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.

Keep Elkhart Blue: A Holistic Watershed Approach

This article explores the Elkhart Lake Improvement Association's (ELIA) efforts to preserve the lake's water quality and ecosystem through a holistic watershed approach. Learn about the challenges facing the lake and ELIA's initiatives to address them, including data collection, public education, habitat restoration, and invasive species control. Become a member or get involved in shoreline restoration projects to help keep Elkhart Blue! 

Click "Here" to read the full article that will appear in the Depot Dispatch later this month.

Exploring Wake Boating on Elkhart Lake

At the Elkhart Lake Improvement Association, we are committed to ensuring the sustainability and enjoyment of our lake for all. As of now, the Board of Directors has not taken a formal stance on wake boating. We believe in making informed decisions based on scientific evidence and facts that either support or restrict this activity on Elkhart Lake.

To keep our community informed, we have created a dedicated section on our website. You can find articles discussing various perspectives on wake boating under the "Caring for the Lake" menu tab, specifically labeled as "Wake Boat Articles." We encourage everyone to explore these resources to stay updated on this important topic.

As we continue to monitor developments and gather information, we remain committed to the preservation and responsible management of Elkhart Lake.