I try to not send too many emails or post too much but I have to do this one as you all should hear it and be proud of what you have accomplished, whether your helping by being a Sponsor, a working member, a financially supporting member…or even just a friend or relative giving members “an attaboy…”

At last night’s meeting at NIP’s Irish Pub we had about 55 members present and the WDNR Bureau of Fisheries Management presented the Pewaukee Chapter of Walleyes for Tomorrow an “EXTERNAL PARTNER AWARD”.

The words of accomplishment spoken by Todd Kalish the Deputy Bureau Director were very detailed such as: “Running the Walleye Wagon”, “Implementing the Fish Sticks Projects”, “Kids Fishing Clinics”, “The Big Ice Fishery”, “Rough Fish Removal”, “Catch and Release Award Program”. and the “Installation of 9 Fish Cribs”… He went on to say that although the fish sticks are more beneficial as wood in the water, when you install large numbers of fish cribs they are not fish kill structures, they are woody structure’s and good for the ecology of the lake. He then went on about our planning of the Meadowbrook stream restoration and habitat improvement project… He said that there are a few items they look for to honor a group and we not only met them, but we “exceeded them on all levels”. He said “Our group is being recognized around the state and we have established “the bar” that others are trying to follow…. what we have achieved in such a short time is incredible”.

Ben Huessner (WDNR Fisheries Biologist) then presented the net survey results and what the electroshocking is showing us – There is an Improvement in gamefish predators in size and numbers (Muskie, Pike and Walleyes), which in turn knocks down the over-abundance of pan fish, which in turn is showing an improvement in pan fish size. Adding woody habitat provides a smorgasbord of food for invertebrates which feed on algae, small fish feed on algae, microorganisms, the bugs and critters on the wood. Feeding on invertebrates and insects greatly improves growth rates of the young of the year (baby , pike, pan fish, etc.). Utilizing the algae decreases the potential of algae blooms….in essence we are helping the entire ecology of the lake.

SOOOOOO….I scanned the first award “Certificate of Commendation” from the Bureau of Fisheries Management and Law Enforcement that we received in 2015 and the latest “External Partner Award” award from the WDNR Fisheries in 2018 so any member could print it off and get a frame and hang it in your cabin, garage, boat house, living room or office….you should be proud, you earned it!

Thanks for the hard work, putting up with each other’s crap and differences of opinions and staying unified and Gettin’ er’ done!

Tom Koepp
Walleyes for Tomorrow
Pewaukee Chapter Chairman