• External link opens in new tab or window715-466-4525
  • External link opens in new tab or windowAdmn.toc@gmail.com
  • External link opens in new tab or windowW8499 State Highway 77, Trego, WI 54888
Menu
  • External link opens in new tab or window
  • External link opens in new tab or window
  • External link opens in new tab or window


News

Town Of Chicog

We make it a point to keep our readers well informed about the latest happenings, news, and laws related to The Town Of Chicog. Please take a look below to learn about what is happening in our town.


Date: 5/14/2025

RE: Wild Fire Risk Reduction Program

To: All Town of Chicog community members/land owners


We will begin to execute our Wild Fire Risk Reduction program grant starting on Monday, June 2, 2025. The intent of the project is to provide resources to our community members to clear brush, trees, and growth from their properties to reduce fire risk on their property.

Following is the action plan:

  1. Landowners will be tasked to clear brush, vegetation and trees on their properties and place the material on the roadside for pick up. Trees will be limited to no more than 8” in diameter. If possible, please cut to lengths no longer than 6’. We are unable to remove leaves in this initiative.

  2. Driveways to your home are required to be a minimum of 12’ wide by 13.5’ high. The township and fire department would prefer this clearance to be 20’ wide by 13.5’ high if possible.

  3. The township will schedule route pickups by road and dates. We will make an effort to communicate the routes 2-3 weeks in advance of the pickup.

  4. Current schedule calls for pick up to commence on Monday, 6/2/25-6/3/25 on the following roads.

Bridge, Misty Bog, Deeper Lake, Webb Creek, Bald Eagle, Blue Bird, Flicker, Pash, Massett, McClain, Chicog Lake, Acorn, Hustvette, Hazel Nut roads.

This program is a great way to clean up your properties and reduce fire risk in our township at no cost to the landowner. We hope and encourage you to take full advantage of this program.


Any questions or concerns please contact Scott Pahos at 715-699-4173.


Thank you in advance for participating in our program.


Town of Chicog Board members, employees

Scott Pahos

Brian Berg

Sue Kowarsch

Terri Corrie

Kathy Stromeyer

Joe Norton

















In In The News



Washburn County ADRC articles:

Waterskiing -July, 2024.pdf
Shangri-la August, 2024.pdf
Rodeo -September, 2024.pdf
Middle Twin Lake October, 2024.pdf
Chicog - Then and Now -November, 2024.pdf
104 Years Young - December, 2024.pdf
Hoinville Hills - January, 2025.pdf
Kidnap - March, 2025.pdf
Kidnap part 2 - April, 2025.pdf
Syrup - May, 2025.pdf






 Great News

Message from Matthews Lake Association:



To the members of the Chicog Township Board:

A few weeks ago, Eric Lindberg and I were at your meeting to explain the Watermilfoil threat to our lake. The preliminary confirmation was made by one of the best aquatic plant biologists in Wisconsin. The various species of Watermilfoil are often difficult to determine, even by experts.

The genetic testing has determined that WE DO NOT HAVE AN INVASIVE SPECIES Of Watermilfoil! While we had an extremely high probability of Hybrid Watermilfoil in Matthews Lake because of our meander survey at the landing, the official lab tests results which arrived on Wednesday, August 23 confirmed that we do not have this invasive species at this time. It is Northern Watermilfoil, a common aquatic plant in Wisconsin Lakes. That is great news for our lake and township!

What actions we took and what we learned

We were able to engage our Aquatic Invasive Species Committee, headed by Eric Lindberg and the MLA Board to move into action very quickly to respond to the potential threat to our lake.
Applying for a $32,500 Rapid Response Grant through the Wisconsin DNR is a straightforward process and we were ready to submit this upon learning of a positive identification of an invasive plant.  This grant would have covered additional Aquatic Plant Surveys, diver assisted hand pulling of invasives, and buoys.
We had received approval from the Chicog Township to place “channel markers” at our landing to have boats motor slowly straight out to the deep water to avoid spreading Watermilfoil. The DNR application was in place pending the lab results.  
We did purchase the buoys for the channel markers but will work to resell them to another lake association that does have the invasive Watermilfoil or other uses for them.
While there certainly was an urgency to act, we would like to work with the Wisconsin DNR to do the genetic testing sooner. This delay was a major factor in our process.
We now know the process we need to go through if we do have an AIS species invade our lake.
We would continue to work with the Township and other lake associations on preventative actions we can take to keep the spread of AIS out of our lakes


We are grateful for the support and help the Chicog Township Board and its leadership provided us during the process. It was an excellent learning, and we will be ready in the event it does happen.





