Hello Neighbors!

Happy Spring (almost)! Our lake is starting to turn but the ice is not rotten yet. We have had significant snow melt and the lake level is above normal for early spring. We have not seen the beavers this winter but they must of have built a dam again for the water to be so high. Once the ice finally goes out, high water and winds will cause erosion of our shoreline, making it difficult to put in piers and will reduce the clarity of our water.

I have been contacted by two neighbors so far asking if they could help to take out this year’s beaver dam(s). So, I would like to ask all of you to join us in the dam removal over the Easter holiday weekend. I would like to propose the dam removal project for Friday, April 14, 2017 at 3PM (with Saturday 1PM as weather-related alternative date). If there is still ice on the lake, you are welcome to put in your canoes or kayaks in on our point, as the ice almost always goes out in the little bay first.

For those of you that have not removed a beaver dam yet, it can be a lot of fun and a great way to work off your frustrations in life. A fair amount of the dam can be removed by pulling sticks and branches out, while seated in your canoe or kayak. However, to make sure the dam will not be quickly rebuilt, some of us will need to don waders and pull all debris off the hard-packed gravel/stone bottom. The water level below the dam is usually less than knee level. So, if you have access to waders, please bring them along. Other items that would be helpful are good gloves, shovel, a big pry bar, and a pick axe. We will be pulling debris out of the dam and placing it downstream on the shoreline. Apparently, beavers are less likely to recycle the debris if it located downstream.

If anyone is interested, refreshments and snacks could also be brought to share after the successful completion of this project. This could also be a good opportunity for us to catch up with each other and meet the new lake residents. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know and i’ll share ideas with our neighbors.

If you have any questions please let me know . I hope to see as many of you as possible on Friday (weather permitting) or Saturday as a backup. Thanks for your help in maintaining our wonderful lake!


Tim & Roxanne Lutgen
Martha Lake
Mercer, WI