Tabor Lake Association

Tabor Lake, Wisconsin

Loons 2017-2018

Pat S. reported the Loons were nesting in early June 2017, however there was no baby loon this year.

She reported that a dead Loon was found in the South bay.

Pat asked if the TLA would like to donate to the Northland College Loon Watch Program. Motion was made and seconded to send them $25.

Spring of 2018, the loons have been nesting in the North Bay for three weeks and hopefully will have a baby loon with in 1-2 weeks… stay tuned!

Remember to stay at least 200 feet away from the Loons when they are nesting.

 

Zebra Mussel Update

Since Zebra Mussels were discovered in Big McKenzie Lake in 2016, Burnett County has mobilized an effort to control the spread. In January 2018, new legislation was passed that makes it a violation to NOT use a decontamination station when one is available at public launches.*

The TLA Board received a mailing in early spring 2018 outlining the responsibilities for a lake association that wants to install a decontamination station. The Board asked Burnett County conservationist Dave Ferris (who spoke at our 2018 Spring meeting) to inspect our public access. He determined that it would not be suitable for such a station due to a number of factors. Mainly, it’s too small, the run off from the decontamination process could not be contained and it’s surrounded by private property.

After a conversation with Dave, it was agreed that the best way for all Tabor Lake property owners to keep the lake free of aquatic invasive species (AIS) is to follow watercraft decontamination best practices. We just saved a bunch of money, people!

Here’s the short version for you and your guests:
• INSPECT boats, trailers and related equipment.
• REMOVE all attached aquatic plants and animals.
• DRAIN all water from boats, vehicles, and equipment.
• NEVER MOVE live fish or bait away from a waterbody.

Here is a DNR web page that further explains what boaters and landowners need to do to contribute to AIS-free lakes.

We are a bit lucky in that we have a low calcium level in our lake, but remember when the big scare was Eurasian Water-Milfoil? Getting in the habit of inspection has no down-side. Please also have your visitors decontaminate their watercraft prior to use in Tabor Lake.

One of our members went to a Zebra Mussel session at the NW Lakes Conference 2018, see this page.

By the way, if you’re into water gardening, check out this article: Water Gardening_LakeLines-Fall-2018. As is Japanese Beetles weren’t enough trouble!

Regular mussel covered with Zebra Mussels (MNDNR); Detail (Wikipedia).

Native mussel covered with Zebra Mussels (MNDNR); Detail (Wikipedia).

 

*Burnett County Board of Supervisors Resolution #2018-01, an amendment to Illegal Transportation of Aquatic Plants and Invasive Animals Ordinance.

 

Cute Hats Dominate 2018 Boat Parade

This year, the Young’s Cutest Hats won. We weren’t able to get a good photo, but thanks to all who participated! The Judge was considered the Most Creative, Alice showed up in her decked-out kayak and Debbie blew bubbles off her dock. It’s a tradition, you know.

The 2018 Water Quality Report

This is a screen shot of a summary of information reported, click here for full report.
Secchi depths, taken three times over the summer were 10, 13 and 12 feet.

The 2017 Water Quality Report

This is a screen shot of a summary of information reported, click here for full report.
Secchi depth in July was 13. Chlorophyll was up. Water temp in June was 78 degrees, 67 in August.

NW Wisconsin Lakes Conference 2018

On 6/22/18 Bob and Becky Olson attended the 20th Anniversary of the NW Wisconsin Lakes Conference. This conference is the longest running citizen conference in Wisconsin. The Keynote speaker was Keith Crowley, writer, photographer and owner of the Lodge Trail Media. His work has been featured in Field and Stream, Ducks Unlimited, etc. After the opening there were several breakout sessions to choose from.

Bees, Beekeeping and Plants for Bees
Presented by Gary Reuter, University of Minnesota Bee Lab, attended by Becky Olson

  1. There are over 400+ species of bees in Minnesota and Wisconsin
  2. There are different types of honey that include Basswood, clover, wildflower and buckwheat. Wildflower honey is made in Wisconsin.
  3. One third of all the food we eat is dependent on bee pollination.
  4. In the US, there are 750,000 acres of almond trees that require 1.5 million bees for pollination.
  5. Blueberries across the US require 150,000 colonies of honey bees for pollination.
  6. Native bees such as leaf cutter and bumble bees pollinate over half of our food in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
  7. Good flowers to attract bees include Blue Flag Iris, Joe Pye Weed, Jewel Weed and Fringed Loosestrife.
  8. The U of M Twin Cities campus offers New Bee Keeper classes in the spring and fall.

Zebra Mussels 2018 Update
Attended by Bob Olson

Click in the links below to see two flyers Bob picked up, they will get you up-to-date on aquatic invasive species. Luckily we don’t have any in Tabor Lake but they have been found in Big McKenzie Lake, jut 30 miles away. Our vigilance is our best defense.

2018 Update on Zebra Mussels
Zebra Mussels pamphlet

Thank you to Bob & Becky for volunteering to attend the conference!

 

TLA Picnic 2016 Gallery

TLA 2017 Annual Picnic Gallery

Welcome to the new website!

Dear Tabor Lakers,

Finally the new site is up. It’s not nearly as filled up with “content” as I had hoped, but now I can pick away at it. And if you want to add anything to the site, send an email! We’ve got some new features, one I think you’ll all like is the Buy & Sell button on the home page. You can load items yourself. Or the loon page complete with loon song. Paypal page is working, so send in those dues! Best insurance you ever bought. And send your feedback!

Karin
May 6, 2017