NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — At the Neenah Public Library Thursday night, residents who live along Little Lake Butte des Morts voiced concerns with the lake.
“I’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth in invasive species,” said Mark Bray, a Fox Crossing resident.
The Lake Management program, spearheaded by GEI consultants, is looking to implement a voluntary system to improve water conditions.
Michael T. Kating, the Parks and Recreation Director in Neenah, says it is a group effort.
“Let’s get everybody together again, we’re all in this together,” he said. “The Little Lake Butte des Mort and the folks that live there and the people who use it, they deserve some good water quality.”
The lake itself has received some accessibility improvements recently, with rentable kayaks being introduced at various boat launches.
Visitors at Loop the Little Lake on Lake Butte des Morts said the trail is used for all sorts of activities, and the algae on the lake has been reduced this year due to an overabundance of rain.
Neenah resident Sabrina Filo said, “Compared to last year, I mean by this time it was a little green but, I mean you’re going to have that when you have hot summers and the sun is just beating in on the water. It’s been pretty good.”
Bray, who lives around the lake, said weeds and algae are a big problem for their docks and water quality.
“Specifically what that has led to is a huge algae bloom on our side of the lake. Which is a relatively new phenomenon,” he said. “And we’re wondering what can be done, as an individual home owner what can you do really.”
The program is currently in the first of three planned phases, which will progress throughout the year.
“Phase 1 of potentially 3, and that really doesn’t even include full implementation, so it’s a long haul,” explained Kating. “You don’t solve these types of problems overnight.”
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