Families honored for shoreline stewardship

The Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association (VCLRA) recently presented a Blue Heron Shoreline Stewardship Award to two families: the Ciske family on Broken Bow Lake and the Gruber family on Irving Lake.

The Blue Heron Award recognizes lake property owners who champion strong stewardship principles in the development and use of their waterfront property to minimize environmental impacts.

Presented annually, the award aims to raise awareness and educate other property owners by showcasing outstanding examples of lake-friendly waterfront development.

Recognized properties serve as an example to other lake property owners of the varied ways lakeshore properties can be developed to minimize shoreline disruption and the importance of shoreline biodiversity to the overall health of their lake.

Selection is based on performance in five key areas that impact lake health: driveway and parking zones, structures and septic systems, yard and recreation spaces, shoreline conditions, and the overall layout of the lot.

VCLRA said that Brian and Jean Ciske and Fred and Stephanie Gruber have extraordinary properties demonstrating exceptional stewardship on their lakes. In describing the winning properties, they said:

“The Ciske home is set far back from the lake, with a magnificent bog mat full of pitcher plants and other bog vegetation between their house and the lake. Their lake shore is completely natural, with just a small platform for launching their small boat and kayak.

“The Grubers have a beautiful wetland, full of wild calla and sedges, stretching from their house to the lake. The shoreline is natural and wild and a great place for seeing wildlife, including swans.

“VCLRA thanks the Grubers and Ciskes for their careful stewardship and we hope they are an example to their neighbors of responsible lakefront property ownership.”

Lake organizations and individuals can learn more or nominate someone for the award by visiting vclra.org and selecting the Initiatives and Resources menu tab.