Many people think that Lake Wandawega has lot of weeds. What Lake Wandawega does have is an extremely healthy aquatic plant population. Approximately 21 different ones. Among these is water shield, large leaf pondweed, white water lily, bushy pondweed and a host of others. Chara is also present in the lake, but it's not a vascular plant...it's actually a “branched multicellular algae.” It's a good algae to have in the lake! But, there are two exceptions to the aquatic plant vs. weed conversation. Lake Wandawega also has an abundance of Eurasian milfoil and a some occurrences of curly leaf pondweed. To put them into perspective, think of these as the dandelions or buckthorn of the lake, and feel free to call these two invasive species “weeds.” Click these links to learn more about identifying and controlling Eurasian watermilfoil and curly-leaf pondweed on the Wisconsin DNR site.

Learn more on Saturday June 24th at 9am at the WCC Clubhouse. Members of the community – as well as members of the LWIA Board – are advocating for the creation of a Lake District to help protect, rehabilitate and improve Lake Wandawega. Here's a PDF of the "Lake District 101" discussion guide referenced at LWIA meetings. There's sure to be some spirited debate about the relative pros and cons, so we ask you to please do your own research to make sure you better understand the concept of Lake Districts. Meanwhile, here's a high level "Wisconsin Lake District FAQ's" to help get the conversation started and here's a link to "People of the Lakes, A Guide for Wisconsin Lake Organizations, Lake Associations & Lake Districts." 

If you are within 1,000 feet of the lake, you are in a shoreland area and special regulations regarding trees/vegetation that can be removed and how much vegetation can be cut apply. There are also special building restrictions. With the gift of shoreland residency also comes responsibility. Learn more here.