Column: GLA’s annual meeting marks Green Lake’s 10 years of impairment | Column

The Green Lake Association (GLA) hosted a sold-out State of the Lake Breakfast and Annual Meeting at the Heidel House Hotel and Conference Center Saturday, June 15. Guests enjoyed a complimentary breakfast before learning about the health of Green Lake.

The annual meeting marked 10 years since the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) declared Green Lake as impaired.

“Ten years ago, this impairment label compelled the GLA to singularly focus its mission on improving the lake’s water quality,” GLA CEO Stephanie Prellwitz said. “This shift was critical for our organization, for our lake and for our community.”

The GLA shared project updates and historic strides it has made for Green Lake’s water quality since the impairment designation, including credible scientific studies to prioritize where to focus its efforts, restoring 3.5 miles of stream to reduce the slow of phosphorus into Green Lake, unlocking access to federal grants and building a curriculum with the Green Lake School District to create Green Lake-centric lesson plans.

Prellwitz then presented the health of Green Lake’s water quality, highlighting five key takeaways:

1) Reducing phosphorus is critical

Ten years ago, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources declared Green Lake impaired due to low dissolved oxygen levels, caused by high phosphorus loading and warmer temperatures. Since temperature is not controllable, the GLA is focusing on reducing phosphorus. To remove the lake from the impaired waters list, a 60% reduction is required.

2) Recent improvements are temporary

Last year’s drought led to improved water quality with phosphorus levels dropping to the lowest levels in 30 years. However, this is not a long-term solution. Without consistent reductions in phosphorus runoff, these improvements will not remain.

3) Weather anomalies highlight urgency

The lake didn’t freeze over the last two years, which has only happened three times since 1936, and in 2023, there was a historic drought. Since these anomalies are uncontrollable, the GLA is doubling down on reducing phosphorus levels.

4) Broadened efforts needed

Voluntary best management practices are part of the success, but they are not enough. In order to improve Green Lake’s water quality, the GLA is exploring technological interventions to intercept phosphorus and accelerate its efforts to counteract the pressures of warmer temperatures and climate change.

5) Community involvement is crucial

To achieve its goals, the GLA needs community support. Everyone can be part of the solution by taking actions that reflect their commitment to preserving Green Lake.

There are many ways people may contribute to the community of lake-loving individuals who are the foundation of GLA’s work. Visit www.greenlakeassociation.org for more information on how you can get involved.

Kristen Rasmussen is the director of communications for the GLA, a local not-for-profit that works to improve water quality for Green Lake.