Recent News
A Message from the President
Greetings! I can tell winter is ending and folks are turning their thoughts to summer because I am starting to get phone calls from our members about the SECOLA activities scheduled for this summer. I am sure when you check out the social calendar you will find a lot has been planned for all to enjoy this summer. One of the first calls I received was from Jim D’Agostino from Florence. In conjunction with Spielbauer Fireworks of Green Bay, Jim helps launch the fireworks from Bass Island. He has confirmed another great display and is all set for Tuesday, July 3rd.
I also received a call from Coleman Engineering Company. They have contracted with WE Energies to bury the electric utility lines around Spread Eagle. The project was initially slated to begin this summer, however the last report I received indicates the project may not start until 2019. I am sure we will hear more on this in the near future.
Several residents have contacted me about Bass (Bacco) Island. We have known for some time that improvements are needed to continue traditions and to keep the island safe and attractive for boaters and native plant inhabit-ants alike. We had several volunteers help cut back invasive bushes and plants already as well as getting rid of patches of poison ivy. This summer plans are underway to trim overgrown trees so you can sit on the benches and once again have an unobstructed view of our beautiful lakes! Ray Burgess has ordered new signs to replace the damaged and missing signs. The SECOLA Garden Club has plans to plant flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, as detailed later in this issue. You will be hearing more on this and may have an opportunity to pitch in!
Last fall we appealed to ALL residents of the Chain to give generously to the Invasive Species Fund. We greatly appreciate all who donated, thank you. We still will need to raise more money to help cover future expenses.
This summer we will again use the Clean Boats/Clean Waters program at the North Lake boat landing to support our efforts to control invasive species. Although Florence County covers some of the cost of this program Spread Eagle Chain O’Lakes Association (SECOLA) must come up with $12,000 to keep the program afloat for the Chain. Wild Rivers Invasive Species Coalition (WRISC) is also financially supporting the program for lakes around the county. SECOLA has applied to be a partner of WRISC. The decision will be finalized at their annual meeting in June of 2018. If you would like to learn more about the coalition you may search; http://www.wrisc.org. SECOLA also continues to be a sustaining member of the Wisconsin Lakes Association, http://www.wisconsinlakes.org. Partnering with these organizations helps keep our lakes and rivers healthy.
This fall the Florence County Land Conservation Department requested a donation to purchase an underwater drone for the county to improve surveillance of our lakes and other lakes around the county. As you may recall, last summer was cool and rainy and there were many days the Clean Boats/Clean Waters crew were not needed at the North Lake boat landing. Therefore, we received a larger than usual refund from the county for the unused hours. Your board chose to use a portion of the refund to purchase the drone. It will be interesting to see how the drone will enhance the monitoring process. We will continue to hand-pull any invasive species found.
As I complete my 2-year term as your SECOLA president, I want to thank all who have supported the board’s efforts to accomplish our numerous goals to support our neighbors and improve the quality of living on Spread Eagle Chain of Lakes.
See you around the lakes!
Ed Patrick