Town Brush Site: We will be leaving the site open 24/7 for brush disposal until further notice, but it will be monitored. Sorry for the inconvenience of all the schedule changing.


ESG

Landowners of Chicog need to look at these suggested evacuation routes and map, attached file Evacuation Routes & Map, so to plan how to leave your property in case of a required evacuation. Do plan to have more than one route out of the area, which will depend on which way the fire or "hazard" is coming from.
 
Also, you will find the different levels of fire danger alerts information in the attached file, Levels of Fire Danger Alerts, so that you have a general idea of the different levels and what message your ESG phone caller will give you.
 

Please let us know if you have any questions by contacting the two current Co-Directors: Terri Corrie at External link opens in new tab or windowtcorrie@centurytel.net or Marilyn Gallman at External link opens in new tab or windowmjgallman@gmail.com

 
External link opens in new tab or windowChicog Evacuation Map & Routes.pdf
External link opens in new tab or windowChicog ESG Levels of Fire Danger Alerts.pdf

Washburn County Community Rights Alliance – WCCRA

The Washburn County Community Rights Alliance (WCCRA) is a citizens group that believes in our right to local community self-government. We believe in community rights over corporate rights. We are now putting together a community rights law called the Climate Bill of Rights. We feel that our community should have a say as to whether a non-local corporation has the right to come into our community and potentially degrade and destroy the land. After all, we, along with future generations, have to live with the potential harms.

Ladies of the Lake
Chicog Free Library

The Town Of Chicog free library is now open at the town hall. It is located on the west side of the building under the canopy. There is a pretty good selection of books including some children's books.
 
There is no charge for these books and no time limit on how long you can keep them. We only ask that, if possible, when you take a book, you leave a book.

Hall Rental

Rental of the town hall for personal use is the responsibility of the town treasurer. Please contact Kathy Strohmeyer to reserve the hall for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

IRS Scams

IRS never does phone calls to inform people if they are in the rear with income tax payments; instead, they send you a formal letter. So if you are receiving a phone call from the IRS, it is a scam. Do not listen or do anything they are asking you.

Washburn County CodeRED

Washburn County CodeRED: Head to this website,
External link opens in new tab or windowhttp://www.co.washburn.wi.us/, and look for the CodeRED emblem. Click on it and sign up for coverage through this easy way. More details on this website. Also, call Milly Thissen (612-670-8541) and give her permission to sign you up, and she will do so you have the benefits of CodeRED.

Namekagon Transit Door to Door Bus Service Has Arrived!

Starting January 2020, the Namekagon Transit Door Stop Bus Service will cover our area on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. This option will travel through the communities of Shell Lake, Spooner, Trego, Lampson, Minong, Chicog, Highway F, K, and E.

Reservations will be required for pickup, which may be made by calling 715-634-6633 option 1 at least one day ahead and before 1 p.m. of that Tuesday. It may be best to call on Monday of those weeks so to ensure you are on the list. Fares for all are $1 and for seniors and/or disabled are $1 or 50 cents when you have the Namekagon Transit ID Card.

External link opens in new tab or window(Application to complete is below)

You need to have the exact change when you board the bus because the bus driver will not have any change. This is a Door Stop Service that is open to the public.

Also, we will have an option of doing a "Seniors Day" on the 5th Wednesday of the month that has a 5th Wednesday. These are January 29, April 29, July 29, September 30, and December 30, 2020, with bus service from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to anywhere in Washburn, Sawyer, and Barron Counties. If you have an idea for an activity or an event on these days, then call Linda at the office at 715-635-4461. If you want to join the activity on these days and need to inquire about the planned activities, call Linda at the above number for information and registration to participate.

If any questions about the bus service, please call Namekagon Transit at 715-634-6633 and select the option to talk with the administrative office.


