The recommendations were prepared to provide the Groundwater Work Group with recommendations for the overall technical approach to approvals for high capacity groundwater consumption in the State of Wisconsin. The recommendations are based on Mr. Nauta's experience as a member of the Groundwater Advisory Committee, his experience in numerous states and two other countries with high capacity well approvals, and from many discussions with fellow groundwater professionals, including staff from the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, the United States Geological Survey, and the University of Wisconsin.

With the exceptions of modifications made by 2003 Act 310, the groundwater use regulations in Wisconsin have not changed for decades, whereas stresses have increased dramatically, our understanding of the hydrologic environment has grown, and our tools for evaluating stresses have greatly improved. Mr. Nauta believes that Groundwater Work Group tools and knowledge should be utilized to manage the State’s water resources, and he provided recommendations which are consistent with the utilization of such tools in other states and countries.

Click here to open the PDF of Mr. Nauta's recommendations to the Groundwater Work Group.

Sunday's (Nov. 1, 2009) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel cover story "15,000 reasons to worry" highlighted the expanding problem of the invasive species called "Zebra Mussels". This excellent reporting addresses the cause, spread and problems created by this species. Click the link below to read the story and related articles. Zebra Mussels have occupied Lake Beulah since 1999.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/68119707.html

Graphic depicting how Zebra Mussels came to and spread throughout Wisconsin. Click here.

Photo: Rob Hudson - Vivosity.com

The Lake Beulah Management District Annual Budget Meeting was held on August 24, 2009 at the East Troy Town Hall. Key Agenda Items and decisions include:

1. 2010 Budget Approval

The budget proposed by the Board was amended by the District Electors to include a $2,500 donation to the Kettle Moraine Land Trust plus an equal donation in 2009. The Kettle Moraine Land Trust is raising money to fund conservancy easements and other protective measures to help prevent property annexation and development in the Lake Beulah area particularly within the extraterritorial boundary of the Village of East Troy. The LBMD Board urges all Lake Beulah residents to support this effort through private donations. See the KMLT web site www.kmlandtrust.org for more information and a contribution form.

The Final 2010 Budget approved by the Electors includes the proposed 8% increase in the LBMD tax levy vs. 2009, confirmation of the additional $150,000 ten-year Term Credit Agreement that was approved in 2009 for the defense of Lake Beulah against East Troy Village Well #7, and approval to apply for a DNR Grant in 2010 to help fund the purchase of a new Weed Harvester in 2011.

Click here for the Approved 2010 Budget Worksheet.

2. Water Monitoring Update

Paul Van Henkelum of RSV Engineering presented an update of the three LBMD water monitoring programs designed to provide an early warning that Well #7 may be adversely effecting groundwater flow into Lake Beulah and/or lake water quality. Thus far, the cooperative Deep Well Monitoring program with the Village of East Troy has shown that the impermeable layer (claimed by the Village hydrologist) between the shallow acquifer that feeds Lake Beulah and the deep acquifer that sources Well #7 does not exist. Also, the deep monitoring well closest to Well #7 indicates that groundwater has started to flow from the lake back into the acquifer when Well #7 is pumping. All water monitoring programs will continue.

Click here for the RSV Engineering presentation.

3. Litigation Update

Dean Laing of O'Neil Cannon Holman DeJong S.C. presented an update of litigation concerning the legality and potential harm of Well #7 at the August 11, 2009 LBMD Regular meeting. Copies of that update were available at the Annual Meeting.

Click here for the Litigation Update

4. Board Member Elections

Board Members Dave Skotarzak and Dick Dow were re-elected for three year terms at the Annual Meeting. The following Board Officers were named at the following September 1, 2009 Regular Meeting:

LAKE BEULAH MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

Annual Budget Meeting Notice

Monday, August 24, 2009

7:00 p.m. - East Troy Town Hall

Agenda 

1.       Approve Meeting Minutes of Previous Annual Meeting, August 30, 2008 

2.       Audit Committee Report for Calendar Year Ended December 31, 2008 

3.       Approve 2010 Proposed Budget expenditures of $249,350 and Property Tax Levy of $243,378.  A copy of the budget may be obtained by calling Mr. Dick Dow, Treasurer, (262-363-8327).  A copy of the budget will be posted at the East Troy Town Hall and on Lake Beulah Management District's web site (http:www.LBMD.org). 

4.       Treasurer's Report - Current Year Financial Reports and Line of Credit Review and take action on the matter - Dick Dow 

5.       Weed Harvesting Report and discussion regarding purchase of Harvester with Trailer and possibly take action on the matter - Stan Alger 

6.       Well #7 Status Report and possibly take action on the matter - Attorney, Dean Laing and Bob Nauta/RSV 

7.       Election:  Elect two commissioners for a three-year term to expire in 2012.  Dave Skotarzak and Dick Dow incumbents.  Other Nominees? 

Nominating Committee: Commissioners Dave Bitter and Valerie Johnson 

8.       Commissioner/Public Comments 

9.       Determine Next Annual Meeting Date:  Monday, August 23, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., East Troy Town Hall 

10.    Adjourn 

Respectfully submitted,

Ms. Valerie Johnson

Commissioner/Secretary

Lake Beulah Management District

Proposed 2010 Budget Summary

**Note:  The LBMD plans to apply for a DNR Grant in 2010 to help offset the cost of a new Aquatic Plant Harvester to be purchased in 2011.  The final cost of the new Harvester will be totally funded from existing Reserve Capital Certificates of Deposit.