Chicog Community Lakes Association (CCLA)
Chicog Community Lakes Association
Did You Know?
The Town of Chicog has an active lakes association dedicated to protecting our shared waters.
About the Association
The Chicog Community Lakes Association (CCLA), formed in 2024, is a voluntary group of permanent and seasonal residents committed to preserving the lakes, wetlands, and natural resources of Chicog. As our mission notes, “The lakes and wetlands of the Town of Chicog are a precious heritage, the jewels of our Town.”
Our lakes—Pear, North and South Twin, Middle Twin, Chicog, Matthews, McClain, Acorn, Wilcox, and Hoinville—form a connected ecological and recreational system. These waters face increasing pressures from aquatic invasive species (AIS), climate impacts, and development. CCLA addresses these challenges through education, stewardship, and community engagement.
Protecting our lakes depends on the involvement of those who live near them, use them, and care about their future.
We all benefit from the preservation of our lakes and wetlands including:
Water clarity for fishing, swimming, and recreation due to healthy ecosystems
Maintaining property values for our towns tax base
Diversity of aquatic plants and animals
Handing down a legacy to our children for future generations
Unless you visit impaired lakes with algae blooms, invasive plants, poor fishing, and low clarity, it might be easy to take our lakes for granted.
Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) Program
CCLA participates in the statewide Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) program, which trains volunteers and paid staff to inspect boats and trailers at public landings and educate boaters on AIS prevention. Preventing invasive species at the landing is far more effective—and far less costly—than removing them once established.
The Town of Chicog received CBCW grant funding for 2025 and has again been awarded funding for 2026.
Lakes Included in the 2026 Grant
The following lakes qualify due to having public landings:
North Twin
South Twin
Matthews
McClain
Chicog
How the Program Works
The 2026 grant provides funds to support part-time inspectors and program administration. The Wisconsin DNR funds 75% of project costs; the remaining 25% is met through participating lakes’ financial contributions or donated volunteer hours. The lakes covered by our grant will be utilizing both paid and volunteer inspectors and administrators, which means there are no out-of-pocket costs!
Each lake has a designated representative to help coordinate local efforts.
Boat Inspection Process
From May 1 through September 7, 2026, trained inspectors will staff landings on weekends and holidays. They serve as friendly ambassadors, helping boaters protect the waters they enjoy.
Inspectors will:
Explain the CBCW program
Conduct arrival and departure inspections
Help boaters identify and remove plant material
Ensure plugs are removed and live wells are drained
Provide guidance on bait handling
Assist with decontamination procedures including the bleach-solution spray
Get Involved: Protect Our Lakes
Our lakes are at a pivotal moment. AIS, climate pressures, and increased recreational use make prevention more important than ever. CBCW succeeds only when community members participate.
We are seeking paid inspectors and volunteers for the 2026 season. Training is provided, scheduling is flexible, and no prior experience is required. Even a few hours of help make a meaningful difference.
Volunteer hours also count toward the required local match, helping ensure the program remains fully funded without out-of-pocket costs for participating lakes.
Why Participate?
Last year’s inspectors shared powerful reasons for getting involved. As two noted:
“Inspecting boats for invasive species is vitally important in keeping our lake(s) clean for current and future generations.” - Mark Palmquist, North and South Twin landings
“It is an investment in our future to spend a few hours educating boaters on what they can do to protect the lakes, and who could ask for a nicer office?” - Michael Flatness, McClain launch
Membership and Support
If volunteering isn’t possible, please consider supporting CCLA through annual membership or financial contributions. Annual dues are $25, which help fund education, coordination, and lake-protection efforts, as well as required matching funds for state grants. Here’s the 
CCLA Membership Application.
Healthy lakes exist because communities choose to care for them. Your involvement—through time, talent, or financial support—creates lasting benefits for generations to come.
Contact
For questions or to get involved, please reach out:
Pat Shifferd – patriciashifferd@gmail.com
Lori Krings – lakrings@gmail.com
Louis Columbus – lacolumbus35@gmail.com
Eric Lindberg – lakesaver@gmail.com
Steve Poucher – stevenpoucher@gmail.com
For additional information, please also see:
Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) | | Wisconsin DNR
|