•Namekagon Transit:
External link opens in new tab or windowwww.namekagontransit.com
 
External link opens in new tab or windowNew Rider Info.pdf
External link opens in new tab or windowReduced Fare App.pdf

Column

Break-Ins

Keep alert for any suspicious activities in the area. If you see anything that looks suspicious, call the Washburn County Sheriff's Department. Let's keep an eye out for all our neighbors.

$200.00 Reward

There has been an issue with vandalism to town property in Chicog. We have had several road signs knocked down, stolen, or shot up. The town will pay a $200.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for this or any other damage to town property. Please contact a board member if you have information.

Column

Public Input Wanted

At every monthly town meeting, we have a public input segment, where you, the landowners of Chicog, can express your ideas and suggestions to the town board. It is also an outlet for any concerns you may have about what is happening around town. We are aware that only a small number of residents and landowners can attend these monthly meetings, so many of your ideas and concerns never reach the town board. Beginning now, you can e-mail your input to me at loiselle@centurytel.net, and I will present your ideas at the meeting. The more ideas we hear, the better we can address the wants, needs, and concerns of the people of Chicog.

Help Available

If you need help around the yard either removing snow or cleaning up the yard, contact the Washburn County Unit on Aging. Or you can call Pastor Patrick at the Wesleyan Church in Spooner at External link opens in new tab or window715-635-2768.


Email Alerts

The Town Of Chicog has set up an email list to alert residents of Chicog of happenings within our town. If you would like to be added to this list, send your email address to Brian Berg at External link opens in new tab or windowbbergchicog@gmail.com.


Zoning and Building Permits

Chicog Township is zoned. Zoning laws are enforced through Washburn County. If you plan on building in our township, visit the Zoning Office at the Washburn County courthouse in Shell Lake and make sure everything is in order. Also, keep in mind that building permits are required in Chicog.

Phone Calls


Your town board is dedicated to helping the people of Chicog in any way possible. However, please keep in mind that they have private lives as well. If you need to contact a board member, please do so between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday. E-mails can be sent at any time, but may only be responded to during business hours. The board appreciates your cooperation on this matter.

If you have any suggestions or comments, please send them to Terri Corrie tcorrie@centurytel.net or call at 715-466-4129. We appreciate your interest in keeping the Town Of Chicog informed and safe!

Column

Radio Station

WHSM Hayward
WCMP & WXCX Siren
WJMC Rice Lake
WRLS Hayward
WIBA Madison

Column

AM #

910
1350
1240

1310

Column

FM #

101.1
100.9 and 105.7
96.1
92.3
101.5









PROTECT AND PRESERVE:


A Plan For the Town of Chicog

Washburn County, WI


Updated and Revised, May 2023





General Direction


The original plan which we are here updating was too long, contained too much and now outdated background material, and too many recommendations and unachievable deadlines. Without jettisoning the original plan, we determined to start over from scratch and produce a simple new plan in a few pages. The updated original remains and serves as a reference for demographic and other data. Recommendations in the new Plan supersede and render invalid recommendations in the original.


Explanation of Goal And Rationale For Planning


Protect and Preserve: Why We Call It “God’s Country”


Here, in the North Country, we are privileged to live in a land that is in almost total contrast to those places in which most people find they must live.

It is a land of forests and yet pristine lakes.

Here we find biodiversity. At night one can hear the bark of the fox, the call of the great horned owl, the singing of the coyotes and, occasionally, one can see a timber wolf. Bears live here alongside us. Countless other animal species enrich our land: otter and osprey, bass and bluegill, the pine family—Reds, Whites, Jacks, and Balsam fir, plus we have Red Oaks, Aspens, Maples, and Birches. The great eagle and the great blue heron are fellow citizens here, as is the little green heron, the Canada Goose, and the Loon. Chipmunks and chattering red squirrels, porcupines, and so many others. The White Tail deer come right up to the cabin. The Town of Chicog is a paradise of biodiversity.

Here one can see the sunlight dancing off the waves, and at night, the Northern Lights. We still have dark skies where we can pick out the stars. We have wild rivers for canoe and kayak trips. On quiet winter nights the bright moon illuminates the bare trees, and we can track the ruffed grouse in the snow.

Here, too, are opportunities for recreation: fishing, water-skiing, pontooning in the evening when the No Wake rule comes into play. Hunting in the fall. Summer picnics and parties. Bird watching. Cross-country skiing, and the mesmerizing spell of sitting on a bucket on the ice and staring down a hole. The pace of life is slower here. Lake Associations watch over the quality of the waters.

