THE BRIGHT SIDE

Geneva Lake is a treasure not only to Lake Geneva but the surrounding municipalities that border the lake.
When Starry Stonewort appeared in Trinke Estates, threatening to take over the lake, the communities and GLEA came together to fight, but did little. The Geneva Lake Environmental Agency is determined, however, with the help of the municipalities, to protect, preserve, and enhance the lake. One of the solutions to combat invasive species including the Starry Stonewort is the Clean Boat Clean Lake Campaign. This campaign was slow-going at first as there are boat launches in each community and everyone had to get on board.

The idea of checking and cleaning boats before and after entering the waters is cumbersome to most. The campaign was enhanced with a boat cleaning machine that the boat launches shared and took turns encouraging boaters to use and protect the lake. The idea is being used more and more as boat launch attendants are taking a sterner approach with boaters to keep invasive species out of the waters. Most recently, the GLEA and the City of Lake Geneva entered into an agreement to share the responsibility of clean water inspections at the city boat launch.

The GLEA will support attendants’ part of the time at the launch, relieving the city from enduring the extra cost. Clean boats mean cleaner waters and the crystal-clear beauty of Geneva Lake is unique and worth maintaining. The most important thing people can do to help this initiative is to get involved, keep trash in the bins and away from the water, encourage others to respect the lake, and enjoy.

Place of the Week

Baseball season has begun and opening day at American Family Field was a sold-out game and the Brewers won.