SPONGY MOTH (formerly Gypsy Moth) WARNING

As discussed at the PLPRD's annual meeting on 8/5/2023, the outbreak of Spongy Moths is an urgent topic which should be at the forefront of District homeowner's minds. A sizeable infestation has been reported here at Pretty Lake.

Invasive spongy moth caterpillars, formerly known as gypsy moth, strip trees of their leaves, potentially killing high-value trees. They prefer to feed on oak, birch, crabapple, aspen and willow leaves but will also feed on many other tree and shrub species, including pines.

Southern Wisconsin and parts of the north are already in a high-population outbreak that is predicted to continue and spread. Below are materials to educate and aid property owners into taking action. Questions may be directed to Randy Cavaiani at 847- 774-5956

DASH (Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting) of Aquatic Invasive Species

DASH Boat removal of Milfoil — Gathering harvested milfoil- each garbage can weighs 200 lbs!

Since 2019, Pretty Lake has been running its own DASH (Diver Assisted Suction Harvester) to remove tons of invasive Eurasian Water Milfoil each summer. If left unabated, the invasive weed can eventually take over and adversely affect fishing and motorized boat navigation. Several tons of milfoil have been removed each summer season. And it's making a difference. Pretty Lake water is extremely clear, clean and healthy. We further encourage lake residents to clean their own shorelines to avoid re-seeding of milfoil fragments. If you have any questions about how to identify and/or remove milfoil "by its roots", please contact Mark Bretl, who you'll find in the Pretty Lake resident directory.

And we are truly happy to cooperate and share data with the DNR, other Lake Districts, Lake Associations, municipalities, and conservation organizations by our continued involvement in the Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) campaign.

Thank you to the many interns and volunteers who have been conducting watercraft inspections over the years!

Wisconsin DNR Articles

DNR-Graphic -Pretty Lake Citizens' Lake Monitoring Network

Wisconsin' Healthy Lakes and Rivers Plan

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Pretty Lake's Fish Stocking Initiative

Since 2012, and in cooperation with DNR guidelines, Pretty Lake has stocked thousands of walleye fingerlings between 6 & 9 inches, in addition to a large amount of Northern Pike fingerlings. We've created a fund in our financial statement that is specifically for fish stocking. All money received for fish stocking will never go into the general treasury. Pretty Lake Fish Stocking will continue to work with the DNR, the PLPRD Board and lake residents interested in fish stocking. Each year it's decided by the DNR which kind of fish, if any, should be stocked here in order to provide the most diverse population of good-sized fish of various types.

If you would like to contribute in any way to the fish stocking initiative at Pretty Lake, please contact Maureen Cavaiaini.

To Donate: Please make checks payable to: "PLPRD Fish Stocking"
This is a TAX DEDUCTABLE donation and you will receive a receipt.
Mail To:
Pretty Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District
Attn: Treasurer
W377S5166 W. Pretty Lake Rd
Dousman, WI 53118

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Fish Cribs are some times placed on the ice in winter for newly stocked, smaller fish, so they can seek protection from larger predatory fish. Fish cribs allow fingerlings to grow. The cribs sink to the lake bottom in the Spring, and eventually help maintain healthy fish habitat and stocking levels at Pretty Lake.

A Little Bit About BLUE-GREEN Algae

Staying Safe and Healthy In Wisconsin Lakes

Algae blooms are a natural part of all Wisconsin rivers and lakes. When nutrients in the water increase, algae can too. THE PLPRD (Lake District) makes every effort to keep Pretty Lake clean and clear. However, whether or not algae blooms occur is dependent on reasons which are uncontrollable, such as warmer weather, lake temperature, or amount of rain runoff , etc.

A good explanation of how and why algae blooms occur can be found in this EPA article.

https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/climate-change-and-harmful-algal-blooms

And here's more general information on algae.

Algae blooms may be minimized by avoiding use of phosphorous fertilizers in lawns, especially near shorelines, and preventing animal waste from entering water.

Algae bloom durations are not predictable, yet may occur likely more in shallow, stagnant waters. We do not keep records of percentage concentrations of algae which may appear at any one time, as it can be quite random and limited to a specific area in the lake.

More information on the more harmful blue-green algae type can be found on the Wisconsin DNR website.

updated 05-04-2024