This little Town of Chicog, located up in the North Country, is a precious haven in a greater land too busy, too noisy, too over-lit at night. Here recreation means re-creation of our spirits. This is what we want to preserve and protect to the seventh generation and so we offer this comprehensive plan to ensure the quality of life for the present and future.



Why We Plan


Planning is nothing more than looking ahead. As our mothers taught us, “Look before you leap.”

Major changes are already underway including climate deterioration and large-scale campground development among others. We need to be prepared for them.


We plan to better serve our citizens.

We plan to head off unwanted change and to encourage positive change.

We plan in order to be proactive, to meet unwanted problems before they get out of control, rather than being reactive after it’s too late.

We plan to keep the character of our Town “Northwoods.”

We plan to ensure our fishing and hunting rights and opportunities.

We plan to keep our lakes clear and healthy for water sports.


Process and Recommendations


Then Town Chairman, Patrick Wilcox, noted that our Comprehensive Plan was over twenty years old, was too long and as a result had been shelved and neglected. He appointed a Planning Committee to update and revise it. The Committee consisted of the following members.


Scott Pahos

Lori Krings

Wendy Streiff

Brad Harrison

Louis Columbus

Kent Shifferd, Chair


The Committee aimed to produce a concise and more useable plan, of no more than a few pages. The Committee worked for eight months. While the Committee kept elements of the Old Plan, we brought those up to date and then started anew with a SWOT Analysis and finished with 24 recommendations to the Board of Supervisors. These are grouped under seven headings: Energy Efficiency and Independence, Toxics, Biodiversity, Land Use, Invasive Species, Communication and Security. We did not specify deadlines for the initiation or completion of the recommended projects but recommend that Biodiversity and Energy Independence and Efficiency should have high priority.



The Seven General Headings


Recommendations: There are 24 recommendations under the headings of Energy Efficiency and Independence, Toxics, Biodiversity and Pollinator Protection, Land Use, Invasive Species, Communications, and Security. The rationales for these are as follows.


Energy Efficiency and Independence: The various methods suggested here for upgrading the building’s R value will save money and reduce our carbon footprint, as will the solar array. We believe these will have relatively short payback periods. They also show our commitment to doing our part to head off the serious effects of uncontrolled global climate deterioration, which, among other things will likely result in failures of the grid to supply electricity consistently.


Toxics: This is a no brainer. We need to protect our own people as they work in the kitchen and clean the Hall, as well as prevent such materials getting into the environment. Note, we consider plastics and Styrofoam to be toxics.


Biodiversity; Pollinator Protection: Biodiversity is the hallmark of our Northwoods ecosystem and is one of the main reasons people live here and come here for vacations. Biodiversity is in rapid and dangerous decline throughout the world, and it can only be saved place by place. This is our plan to protect the values that make us a unique place and that includes pollinator protection. Over 40 percent of our food supply depends on pollinators which include not only bees but also butterflies and moths. Dragonflies hold down the mosquitoes. As biologists observe, without insects the world would be dramatically different and degraded.


Land Use: The nature, extent and siting of human infrastructure including homes, campgrounds, businesses, parks, roads, etc. directly affect the quality of life and must be coordinated so as to promote the vision of Chicog as a rural, Northwoods community as described in the section, “Preserve and Protect.” Regulation of this infrastructure is designed to protect the common good for this and future generations.


Invasive Species: Our waters are the principle reason people come here for recreation. Zebra Mussels, Eurasian Milfoil, Spiny Water Flea and other invasives ride on boats coming in off the landings.


Communications: In order to provide harmony and information essential to all aspects of the community is essential to open avenues of communication to and from cottagers, the local press, other levels of government and volunteer citizen organizations.


Security: Principally focused on forest fires, this section also contains recommendations to assist volunteer organizations who care for the elderly and others in need.


SWOT ANALYSIS


STRENGTHS

Retired population available for enhancing civic life

Well-organized and effective Town government

Relatively new Town Hall and outbuildings

Emergency services

Volunteer fire department

Local EMTs

Contracted ambulance service

Large group of retired persons available for civic participation


Vital civic life

Walkabout, Angels On Our Shoulders, Firewise, Hunter’s Feed,

Emergency Response Team, etc.

