Letter from the Chair

Dear Members of the Half Moon Lake Community,

As we wrap up another year of working together to protect and preserve the beauty of Half Moon Lake, I want to take a moment to reflect on our progress and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges before us.

Our shared commitment to the health and vitality of this cherished resource continues to inspire me. This year, we made significant strides in understanding and addressing the issues impacting the lake, particularly the growing presence of Eurasian watermilfoil, the aquatic invasive species that poses a serious threat to the lake's ecosystem.

Progress on the Eurasian Watermilfoil Project

I'm pleased to share that we are actively working with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to secure a permit to treat this invasive species in spring 2025. This project represents a vital step toward safeguarding the ecological balance of the lake.

To support this effort, we are partnering with Barr Engineering to develop a comprehensive Aquatic Plant Management Plan. This plan includes the herbicide application request to treat Eurasian watermilfoil and ensures that our actions are guided by sound science and best practices.

Additionally, because wild rice is growing in Half Moon Lake and is federally protected for its significance to Indigenous groups, the Wisconsin DNR is consulting with the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) as part of the permit review process. Their input is critical to ensuring that our management efforts respect and preserve the ecological and cultural importance of wild rice. (Read more about HML’s Wild Rice in the Barr Engineering Report.)

While obtaining the permit is a complex, multi-agency process, we remain committed to ensuring that all actions align with best practices for environmental sustainability and cultural sensitivity.

Collaboration and Learning

This year, the Half Moon Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District engaged in valuable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing:

  • Polk County Land Use Hosted Meetings: Last summer, your board members participated in monthly gatherings hosted by Polk County Land Use. These informal roundtable discussions brought together lake leaders to share information, approaches, and solutions to common challenges. Topics included managing aquatic invasive species, increasing shore cleaning station usage, implementing boat launch fees, securing grants from the DNR, and enforcement of lake regulations.

  • During these discussions, it was noted that Polk County currently employs one recreational officer to patrol the county's lakes. Given the growing demands for enforcement across these recreational areas, the county is now considering hiring an additional officer to better address the needs of our lakes. This potential expansion is a positive step toward ensuring that lake regulations are effectively upheld, creating a safer and more enjoyable environment for all.

  • Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Conference: Looking ahead, your board members will attend the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Conference from March 26-28, 2025. This annual event is a valuable opportunity to learn about the latest research, strategies, and innovations in lake and river management. We are excited to bring back new knowledge and connections to benefit our community.

  • Lake Tides Newsletter: A fantastic resource for those interested in Wisconsin lakes is Lake Tides, a quarterly newsletter published by the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership at the College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. This publication covers a wide range of lake issues, combining research with educational content to help communities protect their waters.

  • Gathering Waters: Wisconsin's Alliance for Land Trusts: Another highly recommended resource is the Gathering Waters website. Their mission is to support Wisconsin land trusts, landowners, and communities in protecting the natural places that make our state special. They assist over 40 Wisconsin land trusts and recently celebrated their 30th anniversary of protecting Wisconsin's beautiful land and water. Congratulations to Gathering Waters on this remarkable milestone!

District Map

Know Your District

Here is a map of the Half Moon Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District (HMLPRD) boundary. This map highlights the area included within our district and serves as a reminder of the community we're working to protect and serve. Understanding the district boundaries is essential as it informs both our preservation strategies and our collaborative efforts.

Why Your Continued Support Matters

The fight to protect Half Moon Lake is ongoing. We depend on your donations and volunteer efforts to fund critical initiatives like invasive species management, water quality monitoring, and habitat restoration. Every contribution-whether time, resources, or financial support-makes a tangible difference in preserving this special place for future generations.

Looking Ahead

In the coming months, we will focus on finalizing the permit process for Eurasian watermilfoil treatment, planning for its implementation, and expanding community education on lake preservation best practices. I encourage everyone to stay engaged by attending our quarterly meetings and staying updated through our website and newsletters.

Call to Action

If you'd like to contribute to this important work, consider making a donation to support the Eurasian watermilfoil treatment project or volunteering with one of our initiatives. Together, we can ensure Half Moon Lake remains a healthy, vibrant resource for all to enjoy.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our shared mission. It is an honor to work alongside such a passionate and committed community.

Happy Holidays to you all!

With gratitude and optimism,

Ellen Butler, Chair

Half Moon Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District