EAU CLAIRE LAKES
PROPERTY OWNERS ADVOCATE
Property Owners Association Inc.
Barnes/Eau Claire Lakes Area
Fall 2007
POA MISSION STATEMENT
“Our purpose is to protect, preserve and improve the environmental and aesthetic
qualities of the Eau Claire Lakes Area Watershed including, the lakes, rivers, shore
lands, wetlands, forests and attendant wildlife resources.”
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Lee Wiesner
Two new board members - John Kudlas decided not to run for another term as a board of director for the
POA. John has joined the board of the Friends of the Upper St. Croix and with other commitments, did not
have time to continue on our board. John was a very active board member and was chair of the Water Quality
Committee. John’s expertise and hard work on the Water Quality Committee will be missed. Carol Kulpa
resigned as a POA board member due to health reasons. In her short term of office Carol brought forth some
new ideas.
Two new board members are on board. Tom Boman from Duluth has a cabin on Middle Eau Claire Lake. Tom
is a retired UMD professor of environmental education and will be your new chair of the Water Quality
Committee. Bob Hershey from Brainerd, MN has a cabin on Middle Eau Claire Lake. Bob worked for Potlatch
as an engineer. Both new board members bring with them a love of the outdoors and a strong environmental
ethic.
Work with the Upper St. Croix Watershed Alliance Continues- The Upper St. Croix Watershed Alliance
received approval for a $189,259 DNR Watershed Protection Grant. Your POA is actively working with the
Upper St. Croix Watershed Alliance in seeking volunteers to complete this very important project. There will be
30 lakes tested and numerous tributary streams. The bulk of the 30 lakes to be tested are in the Town of Barnes,
as our eastern half of the watershed has more lakes. It has not been decided which lakes will be studied at this
time. We will be looking for volunteers to assist with the lake and stream monitoring. Please contact Lee
Wiesner (795-3156) or John Kudlas (795-2031), if you may be interested in assisting with this project. More
details on what lakes will be studied and what is involved for the volunteers, will be sent out to you via email,
as the project continues. Next summer there will be a Riverfest on June 13 th and 14th. The POA and the
Bayfield County Land and Water Conservation Department has a one hour program on the 13th.
The
Barnes/Eau Claire Lakes Area will be part of the Community Events program on June 14 th from 10 AM to
4PM. Suggested topics are Artists and Authors, Pontoon Classroom, Crayfish boil, Eau Claire River Float,
History-Eau Claire Lakes and Mooney Dam, Story telling (spoken history), EWMF grant project on Tomahawk
and Sandbar lakes, and shoreland restoration project grant on Bony Lake. If you have any other ideas or wish
to take part in the Riverfest please contact Lee Wiesner (795-3156) or Judi Scholz (795-3209).
Donations to the POA- I would like to take this time to thank all of you who made donations to the POA above
and beyond the base $20.00 membership and all of you who renewed your membership. As of October 22,
2007, we received $1890.00 in donations for just the Clean Boats Clean Waters program alone. Your donations
to the CBCW program, work of the volunteers and work of the hired employees, permitted the inspection of
Page 1 of 16
3174 boats on 9 lakes in the Barnes area, while helping to offset the cost of the matching grant for the Town of
Barnes.
Zoning and Land Use - The Zoning and Land Use Committee has had several meetings to discuss and remedy
density issues on Multiple Unit Developments on lakes and rivers. The DNR held numerous public hearings on
the shoreland administrative code rewrite draft (NR115). Lee Wiesner, as well Jim Brakken and others from
the Bayfield County Lakes Forum (BCLF) made comments at the Hayward session that the draft was too
liberal. In fact everyone making comment at the Hayward session stated the draft was too liberal. The POA
board made the decision to support the position letter of the BCLF and a letter was sent to the DNR supporting
the position of the BCLF. The BCLF is currently working with Bayfield County Zoning on a new campground
rule.
Member Involvement in Association Activities - We also want to thank all those who have contributed their
time and effort to the CBCW program, water quality testing, loon watch, working with the Upper St. Croix
Watershed River Alliance, recruiting new POA members, supporting and working on land use zoning changes,
preparing and distributing educational materials…the list goes on. The success of our association’s mission is
dependent upon all of our members. I believe you are making it work for the betterment of our area. A new
type of member contribution is included in this newsletter. Lloyd “Buzz” Pickering has graciously agreed to
provide a very interesting and thought provoking reflection. I think you will enjoy his story and his poignant
observations and concerns about our lakes and forests in his article “Is It Worth Saving?”.

