Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting is typically held in late July or early August, and is most often held on the morning of the last Saturday in July. The 2026 BIWBLA Annual Meeting date and time will be determined at the Spring 2026 BIWBLA Board Meeting.

Minutes from our most recent Annual Meeting are available to read below:

BALLARD-IRVING-WHITE BIRCH LAKES ASSOCIATION 

ANNUAL MEETING 7-26-2025 

On Saturday, July 26, 2025, the Annual Meeting of the members of BIWBLA was held at the Picnic Pavillion of White Birch Village Resort. A quorum of members was present. The meeting was chaired by Joe Heitz, President of the Association, with Debbie Millar acting as secretary. Joe Heitz called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM. 

Before the start of the Association’s business meeting, Quita Sheehan, conservation specialist with the Vilas County Land & Water Conservation Department, gave a presentation on “Managing our Shorelands to Protect our Lakes”. 

Quita began by explaining that each county in Wisconsin has a Conservation Department whose job is to protect water quality and deal with erosion and invasive species issues. In southern WI counties the big issues are agriculture related. Here in northern Wisconsin counties, it is primarily dealing with all of the waterways - lakes, rivers, marshes, etc. Most of the effects to our waterways are generated from issues on our shorelands. 

The Shoreland Buffer Zone consists of vegetation layers that include the Littoral Zone in the water, the shoreline and the upland/flood plain above the shoreline. These buffers are important to stabilize the soil, provide food and nesting habitat, take up nutrients that would otherwise run off into the water, shelter wildlife and protect fish. Ninety percent of all lake life is born, raised, sheltered and fed or grows in the buffer zone. Natural shorelines have a wide variety of vegetation and habitat and provide lake protection and natural beauty. As shorelines get developed, we lose the vegetation layers. Vegetation in the buffer zones helps keep lakes swimmable, fishable, and clean/clear. Development adds extra phosphorus and sediment to our waterways via impervious surfaces that allow soil, fertilizer and chemical runoff. One pound of phosphorus can add up to 500 pounds of algae to a lake. Studies on green frogs, songbirds and fish have shown that these populations decrease with increasing development. The bottom line is - increased erosion leads to increased nutrient input, decreased biological diversity and decreased lake water quality. 

Shoreline buffers and setbacks of undisturbed soils and vegetation are vital to preserving the water quality and provide habitat for wildlife and fish. Native plants and trees are especially helpful, as they have very extensive root systems to help keep soil in place and direct runoff water into the ground water supply. 

Quita then explained the Shoreline Stabilization Outreach Project (SSOP) which includes conservationists, technicians, and outreach specialists from County Land & Water Conservation Departments, with assistance from the WI Dept of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP). In this program, your shoreline is assessed and scored for shoreline vegetation layers. There is also an online shoreland evaluation tool from Healthy Lakes and Rivers that allows you to anonymously take a survey of your property. As you work your way through the questions, you will be moving through the zones of your property towards and into the water.

The WI DNR also performs lake shoreland and shallow habitat monitoring, looking at coarse woody habitat, erosion/runoff concerns, ground cover types and human modifications. They can help identify areas that may need protection or restoration, develop baselines for future comparison and provide specific information to property owners. Vilas County Land & Water will do free site visits for addressing runoff, erosion and wildlife habitat on your shoreline. 

Restoration options 

Protection - no serious erosion problems are noted and native/diverse vegetation is present. The shoreline buffer requirement is already met so maintaining these conditions is paramount. 

Natural Recovery - the three zone layers are present but not optimal. Leaving grasses to grow without mowing or weed wacking within 35 feet of the lake is one easy solution. Discouraging disturbances from people and pets is also encouraged. 

Accelerated Recovery - turf grass is well established, no native plants are present, there is exposed soil and lots of traffic along the shoreline and faster improvement results may be desired. In this case, permits and site plan designs may be necessary. Bioengineering can be used and native plants planted. 

Restoration Assistance 

Vilas County Land & Water Conservation Department can provide technical assistance and has a cost sharing program where the Dept works directly with the homeowner and the costs are shared 50:50 by both. This program is usually for moderate erosion problems with a $8500 cap. 

