The Minong Flowage Association has submitted its application for a Wisconsin DNR Control Grant to fund a comprehensive three-year plan to manage Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) in the Minong Flowage. The application represents months of planning, community organizing, and an extraordinary outpouring of support from across our region.
"The Minong Flowage is a cornerstone of the local economy," wrote Douglas County Board Chair Mark Liebaert in his letter of support. With EWM now covering 257 acres—the worst infestation since before 2014—the urgency of this management effort has never been clearer.
The grant application's success depends on demonstrating broad community support, and our supporters delivered. Douglas County Sheriff Matt Izzard highlighted public safety concerns, noting that EWM "was a contributing factor" in a tragic 2023 drowning incident that took 18 days to recover victims due to heavy vegetation. "From a public safety perspective," Sheriff Izzard wrote, "reducing dense aquatic vegetation in the Minong Flowage will make the lake safer for recreational users and easier for emergency responders."
The economic stakes are equally compelling. "As real estate professionals, we regularly see how lake conditions influence buyer decisions and property valuations," wrote Kevin Brisky of Lakewoods Real Estate. "Clean, accessible water with good recreational quality commands premium prices."
The business community also stepped forward with significant support. "For ten years, we have owned and operated Seaman's Resort on the shores of the Minong Flowage," wrote Julie and Dave Trygstad. "Our bar and RV campsites attract thousands of visitors each season who come to enjoy clean water, excellent fishing, and the natural beauty that defines this region. When the lake thrives, our business thrives."
Our Supporters
The following organizations and individuals provided letters of support and/or financial contributions to demonstrate community commitment:
Government & Public Safety:
Businesses & Organizations:
Lake Associations & Clubs:
* Additional thanks to business supporters who made financial commitments totaling more than $12,000; that’s on top of $20,000 raised since June 2025 from individuals for lake management efforts as well events sponsored by Marsh’s View Point Resort.
The 4,501 boat inspections at the Flowage's two busiest boat launches, during only 46 days (weekends & holidays) between fishing opener and Labor Day 2025, demonstrate the Minong Flowage's status as one of northwest Wisconsin's most valuable recreational resources. As Wascott Town Board Chair Chuck Youngquist noted, "Effective invasive species management is not just an environmental issue—it is sound municipal policy that protects property values, supports local businesses, and maintains the tax base that funds essential town services."
The Work Continues
While we await the DNR's decision, the MFA's Lake Management Committee will continue meeting monthly to develop our comprehensive milfoil management strategy. This multi-year plan requires navigating complex regulatory challenges and coordinating multiple approaches—herbicides, manual harvesting, and other solutions, alongside ongoing public education efforts.
The MFA Board will also engage in strategic planning this winter to increase membership, engagement, and fundraising capacity to ensure long-term sustainability of our lake management efforts. The MFA will recognize individual financial contributions since June 2025 in future communications as we ramp up a formal fundraising campaign—we thank everyone for their support!
Special thanks to consultant Dave Blumer and our Lake Management Committee volunteers for the countless hours of work that made this grant application possible:
Thank you to every member who contributed financially, attended meetings, volunteered for hand-pulling efforts, and supported this application. We'll update the membership as we learn more about the grant review timeline, which we anticipate will be complete by February 2026.
You can see the full grant applications and letters of support here:
MFA 2026-28 AIS Grant Proposal, Map and Letters of Support
Questions? Contact MFA President Harlan Johnson at johnson2424@yahoo.com