Good road system

CAFO ordinance

No wake ordinance

Brush Depository

Two strong Lake Associations

Low crime rate

WEAKNESSES

Limited by County and State (preemption)

Total reliance on fossil fuels

Understaffed volunteer fire department

Abuse of roads by ATVs

Weak internet access

Little communication between Town government and weekenders

Lack of enforcement powers

Insufficient health and transportation services

Absence of jobs that pay well

Climate Deterioration (no planning)

likelihood of extreme events including forest fires and torrential rains,

loss of wildlife habitat, eutrophication of lakes (algae slimes)

Habitat Deterioration

Light pollution and loss of dark skies, noise pollution, loss of beneficial

roadside ecosystems, wake boats eroding shorelines and endangering other users of the water ways

Inappropriate Development

Industrial-like structures, large “campgrounds”

Aging population

OPPORTUNITIES

Move toward renewable energy (esp. Town buildings)

Encourage pollinators

Garden at Town Hall, creative roadside management

Create a Lake Advisory Committee (as per Town of Minong)

Install more zebra mussel cleaning stations

Create an effective (volunteer) education program on how to live in the North Country (as per Twin Lakes Preservation Association)

Develop a forestry regeneration plan that reflects the trends in climate change

Develop a subdivision ordinance that prohibits developments of high density “campgrounds” on lake shores and elsewhere

THREATS

Exotic invasive species

Japanese knotweed, zebra and quagga mussels, curly leaf pondweed, Eurasian milfoil, spiny water flea,

Light and noise pollution

Climate deterioration including: Increased danger of forest fires

Eutrophication of lakes accelerated leading to algae blooms, loss of fisheries,

Overdevelopment consequent on incomers escaping SW drought extreme

Heat and threats to electric power availability

Toxic chemicals

CAFOs

Loss of roadside berry patches

Loss of fire department

Wake Boats causing erosion and eutrophication

High density park model subdivisions



SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION

I.  ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND INDEPENDENCE

1. Replace all windows with high R-value windows and replace seals around exterior doors.

Time Frame: Fall, 2023

2.  Install a ground-based solar array to provide electricity to the Town Hall.

[Maintain connection to the grid and maintain the diesel generator as backup.]

Rationale: Saving energy saves money. Enhanced reliability during power outages. Supporting material in Appendix

3.  Consider adding an air-lock front entrance.

4.  Replace fluorescents in Town Hall with LEDs.


II.  TOXICS
1.  Inventory and replace toxic cleaning materials and non-biodegradable products including Styrofoam with organics.
2.  Encourage organic and natural farming.


III.  BIODIVERSITY; POLLINATOR PROTECTION
1.  Authorize a pollinator garden at the Town cemetery site to be created and maintained by volunteers.
2.  Authorize purchasing and planting bird-friendly shrubs at Town Hall site. (by volunteers)
3.  Alter roadside mowing to encourage pollinators. by either: mowing only after the wildflowers have bloomed, mowing only 6 feet back, mowing only every other year.
4.  Investigate a managed growth plan for Town woodlots to increase biodiversity.


IV. LAND USE

1. Consult with Attorney re: enacting a Permitting Agreement governing the permitting of Campgrounds in the Town of Chicog in order to determine what restrictions can be applied to campgrounds. [See one possible proposal at bottom.]

2. Pursue the CAFO ordinance with the County Boards Agricultural Committee.


V. INVASIVE SPECIES

1.  Monitor and control invasive species including Buckthorn, Japanese Knotweed, purple loosestrife, etc. External link opens in new tab or windowhttps://florence.extension.wisc.edu/files/2017/02/Invasive-Updates-Page.pdf for a complete list.)
2.  Establish decontamination stations at all boat landings.


VI. COMMUNICATION

1.  Authorize a citizen-based Lakes Committee, made up of representatives of each lake, to keep the Board informed of lake conditions.
2.  Replace the Planning Committee with a permanent Planning Commission to oversee implementation of the Plan.
3.  Hold Quarterly Saturday listening sessions during cabin season and encourage citizens to use the suggestion box at the front of the building.
4.  Make a Board member available upon invitation to attend Lake Association Meetings.
5.  Board member to attend County Board meetings.
6.  Liaise with the Spooner Advocate Chicog News column (provide meeting minutes and other pertinent information).
7.  Create a new refrigerator magnet poster with current emergency numbers and Phone number of the Town Hall and url of Town’s webpage.