WI DNR’s Healthy Lakes Implementation Grant goes through lake organizations and property owners and is usually for do it yourself projects. The county applies to the DNR for the grants. The healthy lakes practices used in this program include fish sticks (adding wood back into the lake at the shoreline), diverting water runoff with rain bars, planting rain gardens or installing gravel or stone infiltration pits to divert water and planting approximately 350 sq ft of native plants along the shoreline. This program provides a $1000 grant per practice and requires a 25% cost share of cash and/or labor by the property owner. It is primarily for minor erosion issues. 

Quita distributed brochures put together by Vilas County Land & Water Conservation, Vilas County Zoning and Vilas County Lakes & Rivers Association to educate new residents to Vilas County who may have come from more urban settings and were not well informed about protecting the land and waterways in northern Wisconsin. The brochure explains what is and isn’t permitted in dealing with a newly acquired property in Vilas County, including tree and vegetation removal, soil disturbances, mowing, buildings, and driveways. It explains that the WI DNR regulates activity below the lake’s high water mark and includes contact information for getting clearances before planning any major changes to your property. 

Lastly, we were reminded that healthy waterways are beneficial to all and are the very essence of being “up north”.

COMMENCEMENT OF THE ANNUAL MEETING 

After Quita Sheehan’s presentation and a short recess, the formal meeting was called to order by Chair Heitz. 

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - A motion to approve the agenda, with the ability to revise the order in which items were addressed, was made by Debbie Millar and seconded by Paul Madden. 

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 27, 2024 ANNUAL MEETING - After a motion was made by Nancy Jacobs, and seconded by Paul Madden, the minutes of the July 27, 2024 Annual Meeting were approved. 

3. BLUE HERON AWARD - Joe Heitz began with reading the requirements and the scoring system for the Blue Heron Award. He then recognized the Gruber family, who live on Irving Lake, as this year’s recipients of the award. This award is given by the Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association to recognize homeowners who exhibit excellent shoreland stewardship. Fred and Stephanie Gruber have an exceptionally undeveloped shoreline with minimal disruption and excellent biodiversity. 

4. REPORTS 

a. President’s Report - Joe Heitz gave the President’s report. He remarked on the importance of what we do as a lake association and reiterated how lucky we are to live on a chain of lakes of such exceptional quality. Remaining vigilant in observing for invasive species on our lakes is a primary concern, as we are surrounded by lakes that already have invasive species present. A newer invasive concern is quagga mussels. Joe then recognized and thanked the new owners of White Birch Resort, Jody and John Curtis, for the use of their pavilion for our meeting. He introduced the BIWBLA Board members who were present and also recognized Carolyn Jacobs as one of the original BIWBLA members who also penned the first newsletters. 

b. Financial Report - Nancy Jacobs gave the financial report. The Association has a bank balance of slightly more than $33,000, which includes just over $25,000 in a CD account. Dues are similar to last year, but donations have increased and Nancy thanked members for that. Overall, we are in excellent financial shape. With a motion made by John Marsh and seconded by Doug Scott, the Financial Report was approved. 

c. Membership and Communications - Jennifer Heitz stated she only sends out four hard copies of the newsletter, the remainder going out electronically. She reported that Fay Sandman, long time resident on Ballard Lake, has moved to assisted living and her daughter, Sue, and son-in-law, Doug, will be moving into the home full-time this fall. Jennifer then recognized Bella Gruber for her contribution to the newsletter article on turtles. 

d. Water Quality - Joe Heitz reported he continues to do water quality monitoring on all three lakes. Chemistry measurements for phosphorus and chlorophyll A are done on Ballard and Irving after ice-out and at the end of each summer month. These remain in good ranges. Secchi disc measurements for clarity/visibility are done on all three lakes. Measurements remain excellent at up to 13’ on Irving, 22’ on Ballard and into the 23+’ range on White Birch. 

