Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Aquatic Plant Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Okauchee Lake managers seek APM plan extension, report equipment repairs and staffing needs
Summary
Lake operations staff told the Okauchee Lake Management District they're pursuing a three-year aquatic plant management plan extension with Wisconsin DNR support, will provide a cut-depth chart to DNR, and reported equipment repairs, hydraulic tank replacement needs and additional hiring for the season.
Lake Operations Manager Brady Mullikin updated commissioners April 21 on aquatic plant management operations and a pending plan extension with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Mullikin said two barges are operating and work is two weeks underway at the facility, but identified maintenance needs: a dump truck with persistent issues, a harvester (C1) that was damaged by a fallen tree and will be repaired next year in Burlington, and hydraulic tanks that are past their expected 15-year lifespan (currently year 25) and will likely need replacement in 2025. Mullikin said Inland Lake Harvesters praised his equipment operation and that new outboards are acquired roughly every three years to preserve trade-in value.
Commissioner John Foley submitted modifications to extend the district's aquatic plant management (APM) plan for three years; consultant Dee Schriver and staff will provide a revised plan and a cut-depth chart to Heidi Bunk (contact referenced) to support grant applications. Schriver said the OLMD has received the Approved Harvesting Permit from the Wisconsin DNR.
Mullikin also reported the district is hiring additional crew members, with most hires expected to start by the end of May; some start dates may be delayed for newer crew. Commissioners discussed staggering outboard replacement as a strategy to preserve trade-in value.
Next steps: staff will submit the revised APM plan and cut-depth chart to support the three-year extension and pursue grant opportunities to fund program work and equipment replacement.
