Quagga Mussel Alert: Protecting Elkhart Lake

In fall 2024, invasive quagga mussels were discovered for the first time in an inland Wisconsin lake, Geneva Lake. This marks a serious concern for local ecosystems, as quagga mussels are known to disrupt aquatic food webs, outcompete native species, and clog water intake systems.

Originally documented in Lake Michigan in 2000, quagga mussels have since spread throughout the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi River. Their presence in Geneva Lake raises concerns about further inland spread, including nearby inland lakes.

In June 2025, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) conducted a survey of Elkhart Lake, as it offers suitable habitat for quagga mussels. Thankfully, no mussels were found.

We ask all lake users to remain vigilant. If you believe you have seen a quagga mussel, please contact ELIA immediately. Early detection is critical in protecting the health and balance of Elkhart Lake. (Archived 08/19/2025)

August 9th is Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day

One of the most important issues affecting the health of Wisconsin's waters will take center stage Aug. 9 during Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day.

Twenty-five events are scheduled at sites across the state, including one in Sheboygan.  To learn more, "Click Here" (Archived 08/09/2025)

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources urges anglers to drain water from their boats and equipment this fishing season.  

The warmer weather has got Wisconsinites back out on the water!

Unfortunately, some of our lakes and rivers contain aquatic diseases and difficult-to-see invasive species, like spiny water fleas and zebra mussel larvae.

Wisconsin law requires boaters and anglers to drain livewells, motors and containers before leaving a boat launch or fishing spot to prevent the transport of diseases and invasive species from one waterbody to the next. 

To read the whole article, "CLICK HERE".   (Archived 07/28/2025)

Managing Invasive Species in Elkhart Lake

In just a few short weeks on June 20th we will reach the summer solstice. We wait patiently all year for when early sunrises and late sunsets cast their colors over the crystal-clear water. It’s the time for dipping in an oar, getting up on water skis, and casting a line. Contrary to the popular winter holiday songs, in Elkhart Lake, June signals the start of the most wonderful time of the year.

With all the busyness and beauty that comes with Wisconsin summer also comes another season of caring for the lake. Elkhart Lake is known for its water quality and each summer is another opportunity for lake users to be stewards. Whether a swimmer, boater, fishing enthusiast, or sunset catcher, we can all contribute to keeping the water clean and safe. One of the most important ways we can take part in the upkeep of our local watershed is in the management of invasive species.   To read the whole article, "CLICK HERE".   (Archived 07/15/2025)

Addressing phosphorus runoff in Elkhart Lake

Spring in Wisconsin is officially here! Some days summer feels out of reach. Other days, the sun is just warm enough to remind us of returning to the beach or paddling a kayak. While we all patiently wait for our days at the lake to return, the Elkhart Lake Improvement Association (ELIA) takes advantage of the quieter months to study and make plans for keeping the water healthy. When it comes to maintaining crystal clear water, there is a lot of year-round data collection and data analysis.  To read this whole article, "CLICK HERE".  (Archived 07/15/2025)

ELIA 2025 projects update

While the lake takes a little rest in the frozen winter months, the Elkhart Lake Improvement Association (ELIA) is preparing for when the water wakes up again. 2025 is stacking up to be another exciting year for the local non-profit. May through August will be particularly busy with continued field work. With the help of volunteers, the water scientists at ELIA will continue collecting water samples to measure levels of nitrogen, nitrates, phosphorus, chlorophyll, dissolved oxygen, and total suspended solids.  To read this whole article "CLICK HERE". (Archived 07/15/2025)

Wake Surfing survey results

Your ELIA Board has been closely following the discussions in the Village of Elkhart Lake and the Town of Rhine concerning potential legislation on wake surfing. To gather our membership's perspective, we conducted an email survey. We appreciate the robust response, which also included input from non-members.

The survey results indicate a strong sentiment regarding wake surfing. Across all participants, 80.76% (105 individuals) recommended a complete ban, while 7.69% (10 individuals) suggested restrictions, and 11.53% (15 individuals) favored maintaining the existing regulations.