Annual Meeting
July 21, 2007
Barnes/Eau Claire Lakes Property Owners Assn.
Barnes Town Hall
President Lee Wiesner brought the meeting to order shortly after 8:30 a.m. Board
members were introduced. Lee noted that vacancies have been created by the resignations of John Kudlas and
Carol Kulpa from the POA board. When Treasurer Paul LaLiberte was introduced, he reviewed the Treasurer's
Report, which revealed an Association cash balance of $2,087 and investments in the amount of $3,363. Paul
applauded the generosity of the membership, and remarked that financially the Association is ahead of its
position at this time a year ago. The Treasurer's Report was approved.
Lee presented a comprehensive review of POA activities, including Association efforts to keep boats
and waters clean, volunteering at boat landings, and making representations to the Barnes Town Board to return
Water Ski/Jet Ski hours to the original 5 p.m. closing time. Board members have represented the Association's
interest in opposing a bridge over a portion of Middle lake, sent email notices to members and placed ads in the
Northwest Shopper alerting members to important town meetings or hearings, secured tax exempt status for our
organization, and have also been active in other matters.
Ron Carlson chaired the elections for the POA board. Lee Wiesner, Barbara Romstad, and Paul
LaLiberte were elected to new 3-year terms. The vacancies created by the Kulpa and Kudlas resignations will
be filled as follows: By the time of the August board meeting, names of potential board members will be
gathered. These will be discussed, and the possible list of nominees narrowed at the August meeting.
Invitations can then go out and availability will be determined, with the formal election of new board members
to come at the September meeting.
Ingemar Ekstrom presented a water quality report and he related efforts to keep lakes clean and clear.
Jill Schartner from the DNR was introduced as the enforcement person for the lakes area, including Lower Eau
Page 2 of 16
Claire lake, and she is concerned about overbagging of fish, as well as other safety and conservation matters,
like bear hunting. A conservation warden has many duties (Jill has authority over 231 lakes) but she will be
glad to respond to the concerns of citizens, including those relating to misuse of jet skis or water skis. If an
underage person without a safety certificate is operating a jet ski, sometimes other violations are also in the
picture. Chapter 30 of the Wisconsin Code covers boating and water safety regulations. The office telephone
number of Conservation Warden Jill Schartner is (715) 739-6734. Her cell phone number is (715) 492-7419.
Gordy Lund made a presentation abut the pending gravel pit and asphalt operation off Highway 27, and
explained efforts to oppose the development. Noise abatement is a major concern. Lee Wiesner mentioned that
the August board meeting of the POA board would address the question. Jon Harkness asked for members to
continue to be alert, and communicate
about projects and developments which may threaten the environment. Paul LaLiberte supported the notion of
citizen alertness to influences which deleteriously affect the region's ecology.
Longtime lakes resident Winnie Graver of Upper Eau Claire Lake won the door prize, a year's
subscription to Cabin Life magazine. Winnie related that she has come to Upper lake since 1943.
Don Barnes announced that when someone bring a new member into the organization, a 10 dollar gift
certificate for dining at Downtown Barnes will be awarded that person.
After a coffee break, guest speaker Jim Brakken explained the nature of the Bayfield County Lakes
Forum. The BCLF sponsors lakes education conferences, provides speakers for meetings, and also seeks grants
with the aim of keeping lakes clean. Jim is President of BCLF, and he noted that POA member Carol LeBreck
is Vice President of the Bayfield County organization, and that Ingemar Eckstrom of POA was a charter
member of BCLF. Carol LeBreck supplemented Jim's presentation with remarks about zoning, the hazards and
damage created by ultra-dense shoreline occupancy, and the accessory building loophole in the law which
allows the construction of bunkhouses. Carol made a convincing plea for limiting residences to one for every
150 feet of shoreline. Carol asked that all attendees be alert to the promulgation of a new, proposed
campground ordinance. The draft language may allow five to seven units per acre. Buffers, lighting,
impediments to navigation and other issues related to campgrounds are all concerns. Jon Harkness and Carol
pointed out 1) that the POA members favor one unit or dwelling per each 150 foot lot, and 2) town ordinances
can be more restrictive as they relate to shoreline density than state or county law.
The program ended with a presentation by Stefana Strzalkowska, Bayfield County AIS Coordinator.
Advice was shared to assist homeowners in spotting Aquatic Invasive Species.
Ronald Carlson
POA Secretary

WATER QUALITY COMMITTEE REPORT
John Kudlas
One of our stated goals of the Water Quality Committee is:
Develop a system of volunteer representatives to monitor water quality (physical, chemical and biological
factors) in selected lakes utilizing observation survey forms, Secchi disc measurements, biological sampling and
chemical analysis.
