple form for their weed pulling to count. Forms are available at the lodge.
Every two years a certified engineer dose a full dam inspection. In the mean time a monthly inspections are done by a LLPRD employee and a record is kept. When weather events warrant it, inspections are done more frequently. The commissioners, LLPRD employees and County Emergency Government personnel take part in an emergency exercise to test the Emergency Action Plan biannually. Our dams are rated as being in excellent shape and well maintained by the WDNR.
Everyone is running out of space at the Legend Lake Lodge and outbuildings. There is no more building space available on the lodge lot. In the very near future a solution must be found.
Bring your questions, comments, and ideas to the Legend Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District Annual Meeting, August 11, 2012