Among ELIA members specifically, the support for a complete ban was even stronger, with 86.73% (85 members) in favor. Additionally, 6.12% (6 members) suggested restrictions, and 7.14% (7 members) preferred no change.

Many survey participants shared their specific concerns about wake surfing on Elkhart Lake and offered valuable suggestions. You can review these comments in detail by clicking on this link.  (Archived 07/13/2025)

Annual Meeting Details

Please mark your calendars for our annual meeting on Friday, June 13th, at the Osthoff Hotel. (5 PM – 6 PM Social Hour, Business Meeting to Follow) Once again, the Osthoff team has prepared a truly wonderful evening, and we are sure it will be a summer highlight.

Key Discussion Points

At the meeting, we'll cover several important topics:

• Bylaw Updates: The board has been updating some of our bylaw sections to simplify our processes, and we'll share these proposed changes with you.

• Board Candidate Slate: We're also preparing a slate of candidates for your consideration for membership on the board for the coming three years.

• Wake Surfing Discussion: We will discuss the contentious issue of wake surfing, including the results of our ELIA membership survey and current developments at the village level.

Lake Stewardship & Environmental Initiatives

Major environmental projects are underway to improve our lake's water quality, and you'll learn more about these significant efforts at the meeting. We've also been more regularly publishing our activities and helpful information on being better lake stewards. This is a big step forward in increasing public awareness about who we are, what we do, and how our efforts enhance the qualities we all cherish: clean water, safe lake activities, and a broader community understanding of how everyone can help make Elkhart Lake a place generations from now will be able to enjoy.

Our Native American ancestors often consider seven generations when making decisions. I believe we can learn a great deal from their wisdom as we work to preserve Elkhart Lake.

Looking Forward
We are truly looking forward to gathering with you at the Osthoff on June 13th to celebrate our community's collective efforts in preserving Elkhart Lake for future generations. Until then, welcome back to the village and to the lake we love. (Archived 06/18/2025)

EL-Glen Middle school state winner of national competition with floating trash robot idea

On February 4th, WTMJ in Milwaukee featured an article on their website about a group of 10 Elkhart Lake-Glenbulah middle schoolers who earned a major title in the Sumsung STEM competition, Solve For Tomorrow competition. This group of students came up with an idea to help keep the waters of Elkhart lake pristine clean.  To read the whole article, "click here".  (Archived 05/15/2025)

In October, the Elkhart Lake Improvement Association hosted its inaugural Watershed stakeholder meeting inside the rustic confines of Farm 1847. This event brought together a diverse group, including farmers, outdoor enthusiasts, and representatives from several local organizations and government bodies, all focused on improving and preserving our watershed.

Attendees enjoyed an evening of dialogue and exchange over Sheboygan’s finest beers from Three Sheeps Brewing and Wisconsin’s best brats cooked by Three Guys and a Grill. The meeting started with rapid-fire, five-minute presentations by local stakeholders, offering insights into ongoing projects and collaborative opportunities to enhance the watershed.

Key speakers included Tyler Betry from Sheboygan County, Miriam Headrick from the Glacial Lakes Conservancy, Derek Sippel from the Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers & Airy Point Farms, Michael Patin from USDA NRCS, Amy Lentz from Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership, Steve Klock from Sheboygan County Conservation Association & Pheasants Forever, and Star Gerk from the Sheboygan River Basin Partnership.  Their discussions set the stage for an evening filled with shared ideas on sustainable practices and upcoming initiatives aimed at fostering a safe and resilient watershed.

The event underscored the power of community engagement in environmental stewardship, showcasing a collective commitment to learning from each other and enjoying the natural beauty our region has to offer. As the night concluded, the atmosphere was filled with optimism, leaving participants eager for future gatherings that promise to continue this vital conversation around a healthy watershed. (Archived 05/15/2025)

Elkhart Lake Receives DNR GRants

Elkhart Lake was a recipient when the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently announced approximately $6 million in grant funding to lake organizations, nonprofit organizations and municipal and county governments throughout Wisconsin.

