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ATTENTION FISHING ENTHUSIASTS
Check out the FISHING PAGE to learn about
LOCAL NOTICESCURRENT FIRE DANGER and
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Click on the map to see the current fire danger & burning permit requirements by county
REVISED LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN
SURVEY RESULTS
In late 2022 all of the Lake Helen property owners were asked to complete a survey, providing their views on the priorities and issues that the LHP&RD should address in the revised Lake Management Plan
Click here to view the survey results |
LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN
The revised lake Management Plan was reviewed briefly at the 2023 Family Picnic. The LHP&RD property owners are encouraged to check it out, to understand the goals and priorities that have been established.
Click here to view and read the new Plan |
LAKE HELEN NEWSLETTER
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A printing error occurred on page two of the 2023 issue of the "Lake Helen Newsletter" that you recently received in the mail. Please click on the image to the left to view the newsletter online. You can print your own corrected copy. Corrected copies will also be available at the Annual Meeting as well |
ISSUES AND PROJECTS
Blue Green AlgaeBlue Green Algae (BGA) was a problem starting late July 2021 and was just verified to be blooming again June 8, 2022. Please use caution when swimming / playing in green soupy waters, discolored / streaky, looks like spilled paint or has floating scum. Monitor for vomiting, cough, diahrrhea, sore throat, headache, skin rash, blistering, & abdominal pain. Seek medial care if symptoms occur or call Wisconsin Poison Center 800-222-1222 for advice. If pets become ill seek veterinary care immediately. Report blue-green algae illnesses to your local health department.
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Help us understand the fertilization practices of the Lake Helen property owners
Click on the picture or copy and paste the url into your browser :
https://lakehelendistrict.com/survey.html
Please do your part to stop nitrogen & phosphorus from entering the lake
Click to read the entire letter
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In early September, the Lake Helen P&R District commissioners mailed a letter to all district property owners. In the letter they addressed the serious blue-green algae and water clarity issue. The letter included input from the DNR and Portage County experts. In it they described the problem, the causes, steps that can be taken to keep the problem from escalating, and ways to stay informed. In addition, requesting help in understanding fertilization practices.
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Zebra Mussels Discovered on Lake Helen
Keep Boat Motors Lifted Up
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In early October 2019, zebra mussels were discovered by a few residents attached to their docks. This is very disturbing news.
They multiplied and were found many more places in 2020 BEFORE YOU PUT YOUR DOCK AND BOATS INTO THE LAKE THIS SPRING, CHECK THEM FOR ZEBRA MUSSELS. THEY ARE LIKELY ONLY ABOUT 1/2 INCH IN LENGTH.
Throughout the summer, check your boat intake and outflow areas, to make sure that zebra mussels do not clog your motor. Lake Helen residents should double check their docks and boat motors/hulls for the presence of anything suspicious. If you have a private company that removes your dock and boat please inform them to monitor and report anything they may find. Any findings should be submitted one of the Commissioners or to [email protected]. Please note the location and collect a variety of sizes of zebra mussels if found. |
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The zebra mussel is a small mollusk in the family Dreissenidae. It grows up to about 1.25 inches long. The shells are flat on the hinged side (D-shaped). Zebra mussels have tiny threads that anchor themselves to various firm surfaces like rocks, logs, plants, trash—even other animals. Shells are typically light brown to white, with brown-black stripes. These colors may be faint if the shells have been exposed to prolonged direct sunlight
Once zebra mussels are established in a water body, very little can be done to control them. It is therefore crucial to take all possible measures to prevent their introduction in the first place. Some of the preventative and physical control measures include physical removal, industrial vacuums, backflushing.
Zebra mussels clog boat water intake pipes and filters, reducing water pumping capabilities. They can also damage boats by encrusting boat hulls.
The Eurasian Water Milfoil invasive species has been spreading in Lake Helen the last few years
Eurasian Water Milfoil
2021 - We had a group regularly checking for EWM plants through out the summer. We were able to manually remove plants in the shallow areas. A diver team pulled plants from deeper parts of the northwest part of the lake in June. However, due to water clarity issues, we were unable to use divers as much as we had hoped. We received a three-year grant to help us control EWM without chemicals. 2020 - The second chemical treatment took place in May. No EWM was seen during the summer. 2019 - Manual pulling efforts continued using divers. However, we've noticed that the amount of EWM is out of control and another chemical treatment will be needed next year. On June 22, 2018 two scuba divers, a snorkeler, and a support team removed a tremendous amount of EWM. Two removal sessions took place on May 13 & Aug 19, 2017. This weed will never be completely eliminated, but it is being controlled. Help us keep our lake clean. See the "Invasive Plants" page for more information Japanese Knotweed This weed continues to be a problem in our watershed. Glen Bersie has continued to lead the efforts to eradicate this invasive plant that was found on two properties. He's managed to keep it under control and to drastically kill off the large majority of the plants. |
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UPCOMING AREA EVENTS
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Click on any of the titles below to get more information
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WHERE IS LAKE HELEN?
Lake Helen is located north of Waupaca and east of Stevens Point, Wisconsin. It is just off of WI 49 - five miles E of Rosholt in Portage County and 12 miles NW of Iola.
[click on the map below to zoom in or out as desired.]
[click on the map below to zoom in or out as desired.]
Lake Helen is under a
Slow-No-Wake
restriction beginning promptly at 4 pm and ending at 10 am.
Fishermen are encouraged to CATCH & RELEASE to allow the stocked fish to grow and multiply.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
NEXT COMMISSIONERS MEETING:
September, 19th
12-1pm Via Zoom
Meeting Notice
Meeting Agenda
Primary Purpose: preliminary grant applications for EWM control and a potential study to see if an alum treatment for algae control is feasible
September, 19th
12-1pm Via Zoom
Meeting Notice
Meeting Agenda
Primary Purpose: preliminary grant applications for EWM control and a potential study to see if an alum treatment for algae control is feasible
The District Commissioners meet at least once per quarter
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MAILING ADDRESS
Lake Helen P&R District
3060 E Lake Helen Dr
Rosholt, WI 54473
3060 E Lake Helen Dr
Rosholt, WI 54473
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WHAT'S IN THE NAME?
The Lake Helen Protection & Rehabilitation District (LHP&RD) was formed in the fall of 1975 to protect and improve the lake. Our goal is to help all of the residents contribute to the preservation of Lake Helen for enjoyment today and for future generations.
The surface watershed encompasses around 500 acres while the groundwater watershed is around 443 acres. Lake Helen is a groundwater drainage lake that is just under 90 acres in size .
The surface watershed encompasses around 500 acres while the groundwater watershed is around 443 acres. Lake Helen is a groundwater drainage lake that is just under 90 acres in size .