2024 Year in Review

The Sunset Lake Association is pleased to share our annual accomplishments, reflecting our collective efforts to preserve and improve the health of Sunset Lake. This year, we undertook significant projects, fostered community collaboration, and advanced our mission of maintaining the lake’s natural beauty and ecosystem.

Key Accomplishments

1. Education and Professional Development
   
   • Sponsored a member to attend the Wisconsin Rivers and Lakes Convention in Stevens Point, enhancing our knowledge and networking capabilities to benefit lake management.
2. Enhanced Mapping and Monitoring
   
   • Purchased mapping software and provided training for members to map and document GPS coordinates of Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) infestations, improving our ability to monitor and manage this invasive species.
3. Fundraising for EWM Management
   
   • Successfully raised over $15,000 to support EWM removal efforts, demonstrating strong community support and commitment to this critical initiative.
4. EWM Removal Efforts
   
   • In August, Aquatic Plant Management LLC (APM) conducted five days of Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) on Sunset Lake. This effort resulted in the removal of 192 cubic feet of EWM.
   • Lake Association volunteers played a vital role in removing EWM near the shoreline and collecting fragments left after the DASH event.
5. Volunteer Data Collection
   
   • Volunteers collected lake water clarity data, temperature profiles, chemistry, and lake level measurements. This information is submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) to support long-term lake monitoring and management efforts.
6. Promoting Native Shoreline Vegetation
   
   • Distributed native shoreline plants provided by Portage County to encourage erosion control and improve lake habitat.

7. Grant Applications and Partnerships
   
   • Submitted a grant application to the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin to secure financial assistance for future EWM removal projects. Awards will be announced in December.
   • Initiated plans to partner with the Town of New Hope in requesting a grant from the WI DNR for EWM removal.

Looking Forward

The accomplishments of this year underscore the strength of our community’s dedication to the preservation of Sunset Lake. As we move forward, we remain committed to leveraging our resources, fostering partnerships, and engaging in strategic actions to enhance the lake’s ecological health.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all members, volunteers, and partners who contributed their time, expertise, and resources to these efforts. Together, we are making a measurable difference in protecting Sunset Lake for future generations.