Friday, December 5, 2008

Aeration systems create open water on county lakes, caution advised

BARRON - The Department of Natural Resources advises that a number of lakes in Barron, Polk, Burnett, and Washburn counties will have aeration systems operating this winter. The systems are operated by governmental units or lake groups and cause areas on the lakes to remain ice-free.

“These systems,” said Brian Spangler, DNR fisheries technician, “add oxygen to the water all winter and help prevent winterkill of fish and other organisms.”

Snowmobilers, anglers, and other lake users should use extra caution on these lakes because of open water. The open water areas should be surrounded by a fence of uprights connected by rope with reflective tape or reflectors.

The lakes with public access that have aeration systems include: Antler Lake, Bass Lake (McKinley Township), Coon Lake, Diamond Lake, Ice House Lake, Camilia Lake, King lake, Largon Lake, Little Butternut Lake, Lotus (East) Lake, Mckeith Lake, South Twin Lake and Vincent Lake in Polk County. They also include Chain (Twin) Lake, Desair Lake, Kirby Lake, Prairie Lake, and Staples Lake in Barron County. In Burnett County, there is Green, Point and West Elbow Lakes. Washburn County has Little Long in Bashaw Township, Spring Lake in Stone Lake Township, Camp Lake, Ike Walton Pond in Chicog Township, and Priceless Pond in Madge Township.

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