Projects
Aquatic Invasive Species
The BSLA has been working with the Ashland County AIS Specialist to conduct annual tests on Butternut and Schnur Lakes to monitor the presence of aquatic invasive plants and species. To date we have had positive results with the exception of yellow iris on the shorelines of both lakes. We have started to a program to help eradicate the invasive yellow iris with blue iris. Yellow Iris Eradication with Blue Iris Over the last few years, we have been working to eradicate the invasive yellow iris on both lakes. The Ashland County Aquatic Invasive Species office provided us with a plan to work to eradicate the invasive yellow iris by planting blue iris which will overtake the yellow. Yellow Iris is not native but naturalizes easily in wetlands. All parts of the yellow iris are toxic to humans, cats, and dogs.
To eradicate yellow iris, you can:
- Control small stands of yellow flag iris through hand removal. Plants should be dug, taking care to remove as many rhizomes as possible. Gloves should be used when handling this plant, as the sap can cause skin irritation in some people.
- Be prepared for a long haul, as total control of yellow flag iris may take several years.
- Use a shovel to dig out mature plants, along with a pickax to get the long taproots.
- Wear sturdy gloves and long sleeves because the resins in the plant can irritate the skin.
- Be vigilant about cleaning up debris because even tiny pieces of rhizomes can resprout if left on the ground.
BLUE IRIS YELLOW IRIS Blue Iris is available at your local nursery or online at
www.prairienursery.com
Water Quality
The Association continues water testing on both lakes twice a year in the Spring and Fall. You may have noticed an increase in blue green algae this summer in both lakes. Testing revealed higher levels of phosphorus which contributes to blue green algae. The number of calm days and nights contributed to the larger than usual number of algae blooms.
We will continue our testing and keep you posted on the results. Ruoff from lawn fertilizers is a primary contributor to algae blooms in area lakes. Before fertilizing check the DNR website for preferred fertilizers or skip it altogether.
BSLA Water Testing Update Each Spring the BSLA conducts water tests on both lakes to determine water quality. Results have been positive for both lakes. For detailed information please visit: Wisconsin Lakes
Fish Stocking
We successfully stocked 400 walleye in Schnur Lake and 1000 crappie in Butternut Lake in late October. We had a 100% survival rate!! The Price County Review wrote a very nice story on our stocking program. We purchase our fish from Helmer Fisheries in Phillips. They have been great to work with and always provide good-sized healthy fish. We welcome your input as we plan for stocking in the Fall of 2025.
We work closely with the DNR and their surveys of Butternut Lake continue to show strong walleye reproduction and very healthy abundant young fish which is why we do not stock walleye in Butternut Lake.
Kids Don't Float Kiosk
In our first full year of use, we were very happy to see great utilization of life vests in the Kids Don’t Float Kiosk at Hoffman’s Rocks. We will have it out again early next Spring and greatly appreciate Mike and Sue Schnautz for letting us store it in their barn over the winter.
Schnur Creek Cleanup
A number of BSLA volunteers again cleaned up Schnur Creek which connects Schnur to Butternut Lake. The increased flow between the lakes helps with fish habitat and prevents flooding in the area in the Spring.
Adopt A Highway
The BSLA is a proud member of the DOT Adopt a Highway Program and have claimed nearly 4 miles of Highway 13 from Butternut to Park Falls. We volunteer to clean our section of the Highway 2 times a year and welcome volunteers!