Friends of

Trempealeau Lakes

Wisconsin

The Trempealeau Lakes; First, Second & Third lake; are a unique independent spring fed water system that comes from the groundwater NE of the Lakes and eventually flows into the Mississippi River. Mud, Round and Long lake are backwaters of the Mississippi River. All of these Lakes make up the Trempealeau Lakes region and provide a special habitat for aquatic life, as well as add to our outdoor recreational enjoyment. Folks from all over visit these Lakes to fish, kayak, bird watch, etc., which helps our local businesses and overall tourism. However, these Lakes are not thriving as seen by images below and need help.

FOLT has three areas of focus:

EDUCATE & ADVOCATE

We can see that the lakes are in peril due to being choked with vegetation stimulated by high nitrogen levels in the spring water, high phosphorus levels in the lake bed, and compounded by the invasive curly leaf pondweed.

For example, measurements of total nitrogen have increased dramatically in the last 50 years. In the mid 70’s the levels were 1.5-2 (mg/L) whereas in 2021 the levels were as high as the 6-7 (mg/L) range.

COLLABORATE

Community involvement can restore these lakes to a more natural state with collective collaborative actions by folks like you, along with our businesses, other organizations, local producers and county/state governments. Working together we can leverage significant state & federal grants. We, together can do this!

Friends of Trempealeau Lakes (FOTL) is asking that you get involved through membership, volunteering, donating and/or just getting the word out. The Lakes need our help!

PRESERVE & RESTORE

Through education, collaboration, fundraising, memberships, donations, grants and hard work we as a community can restore our Lakes to their natural states so habitat, aquatic life and our economy can thrive for future generations to enjoy!

Restoration of the lakes will not only improve the habitat, the fisheries but the local economic environment by becoming a recreational destination for fishing, kayaking, walking and biking. Our local restaurants, hotels/AirBNB, shops and gas station will benefit from your support and involvement.

The good news is that is possible to restore these lakes, and indeed improve them!

BUT…we need your help and support.

Become A Friend

Get Involved

Nitrates & how it effects our Lakes region

High nitrate levels in lakes contribute to a condition called eutrophication, the excessive growth of aquatic plants and algae. Our lakes region consists of sandy soil and the nitrogen enriched water seeps into the lakes and causes algal blooms which can kill fish and other aquatic life, releases toxins and diminishes aesthetic and recreational value as see in the above pictures.