Oconto County Lakes & Waterways Association

Mission Statement

The purpose of Oconto County Lakes & Waterways Association shall be
to promote the conservation and preservation of all lakes, rivers, streams and reservoirs in Oconto County, the shorelines surrounding them, and the ecologically sound and environmentally safe development on or near these waters.

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History

In early 1999 Rob Burke, Oconto County Community Development Educator, saw the need for classification of all county lakes to insure reasonable and environmentally safe development. Classification allows the county to determine zoning by taking into account local preferences, ecology of specific lakes and the degree of development already taken place. Rob's vision was the creation of a county lake association composed of members of all individual lake organizations to work with the county to apply for a DNR grant to fund the classification.

In July 1999, Rob and Tom Milheiser, County Conservationist, assembled a group of lake representatives at a meeting to elect officers and create bylaws to govern the new association. Oconto County Lakes & Waterways Association was the adopted name, and a slate of officers was chosen. Charter lake representatives came from Inland Lakes P&R District #1 Townsend, Bass Lake, Maiden Lake, White Potato Lake Sportsmen's Club, Wheeler Lake, Little Archibald Lake, White Potato Lake, Crooked Lake and the Machickanee Flowage. Charter officers were: President Erv Limberg, Vice-president Mick Gillaume, Secretary Judie Gowaski, Treasurer Dick Hiebing; the board of directors included Tim Ottem, Jerry Eckes, and Merle Nilles.

The WDNR has made it easier to receive funding for Clean Boats, Clean Waters!  The grant processing for the Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program applications has had a face-lift and is ready to start receiving applications for the 2013 season.  Applications must be received in DNR regional offices by February 1 (spring grant cycle) and August 1 (fall grant cycle). If you are interested in applying for this program please visit the DNR’s website: http://dnr.wi.gov/Aid/AIS.html

**Special Note: Applications are accepted throughout the year for Early Detection and Response and Research and Demonstration projects.