There are now thirteen (13) lakes in the Barnes Eau Claire Lakes area being monitored for water chemistry
quality. This year there have been several changes in the DNR protocol. The smaller lakes will not be checked
for dissolved oxygen yearly, so the lake analysis will be simplified. Please return all small lake oxygen
equipment to John Kudlas (may bring it to the annual meeting) ASAP. Also the DNR is encouraging all
Page 3 of 16
volunteers to forward lake data via the internet. This will save the state valuable personnel resources. The
monthly analysis still includes determining clarity, dissolved oxygen (for larger lakes) and temperatures at five
foot increments, surface phosphates, chlorophyll (algae) content and general appearance appeal. Lakes being
monitored and volunteers are:
Ellison Lake- Mary Walters
715-795-2170 or 218-729-5336
Robinson Lake- Tom Brovald
715-795-2935 or 651-636-5510
Shunenberg Lake- George Wisdom 715-795-2623 gwisdom@cheqnet.net
Bony Lake- Jim/Rita Johnson
715-795-2359 ritajimson@cheqnet.net
Carol LeBreck
715-425-6904
Cranberry Lake- Jon Harkness
715-376-2600 (retired)
Cranberry Lake-Bill Patza
(no phone or email recorded for this
volunteer)
Cranberry Lake- Bob Hammond
715-376-4400
Lower Eau Claire- Mike Gottwald 715-762-4998; 376-2355 mjgott@centurytel.net
George Lake- John/Donna Kudlas 715-795-2031 jkudlas@cheqnet.net
Island Lake- Jeff Brittan
715-795-2056
Middle Eau Claire- Lee/Sue Wiesner 715-795-3156 lwiesner@cheqnet.net
Pickerel Lake- Don Barnes
715-795-3014 debnrmb@cheqnet.net
Upper Eau Claire- Chuck Rubow
715-795-3278 chuckrubow@aol.com
Sandbar Lake- Gerald Gustafson
715-795-3067 gcg@cheqnet.net
Tomahawk Lake- Jim/Patti Joswick 715-795-3434 gemini60304@cheqnet.net
Other lakes being Secchi measured are:
Birch Lake- Richard Hanson
715-795-3218/dickavis@cheqnet.net
Breakfast Lake- Steve Kaner
(volunteer & lake inactive 906-428-3242)
Kelly Lake- Jim Prickett,
715-795-2145/pricket@cheqnet.net
Sweet Lake- (inactive)
Ole Lake- (inactive)
Turtle Lake- Ingemar Ekstrom
715-795-2183/ije@cheqnet.net
Muck Lake- John Kudlas
715-795-2031/jkudlas@cheqnet.net
Devils Lake- (inactive)
As one might see, we can use help on several lakes.
Interested volunteers should contact John Kudlas (795-2031 jkudlas@cheqnet.net) as soon as possible. The
work is rewarding and the findings are enlightening, interesting and important!. The Barnes Eau Claire Lakes
Property Owners Association would like to thank all the volunteers for their efforts in insuring that our lakes
and waterways remain a quality resource.

PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION CONTRIBUTES
TO TOWN OF BARNES CBCW PROGRAM
In an effort to protect area lakes from invasive aquatic species, the Town of Barnes has made a commitment to
aggressively support a Clean Boats Clean Waters program in its area. After establishing a special Eurasian
Water Milfoil Committee in October of 2006, the town applied for and received a DNR grant to help fund paid
monitors at the Eau Claire Lakes area boat landings, which also include part of the Town of Gordon. The grant,
which was awarded for 2007 and 2008, is dependent on volunteer “work in kind” and dollars from the Town of
Barnes to match state funding.
More than fifty volunteers were involved in the program in summer 2007. In addition to contributions of time,
numerous local property owners gave gifts of money to the CBCW program through the Barnes/Eau Claire
Page 4 of 16
Lakes Area Property Owners Association. Those donations, which totaled $1,890 were given to the Town of
Barnes to help offset its cost in supporting the program.
As a result of the many people who gave generously to the program, the contributions from the Town of Barnes,
and support from the Wisconsin DNR, the impact of the 2007 program was impressive. 6,727 boaters were
approached at area boat landings and educated in the CBCW guidelines. Monitors inspected 3,174 watercraft
for “aquatic hitchhikers.” All total, the team of monitors and volunteers contributed 1,634 public service hours.
