01-22-2012

• On Thursday, December 14, 2011, the Board of the Department of Natural Resources approved the acquisition of the Van Vliet Hemlocks from the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands.  On January 10, 2012 the Joint Committee on Finance approved the purchase.   Governor Walker approved the acquisition of Van Vliet Hemlocks by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on January 12, 2012. The parcel will become part of the Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest and the goal is to add the property to the State Natural Area program.
   
• It is winter on the lake.

11-27-2011

• On September 28, 2011 two representatives from the DNR joined several Van Vliet Lake Association board members on a boat tour of the lake.  The purpose of the visit was to provide a first hand look at our aquatic plant situation and to open a dialog on ways to implement our pending APMP.  Click here to read the notes from that visit.
   

• On November 14, 2011 the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands approved the sale of 432.5 acres of Trust Lands in Vilas County (Van Vliet Hemlocks) to the WI Department of Natural Resources.  The next step is for the DNR Board to act on the staff recommendation to purchase the parcel.  A board meeting is scheduled on December 14, 2011 in Madison for the DNR to consider the acquisition.   The meeting is open to the public and members of the board of the Friends of Van Vliet Hemlocks are planning to attend.   Tom Olson will give a short presentation in favor of the acquisition.   

  The Van Vliet Lake Association has supported the permanent preservation of the land parcel known as the Van Vliet Hemlocks for many years.  The board of the VVLA has sent a letter to the DNR in support of this acquistion.
   
• Ed Brodsky sent in photos of two of our lake neighbors.
   
• Our second winter dinner is scheduled for January 14, 2012.  Another Italian meal will be hosted by Sharon and Paul Specht and we are looking forward to another evening of good food and getting better acquainted with our lake neighbors.  Use the Contact Us form to RSVP.  We need contributions of appetizers, salad, bread, dessert, or make a suggestion of something to enhance an Italian dinner.

10-31-2011

• Late fall also provides a show of color.

10-4-2011

• Total CBCW hours for the past summer are posted.  We had eight hours of coverage on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend and seven hours of coverage during the Fall Muskie Tournament.  Thanks to the volunteers who helped spread the word this summer about the practices that help keep invasive species out of our lake.
   
• The Friends of Van Vliet Hemlocks are sponsoring a hike on October 22 starting at 10 a.m. from the east entry.
   
• Fall colors around the lake are spectacular this year.

09-16-2011

• Minutes from the August 23 board meeting are now posted.

08-28-2011

• A beautiful, late summer morning added to the enjoyment of our hike in the hemlocks.
   
• The new map of the lake is posted on the kiosk.
   
• The native plants at the landing provide some color.
   
• Jill Wilm sent in some more nature photos for us to enjoy.

07-24-2011

• Two more Saturdays with volunteers at the landing have added to our CBCW hours.

07-19-2011

• Minutes from the June 18 annual meeting are now posted. 

07-12-2011

• The boat landing was staffed from 8 to 4 on Saturday, July 2 and from 12 to 2 on July 4.  Thank you to those who have volunteered for our CBCW efforts.

07-07-2011

• Thank you to all who attended our annual meeting.  Our summer plans include Clean Boats, Clean Waters efforts, continuing to monitor the status of the Aquatic Plant Management Plan submitted to the DNR, purchasing a sign for the boat landing kiosk with a map of the lake delineating the 200 ft no wake zone, sponsoring a hike in the hemlocks on August 27 led by John Bates, and an end of summer potluck supper also to be held on August 27.  If you would like to attend the hike and/or the picnic, please use the Contact Us screen to sign up.
   
• This has been a good year for summer flowers.  The lake's population of turtles came out in force to enjoy a sunny day.

06-03-2011

• Jill Wilm provided some more nature photos.  The orioles enjoy the orange at her feeder.  Two spring sights to enjoy.

05-30-2011

• It was a busy Memorial Day weekend. 

  On Friday, there was activity at the landing putting in plants and combining that effort with a CBCW training session.  Our CBCW hours to date are posted. We encourage new volunteers to sign up for a shift at the landing this summer. 

  On Saturday, the ribbon cutting at the hemlocks was an acknowledgement of the many volunteer hours that helped create the new trail system.  A welcome sign and a history sign now greet hikers on the east side.  The Friends group will continue with the mission to preserve this parcel and members of the board are interested in ideas and feedback.

