Annual Meeting Minutes – July 19, 2025

OXBOW LAKE ASSOCATION ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES

DATE: July 19, 2025

TIME: 10:00 AM

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Attendance:

Board Members

In person: Greg Guliani, Otto Novak, Linda Novak, Erik Hammerstrom, Bretta Hammerstrom Via phone: Bob Kissman

Not present: Sadie Jensen

10:05 – Greg verified Quorum/Call to Order/Opening Remarks

A total of 25 members were in attendance, and a quorum was present.

Greg reviewed the role of the association and the importance of advocating for Oxbow Lake.
Status of Presque Isle Township Ordinance 507 – The ordinance is now applicable and the use of mechanical ballasts to enhance wakes is no longer allowed on Oxbow Lake.
PITLC – Presque Isle Town Lakes Committee – This committee helps with grants for lake studies. We would like to have two volunteers from Oxbow. Phil Eaton volunteered to be one.
AIS – Aquatic Invasive Species: Eurasian Water Milfoil has been found in the Manitowish Waters chain, further emphasizing that need be vigilant in protecting Oxbow from AIS.
CBCW – Clean Boats/Clean Waters program: Presque Isle Township is looking for additional volunteers. Greg is representing Oxbow. This is a great way to help protect our area lakes. Training is available. More info can be found at the following link: https://www.vilascountywi.gov/departments/services/land_water_conservation/clean_boat s,_clean_waters.php
Adopt-A-Shoreline: Alan Wirt Q&A session – see below

Secretary’s Report: The 2024 annual meeting minutes were read by Erik. Linda motioned to approve, Otto seconded, a vote was taken, and the minutes were unanimously approval.

Treasurer’s Report: Greg read the report for Sadie who was not present. The total balance for all three accounts equates $9,133. The largest expense is the newsletter mailing at $750, which is currently sent to all property owners.

Membership update: As of the meeting, there were 43 members. According to results from the membership survey, the top three favorite activities on Oxbow Lake are the following: fishing 79%, viewing scenery 57%, and pleasure boating 52%.

Linda motioned to approve the treasurer’s report, Erik seconded, and the report was accepted via vote.

A discussion followed regarding the possibility of increasing annual dues to $25 (from $20) in the coming year. Otto mentioned that dues have not changed since the association began.

Nominating Committee: Otto

Ideally, the association board would consist of nine members. The following slate was suggested to fill current positions with expiring terms.

VP – Bob Kissman
Treasurer – Sadie Jensen
Director (two positions) – Art Adams was nominated to fill one Director position. As Ray Toll has sold his property, there is still one position open.

Nominations from the floor were requested. As no other names were provided, the nomination process was closed by Otto, a vote was taken, and the slate above was approved. Linda motioned to accept and close the process and Bob seconded.

Presentation by Alan Wirt: Shoreline Management (Adopt-A-Shoreline)

Alan provided a quick overview of his background. He previously worked for the DNR and now works for Vilas County as the Conservationist and Director of the Land & Water Department.

Alan’s presentation including an open Q&A style, and he answered questions that members had regarding Oxbow Lake. A few notes from the Q&A:

It was noted that Oxbow water seems clearer this year, and there appear to be more plants. Alan explained the lake is cyclic, and clearer water leads to more sunlight reaching deeper levels, which in turn leads to additional development of native plants, which helps to further clarify the water.

Oxbow is currently AIS free, which is excellent news. Alan went on to state that participation in the Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) Program would help with AIS prevention. As Oxbow has one boat landing, that could lead to a $4,000 water system grant that would help keep Oxbow AIS free. Volunteers would be needed to run the program.

A member inquired about Freshwater Jellyfish. Alan stated they are present in Oxbow, but they are no longer considered invasive, and they are typically bottom dwellers and rarely seen.

Another member asked about small lily pads (water shields). Alan mentioned that they are more prevalent this year as they are cyclic in nature like other native plants mentioned above.

Alan went on to say that in order to keep Oxbow AIS free and in its pristine condition, PREVENTION is key and shoreline health is critical. In short, there should be no lawns near the shoreline. The shoreline needs to be a natural protective buffer zone. No chemicals should be used for insect/mosquito abatement, lawn fertilization, etc. Instead, property owners should maintain native plants. He did mention that bats are making a comeback, which is positive.

Alan concluded his presentation by stating that one of the best ways to protect our lake and the area for future generations is by reminding others why we were all drawn here in the first place— the natural beauty of the lake, trees, loons, water, and wildlife, and emphasizing to others that we all need to work together to protect them.

Alan also mentioned that the Adopt-a-Shore program is a great way to monitor lake and shoreline health, and Alan’s office is available for questions. Alan Wirt – vog.iwytnuocsalivnull@triwla (715) 479-3682

Otto mentioned that in past years most of the shoreline has been covered by volunteers as part of the Adopt-a-Shoreline program, but as volunteers have dropped off. We are in need of additional help to monitor various shoreline areas. Property owners can assist by agreeing to check their selected shoreline areas regularly, perhaps monthly. Someone suggested putting a map online to allow volunteers to sign up for areas to monitor. Otto mentioned that taking photos regularly can be helpful in identifying changes. Contact Otto about Oxbow (or Alan and his team at the above contact information) for more information about the Adopt-a-Shoreline program.

Open Discussion:

Bob mentioned that his son and daughter-in-law have moved to Oxbow Lake. The final lake report for Oxbow will be ready this winter. There are currently no invasives, and the water is very clear this year. Otto shared his 18 years of lake reports, and this year the clarity depth is up at 13.75 feet.

The Oxbow Floatilla is making a comeback and will be on Saturday, August 30. More details will be sent out. Dave Brach is the contact for more information. moc.liamgnull@hcarbevad 11:15

Greg Adjourned Meeting, motioned was made by Linda and seconded by Sari.

After the meeting adjourned, Erik opened up introductions all around the room. It was interesting to hear where members have property and their stories of coming to Oxbow Lake. Some members have been here for many years. We should have recorded the stories! Next time, we need to start with introductions. The Hammerstrom family offered to help with Facebook and website updates. Greg will provide more information on what help is needed.

Next annual meeting: July 18 or 25, 2026