Of the 428 applicants, 207 programs totaling around $6 million were selected this year (2024) by the DNR for the annual awards.

Funding, which includes Healthy Lakes and Rivers grants as well as support for the Clean Boats, Clean Waters and Lake Monitoring and Protection Network programs, will be used to help restore and protect the state’s surface water resources in 2024 and beyond.

Under the grant funding, the Elkhart Lake Improvement Association (ELIA) will receive funding of $1,950 for our Clean Boats-Clean Water program and ELIA will work with the Sheboygan County’s Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership which was given two $10,000 grants: one directed towards improvements to Elkhart Lake’s Neuses Bay Tributary, and the other to study phosphorus loading at Elkhart Lake.

28 boating fatalities in 2023 sets state record 

According to the July 12, 2024 issue of the Wisconsin Outdoor News, Wisconsin set a tragic record in 2023 when 28 people died while enjoying the state’s lakes and rivers by fishing, hunting, paddling, jet-skiing, waterskiing or motorboating.

Most of those folks drowned; only one died in a collision.  To learn more, read the article by , "Clicking Here."

DNR offers awareness tips for Invasive Species Action Month 

Click "Here" to check it out! 

True or False?

Q:  I am over 18 years old so I can drive any boat or PWC without a boating safety certificate?

A:  False

•  A person who was born on or after January 1, 1989, and who is 16 years of age or older may operate a motorboat only if he or she:

1. Has completed a boating safety course accepted by Wisconsin DNR 

2. Is accompanied by another person in the motorboat who is at least 18 years of age and that person holds a valid boating safety certificate or was born before January 1, 1989.

• A person at least 16 years old may operate a PWC only if he or she has completed a boating safety course that is accepted by the Wisconsin DNR.  A person born before January 1, 1989, is exempt from the safety course requirement.

Boat Safety Education

Persons required to have successfully completed a boater education course must carry their boater education certificate on board and make it available upon request by a law enforcement officer.  

For more information on the boating safety rules "Click Here".

Did you Know..........

There are 15,074 documented inland lakes in the State of Wisconsin and Elkhart Lake is the third deepest natural inland lake at 119 feet deep.  The deepest lake is Big Green Lake at 236 feet deep, followed by Geneva Lake at 135 feet.  These three lakes were all formed as remnants of glacial activity.

However, if artificial lakes were included things would look different, with Lake Wazee (a former iron mine in Jackson County) the deepest at 350 feet in depth.  There are also two very deep quarries that filled with water: Redgranite Quarry in Waushara County at 163 feet deep and Lohrville Quarry in Waushara County at 120 feet deep.

Having a deep lake is a good thing because lakes with higher volumes of water tend to better withstand land use changes around them.  Big, deep lakes tend to have clearer water.  This is a win for residents and visitors alike who love the clean water when swimming and it’s also great for our native fish and animals.

New Information on electric foils and surfboards

Elkhart Lake Improvement Association President, John Schott, recently had a conversation with a representative of the Wisconsin DNR regarding e foils and surf foils. (some of which are pictured above) Discussion revolved around how WI boating rules and regulations apply to the new electric watercraft.  Here is a brief synopsis of the discussion:

• They are powered watercraft and as such, they need to be registered and display numbers and the annual/biannual stickers.

• Operators must follow the same boating laws as when they are operating any other power watercraft.

• Operators need to follow all slow-no-wake regulations.  ("Slow-No-Wake Speed" means that speed at which a boat moves as slowly as possible while still maintaining steerage control.)

• Operators of these watercraft need to operate 200 ft from shore and 100 feet from other watercraft.

We will keep you posted as we receive more information........

Elkhart Lake's Annual Downtown Night was held on Tuesday, August 15th after getting washed out on the 14th (3.9 inches of rain).  The proud board members of the Elkhart Lake Improvement Association didn't let it dampen our sprints while educating the public on how we "Keep Elkhart Blue".  Some of the topics covered were:  Our on-going watershed study, Invasive Weed Abatement Program, Quality Water Testing and Clean Boats/Clean Water Program, just to name a few.  While we were at it, we signed up 4 new members to help with ELIA's future efforts.