Caption: Barnes/Eau Claire Lakes Area Property Owners Association president, Lee Wiesner, presents Town of
Barnes Chairman Dick Collyard with a check totaling $2,540 in donations from association members for the
CBCW program.

TOMAHAWK/SANDBAR LAKES EWM RESEARCH PROJECT
Ingemar Ekstrom, Chairperson, EWM Committee
Eurasian Water Milfoil was discovered in Tomahawk Lake during the summer of 2004. It has now spread over
large areas of Tomahawk Lake and to lesser extent areas of Sandbar Lake.
My family has enjoyed the scenic beauty and clarity of water in these two lakes since 1949. Now as a result of
EWM, the swimming, boating, and fishing, can be very difficult and undesirable. In front of my sister's cabin,
for example, swimming is impossible in the near beach area. Also boating is very difficult because the
propeller becomes entangled in the EWM.
In the fall of 2006 the Town of Barnes established an Eurasian Water Milfoil Committee. This committee now
has been successful with obtaining a two year Clean Boats Clean Waters grant for the years of 2007 and 2008.
Also, it has now been successful with obtaining a three year grant for an EWM research project on Tomahawk
and Sandbar lakes for the years of 2008, 2009, and 2010.
On June 3, 2007 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Wisconsin DNR staff met with the property owners of
these two lakes. This meeting was held at the Barnes Town Hall. At the meeting the property owners decided
by paper ballot that they would support the research project as proposed by these two groups. Now the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers and the DNR plan to proceed with a three year research project. Tomahawk Lake
will receive a whole lake treatment beginning in 2008. This will take place around the middle of April. And,
Page 5 of 16
after 30 days the lake will once again be open to recreational activities. Also throughout the summer they will
be monitoring the chemistry of the lake water, and the aquatic plant life with their latest sonar equipment. In
the meantime, Sandbar Lake will not be treated. It will be the reference lake for the research project. But, it
will be closely monitored with the same technique.
If you are interested in following this project the EWM committee is posting detailed information on the Barnes
website. For example, right now, you can look at the minutes of the June 3, 2007 meeting between the Army
Corps of Engineers/DNR and the property owners of the two lakes. Also,you can find considerable information
about the options for dealing with EWM infestations. To find this information first of all go into "Special
Committees". Secondly, on this page go into Eurasian Water Milfoil. Here you will find the June 3, 2007
minutes. To find out about EWM options, click on the work "here" in blue print in the third paragraph of this
same page. There you will find extensive information about EWM options.

ST. CROIX WATERSHED ALLIANCE
John Kudlas
Because the Eau Clair River is a major contributor to the St. Croix watershed, the Barnes, Eau Clair Lakes
Property Owners Association has been invited to participate with the Upper St. Croix Watershed Alliance
(USCWA) and Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters in ascertaining the quality of the water of the river
downstream from the Lower Eau Clair Lake and tributaries that feed the Eau Clair lakes. This will be part of a
lake protection grant submitted by the USCWA. Recently Paul LaLiberte and John Kudlas attended training
sessions and received equipment to analyze the named waterways. Monthly water quality analysis will include:
 Biotic Index determination by collecting and classifying macro invertebrates. The diversity of the
organisms indicates water quality because some are more tolerant to pollution and other environmental
limiting factors.
 Habitat Assessment involves checking the stream overview, riparian zone condition, stream bank
characteristics, in-stream characteristics and water characteristics.
 Water Temperature measurements.
 Water Clarity using transparency tube to determine turbidity.
 Dissolved Oxygen utilizing the Hack methodology.
 Determining Stream Flow in cubic feet per second.
 E. coli Bacteria analysis utilizing 3M Petri film and incubator methodology.
 Biochemical Oxygen Demand determination.
All data will be recorded and forwarded as required. Anyone interested in helping to assist Paul/John in this
important project should contact John Kudlas (795-2031 jkudlas@cheqnet.net).

EDUCATING NEWCOMERS
Leslie Hall
We are continuing our mailings to new property owners in the area. The mailing includes three fliers
suggesting practices that the new owners can incorporate when making improvements to their property.
Practices which should be no hardship to the homeowner, but will significantly improve the Northwoods
experience for all.
One of the fliers talks about unobtrusive outdoor lighting that does not light up the neighbor's property and is
not visible to neighbors across the lake. Another suggests that materials and colors used for buildings, beach
front equipment and toys, be unobtrusive and blend with the woods. Yet another reminds the property owner
of the importance of leaving a wide buffer of natural vegetation near the shore and also that the use of chemicals
and fertilizer in the landscape will cause algae and other problems in the lake. If you know someone who needs
a mailing, contact Leslie Hall at 795-2525.
