70 Years of Spider Lake Quiet Hours Thrown Out
New Judge Ruling Invalidates Waterski Hours & Quiet Lakes Designation
On October 11, 2023 a circuit judge issued an Order For Summary Judgement that found waterskiing hours on Spider Lake and the “Quiet Lakes” speed limit of 10 mph on all other lakes in the town to be invalid and “of no legal effect.” This change overturns nearly 70 years of partial quiet hours on the Spider Chain of Lakes. It also removes the “Quiet Lakes” designation of Teal, Lost Land, and Ghost lakes.
The current town boating ordinance for Spider Lake was first drafted in the 1950s as a compromise. It was designed to accommodate folks who wanted unlimited speed 24/7 and those who wanted a quiet, safe place to fish, paddle, swim, or simply enjoy the serenity of the lake.
With a minor administrative adjustment, this nearly 70 year old “quiet hours” ordinance can be re-instated by the Town Board of Supervisors. In advance of that vote, a public hearing needs to be held to allow members of the public to voice their thoughts.
To share your thoughts with town leaders, contact them (email addresses on TownOfSpiderLakeWI.gov). You can also attend any Town Board Meeting in person or by Zoom. You can request (a day in advance) to speak at ANY Town Board Meeting. You can submit email to be read at ANY Town Board Meeting. To learn more, contact the Town Clerk. The most recent survey of shoreland property owners (2020) results include: 88% of respondents prefer maintaining peace and quiet on the lakes; 67% disagree that water skiing hours should be expanded. To learn more go to TownOfSpiderLakeWI.gov/Boating Ordinance Update.
The next Town Board Meeting is December 13 at 7 p.m. CT. Questions? Contact the Town Clerk: Clerk@TownOfSpiderLakeWI.gov). To subscribe to town email updates, including Zoom invitations, minutes, and agendas, go to TownOfSpiderLakeWi.gov
Check out the 1st ever Comprehensive Lake Management Plan and the Property Owner Survey for detailed information on how we can all protect the Spider Chain of Lakes and what property owners consider to be the most important attributes of the lakes.
ANNUAL MEMBER PICNIC 2023 HighlightsOver 80 SCLA members and friends gathered for the Annual Member Picnic at Boulder Lodge. Great food, wonderful community, and several games of "corn hole" complemented the beautiful setting and weather. Thank you Lili, Katie and Lynn for your creative leadership and thank you ALL volunteers, who helped create this fun event.
INSECT INVESTIGATIONS! Many thanks to the Education Committee volunteers for the 2023 S.L.E.E.K program on Saturday July 8. Children searched for live insects and discovered what makes these critters so important for pollination and all living things in our backyard. Naturalists from the Cable Natural History Museum led the interactive morning with help from SCLA volunteers. Colorful bug nets were provided. Many parents and grandparents joined the educational activities, which made the day both a FAMILY and EDUCATIONAL event! My Shoreline Week Returned in 2023! My Shoreline Week highlights the importance of preserving and protecting the beautiful Spider Chain of Lakes. This year the focus is on our Lake Monitor Program. Forty five lake monitors from 27 families paddle sections of shoreline areas to scout for aquatic invasive species (AIS). This early detection helps defend the lakes from devastating impact to the water and watershed. Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM), which is NOT in the Spider Chain of Lakes, can become so restrictive that it limits boating and swimming. Being a lake monitor requires only SIX HOURS PER YEAR, and it is FUN! You get to do what you already do here - paddle or boat ride -- with the ability to ascertain the difference between invasive and non-invasive species. Contact Dave Mickelson (davemickelson51@gmail.com for more information). |
SLEEK 2023: Spider Chain of Lakes Association (SCLA) is the only organization dedicated exclusively to preserving and protecting the Spider Lake Chain.
The SCLA mission is a shared responsibility to preserve and protect the pristine Spider Chain of Lakes for future generations.
What's New On The Lake?FAMILY LEGACY FILMShare the SCLA FAMILY LEGACY FILM with YOUR family (encourage them to JOIN SCLA so they can log-in and Watch it here. You must be an active member to access). This delightful film captures the essence of one family's life on Spider Lake through four generations. | YELLOW FLAG IRIS - INVASIVE PLANT
Yellow Flag Iris (YFI) is present on the Spider Chain of Lakes. It is a fast-growing and fast-spreading poisonous land based invasive primarily found on shoreline. YFI can outcompete other wetland plants, forming almost impenetrable thickets in much the same way that cat-tails do. Small clumps can be dug out, though this is only effective if the rhizomes are entirely removed. Mowed plants will regenerate from the rhizomes, so plants must be cut multiple times to exhaust their energy reserves. The sap may cause skin irritation, so gloves should be worn when handling cut or otherwise damaged stems. For more information go to the LAKE MANAGEMENT/Spider Chain Invasive Species page on this website. |
