Healthy Lakes Conference Scheduled

Lake Country Clean Waters (LCCW), in partnership with Tall Pines Conservancy, will hold the 6th annual Healthy Lakes Conference on Friday, September 17, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Oconomowoc Community Center (OCC).  The OCC is located at 220 W. Wisconsin Avenue in the city of Oconomowoc.

The conference has typically been held in June. However, this year it was moved to September to facilitate in-person programming.  According to Brad Steckart of Lake Country Clean Waters, “After offering the 2020 conference as an online experience, we are thrilled to have this opportunity to share ideas and uncover solutions for the water quality challenges we face in the greater Lake Country area,” he explained.

The morning session will begin with a keynote speech by Dr. Kris Wright entitled, “The Way Water Works!”  Dr. Wright’s presentation will provide an entertaining overview of the intricacies beneath the hulls of our boats and around our waders. Attendees will explore atoms to ecosystems, as he dives into a base knowledge of water and the lakes, rivers, and streams we cherish in Wisconsin. The talk will conclude with a discussion of the fascinating relationships among environmental factors and aquatic communities, and why water is essential for life on earth.

Other presentations featured during the morning segment will include the results of a Starry Stonewort Efficacy Study and efforts in Wisconsin to address this emerging invasive species within our waterways.  The presentation of the annual LCCW Lake and River Award will conclude the morning programming.

Afternoon programming will feature a presentation by the North Lake Management District on their Drone-Based Wave Study as well as a discussion on Lake Leaders. The conference will end with pontoon boat rides to study shoreline erosion control projects.

Space for the Healthy Lakes Conference is limited and advance registration is strongly recommended.  The cost is $40 per person and includes all programming, morning refreshments, lunch and optional afternoon lake tour. For more information and to register, please contact Tall Pines Conservancy at 262-369-0500, e-mail [email protected] or visit