Page 6 of 16

POA ZONING COMMITTEE
Jon Harkness
Recently, the consulting firm Cedar Corporation conducted an independent survey of all property owners in the
Eau Claire Lakes Watershed as part of the development of the Town of Barnes Lake Management Plan. The
survey included this multiple choice question:
What do you feel should be the permitted density of dwelling units per 150 feet of shoreline for
Planned Unit Developments?
A. 4 per 150 feet
B. 3 per 150 feet
C. 2 per 150 feet
D. 1 per 150 feet
Of 403 property owners who responded to this question (92% of the persons surveyed), 322 owners, an
astounding 80% of respondents, chose a density of one dwelling per 150 feet (Choice D).
Be aware that the POA is beginning a process to formalize 150 feet as the minimum lakeshore frontage for all
dwellings on Class 1 lakes inthe Town of Barnes (200 feet on Class 2 lakes, 300 feet on Class 3). As explained
at our annual meeting last summer, the primary reason for this action is to prevent high density development of
our shorelines . The POA will be asking for your support in the form of letters, e-mails and attendance at
meetings and hearings as we pursue this course of action during future weeks and months.
Our goal is to create a "zoning overlay" which allows towns such as Barnes to adopt specific zoning
requirements that are more restrictive than the Bayfield County Zoning Ordinance. Our overlay would affect the
two similar kinds of high density lakeshore development schemes currently allowed by Bayfield County's
zoning code: (1) Multiple Unit Developments (MUDs), formerly called Planned Unit Developments (PUDs),
and (2) Conservation Subdivisions (CSDs). Both MUDs and CSDs are required by the county's code to have
only 50 feet of shoreline per dwellingunit on Class 1 lakes (100 feet on Class 2 lakes, 150 feet on Class 3 lakes).
Our overlay will require that MUDs and CSDs on shore lands in Barnes would be required to have 150 feet of
shoreline per dwelling on Class 1 lakes (200 feet on Class 2 lakes, 300 feet on Class 3 lakes). As one POA
member very succinctly put it at our recent annual meeting, in the context of Class 1 lakes, "The minimum
shoreline frontage should be 150 feet for everyone, period."
We believe that high density lakeshore development schemes such as MUDs and CSDs are products of
misguided rationalization of doing the wrong thing: crowding our lakes. Allowing MUDs and CSDs is on our
lakeshores is an uncontrolled experiment that should not be performed. Unfortunately, the experiment already is
underway in Bayfield County, and we want to stop it in Barnes, as the law provides we are allowed to do.
MUDs and CSDs clearly defy both science and common sense applied to maintaining the high environmental
and aesthetic qualities of lakes enjoyed in Barnes. Despite claims that increased setbacks and other features
make them "green," shoreline MUDs and CSDs should not be allowed due to highly predictable, unacceptable
ill effects they would have on our lakes.
Lest we forget, lakeshore MUDs and CSDs also would be certain to have unpredictable impacts. Of course, we
would have no choice but to wait to see what those impacts may be. Lakes are the primary natural resource in
Barnes, and the stakes are too high to risk "messing around" with them.
The POA Zoning Committee is developing a written overlay proposal for lakeshore MUDs and CSDs to be
considered by the Town of Barnes Land Use and Planning Commission, the Town of Barnes Board, the
Page 7 of 16
Bayfield County Zoning and Planning Committee, and the Bayfield County Board. Hearings can be expected at
both the town and county levels.
Please be alert to messages calling for your help and support

POA TAX EXEMPT STATUS
Paul LaLiberte
On April 18, 2007, the Internal Revenue Service approved our association’s application for Tax Exempt Status. This
means the association is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Your
contributions to the Property Owners Association, Inc. Barnes/Eau Claire Lakes Area are tax deductible under section 170
of the Internal Revenue Code. Our association is also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or
gifts under sections 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code. We are considered as a public charity under this
code.
If you wish to make bequests or gifts to the POA, please consult with your tax and financial advisors before making the
bequest or gift. As Lee mentioned in his column, the additional contributions and gifts will allow the POA to actively
promote environmental education for property owners in the area, work on addressing the concerns of high density
development and other zoning questions, obtaining grants and assisting with programs to eradicate or control invasive
species, such as Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) and the new invader Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS).
Please refer to the News Release that follows..
