7/9/2007

Internet offers wealth of information for enjoying Wisconsin's 15,000 lakes

MADISON - The July 4th weather forecast for much of Wisconsin may look hot, hot, hot. But here's 15,081 good ways to keep cool: Wisconsin's lakes.

Yes, Minnesota may brag about its 10,000 lakes, but the Badger state’s got more than 15,000 of what Henry David Thoreau called the “landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature.”

Chances are most Wisconsinites will find their way down to the water’s edge for at least some of the holiday. According to the Department of Natural Resources’ Wisconsin Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2005-2010, (SCORP), nearly 3 million Wisconsin residents 16 and older participated in water-based recreation in 2004, an increase of nearly 8 percent from the previous decade.

Many people come just to enjoy the lakes’ natural beauty. Others seek them out as an unparalleled playground at a great price: free. Thanks to the drafters of Wisconsin’s Constitution, subsequent legal decisions, and the efforts of individual citizens, Wisconsin’s lakes belong to all citizens. They are public resources, “forever free.” Learn more on the DNR Public Trust Doctrine Web pages.

For these lake-lovers, visiting a beach weighed in as the most popular activity, with more than 47 percent of Wisconsin adults participating, followed by 45 percent saying they swam in lakes and streams, and 41 percent who said they fished.

Boating – of all kinds – was another hugely popular water-based recreation. That’s easy to believe considering the state has 635,751 registered motorized boats and an estimated 350,000 nonmotorized boats, mostly canoes and kayaks. In the boating category, motor boating was tops with 36 percent of adults in the survey participating, followed by canoeing with 20.5 percent and 14 percent rafting.

Here’s a few tips to help people enjoy Wisconsin’s 15,000 lakes even more.

Finally, take a minute to reflect that while Wisconsin’s geology and glacial history created so many great lakes, keeping them healthy and beautiful has come through the hard work of Wisconsin’s devoted corps of lake volunteers, researchers and professional resource managers, says Jeff Bode, who leads the DNR lakes program.

“We’ve got so many people working so hard to protect Wisconsin’s lakes, the July 4th holiday is a great chance for everyone to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labors,” he says.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Asplund, DNR limnologist (608) 267-7602; Jeff Bode (608) 266-0502