VII. SECURITY

1.  Publicize the laws regarding fireworks permits.
2.  Cooperate and facilitate with citizen organizations (e.g., Angels On Our Shoulders, ESG, Firewise, C.AI.S.C.)
3.  Improve greater access to public transportation.
4.  Maintain fire department in peak readiness.


- - - - - - -


Respectfully submitted June, 2023.

Kent Shifferd, Chair

Louis Columbus

Brad Harrison

Lori Krings

Wendy Streiff

Scott Pahos




Print Version: External link opens in new tab or windowTown of Chicog Plan








Business

Column
Column
Column

Chicog Self-Storage

Heather & Denny Richter
Cell: External link opens in new tab or window715-296-6433 / External link opens in new tab or window715-466-4681

Column

Self-Storage Unit

Column
Column
Column

Pappy's Tavern & Canoe Rental/Shuttle

W8296 WI - 77
Trego, WI 54888
External link opens in new tab or window715-466-2568
Opens at 11:00 AM every day except Mondays

Column

Pappy's Tavern

Column

RPS Construction Service, LLC

N11322 Burian Place Rd
Trego, WI 54888
External link opens in new tab or window715-829-2627
Email:
Bob - bob@rpshomebuilders.com
Wendy - rpsbuilders@frontier.com

Column
Column

PD Cozy Cabin’s, LLC.

Trego, WI. 54888
External link opens in new tab or window952-838-5723
 
External link opens in new tab or windowwww.PDCozyCabin.com
pdcozycabin@gmail.com

Column

Column
Column
Column

A to Z POWER WASHING

HOMES, CABINS, WINDOWS

CAMPERS, DRIVEWAYS, DOCKS, BOATS

AND MORE

External link opens in new tab or windowinfo@azpowerwashing.net

External link opens in new tab or windowazpowerwashing.net 

Jim: External link opens in new tab or window507-259-5265

Column





Lakes


https://0201.nccdn.net/4_2/000/000/017/e75/original.jpg
https://0201.nccdn.net/1_2/000/000/0de/b12/bbtboat.jpg
https://0201.nccdn.net/1_2/000/000/101/1c0/ejrboat.jpg
https://0201.nccdn.net/1_2/000/000/140/89d/rmpboat.jpg
https://0201.nccdn.net/1_2/000/000/143/ee8/sdbboat2.jpg
https://0201.nccdn.net/1_2/000/000/184/e94/sdpboat.jpg
https://0201.nccdn.net/1_2/000/000/0d0/193/patriotic.jpg
https://0201.nccdn.net/4_2/000/000/017/e75/original.jpg
https://0201.nccdn.net/1_2/000/000/0de/b12/bbtboat.jpg

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

0

Fun on the lake

July 4th 2024



Information on Township Lakes

External link opens in new tab or windowChicog Lake | External link opens in new tab or windowMcLain Lake | External link opens in new tab or windowMatthews Lake | External link opens in new tab or windowNorth Twin Lake | External link opens in new tab or windowPear Lake | External link opens in new tab or windowSouth Twin Lake

Washburn County
External link opens in new tab or windowAquatic Invasive Species

CLMN information

External link opens in new tab or windowCitizen Lake Monitoring Network - Extension Lakes | UWSP

External link opens in new tab or windowCitizen Lake Monitoring Network | | Wisconsin DNR

 
DNR - Washburn
External link opens in new tab or windowAquatic Invasive Species - Washburn County



The Washburn County Land and Water Conservation Department also has a newly-updated Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) website (External link opens in new tab or windowhttps://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/3b7b5413c50d48a39d62e48df1df103d). It discusses the main species of concern in Washburn County, mapped areas, controlled areas of some species and watercraft decontamination.  More information will be added over time.