e. Fisheries - Paul Madden and Joe Heitz gave portions of the fisheries report. Joe raised the issue of walleye stocking in the lakes. The lakes have not been stocked since 2013 and his recent conversation with his fisheries contact at the DNR said even after stocking they were noting no significant survival the following year. Joe had the statistics from all of the stockings since 1936. Amazingly, two million fry (less than ½” size) were placed in the lakes in 1938. Unfortunately, the smaller fry don’t survive long enough to generate a reproducing population. Since it’s unlikely there will be any restocking assistance from the state, the Association could consider restocking larger sized fingerlings (6-9”) on our own. The Board has been discussing this for the past couple years. The DNR recommends 10 fingerlings/acre every other year, which would translate to approximately 5050 fingerlings on Ballard Lake and 1170 fingerlings on White Birch. The cost for larger fingerlings varies but runs about $4/fish. That equates to approximately $20,000 on Ballard and $4700 on White Birch for one stocking. The DNR has said a 10% survival rate is good. The DNR did offer to assess for survival the year after stocking if the Association goes ahead with private stocking. Joe raised the possibility of fund raisers, donations from interested members, and matching grants for coming up with funds so we don’t deplete our bank balance. Paul commented on the politics of lake restocking and how the DNR website isn’t always consistent with what they tell lake associations. There are 46 Vilas County lakes that the DNR considers “naturally reproducing”. Laura, Plum, Razorback and Star Lakes are included on this list and all received supplemental stocking until the late 1990’s when they were then considered naturally reproducing. There are many lakes receiving stock that are of similar size and depth to our chain. Fifteen years ago stocking was 70% DNR and 30% private. That ratio is now slightly under 50% DNR and slightly over 50% private. The Walleye Initiative makes the decisions on which lakes get stocked. This is a consortium of Walleyes for Tomorrow and the DNR, which seems to make some of its decisions in a very subjective manner. This is why the percentage of private stocking has increased over the years. To increase survival rates, we may need to push for changes to the size limits for harvesting walleye, so spawning sized walleye are protected and not harvested. Also changing bass regulations, so smaller sized and larger numbers can be harvested, may help protect the smaller walleye fingerlings, giving them time to grow to spawning age. Joe said the Board would continue to discuss the topic if the membership is interested. 

We are on the list to get 259 muskie fingerlings in the fall but there is no guarantee due to funding cuts this year. Jennifer Heitz added that she and Joe are happy to accept any unwanted fish/fish carcasses/any other legal fish, preferably frozen. They freeze them and then drop them at Wild Instincts to feed the recuperating animals in their care. 

f. Town of Plum Lake Lakes Committee - Joe Heitz is a member of this committee and gave the report. He mentioned that Bob Marsh is also now a member of the committee. 

i. The Clean Boats Clean Waters program has scheduled stops at some of our local lakes. The schedule is available online. Volunteers are welcome to sign up to help. 

ii. Plum Lake is the only township that has all of its major lakes covered with the I-LIDS surveillance cameras. No violations have been noted on our lakes this year. 

iii. NLDC continues with their rapid response survey to assess the township lakes for invasive species. An unusual water milfoil has been discovered on Plum Lake that is a hybrid of Eurasian and Northern water varieties. They will continue to monitor this finding. Joe reminded members to be mindful when transferring boats from lake to lake since we are surrounded by lakes with invasive species. Drying boats for five days or taking advantage of the Clean Boats Clean Waters spray cleaning and making sure all water is out of your boat before transferring to another lake are the best ways to avoid spreading invasives. 

iv. Joe helped with fish stick placements on Lake Laura and Plum Lake last winter. Star Lake will be done this winter if the ice is solid enough. Our chain of lakes could benefit from this program. Joe encouraged home owners to leave downed trees/branches on their shorelines in place if they aren’t in the way or a danger to other structures since they provide excellent spawning, feeding and hiding habitat for fish. 

v. Joe reported on a newer invasive concern, quagga mussels. These mussels have been noted throughout Lake Michigan and are now present in inland Wisconsin’s Lake Geneva. They consume the phytoplankton and anthropods that whitefish larvae and other fish species need to grow and survive to adulthood. Joe is now monitoring for these mussels and zebra mussels by suspending a brick off of his dock and checking for any mussel activity each month. Members are encouraged to check their docks/piers in the fall and report any suspicious findings. 

vi. Invasive Eurasian water milfoil continues to be a problem on Little Star Lake. Manual pulling of this invasive will continue. 

vii. Bob Marsh brought a stack of boat hand towels purchased through the Lakes Committee with the DNR website, phone number and Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers logo on it for members to take home. 