05-15-2011

• Board meeting minutes from May are posted.

05-12-2011

• The Van Vliet Lake Aquatic Plants Management Plan has been submitted to the DNR and is in the approval process.  The draft version of plan is available here.
   
• The Friends of Van Vliet Hemlocks announces the ribbon cutting for the newly mapped trail system on Saturday, May 28 at 10 a.m. at the East Van Vliet Road trailhead.  Click here for more information on the Friends group.
   
• Although some snow piles persisted in early May, it appears that spring has arrived.

04-04-2011

• Our letter about the annual meeting on June 18 has been sent along with a membership form for 2011.
   
• You may see some activity at the landing this spring and summer.  The DNR has given us approval to put in some native plants in the area near the new kiosk.  Nancy Frank is in charge of this project and is looking for volunteers to help throughout the summer.  Use the Contact Us form on the website to let us know you would like to help.  The invasive knapweed at the landing will be sprayed this summer as well by a DNR approved applicator.
   
• Have you ever seen a weasel with its winter white fur coat?
   
• Enjoy a sneak preview of the new trail map for the Hemlocks.  Work continues on developing the trail system and putting in signs at the trailhead.  A new group, Friends of the Van Vliet Hemlocks, is being organized and we will keep you posted on developments with that initiative.

01-30-2011

• Now is the time to think about serving on the Lake Association Board of Directors.  Officers to be elected at our June 18 annual meeting are Vice President, Treasurer, and two At Large Positions.  Jill Wilm, Paul Specht, and Tom Olson are willing to serve another term.  Steve Smithson will not be running for reelection to his at large position.  Our bylaws allow for absentee ballots so we need to know by mid April who the slate of candidates will be.  All current members of the association are eligible to serve on the board.  Please consider volunteering to join the board in our efforts to preserve and protect the lake.
   
• A cold weekend provided some winter images of the lake.

12-13-2010

• A flying squirrel looks out from a nest box on the lake.
   
• Please RSVP by January 5 if you are able to attend our winter Italian night on January 22.

11-16-2010

• Our lake community has lost a long time member.  Matt Pachi passed away on November 3.  Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

11-10-2010

• Does your dock conform to the Wisconsin qualifications to be exempt ? If it is larger than the rules specify but was in place before 2004, it may qualify to be grandfathered.  The registration form for docks to be grandfathered must be submitted by April 1, 2011.  For instructions on how to register your pier, please visit www.dnr.wi.gov keyword: piers. If your pier was placed after 2004, it must fit the exempt rules bearing in mind that Van Vliet Lake is located in an Area of Special Natural Resources Interest (and therefore no loading platform greater than six feet in width is allowed),
   
• A winter social event will be held on January 22, 2011.  This will be an Italian night dinner with the main course already spoken for and contributions needed for appetizers, salad, bread, and dessert. RSVP if you would like to join us for the evening; the location will depend on the number interested in attending.
   
• A beautiful November day provided the setting for a memorable kayak tour of the lake.

10-27-2010

• Fall colors have come and gone but they were spectacular this year.
   
• Board meeting minutes from October are posted.  Mark your calendars: next year's annual meeting will be held on June 18, 2011 at the community center.
   
• Have you checked out our section on the Van Vliet Hemlocks recently?  Work is underway to create an accurate map of the trail system with the goal of installing trail markers by next spring.  A preliminary map of the existing roads is now available.  We are also collecting data from individuals and groups who spend time on the property in order to document the ways the public is using this land.  Please fill out the Activity Report whenever you spend time in the hemlocks.  The hike on October 23 was well attended and a pleasant morning in the woods was enjoyed by the group.

9-21-2010

• For many years, the Van Vliet Lake Association has supported efforts to permanently preserve the land referred to as the Van Vliet Hemlocks.  It is hoped that one day this parcel will become a state natural area and the old growth hemlocks will remain for future generations to appreciate.

  The VVLA is pleased to sponsor a hike on October 23 starting at 9 a.m. from the parking area on East Van Vliet Road.  Naturalist John Bates will lead the group and help us explore and learn more about this special property.

   Help us plan by using the contact us  screen if you can join us.