Zebra Mussels – Decontamination

We have two decontamination stations in Chicog, (see below) Matthew Lake and Lower McKenzie Lake, and we are required to follow the decontamination law as well as to encourage our visitors with boats to do the same. We need to know the decontamination law for Washburn & Burnett County, which became law earlier this year. The law is, "Boaters are required to decontaminate their boats before entering a water body if a decontamination facility (see the enclosed picture of this decontamination station) is at the landing where boaters are putting in. This may consist of removing the weeds off the boat and doing a high pressure/high heat power wash, bleach wash, or other processes that are indicated by the signage". Please process the weed removal and bleach wash at both of these boat landings with decontamination stations.

 

You will find the explanation of the bleach wash by reviewing the “Ways to Zap Zebra Mussels” brochure below.

 

During June 22, 2018, Northwestern Wisconsin Lakes Conference, Dr. Mike McCarthy from the University of MN Research advised us not to move used docks and lifts from another lake into our lakes from May to November. And if you do move this equipment during these months, please make sure to have it power washed with 140 degrees hot water high-pressure washer spray before bringing to the boat landing and dropping it in your lake. He mentioned that they believe that Zebra Mussels do detach from established settings when introduced into new waters.

 

Keep in mind that Zebra Mussels can live on a boat, lift, or dock out of water for five days in dry weather and up to 30 days in wet weather.

 

Another report from Dr. Mike McCarthy at the Northwestern Wisconsin Lakes Conference is that "having boat landing inspectors is critical and is effective in keeping the Aquatic Invasive Species out, especially the Zebra Mussels, by doing weed removal and the bleach wash continuously." We need to encourage everyone using our lakes to do the inspection and bleach wash whether an inspector is present or not.

 

Additional Readings:

External link opens in new tab or windowWashburn County Lakes & Rivers Association

 

External link opens in new tab or windowBurnett County Lakes and Rivers Association


Links to Other Sites for Zebra Mussel Information

External link opens in new tab or windowThe Wisconsin DNR General Facts

External link opens in new tab or windowGood Source of Information About Zebra Mussels

External link opens in new tab or window“Washburn-Burnett Counties Mobilizing Against Zebra Mussels”.

External link opens in new tab or windowTo See a Video on How to Identify ZM on Your Dock

External link opens in new tab or windowBasic Facts From USGS

Living on the lake may bring family and friends with their boats to enjoy your lake. Do you know where to send your friends and family members who are bringing their boat to spend time on your lake so that they wash their boat if they have been in any of the areas where the red dots show External link opens in new tab or windowon this website.

External link opens in new tab or windowPage 3 Has the Zebra Mussel Life Cycle

External link opens in new tab or windowGood Video on the Effects of ZM

External link opens in new tab or windowGood Video on Facts and Consequences of ZM

External link opens in new tab or window“Protect Your Boat and Engine from Zebra Mussels” If You Are in an Infested Lake.

Zebra Mussel control procedures. Here is a list:

Burnett County: Dave Ferris External link opens in new tab or window715-349-2186 dferris@burnettcounty.org Burnett County Land & Water; Bob Baker External link opens in new tab or window715-349 8009 robert.w.baker@uwrf.edu

Burnett County Lakes & Rivers Association.


Washburn County: Lisa Burns External link opens in new tab or window715-468-4654 lburns@co.washburn.wi.co Washburn County Land & Water; Cathie Erickson External link opens in new tab or window715-865-4406 Washburn County Lakes & Rivers Association.


DNR Wisconsin: Report ZM potential sightings to Kris Larsen External link opens in new tab or window715-635-4072; Another ZM DNR personnel - Pamela Toshner External link opens in new tab or window715-635-4073
Pamela.Toshner@wisconsin.gov

US Fish & Wildlife: Dave Wedan 608-783-8435 dave_wedan@fws.gov


External link opens in new tab or windowWays-to-Zap-Zebra-Mussels.pdf



Websites to Check Out for More Information

•FOCUS article describing the new service

External link opens in new tab or windowHERE

Town Of Chicog

Column

Links

Events Calendar
Minutes
Department
Town Info
Contact
Notices

Column

Contacts

Chairman – Scott Pahos

Treasurer – Kathy Strohmeyer

1st Supervisor – Brian Berg

Clerk – Terri Corrie

2nd Supervisor – Sue Kowarsch

Column

Town Info

W8499 State Highway 77
Trego, WI 54888

Phone: External link opens in new tab or window715-466-4525

close lightbox