Habitat Research: Sustainability for Northern Inland Lakes

Objectives of this research project:

1. To study and document threats to inland lake ecosystems in northern Wisconsin.
2. To identify land use goals for critical wildlife habitats on 20 study lakes.
3. To identify critical social and ecological attributes of lakes, and develop recommendations for encouraging sustainable development on lakes.

Background

The patchwork of lakes, bogs, and wetlands in the upper Midwest represent an exceptional resource and are to vital wildlife habitat. In recent years, the Loon Watch Program has become increasingly involved in protecting these lake habitats. There is a growing sense of urgency that the health and beauty of lakeshores are threatened. There is also concern that critical wildlife habitat areas and buffers around these areas are being degraded and/or lost.

A majority of loons in Wisconsin and Minnesota are found on lakes under 150 acres. These lakes are experiencing the most rapid rate of shoreline development in northwest Wisconsin. Furthermore, forestry best management practices set only minimal buffers along lakes and are not mandatory. Other human factors which affect these inland lake habitats include excessive recreational use and ineffective or inadequate public policy and land use planning.

Surveys have found that citizens in the state are concerned about protecting natural shores. The DNR Northern Initiatives Survey found that development, recreation, loss of aesthetics, and water quality were also very important. This analysis will clarify indicators of sustainability and provide the basis for on-the-ground protection projects such as land acquisition, model ordinances, wildlife habitat needs, and aesthetic carrying-capacity recommendations.

For more information on this topic please contact:
Michael Meyer (608) 219-7520