Our new status requires us to confirm your contributions and gifts during the year and to file a Non-Profit Tax
Return, depending upon our level of income. Since we will have more stringent reporting requirements, we
have purchased computer software to assist us with this compliance. We are required to report to you all gifts
in excess of $250.00; however, it is the association’s intention to notify you of the receipt of your contributions
and gifts, regardless of the amount, as you must have documentation for your annual taxes of all contributions.
Your annual membership registration contribution will be recorded and considered as a donation that is tax
deductible.

INFORMATIVE & USEFUL
INTERNET WEB SITES
The following are a few of the internet web sites for information about issues, events, historical and scientific
subjects and legislation affecting our waters and forests:.
Town of Barnes WI
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
University of Wisconsin Extension Division
Wisconsin Association of Lakes
Wisconsin Wetlands Association
Page 8 of 16

TREASURER’S REPORT
Paul LaLiberte
The Financial Statement for June 1, 2006 – May 1, 2007 was audited by Donald Dealing in October 2007 and
found to be accurate. Mr. Dealing provides this service to the POA at no charge. However, in recognition of
his assistance, the association provides him with a full membership. We are grateful for his assistance.
This report represents the income and expenses of the Property Owners Association, Inc. Barnes/Eau Claire
Lakes Area from June 1, 2007 through October 31, 2007. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to join
with us to preserve the area we love so much. Remember that all your contributions this year and in the future
are tax deductible.
We want to thank you for your generous contributions to the Property Owners Association, Inc. Barnes/Eau
Claire Lakes Area. As you can see, our contributions have increased significantly. We are especially pleased
about the strong support for contributions to the Clean Boats Clean Waters program associated with the Town
of Barnes EWM Committee. As mentioned previously, these contributions have been given to the Town of
Barnes in support of the EWM program.
Page 9 of 16
Property Owners Association, Inc. Barnes/Eau Claire Lakes Area
Financial Report for June 1, 2007 through November 15, 2007
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6/1/2007 CASH BALANCE
$
2,087.22
INCOME
Account
Sub-Account
Amount Received
Memberships
Memberships
Memberships
Memberships
Designated Donations
Designated Donations
Designated Donations
Interest Income
Total Income
Basic
Sustaining
Contributing
Patron
Administration
CBCW
Environmental Protection Fund
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2,280.00
1,690.00
700.00
1,200.00
250.00
2,540.00
310.00
48.93
9,018.93
EXPENSES
Account
Administrative Expense
Advertising
Annual Dues
Community Events
Community Service
Annual Contributions
Annual Meeting
Conferences and Mileage
Member Services
Total Expenses
Amount Paid
$
728.09
$
35.00
$
330.00
$
252.70
$
60.00
$
2,740.00
$
23.16
$
186.00
$
265.91
$
4,620.86
11/15/2007 CASH BALANCE
INVESTMENTS
Financial Institution
Renewal Date
State Bank of Drummond Certificate 4/28/2008
of Deposit #23126
State Bank of Drummond
11/2/2008
Certificate of Deposit #21682
State Bank of Drummond Total
Total Cash & Investments
$
Page 10 of 16
6,485.29
Investment Amount
$
1,180.57
$
2,304.33
$
$
3,386.23
9,871.52

Member Musings
Is It Worth Saving ?
Musings from an old codger
By Lloyd “Buzz” Pickering
Suddenly I was aroused from a sound sleep in my cramped corner of the back seat of our aging auto. I felt sure
we had driven off the road as the car bumped along. It turned out that we had just left the smooth pavement
onto what appeared to be no more than a farmer’s lane. Peering forward through the windshield I could see the
headlights were funneled between dense growths. Had my dad gotten lost? This had to be some sort of jungle!
My six year old eyes had never seen anything like this. However, my parents assured my brother and I that we
were not lost and this ‘jungle’ was simply the north woods.
Soon we made another turn into yet a narrower lane and there before us appeared a quaint little cottage. Dad
left the headlights on while he opened the door and lit a kerosene lantern. Only then did we cautiously get out
of the car and enter this small building to investigate. Although small, it seemed homey and inviting. Too tired
to worry much, we tumbled into bed, anxious to better observe our new surroundings in the daylight.
The next morning we were up at the ‘crack of dawn’ (actually, this may have been when I learned that dawn
doesn’t really crack), and rushed to look out the window. Down a gently sloping hill, through the tall trees, we
saw a beautiful, clear body of water. If mom and dad weren’t already awake, they definitely were when we
rushed in to ask if we could go down to the water. “Well, o.k.”, they said, “but be very careful.” We ran down
the hill and out onto a short, rickety dock, and could see small fish darting away. Back to the car to get our
small cane poles from the trunk. But, wait, what about bait, we had none. Oh well, let’s just throw our bare
hooks into the water. WOW, the fish eagerly grabbed them! Pardon the pun, but I guess you could say, at that
moment I was hooked.