9-8-2010

• Board meeting minutes for August are posted.  Projects for the coming year include working with the DNR to eliminate the invasive knapweed at the landing and to put in more native plants.  We are investigating the cost of a sign for the kiosk that would be a map of the lake which delineates the 200' no wake zone.
   
• CBCW hours have been updated; we hope to log more hours this fall.

8-22-2010

• The board met on August 21 to discuss plans for the coming year.  Minutes are now posted for the June board meeting and the annual meeting.  We continue to wait for a draft of an aquatic plant management plan for our lake.

7-30-10

• Social event scheduled - there will be a pot luck picnic at Ronie and Mike's (7236 W Van Vliet Rd) on Sunday, September 5 starting at 5 p.m.  Bring a dish to share, a lawn chair, and enjoy a visit with lake neighbors. RSVP via the contact us  screen.

7-17-10

• Thank you to all who attended the annual meeting.
   
• The boat landing was staffed on July 3 from 8-12 and 11 boats were interviewed.  We would love to add your name to the 2010 efforts.  Please consider volunteering on July 24 or August 14 to help keep Van Vliet Lake free of aquatic invasive species.  Send an email from the contact us screen to let us know you are willing to help.

6-24-10

• April board meeting minutes are posted.  The board met again on June 12 to complete planning for the annual meeting.
   
• Thank you, Jill Wilm, for providing the loon photos for our summer images page.

6-21-10

• Please plan to join us at the annual meeting on Monday, July 5 at 10 a.m. at the Presque Isle Community Center.
   
• Members of the VVLA board staffed the boat landing during the Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce Walleye Tournament on May 14-16.  CBCW inspections were conducted along with registering competitors.  Although only one fish was measured at the Van Vliet landing, it was the largest fish caught in the tournament.
   
• We have targeted June 26, July 3, July 24, and August 14 for CBCW inspections at the landing.  Please consider signing up for a two hour shift.  New volunteers will be paired with an experienced person to learn the process.  Use the contact form on this website to let us know you can help.

4-18-10

• The lake association board met on April 17.  Minutes from the 2009 annual meeting were presented and are now on the website.  Planning is underway for the annual meeting and the coming summer.  Membership renewal letters have been sent out and a mailing about Clean Boats, Clean Waters plans will soon follow.  The board has committed to help at the landing for the Presque Isle Spring Walleye tournament on May 14-16.

3-08-10

• The annual meeting for the association has been set for Monday, July 5 at the Presque Isle Community Center.  More details will follow.  Now is the time to submit your name if you are interested in serving on the board.  Positions open this year are President, Secretary, and two at large positions.

8-26-09

• The Natural Resources Foundation visits the Van Vliet Hemlocks.
   

• What's new at the boat landing?  A kiosk to replace the current sign board is under construction.  This was funded by a grant obtained by PITLC.  Clean Boats, Clean Waters efforts continue with our current total hours at 50.5.

7-08-2009

• Thank you to those who attended the annual meeting.  DNR Conservation Warden Rich Thole and Presque Isle Constable Howard Meyer both presented valuable information on their respective roles to the group.  Jeff Burke presented information he learned at the Declining Lake Levels conference.  Ronie Jacobsen and Jill Wilm gave an update on the Clean Boats, Clean Waters efforts.
   
• Good news - we have added new names to owners on the septic maintenance system and we now have 64% of the developed properties on the lake on the system.  Septic Information
   
• The Clean Boats, Clean Waters monitoring has started.  We are looking for volunteers on July 18, August 1, August 22, and September 5.  New volunteers will work with a trainer; shifts are 8-10, 10-12, 12-2, and 2-4.  Please email us if you can help on one of those dates.  Thank you to those who signed up to help at the meeting.  CBCW
   
• There was a request at the meeting that the Presque Isle town ordinances regarding watercraft usage be available on the website.  The link to the town is www.piwi.us and the relevant ordinances are in chapter 500.

5-30-2009

• Spring has arrived in the north woods.  Our Clean Boats, Clean Waters effort is underway. Click here to see the program at work. We still need to hear from more members willing to help out at the landing.

5-13-2009

• Is your septic system on the county maintenance plan?  Recent state legislation has called for full compliance for all septic systems and Vilas County is starting work to achieve that goal. Click here to read a letter from Jeff Burke about how this may affect you.

