What's New

The SCLA Board of Directors is proud to announce that Spider Chain of Lakes Association has earned the "PLATINUM Seal of Transparency" from GuideStar (Candid)* for a FIFTH YEAR in a row (beginning in 2017).  GuideStar (Candid) is the world's largest source of information on non-profit organizations.  By sharing metrics that highlight progress that SCLA is making toward its mission, GuideStar (Candid) helps donors move beyond simplistic ways to evaluate charities.  Congratulations to all SCLA volunteers for your work.  We could not have achieved this (highest) level of recognition without you!  

*Candid and GuideStar became a single company: Candid Foundation Center was the largest source of information about philanthropy globally, and GuideStar was the largest source of information on US nonprofit organizations.  In 2019 the two organizations joined forces to become Candid.

The 2022 NW Wisconsin Lakes Conference brought together lake enthusiasts, educators, and decision makers for a day of learning, networking, and fun. With a keynote address from author Ted Rulseh ("A Lakeside Companion" (University of Wisconsin Press 2019)) and numerous engaging breakouts, the conference offered opportunities to interact and learn from professionals and other lake association volunteers.

Author Rulseh's presentation advised that the key to lake protection is for individuals and associations to become evangelists for the cause, actively engaging with lake property owners, one by one or in small groups.

The theme within several sessions focused on how we manage our property which has a very strong affect on our lakes.  UW- Extension said they have studied AIS so long and poured so many resources into AIS issues that more investment might yield a diminishing return. They are focusing increased attention and resources on educating the public on land management of lake properties. 

To learn more about Wisconsin Lakes, go to their website WisconsinLakes.org and sign up for their quarterly electronic newsletter.  SCLA volunteer Candy Ramsay is featured in the Spring/Summer 2022 issue as the 2022 recipient of the Wisconsin Lakes Lake Stewardship Award:  Excellence in Public Engagement.  Candy was honored at the 2022 SCLA Annual Meeting of Members in May to celebrate her many years of service to the lakes and to SCLA.  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU, Candy!

Mark your calendars for the 2023 state conference in Stevens Point: April 19-21, 2023 at the Stevens Point Holiday Inn and Convention Center.

SCLA is a proud member of Wisconsin Lakes, a decades old partnership of lake associations and districts whose mission is to conserve, enhance and restore Wisconsin’s lakes to ensure their sustainability for the benefit and collective use and enjoyment for this and future generations.

SCLA President Larry Keller announced at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Members on Saturday, the DNR approved the first ever Comprehensive Lake Management Plan (CLMP) for the Spider Chain of Lakes.  Copies were made available for "check out" at the annual meeting of members.  A digital copy will be posted on this website soon.

The CLMP, created in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the foundation for how SCLA will work over the next 10 years to preserve and protect the Spider Chain of Lakes for generations.  It addresses lake water quality, habitat, aquatic invasive species prevention and the social framework to support the long-term health of the lakes.

The Annual Meeting of SCLA Members was held outside at the Town of Spider Lake pavilion on a rainy, but pleasant gathering of members May 28th.

SCLA leadership highlighted the recent approval of the first ever Comprehensive Lake Management Plan for the Spider Chain of Lakes, presented an update on membership, education, philanthropy and the financial report. Two board members were re-elected to 3-year terms: Gina Blayney and Jay Hoeschler.  

Long time volunteer, Candy Ramsay was presented with the Wisconsin Lake Stewardship Award originally presented at the April 2022 Wisconsin Lakes annual conference in Stevens Point.  The annual award honors and celebrates extraordinary volunteer efforts to protect lakes in Wisconsin.  Candy has donated enormous amounts of time and energy to SCLA and the Spider Chain of Lakes over many years.  Thank you, Candy!

President Larry Keller announced the Northern Pike removal initiative this year will include cleaning the pike and donating to the Hayward Food Pantry.  Stay tuned for more details in the next email blast.

The AIS Committee, led by Ray Langer and David Meyer presented details on the Comprehensive Lake Management Plan.  More educational opportunities lie ahead.  Contact us at spiderchainoflakes@gmail.com to learn more about how you can volunteer to help implement components of the CLMP.

DID YOU FORGET TO RENEW?  If so, please renew today.

The SCLA Fiscal Year is Jan 1-Dec 31.  To be eligible for voting member status, in 2022  dues must be paid on or before Dec. 31, 2021. 