Thus began what would become my long love affair with Lower Eau Claire Lake. The year was 1937 and my
schooling had just begun, so my next opportunity to visit the lake would not present itself until the summer of
1945. Friends of our family had just built a small cottage just four lots away from that tiny cottage I had first
enjoyed, and invited me to join them for a couple of weeks. We used bait this time, and the fishing (and
catching) was superb. This really sealed the deal. This was my kind of place.
During that visit, I learned that an empty lot nearby was for sale. I knew I wanted that piece of property, and for
much of the next year, I must have become a real nuisance as I begged and pleaded with my dad to buy it.
When he’d had enough, he agreed, with the stipulation that I had to contribute half of the cost. Not an easy task
for a young teenager, but where there’s a will, there’s a way, and in 1946, I likely was the youngest property
owner in our small northern Illinois town. The next year our own tiny cabin in the woods became a reality.
My future visits to our cabin would be infrequent over the next 30-40 years. Life has a way of forcing a person
to set priorities. Necessities such as a college education, a call from Uncle Sam, marriage and raising a family,
plus a demanding job, allowed only brief trips ‘Up North’.
During these earlier years, despite my only occasional contact with the North Country, my definition of it would
then best be described as a “pristine wilderness”. As the years went by, slowly but surely changes began to take
place. Tragically, these changes have not always been kind to our beautiful part of the world. No longer do
“pristine and wilderness” accurately describe many aspects of the Eau Claire Lakes region.
Bear with me as we take a brief look at some of the more significant changes.
1. Invasives:
To be sure, the world is getting smaller. Not physically, of course, but modern transportation and
communication have progressed to a point where the entire world can be considered our neighbors, and
Page 11 of 16
often, visitors. Frequently, with these visitors come unwanted non-native, invasive species of both plant
and animal varieties. Eurasion Water Milfoil, purple loosestrife, zebra mussels, round goby, and the
rusty crayfish are a few examples posing serious threats.
This summer, I agreed to volunteer as a launch ramp monitor to help fight the introduction of these
invasives as boats were launched into Lower Eau Claire. As I began, I must confess I was a bit
apprehensive not knowing how boaters would react. That feeling soon melted away as I chatted with
each boater. I found them to be exceptionally cooperative, and very receptive to learning about the
problems facing our lakes I’m sure I’ll serve again next year if asked.
If anyone might have a desire to help out, but are a bit hesitant, don’t be.
Just do it ! You will be pleasantly surprised. A couple of hours now and then is a small price to pay to
protect our lakes.
2, Pollution, (water quality, AND many other types of pollution):
Our immediate thought is that pollution and water quality are ‘joined at the hip’, so to
speak. You can’t have one without the other, right ? True, pollution must be considered
when the topic is water quality, both above and below the surface.
Potable water, or lack of it, likely is the most serious consequence of pollution.
We, in this country, have enjoyed an adequate supply of water for most of our
needs. So much so that we take water for granted and are blind to the need to
protect our precious water supply. Careless and wasteful use of water, acid rain,
mercury contamination, improper use of fertilizers, the list goes on, all threaten
the future of the earth’s water supply, including the Eau Claire Lakes watershed.
However, pollution comes in other forms. Think outside the water ‘box’. What
about air, noise and light pollution? Crisp clean air is just one of the attributes that
we have enjoyed as Eau Claire-ites. Then there is the noise pollution. I would
expect all of us have a keen interest in retaining the peace and quiet we cherish,
even though we enjoy celebrating our nation’s independence with a colorful (albeit
noisy) fireworks display on July 4th. Unfortunately, this one day event has become
a two and three week holiday as we experience early and late pyrotechnics, many
times on into the wee hours, especially at the Mooney Dam Park near our summer
residence.
Further, our materialistic nature gives us an endless supply of expensive toys, such as very high powered
boats and personal water craft that can travel across our lakes
in minutes, each providing their own form of noise. A five or six horsepower
outboard motor was a luxury fifty years ago.
3. Development:
Do we have a ‘box’ here ? Pandora’s Box, that is. Or perhaps it’s a mean Genie let out of it’s bottle ?
Throughout my many years as a northland part time resident, development has been insidious, moving
along at a slow enough pace as to be quite inconspicuous. Nobody noticed, so nobody worried about it.
