Mission, history and achievements of Grindstone Lake Association
Our Mission
- To Inform
- To Enhance the Community
- To Protect the Environment Around Grindstone Lake
Our History and Structure
The Grindstone Lake Association was founded in 1994 and since then each board has worked to increase membership and develop active committees.The Association has been granted 501(c)(3) status by the IRS, which allows for the deduction of contributions made to the Association. The Grindstone Lake Association depends on the contributions of its members in terms of both dues and volunteering. The Association has furthered its objectives by actively partnering with the LCO Conservation Department, University of Wisconsin Extension, Wisconsin Association of Lakes, Sawyer County Lakes Forum, and the Wisconsin DNR.
Our Achievements
- Began Clean Boats Clean Waters inspection program at the Wisconsin DNR Landing on County Road K completing 598 boat inspections in 2011.
- Coordinating a multi-year treatment of Curly Leaf Pondweed infestation in Little Grindstone Lake which began Spring of 2011.
- Completed Critical Habitat Survey in 2010 of the lake in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point and volunteer observers.
- Partnered with LCO Conservation on a core sediment study with results released in 2008.
- Conducted a survey for rusty crayfish in 2007. None were found.
- Conducted an aquatic plant survey in 2006 and a related Aquatic Plant Management Plan in 2007.
- Completed a survey of all property owners on the lake and other stakeholders to quantify concerns, identify problems and help set the direction of the lake management plan. Survey sent in February 2006.
- Sponsored a septic system inspection of all lake front property in 2006 through Sawyer County Sanitation. As of January 2009 all but one septic system has been brought into compliance with state and county requirements.
- Led the effort to dredge the DNR public boat landing on the lake. The Association led the effort to obtain the dredging permit and contributed $4,300 towards the $9,100 total cost of the project. The boat landing repair was completed in December 2005.
- Partnered with the Wisconsin DNR to hold a fisheries visioning meeting. The process involved public input and will result in a fisheries management plan for the lake.
- Partnering with the LCO Conservation Department to sponsor an assessment of the water quality that will become part of the lake management plan.
- Coordinate annual scuba diving events to remove junk and debris from the lake bottom.
- Placed over 250 fish cribs in the lake.
- Funded the planting of extended growth walleyes in the lake.