August 2023
We welcome you to membership in the Big Chetac and Birch Lakes Association (BCABLA). We are grateful you have joined us. Originally formed in 1995 as the Big Chetac Chain Lakes Association, we are dedicated to understanding, maintaining, and protecting the natural resources of Chetac and Birch lakes for the enjoyment and benefit of the public.
Membership dues and donations fund basic operating expenses and support a variety of initiatives, both local and in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR).
Here are some examples:
Protecting the lakes against new aquatic invasive species is a key driver behind the Clean Boats Clean Waters inspection program.
Building and maintaining a productive and robust fishery has been the subject of collaborations with WDNR fisheries biologists, resulting in a comprehensive multi-year fishery plan.
Water quality has been the focus of a significant volume of research in the past which was summarized in a detailed long-term lake management plan. Both plans are available on the BCABLA website.
Volunteers from BCABLA participate in the Citizens Lake Monitoring Network (CLMN) to gather lake water quality data and sample lake plants to guard against unwanted invaders.
Our new board of directors is committed to identifying meaningful ways to contribute to the lakes and providing opportunities for public involvement. At our annual meeting we identified improved signage at boat landings as an opportunity for BCABLA. Plans are developing.
We recently voted to join the Birchwood Chamber of Commerce and look forward to closer collaboration with local businesses. We have improved our website – bcabla.com – by moving to a new host and completely updating the look and feel of the site while maintaining its value as a source of historical information. We are adding online donations to the site to make it more user friendly.
These are just a few of the potential avenues lake association members can pursue to contribute to the lakes and the surrounding community. There are many others. We encourage you to get involved and look forward to working together.
BCABLA President and Board of Directors,
Mark Robinson
Sean Sweeney
Casey Tucker
Steve Janetski
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