Lake Virginia Management District
A commonly asked question with often inconsistent or incorrect answers:
"What do I do if I have a tree that falls into the lake?" Per the WI DNR, if a tree naturally falls from the landowners property into the lake, the landowner may remove the fallen tree if they choose, but are not required to do so, no permits needed. They are not required to leave it in the lake and DNR permission is not needed to remove it.
"Can I cut a tree with the intent for it to fall into the lake and leave it there?" No, you must first contact the DNR in order to do so as a permit may be needed to leave it in the water. If you cut a tree and it falls into the lake, whether intentionally or unintentionally, as long as you remove it immediately, no permit is needed from the DNR.
"Can I put brush and branches into the lake to create an artificial habitat for the fish?" No, just like a fallen tree, a permit may be required to do so and should not be done.
A pier has been installed at the boat landing, many thanks to Patriot Shore Services for their work and providing this to us at no cost.
https://patriotshoreservices.com/
Current events:
The lake level as of 6/10/24 was 17 & 1/2 inches below target level. We have contracted with Ayers Engineering and have proposals to replace the leaking riser and stop logs. The proposals will be brought to the voters at the Annual Meeting on 9/14/24. If approved in September, we anticipate work being completed in the spring of 2025.
Reynold's Park restoration update:
The parking area is completed.
Rocks have been placed and spaced to deter motor vehicles from attempting to drive down to the lake shore.
The park has dried out aided by drain tile and lower lake levels.
Dead trees have been cut down, brush has been burned.
For the first time in many years, mowing has been completed in the entire park. The cut grasses have been raked and taken to the compost pile in Toeder Park.
Tilling to smooth out rough areas from the raised path installation and drainage installation has been completed.
Posts holding the retaining wall at the shoreline have been cut down to ground level for visitor safety.
Low spots and holes along the shoreline and other areas of the park have been filled in with dirt.
A picnic table has been placed near the water, refurbished boards from the old tables at the dam and a new frame were used to complete it.
Dirt has been spread and those areas are seeded.
Mowing of the full park has resumed.
Additional dirt was brought in to fill additional low spots, holes and rough areas of the park.
The stumps have been cut off and ground out.
A Reynolds Park sign has been installed.
An area resident has built and installed a lending library.
Future plans:
Trees near roadway that are dying will eventually be cut down.
Plant additional new trees.