Please consider renewing at a FISH TIER; these gifts go directly to cover SCLA annual costs of protecting the Spider Chain of Lakes, including over $30,000 to pay boat monitors at public launches.  We need all members to contribute annually to fund these important efforts to keep our lakes clear of aquatic invasive species.

There are 2 ways to renew:  (1) Download the 2022 Member Renewal Form and send it with your check to our PO Box; (2) Renew online at the RENEW page on this website.

The final draft of the first ever Spider Chain of Lakes Comprehensive Lake Management Plan was forwarded to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in early December.  The plan has a 10-year horizon and addresses lake water quality, habitat, aquatic invasive species prevention, and the social framework to support the long-term health of the lakes.  The Spider Chain of Lakes includes Clear Lake, Fawn Lake, North Lake and Big and Little Spider Lake in Sawyer County.  If approved by the WDNR, the plan will be implemented from the Spring of 2022 through 2032.  

With this CLMP, SCLA joins a growing list of Wisconsin lake associations and lake districts that are planning for the future in cooperation with the Wisconsin DNR and local agencies such as its partners in Sawyer County.

After the "Public Comment" period ended on November 30, 2021, the final draft was forwarded to the WDNR; final approval is expected in February 2022.  A copy of the plan that was submitted is available on this website, along with additional information on the background and funding.  For more information on how SCLA protects the Spider Chain of Lakes go to the Lake Management tab on this website.

You can watch the Wisconsin Lakes Association Annual Meeting on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JplHFmzhOM4 

Executive Director Mike Engleson and colleagues presented an impressive summary of their ADVOCACY and EDUCATION work.  The partnership with the DNR and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point ("Extension Lakes") is working on behalf of all lakes and lake associations.  Their annual conference (April 6-8 in Stevens Point) will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual.  For more information go to  http://www.wisconsinlakes.org

Wisconsin Lakes is the sponsor of the "Lake Leaders Institute" in which several SCLA board members have participated, including our current president, Larry Keller and AIS Committee Chair, Ray Langer.  

It is time to renew your SCLA Membership.  Please help us cover the annual cost of preserving and protecting the Spider Chain of Lakes by renewing at the Bass Fish Tier or above.  Why?  Because the annual cost of our mission activities is over $250 per member.   As of Nov. 28th, 55% of SCLA members have renewed at a Fish Tier.  We need all members to renew at a Fish Tier!

Membership for 2022 must be completed by Dec. 31, 2021.  

There are two ways to renew:

(1) Download the 2022 Member Renewal Form and send with a check to SCLA, PO Box 1082, Hayward, WI 54843, or

(2) Go to the RENEW page on this website and follow instructions.  

AND!  We have not yet met our fundraising goal so your gifts are still needed for the endowment and emergency reserve.  Go to the DONATE page to donate online or send a check to SCLA, PO Box 1082, Hayward, WI  54843.

If you have already contributed in 2021, THANK YOU!

SCLA president Larry Keller announced the first ever Spider Chain of Lakes Comprehensive Lake Management Plan (CLMP) in an email to SCLA members on Nov. 1st.  The plan has a 10-year horizon and addresses lake water quality, habitat, aquatic invasive species prevention, and the social framework to support the long-term health of the lakes.  The Spider Chain of Lakes includes Clear Lake, Fawn Lake, North Lake and Big and Little Spider Lake in Sawyer County.  The plan will be implemented from 2022 through 2032.  Larry sent an email to SCLA members to announce the completion of the draft available for public comment until November 30, 2021.

With this CLMP, SCLA joins a growing list of Wisconsin lake associations and lake districts that are planning for the future in cooperation with the Wisconsin DNR and local agencies such as its partners in Sawyer County.

A copy of the plan is available on this website, along with additional information on the background and funding.  For more information on how SCLA protects the Spider Chain of Lakes go to the Lake Management tab on this website.

Comments will be accepted through November 30, 2021.  Please send comments via mail or e-mail to:

Harmony Environmental, 516 Keller Ave S, Amery, WI  54001 (harmonyenv@amerytel.net)

SCLA members are mourning the loss of longtime resident John Seeger.  John and his family have spent time on Spider Chain of Lakes since the 1940’s.  John and his family included SCLA in their suggestion for memorials in John’s name.  You can send your memorial to SCLA, P.O. Box 1082, Hayward, WI 54843.  Or click the "DONATE" button on top of the home page to contribute via Pay Pal on this website, and check the "Memorial" box and add John's name.