ELIA Annual Meeting

The Elkhart Lake Improvement Association held the Annual Membership meeting on June 9th, at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake.  There were 118 members who attended the informative event. If you want to see what you missed you can check out the Power Point Presentation that was given.

A special thank you to General Manager John Steffes (also an ELIA Board member) and the Osthoff Resort for the first class setup that they provided us.

ELIA receives dnr grants

ELIA has recently received 4 DNR grants for calendar 2023.  These grants which require matching funds will help Keep Elkhart Blue in the coming years.

The first grant covers our Clean Boat Clean Water Program (CBCW) for another year.  This onsite educational program helps inform boaters coming onto and leaving the lake about invasives.  CBCW activity has been in place for over a decade.  CBCW also provides information to boaters about the lake and rules of the road while they are enjoying the lake.

The other three grants break new ground and are part of an overall watershed assessment project that ELIA is working on with the DNR, Sheboygan County Planning and Environment, and the Lake shore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP).

Grant 1-Elkhart Lake Best Management Practices - Native Shoreline Gardens

Partnering with property owners, ELIA is administering a grant to implement best practices from Wisconsin's 2019 Healthy Lakes & Rivers Action Plan.  This will include 350 sq. ft. of native plantings, diversions, rock infiltration, and/or rain gardens which will be designed and installed in various location along the lake.  All funded best practices, required contracts that must remain in place for 10 years and include minimum operation and maintenance requirements as a condition of the grant.

Grant 2 - Elkhart Lake Habitat Restoration - Prairie Installation & Tree Planting

ELIA is sponsoring a lake protection project to install a 25-acre prairie restoration on the Schaff property, located on a direct drainage area on the south side of Elkhart Lake.  Specific project activities include: 

1. Site preparation to prepare the site for seeding.

2. Placement of native mesic and wet-mesic prairie seed by a tractor mounted seed drill as well as broadcast hand seeding.

3. Planting of oak trees and shrubs.

4. Management mowing and spot herbicide treatment to manage nonnative vegetation as needed.

5. Monitoring the site to map nonnative populations when found.

Grant 3- Elkhart Lake Runoff Management - Feasibility Study & Concept Design

ELIA is sponsoring a project to develop a conceptual plan for the Neuses Bay Tributary BMP installation for Elkhart Lake.  Project final deliverables include:  Agenda and minutes for the Annual Meeting, and a conceptual design plan that includes methodologies, data complied and collected, and modeling results. Specific project activities include:

1. Compilation of existing imagery data, land use data, FEMA data and meteorological data.

2. Collection of site-specific data.

3. Development of a conceptual design plan including SWAT model, alignment, profiles, instream structures and a revegetation plan.

4. Presentation of conceptual design plan at the Annual Meeting and other outreach events.  ELIA  will also continue its annual invasive weed program to locate and remove or terminate invasivethe south side of Elkhart Lake.  Specific project activities include: 

6. Site preparation to prepare the site for seeding.

7. Placement of native mesic and wet-mesic prairie seed by a tractor mounted seed drill as well as broadcast hand seeding.

8. Planting of oak trees and shrubs.

9. Management mowing and spot herbicide treatment to manage nonnative vegetation as needed.

10. Monitoring the site to map nonnative populations when found.

National Operation Dry Water campaign July 1-3 in Wisconsin

Boaters should expect to see more Department of Natural Resources conservation wardens and other law enforcement officers on Wisconsin waters July 1-3 as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign.

Wardens and other participating law enforcement agencies will be educating boaters about safe boating practices, including sober boating and the need to wear life jackets, according to the DNR.

Alcohol use is a leading factor in recreational boating fatalities and nearly 80% of fatal boating incidents involve drowning, with many victims failing to wear a flotation device.

“Boating while impaired continues to be a problem on our waterways,” said Lt. Darren Kuhn, DNR boating law administrator, in a statement. “As law enforcement, it is our duty to ensure that recreational boaters, paddlers and anyone enjoying our waterways have a safe place to spend their time. The tragedies that result from these boating under the influence incidents are 100% preventable.”