Joe concluded this report by mentioning that, starting in 2024, the Lakes Committee has incorporated the budget for the aerator into the Lakes Committee budget. The Association will contribute funds when necessary, but we are thankful for their help with this budget item. 

5. OLD BUSINESS 

a. Vilas County Decontamination Unit - The county has a decontamination unit that is located at various lakes (Star, Plum, Trout, and Big Muskellunge), on a rotating schedule, that uses a heated cleaning system at 120-140 degrees to treat the live wells, ballast tanks and boat surfaces. This ensures invasive species are removed so they won’t be transferred to other lakes. Joe wanted members to know that anyone can stop for a free boat wash. 

b. Aerator repair - Chuck Atwater gave an update on the aerator. Jim Truesdell continues to house and maintain the aerator. This past winter, the motor began making a squealing noise that Jim will assess and repair. The hose will probably need to be replaced at some point, as well. Jim will keep us apprised of any changes. Joe also mentioned debris got into the intake cage of the pump this past winter which decreased water flow. Water volumes improved significantly after Joe removed the debris. Joe, Chuck and Jim will be working on some kind of fencing to keep debris out to avoid this in the future. 

6. NEW BUSINESS 

a. Non-native Freshwater Jellyfish (found in China) - Joe showed a video of a freshwater jellyfish that Sue Altschwager said was found in White Birch last year. They are about the size of a penny, are rare and not harmful to people or other water species. They may be seen in larger groups called a swarm and are considered just another interesting water creature that can be found in our lakes. 

b. Town of Plum Lake Enhanced Wakes Ordinance - The town of Plum Lake passed the ordinance at the end of August last year and went into effect last October once signage was placed at boat landings. Wake boats can still be used but enhanced wakes are forbidden. The best thing to do is get video of the boat or photos of the boat registration numbers and pass the information on to the Plum Lake town chair, Jackey Postuchow, who will follow up with offenders. 

c. Northwoods Lights Out - Coordinated between Vilas County Lakes and Rivers, Oneida County Lakes and Rivers, and NLDC, Lights Out is scheduled for August 22-24. Try to keep indoor/outdoor lights off or low and just enjoy the night sky. 

7. BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION - The last item to be addressed at the meeting was the announcement of Board officers and the election of directors. Directors serve for terms of two years, with approximately half of the Board elected each year. 

At the May Board meeting, the following appointments were made - Joe Heitz, President; Chuck Atwater, Vice President; Debbie Millar, Secretary; and Nancy Jacobs, Treasurer. 

- Directors Stephanie Gruber, Joe Heitz, Paul Madden, Anne Millar, Debbie Millar and Doug Scott have completed the first year of their two-year terms. 

- Directors Sue Altschwager, Chuck Atwater, Jennifer Heitz and Nancy Jacobs have completed the second year of their two-year terms. 

The slate of Directors approved by the Board and presented for this year’s ballot are: Sue Altschwager, Chuck Atwater, Peter Bonebrake, Jennifer Heitz and Nancy Jacobs. An additional Director was added this year, as the by-laws allow a minimum of five and a maximum of eleven Board members. The Board felt the additional Director allowed for a better succession plan in the future. 

A motion to approve the ballot was made by Paul Madden and seconded by Doug Scott. The motion carried with sufficient votes for each Director candidate to be elected to the Board. 

8. ADJOURNMENT - Joe introduced Peter to the members and welcomed him to the Board. There was no additional business to be conducted, so following a motion to adjourn by Nancy Atwater, seconded by Bob Marsh, and unanimous approval, the meeting was adjourned at 10:40 AM.

Debbie Millar, Secretary 

Joe Heitz, President