Vilas County Land and Water Department is hosting a series of upcoming events throughout the rest of June and into the summer, including boat washings and Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW) training.

From now through the end of August, a series of boat decontaminations using hot pressure washers will occur at scheduled times in the western part of the county to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).

Target lakes included Big Muskellunge, Star, Plum and Trout lakes. Big Muskellunge Lake is located near the three Vilas lakes that are already known to contain the spiny water flea: Plum Lake, verified in 2019; Star Lake, verified in 2013; and Trout Lake, verified in 2014.

The goal is to keep the spiny water flea from spreading. Once these spiny water fleas are introduced into a waterbody there is no effective strategy to control the invasive species, which is why preventing their infestations is so important.

Upcoming boat washing schedules include June 18 at Big Muskellunge Lake from 8 a.m. to noon, and Trout Lake from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.; June 25 at Star Lake from 8 a.m. to noon and Plum Lake from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.; and July 5 at Plum Lake from 8 a.m. to noon and Star Lake from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

A full schedule of cleanings throughout the summer is available on the Land and Water website at vilascountywi.gov/departments/services/land_water_conservation/index.php

CBCW training in St. Germain

Members of the public are welcome to take part in Clean Boats Clean Water training at Big St. Germain Lake boat landing on Friday, June 26.

The two-hour session will run from 10 a.m. to noon and provide an overview of the CBCW program, aquatic invasive species IDs, verified locations and ecology, and state regulations relating to AIS. Attendees also will learn how to properly conduct a CBCW inspection as well as how to teach boaters to do AIS prevention steps.

Registration is requested at least one day in advance of the program for planning purposes.

Also on the Land and Water calendar is a Vilas County Shorelines 101 program to answer questions on shoreline regulations, best practices and shoreline restoration. The seminar will be held Monday, June 29, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Boulder Junction Community Center.
For more information, registration or to learn more about the department, contact Cathy Higley at Vilas County Land and Water at 715-479-3738.