RIVER Recognizes Blue Heron Stewardship Award for Lakefront Sustainability Efforts

The Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association honored two families for their outstanding stewardship of lakefront properties. The recipients include Brian and Jean Ciske of Broken Bow Lake and Fred and Stephanie Gruber of Irving Lake. Their properties were selected based on sustainable environmental practices that contribute to the health of the surrounding lakes.

The Ciske property is noted for its natural shoreline with a bog mat containing pitcher plants and native vegetation, while the Gruber property features a wetland with wild calla and sedges. Both properties provide habitats for wildlife, including swans, and serve as models for responsible lakefront management.

The association expressed appreciation for the families' stewardship, emphasizing the importance of maintaining natural shorelines. These properties were evaluated using five criteria related to lake health, including the design and maintenance of structures, septic systems, and recreational areas as outlined in the evaluation process.

What is the significance of the Blue Heron Stewardship Award?

The Blue Heron Stewardship Award highlights exemplary shoreline management practices that reduce environmental impacts. The award encourages property owners to adopt sustainable practices that benefit lake ecosystems. By recognizing these efforts, the association aims to promote responsible lakefront development and conservation.

The criteria used in the evaluation process are designed to assess the overall impact of a property on lake health. These include driveway and parking areas, structures and septic systems, yard and recreation areas, shoreline conditions, and overall lot assessment as specified in the award guidelines. The award serves as a model for sustainable lakefront development.

How do these properties serve as environmental models?

The Ciske and Gruber properties are examples of how natural landscapes can be preserved while providing habitats for wildlife. The Ciske property features a natural shoreline with native vegetation, and the Gruber property includes a wetland with wild calla and sedges according to the association's description. These natural features support biodiversity and contribute to the ecological balance of the lake areas.

The association emphasized that these properties serve as models for responsible lakefront management as recognized in the award program. By demonstrating best practices in shoreline stewardship, the award recipients contribute to the broader goal of maintaining healthy lake ecosystems. The award encourages other property owners to adopt similar conservation strategies.

What other events are happening in the region related to environmental conservation?

While the Blue Heron Stewardship Award focuses on lakefront conservation, other events in the region also support environmental efforts. The Chicken Soup Cluck Off event in Three Lakes is a fundraiser for trail maintenance and grooming of the Brule River Trails as reported by the association. Attendees sample homemade chicken noodle soups, and proceeds support environmental infrastructure.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is hosting career fairs to connect job seekers with opportunities in environmental and natural resource roles as announced by the DNR. These events provide a platform for job seekers to engage with DNR staff and learn about application processes for available positions in the field.

These events collectively reflect a growing emphasis on environmental stewardship and sustainability in the region. From recognizing individual efforts in lakefront conservation to supporting infrastructure and career development, these initiatives contribute to a broader commitment to environmental health and community engagement.