4-27-2009

• Click here to read a note from Jeff Burke about the progress on the PITLC grant for an aquatic plant management plan for Van Vliet Lake.

4-25-2009

• Planning is underway to set up a Clean Boats, Clean Waters effort on Van Vliet Lake.  Click here to learn more about this project and how you can help.

4-8-2009

• The calendar says spring is here although the lake remains frozen and snow is still part of the landscape in the northwoods.  The annual meeting of the association has been scheduled for Friday, July 3 at the Presque Isle Community Center starting at 10:00 a.m.  Anyone interested in serving on the board is encouraged to submit their name for nomination.   It is also time to renew your membership in the association. 

9-9-2008

• All board members were present for a meeting on August 28.  Click here to read the minutes of that meeting.

7-9-2008

• Board member Ronie Jacobsen attended the Northwest Wisconsin Lake Conference in Cable on June 20.  Click here to read her notes.

6-11-2008

• It is membership renewal time.  One of the goals of the lake association is to promote good stewardship of our lake.  Click here to read some tips on being a responsible lake owner.

4-30-2008

• Three members of the board visited the DNR to discuss aquatic plant and low water level issues on Van Vliet Lake.  Click here to read about the information gathered at that meeting.

4-29-2008

• Plan to start off your 4th of July weekend by attending our annual meeting on Thursday, July 3 at 10 a.m. at the Presque Isle Community Center.  Carolyn Scholl, Vilas County Lake Conservation Specialist, will be our guest speaker.  Learn about the ongoing efforts of the board in regard to aquatic plant issues.  A pot luck lunch will follow the business meeting. 

3-23-2008

• Do you have an interest in serving on the board of the lake association?  Offices up for election at the 2008 annual meeting are President, Secretary, and two At-Large Directors.  The current board will be nominating one or more members for each position. 

3-23-2008

• We have received 30 responses to the survey. Thank you to those who participated.  Click here to view survey results.

1-22-2008

• Please respond to our survey by Feb 15.  We are hoping to have results to present to the DNR in mid February.

12-31-2007

• Although Van Vliet Lake did not receive grant money for the development of an aquatic plant management plan, the board of the lake association is interested in member's opinions on the aquatic plant situation in our lake. 

08-17-2007

• A new sign is in place at the boat landing. Click here to view the sign. Thanks to all who work to keep the landing litter free and nicely landscaped.

05-20-2007

• In accordance with the resolution passed at the 2006 annual meeting, the board has written a letter about the low water level of the lake which has been sent to various government agencies and officials.  Click here to read the letter.

05-01-2007

• The Last Wilderness Conservation Association  has created a Watershed Committee to provide community education and oversight on matters that affect all the water bodies in the Presque Isle township.  Jeff Burke has agreed to represent Van Vliet Lake Association on this committee.  Click here to read the letter from the association.

08-12-2006

• DNR studies indicate that the smallmouth bass population in our lake would be enhanced by decreasing the daily bag limit and increasing the minimum length of a keeper fish. The Van Vliet Lake Association has joined with the Presque Isle Lake Association in supporting such a change for the Presque Isle chain. It is unlikely that any changes would be enacted before 2008.

06-17-2006

• Please read the following note from Jeff Burke:

"A recent inquiry from a lakefront property owner noted the exceptionally low water levels this year.  As a full year resident I would like to bring all website visitors "up to speed" as it were on the subject.  A complaint from one or more Presque Isle Lake residents last year with respect to their perception of a "high" lake level may have triggered the removal of several beaver dams in the Presque Isle River late last fall or in early winter of 2006.  The DNR's Steve Gilbert denies DNR involvement as does the Town of Presque Isle government.  If some other government agency was involved I have not yet been able to establish who they may be but I'm continuing to research the subject.  The other possibility remains of a private citizen taking the task of dam removal on themselves.  The legality of this action needs some research.  Certainly the results need to be addressed.  Clearly the impact to the majority of lakeshore owners was not taken into consideration.  I have no solution for the problem caused by an errant eco-terrorist.  Despite the fact that lack of substantial moisture is an easy explanation for the problem, no amount of water input is going to correct this issue unless the beavers reestablish their domain or the dam level controls in Marenisco are altered to hold more water back.  The bucket has a bigger hole in it this year than last."

Jeff Burke