The primary responsibility of the Potters Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District is to protect, maintain, and improve the quality of Potter Lake. In cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the district employs several strategies to cultivate the long-term quality of our lake.
5-year Aquatic Management Plan
In July 2021, Lake and Pond Solutions LLC performed a point-intercept survey to describe the relative densities and species composition of the plant community of Potter Lake and compared it to the last Aquatic Plant Management (APM) Plan, written by Aron & Associates and approved in 2017.
The Lake and Pond Solutions APM Plan outlines a strategy to implement an aquatic harvesting and herbicide management program that will provide for recreational lake uses through nuisance and exotic species control. Through review and comparison of past plant management data, a multi-faceted plant management strategy to optimize both conservation of aquatic resources and recreational value to all lake users was developed.
Please refer to the approved Potter Lake 2022 Aquatic Plant Management Plan Update for complete details.
Herbicide Management
A key strategy for controlling weeds in Potter Lake is the judicious use of herbicide treatments. These treatments target non-native species like Eurasian water-milfoil (EWM), Curly-leaf pondweed (CLP), and Purple loosestrife that may affect navigation. Historically, there have been occasional whole-lake treatments on Potter Lake. The most recent whole-lake treatment was conducted in April of 2017 using SonarOne (granular fluridone), targeting problematic populations of milfoil. Beginning in 2020, except for 2023 when no treatment was needed, spot treatments were required for milfoil as well as curly-leaf pondweed. In years without a whole lake treatment, spot treatments with ProcellaCOR are favored to extend control. Our chemical treatments are done by Lake and Pond Solutions, LLC. They survey the lake and apply for a permit from the DNR for areas with invasive weed species to treat. Once the permit has been approved, only those permitted areas are treated.
Herbicide Treatment Permit 2024
Weed Harvesting
Harvesting is another tool for the management of aquatic plants. The PLPRD began harvesting in 1976. The key goal of the harvesting program is the adequate control of aquatic plants in common-use areas of Potter Lake while protecting the integrity of the native species lake-wide. We receive a separate permit from the DNR to harvest weeds. This permit identifies specific areas and conditions under which we may remove weeds from the lake. Harvesting along shorelines is not permitted. Our weed-harvesting team works very hard to keep weeds under control within the areas that can be cut. Homeowners are allowed to rake/remove weeds from the water at their shoreline. Generally, people place these at the edge of their property, allow them to dry, then compost or burn them. Keep in mind that lily pads may not be removed from the lake as they are a protected species.
Harvesting Permit 2022-2026
Clean Boats, Clean Waters
Clean Boats Clean Waters is a DNR-sponsored program designed to help prevent the spread of invasive species. The district has participated in the program for over 20 years, partially funded with grant money. We try to staff the launch at higher traffic times checking boats and trailers for weeds before launching and again when leaving. The workers collect data from each boater which is then put into a statewide database to help track and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species from lake to lake.
Watercraft Checkpoints PDF