Taken on Third Lake

ABOUT FOTL

Friends of Trempealeau Lakes (FOTL) was formed to help restore, preserve, and improve this unique lake systems on the upper Mississippi River. These lakes clearly need our attention and help. After looking at the best approaches to achieving these ends, we realized that creating a new, volunteer, nonprofit organization was an essential part of the solution.

FOTL currently

  • collaborates with the community and agencies to investigate the best solutions to solve the nitrate, phosphorus and curly leaf problems

  • raise money through memberships, tax deductible donations and grants.

  • educate by getting the word out

  • Most importantly make a difference in the community by increasing recreational value which supports our local businesses.

FOTL Board: all board members own homes or cottages in the Lakes region

Chair - Bud Hammes

Vice-Chair - Todd Ondell

Treasurer - Beth Bockenhauer

Board - Barry Drazkowski

We need folks like you to help us with making our goals a reality. Please consider being on the board or volunteering. No task is too small.

FOTL Accomplishments

  • Recognized as a 501c3 Jan 2023

  • Held 2 board meetings

  • Attracted over 20 members

  • Raised $1,500

  • Recognition by the DNR as Surface Water Organization

  • Created sound working relationships with the WI DNR, County of Trempealeau Land Management, Fishers and Farmers

  • Upcoming Article with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

  • Website and FaceBook page

  • In discussion for Kiosk space at 7 Bridges trail head

  • Submitted grant for $5,000

FOTL GOALS

  • FOTL’s primary goal is to improve the water quality in the Trempealeau Lakes region by decreasing the nitrogen and phosphorous levels in the water that feeds the lakes, along with the elimination of the curly leaf pondweed.

  • Dredge a 9 foot hole around the handicap fishing float on Second Lake to elevate the fishing experience. This project will also improve the launching of kayaks and canoes on Second Lake for people of all abilities.

  • To attract more board members, volunteers and members that are representative of our community

  • Grants - FOTL has and will continute ot apply for grants.

  • Fundraising

This is just a start! FOTL has big goals and needs help to achieve them. Please join us and support our efforts. No task is too small!