Pigeon Lake Association Annual Picnic    8/12/17  Hosted by Linda Auchue

Members present:  Linda Auchue, Trish Bantle, Gary Harms, Hayes family (Doug, Julie & Virginia), Andrew Hong, Audrey Hutter, Marilyn Mellor, John and Sandy MacLaughlin,

Susan and Lance Ritchie, Gwen and Frank Samp & Les and Karen Watters

Guests:  3

Meeting called to order by President Trish Bantle.

Business:

Pigeon Lake membership packets and welcome letter from President were distributed.

Minutes were approved.  Treasurer Susan Ritchie reported that a checking account has been opened.  With recent donations, current balance to $633.94. Board Director at Large positions are unfilled.  Email chbantle@nelson-tel.net to request a packet or volunteer.

Becoming an official Lake Association with bylaws and membership dues was discussed.

Dues for the year were set at $10 with 1 vote per unit.  Funds will be used to support and join with Initiatives and Associations that work to protect and preserve our lake. Registration fees for PLA members representing Association at NW Lake Conference could be covered.  A land management plan and grant applications will be explored.  

Lance Ritchie moved (seconded by Andrew Hong) to accept Bylaws and officially form the 
Pigeon Lake Association. Motion passed by show of hands.  Development of an official letterhead was recommended by Gary Harms.

Lake Updates:

Signs at Boat Landing are now moved out of water and back onto shore by DNR thanks to numerous calls from Trish. In July Trish participated in the Invasive Snapshot - a visual inspection of 4 Lakes in the area.  No invasive species were found on Pigeon Lake.

Although WI no longer recognizes lake class (Pigeon Lake Class C Most Sensitive), 
Bayfield County will hopefully continue to honor lake classifications.  Doug Hayes expressed concern on current bass size limits. DNR does an annual count and sets those limits.

Be watchful for a boater with a red truck parked at boat landing. He has reportedly been taking fish of all sizes for bear bait.  Please get license number & contact Game Warden if observed.

Two loon pairs have been sited.  Audrey Hutter also spotted two babies on East end near Hotters earlier in summer.  Beavers have returned.  Ducks & geese continue to annoy. 

Les Watters shared that Eureka Gravel Pit on Pigeon Lake Road has not yet been active.

Pigeon Lake Field Station will be put up for auction after required notifications.  Price has reportedly dropped to $1.2 million. Johnson Company is not interested.

Communication & Advocacy

Blog:  pigeonlakedrummond.blogspot.com remains active.l

Facebook:  Pigeon Lake Drummond Wisconsin

Facebook invite will come from Trish under name Trish Young

Bayfield County Board Rep: James Crandall (715) 209-5545

DNR Contact:  (715) 795-2565 in Barnes

Game Warden: Matthew Koshollek (715) 209-7184 

Picnic 2018 will be hosted by Doug and Julie Hayes - date to be set.