Events in recent years have come like a plunge into ice water -- a real wake up call. We have learned
the hard way what can happen in the absence of guidelines for development. Personally, it has taken me
quite some time to accept the inevitability of development and to realize that if we can’t beat ‘em, we
must join ‘em, and work together toward proper controls over development in order to protect our lakes
and forests.
My wife, Marie, and I have a wintertime home in northeastern Illinois, smack dab in the middle of one
of the largest lake and resort areas (ever hear of Lake Geneva?). It is also the fastest growing region in
Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin. When there, we see daily how development, often poorly
Page 12 of 16
controlled, can drastically change what I knew in my childhood as a pristine and sparsely populated
area.
Compromise will surely be the operative word as we grapple with development around the Eau Claire
Lakes, because, my friends, development is here, and deal with it we must.
4. Drought:
Lastly, we have a more recent threat, one not having occurred previously during the
lifetimes of
most of us. We have experienced ever increasing drought conditions for
several years. For many, it
has become painfully evident, and for the rest of us
obvious, as our many seepage lakes dry up. It could be argued that this subject is
closely associated with water quality and should be included in that discussion. To me, however, it
relates more to water conservation. Based on historical records, some
experts say this dry period is
simply a typical cycle, no different from those in past years. But, is it ? With global warming at a level
unprecedented in recorded history, it causes one to question if this dry spell is truly normal. What if it
isn’t? Reason enough to give careful consideration to how we use our water?
By now, if you’ve stayed with me through all this rambling, you must be asking yourself, why is he telling this
to all of us – we know this stuff! Sure you do. Most of you reading this are POA members, and all this ‘stuff’
is what the POA is all about. Unfortunately, not everyone is a POA member. So, our mission is not to simply
be a member and know all this ‘stuff’. Through education and training of others, plus leadership, we can put
this ‘stuff’ to use. We must spread the word. Remember, in unity there is strength.
Which brings us back to the question, “Is It Worth Saving”? “It”, of course, meaning this northland piece of
heaven on earth. Is there any doubt about my answer to that ? Each one of us must answer that question for
ourselves.
If we don’t work at it, the question may become, “CAN we save it?” !
Thanks for reading.

Page 13 of 16
Name(s)
Home Residence
Street
City
State
Phone Number
Email
Zip
Lake Area Residence
Nearest Lake
Address
Zip
Phone Number
Email
Membership Level – Check One
Basic Membership -
$20
Contributing Membership- $100
Sustaining Membership - $50
Patron Membership -
CBCW Sponsor Contribution
Weekend Sponsor $180
Day Sponsor -
Half Day Sponsor -
$90
Other Amount-
Environmental Preservation Fund -
$200
$45
$________
$__________
We are willing to help with these environmental protection projects:
Please make checks out to “Property Owners Association, Inc. Barnes/Eau Claire Lakes Area” and mail to
Paul LaLiberte
Treasurer
Property Owners Association, Inc.
Barnes/Eau Claire Lakes Area
13709 S. Fowler Circle
Gordon, WI 54838
THANK YOU for your support of the Property Owners Association!
Page 14 of 16

We welcome your ideas on how the association can provide better services.
These comments can be mailed to:
Lee Wiesner, President
Property Owners Association, Inc.
Barnes/Eau Claire Lakes Area
49525 East Shore Road
Barnes, WI 54873
or you may contact one of the board members shown below.
Property Owners Association, Inc.
Barnes/Eau Claire Lakes Area
Board of Directors
Board Member
Barnes
Carlson
Ekstrom
Hall
Harkness
Kromer
Boman
Hershey
LaLiberte
Mueller
Romstad
Wiesner
Don
Ron
Ingemar
Leslie
Jon
Keith
Tom
Bob
Paul
Bart
Barb
Lee
Secretary
Vice President
Treasurer
President
Seasonal
Seasonal
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
Seasonal
Seasonal
Permanent
Permanent
Seasonal
Permanent
Permanent
Phone
Number
E-Mail Address
715-795-3014
715-376-4639
715-795-2183
715-795-2525
715-376-2600
715-795-2228
debnrmb59@aol.com
mlfield@uga.edu
ije@cheqnet.net
Camp1leslie@yahoo.com
jharkness@centurytel.net
k.kromer@comcast.net
715-376-4126
715-795-2101
715-795-2008
715-795-3156
p-a-laliberte@centurytel.net
bpmule@aol.com
bromstad@cheqnet.net
lwiesner@cheqnet.net

Return Address:
Property Owners Advocate
Page 15 of 16
Property Owners Association, Inc.
Barnes/Eau Claire Lakes Area
49525 East Shore Road
Barnes, WI 54873
Page 16 of 16