Lake District Discussion Update

(Comments from the Annual Meeting – 08/16/25)

In 2023, the RLPOA board authorized an exploratory committee, with Gary Lewandowski serving as Project Manager. Gary has been gathering information and providing the board with updates on the logistics, potential benefits, and possible impacts of forming a lake district for Round Lakes.

The original goals of this research, which are still relevant today, were to:

a) establish a predictable and sustainable revenue source,

b) distribute the costs of maintaining the lake more broadly among those who benefit, and

c) preserve eligibility for existing revenue streams such as grants and donations.

Thanks to a strong financial position—supported by a very successful 2024 capital campaign—the association has sufficient funds to support activities into 2026, even in the event that WI DNR grant applications are not awarded. Because of this, the board has chosen to slow its work on the lake district initiative.

We extend our sincere thanks to all members and donors who helped achieve this financial strength. If membership and contributions continue to grow, an additional revenue mechanism such as a lake district may not be needed. We encourage you to talk with your neighbors, invite them to join the association, and consider making a donation if they are not already members.

Introduction
The concept of a Lake District was introduced to the membership in attendance at the 2024 Round Lake Property Owners (RLPOA) Annual Meeting on August 17, 2024 (A recording of the meeting is available on this website).

The Lake District concept is being considered to provide a long-term stable funding source for RLPOA activities, primarily Aquatic Invasive Species and Safety. The board is currently recruiting members for an exploratory committee to assist with the details of Lake District formation. Interested persons may contact Dan Kollodge, President at dakollodge@gmail.com.

General Information

Under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 33, a lake district is defined as a special-purpose unit of government, designed specifically to manage, maintain, and protect lakes and their surrounding environments. These districts are formed by local communities, primarily by property owners who are concerned about the health, quality, and use of a particular lake. The statutes provide a framework for how these districts operate, their purposes, and the powers they are granted to achieve their goals.

 Purposes of Lake Districts

1. Conservation and Restoration of Lake Ecosystems: Lake districts are established to conserve and restore lake ecosystems, focusing on maintaining the natural balance and health of the lakes. This includes protecting water quality, managing invasive species, preserving aquatic habitats, and ensuring the sustainability of native flora and fauna. Actions under this purpose might include habitat restoration projects, managing aquatic vegetation, and implementing sustainable land use practices around the lake to prevent pollution or erosion.
2. Water Quality and Level Management: A major role of lake districts is to manage the quality and levels of water within the lake. This involves various activities like monitoring water quality for pollutants (e.g., phosphorus, nitrogen, or other contaminants), implementing stormwater management practices to reduce runoff, and controlling sedimentation that may harm water clarity and lake habitats. Lake districts may also manage water levels to prevent flooding or to maintain appropriate depths for recreational and ecological purposes.
3. Erosion Control and Shoreline Management: Lake districts address shoreline erosion, which can degrade both the natural environment and property values. This might involve constructing shoreline protection structures (e.g., riprap, seawalls, or vegetation buffers), regulating development along the shorelines, and conducting educational campaigns on best practices for preventing erosion. Proper management helps to maintain the natural character of the lake, protect habitats, and reduce sediment loads that could adversely affect water quality.
4. Promotion of Recreational Use: Lake districts support recreational use, recognizing the importance of lakes for activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife observation. Districts are responsible for maintaining public access points, ensuring the safety of recreational users, and balancing recreational needs with conservation goals. They may develop facilities like boat ramps, docks, or swimming areas and work on policies to manage boat traffic, fishing pressure, and other activities to prevent overuse or damage to the lake.
5. Financial Management and Fundraising: Lake districts are empowered to raise funds through various means, including levying property taxes, issuing bonds, collecting special assessments, or applying for grants from state, federal, or private sources. These funds are used to finance projects aimed at protecting or enhancing the lake, such as weed management, water quality monitoring, dredging, or habitat restoration efforts. By having the ability to generate funds, lake districts can plan and execute long-term management strategies more effectively.
6. Governance and Community Engagement: Lake districts provide a formalized structure for local governance, giving property owners and residents a voice in managing their lake’s resources. This governance includes electing a board of commissioners, holding annual meetings, adopting bylaws, and setting budgets. Community involvement is essential for effective lake management, as it encourages local stakeholders to participate in decision-making processes, propose initiatives, and collaborate on projects that affect their lake.
7. Long-term Planning and Sustainability: A key objective of lake districts is to promote sustainable lake management through strategic planning. This involves developing long-term management plans that address current and future challenges, such as climate change impacts, increasing development pressures, or changing recreational demands. These plans often include data collection, scientific studies, and community input to ensure that management decisions are based on sound science and community values.
8. Enforcement and Regulatory Authority: Lake districts have the authority to adopt rules and regulations that govern lake use, development, and conservation efforts. They can enforce ordinances related to boat speeds, fishing regulations, use of watercraft, building setbacks, and other activities that affect lake health and safety. The ability to regulate and enforce rules helps maintain a balance between the use and protection of the lake’s resources.

Summary of the Purpose of Lake Districts in Wisconsin

Overall, the establishment of lake districts under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 33 reflects a commitment to collaborative, community-based management of lake resources. These districts bring together local property owners, residents, and other stakeholders to address issues affecting their lakes, such as water quality, invasive species, and recreational use, in a structured and democratic manner. The lake district model aims to ensure that Wisconsin's lakes remain valuable environmental, recreational, and economic resources for current and future generations.

Lake District Resources

• The enabling and operating legislation for Lake Districts is spelled out in Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 33, Public Inland Waters
• Complete Lake District Information resources by University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, Extension Lakes, College of Natural Resources
• People of the Lakes: A Guide for Wisconsin Lake Organizations
• Squash Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District (existing Lake District organization)
• Beaver Dam Lake Management District (existing Lake District organization)
• Callahan and Mud Lake District (Most recent Lake District in Sawyer County)

Lake District Committee Updates

FAQs

This section will be used to answer Frequently Asked Questions. We will soon provide an email address for you to submit questions.

Lake District item begins at the 43:00 time mark.