In Wisconsin, it is illegal for boaters to operate a vessel if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher. The DNR recommends to designate a sober operator if alcohol is part of a group's day on the water.

Since Operation Dry Water started in 2009, law enforcement officers across the nation have taken law enforcement action against 4,700 impaired operators, preventing dangerous and potentially devastating consequences, according to the DNR.

Boaters can learn more about boating under the influence by visiting operationdrywater.org. Operation Dry Water is coordinated nationally by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators.

Elkhart Lake Tourism offers "Keep Elkhart Blue" tips

The Elkhart Lake Tourism Commission recently published suggestions that will help Keep Elkhart Blue, titled "The Elkhart Way."  Here is one excerpt from their post.

"Leave only footprints…it’s the Elkhart Way

The lake — It’s the gem of our village, and when we all treat it like one then we all reap the benefits. Beach day? Leave it how it was when you arrived, if not, better. Boating? Respect “no wake” zones and hours, inspect your boat before you enter the lake and after you leave the lake. Remove. Drain. Dispose. We can all do our part in keeping Elkhart blue."

For more information on this initiative, follow this link.

ELIA Seeks your input on the Elkhart lake Comprehensive Lake Management Plan

Here is the link for the Draft Elkhart Lake Comprehensive Lake Management Plan. Please provide comments on the Draft Elkhart Lake Comprehensive Lake Management Plan by Oct 24, 2022. Direct comments to Sarah Majerus at (920) 627-3183, sarah.majerus@stantec.com, or Melissa Curran at (920) 841-1072, melissa.curran@stantec.com. 

HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES THIS SUMMER

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking boaters to help stop the spread of invasive, nonnative plants and animals in our waters. (To learn more, click on the link above)   

Elkhart Lake Study Seeks Your Input 

The Elkhart Lake Improvement Association (ELIA) is in the midst of a comprehensive lake watershed survey to assess impacts that are negatively affecting the water quality of the lake. And you can be an important part of the input that is being collected. All responses will be anonymous so there will be no use of any of your personal information. (Survey will be open through Sept. 16, 2022)

Here is an online link that will connect you to a short survey that will help capture a variety of Elkhart Lake user information. User input is an important part of the overall data base being created for this project. If you prefer a hard copy for your submittal, you can contact ELIA and a copy will be sent to you.

The goal of this assessment study is to help identify critical areas around the lake where improvements can have the most positive effect on maintaining and improving lake water quality.

The survey is being managed by Stantec, an environmental engineering firm which has been contracted by ELIA to perform the assessment work. This is being done through funding support from the Catharine B. Stayer family foundation, and is coordinated with the Sheboygan County office of Planning and Conservation and the Lakeshore Natural Resource  Partnership 

Based on assessment results, ELIA will be applying for DNR grant funding to help implement prioritized improvement projects.

Keeping Elkhart Blue is a long-term effort. The lake is in good shape but keeping it that way is critical for enjoyment by generations to come. Thank you for taking part in the survey and please feel free to raise questions or include any observations you may wish to share. Send your questions or observations to:  Contact ELIA.

Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting

Harvesting of Eurasian Water Milfoil (Invasive Weeds) took place on August 22, 23, and 24 in various areas around the lake.  For a full report, "Click Here".

Invasive weed treatment

There was a herbicide treatment applied to two areas of the lake late Monday afternoon, June 27th, 2022. It was in the outlet bay and Neuses bay. People in those bays should not use lake water on plants for 14 days. 

This, in combination with diver assisted suction harvesting, has decreased our concentrations of two invasive weeds while not decreasing the native weed population.

Osthoff supports Elia

On April 22nd, the Osthoff Resort Condo Owners recognized and supported the Elkhart Lake Improvement Association at their Owners Social.  The owners  hosted a ‘Wine Pull’ fundraiser and awarded ELIA with $1,000 check! 

Thank you to the Osthoff Resort and all the owners who supported this event, your generous support is truly helping to "Keep Elkhart Blue."