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Wapogasset/Bear Trap Lake Improvement Association
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The purpose of the association is to protect and promote the improvement of the lakes and their surroundings for the current and future benefit of recreational users, the general public, riparian and adjacent watershed landowners and residents. Also to provide a forum for public expression on lake and watershed issues, to enhance water quality, fishery, recreational use, social activities, public safety and related education/communications.
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NOTICE: The Association received the following email in June 2017 from Peter Wetzel, Conservation Warden with the WI DNR. Please take note that this is a strong warning to any violators.
It has been brought to my attention that there are a number of riparian owners on Lake Wapogasset and Bear Trap Lake who are placing Aqua Thrusters, or similar devices, on the lake bed and are using them to create a water current directed at the lakebed in order to remove silt and vegetation from their riparian areas. There are two violations present with this situation. It is illegal to place a structure on the lakebed without a permit. When the water current formed by these devices is directed at the lakebed it is considered illegal mechanical dredging, which holds a penalty starting at $1,397.50. Both of these actions have a significant effect on fish habitat and the lake environment, and have large fines associated with them. Could you issue some form of correspondence with the riparian owners of Lake Wapogasset and Bear Trap Lake in order to inform them of the laws and request compliance? Please let me know when/how this information gets distributed. If you have any questions about this situation please give me a call at 715-245-3727. Thank you very much for your help.
It has been brought to my attention that there are a number of riparian owners on Lake Wapogasset and Bear Trap Lake who are placing Aqua Thrusters, or similar devices, on the lake bed and are using them to create a water current directed at the lakebed in order to remove silt and vegetation from their riparian areas. There are two violations present with this situation. It is illegal to place a structure on the lakebed without a permit. When the water current formed by these devices is directed at the lakebed it is considered illegal mechanical dredging, which holds a penalty starting at $1,397.50. Both of these actions have a significant effect on fish habitat and the lake environment, and have large fines associated with them. Could you issue some form of correspondence with the riparian owners of Lake Wapogasset and Bear Trap Lake in order to inform them of the laws and request compliance? Please let me know when/how this information gets distributed. If you have any questions about this situation please give me a call at 715-245-3727. Thank you very much for your help.
