State Rep. Jeff Mursau toured Berry Lake and joined community volunteers, invasive species experts and law enforcement representatives participating in the state’s sixth annual Landing Blitz at the Berry Lake boat landing during the Fourth of July weekend.
“I had a great time seeing the good people and interesting sites in the Berry Lake and promoting clean lakes in Wisconsin,” Mursau said. “I hope people and organizations dedicated to a clean environment continue to call on me to help achieve our common goal: a clean environment and sustainable use of our natural resources.”
Mursau represents the 36th District, which includes most of Oconto County, all of Menominee County, and towns on the eastern portion of Shawano Lake. Most of Berry Lake’s 201 acres are in Oconto County, but 5.4 acres lie in Menominee County.
Landing Blitz events are held across the state over the Fourth of July weekend to help boaters understand Wisconsin’s invasive species laws and what steps to follow to avoid spreading aquatic invasive species such as Eurasian water-milfoil and zebra mussels.
Berry Lake’s Landing Blitz began with a pontoon boat tour to introduce Mursau to Berry Lake and its invasive species problems.
Doug Cox, Menominee Tribe invasive species coordinator, described the importance of collaborative efforts among lake organizations, agencies and governments to stop the spread of invasive species.
John Holman, Berry Lake Property Owners Association president, talked about the importance of boat and trailer inspections at the landing for keeping Berry Lake free from the invasive species such as the zebra mussels, which infest nearby lakes.
Brian Ewart, Berry Lake Association president, described the role the BLA played in identifying invasive phragmites at Berry Lake, its work with the Menominee Tribe to control it, and how the organization was prepared to conduct a scientific study of benthic barriers (fabric mats). Benthic barriers may be are suitable for property owners who would like to use mats as an alternative to chemical control.
Berry Lake is free of several invasive species inhabiting nearby lakes, and the Berry Lake community is actively helping to stop the spread by volunteering to conduct boat inspections and by participating in educational events like the annual Landing Blitz.
The lake’s two lake associations, Berry Lake Association and Berry Lake Property Owners Association, have jointly sponsored community gatherings at the lake’s boat landing for the past three Landing Blitzes. The Menominee Tribe’s Thunderbird convenience store has provided refreshments.
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