Letter from the Chair - Winter 2026
Dear Half Moon Lake Neighbors,
As we settle into the quiet beauty of winter, I’m reminded how fortunate we are to be stewards of such a special place. Snow-covered shorelines and frozen bays may feel far removed from summer boating and swimming, but the work of protecting Half Moon Lake continues year-round.
This past season, your Lake District made important progress in managing aquatic invasive species, monitoring lake health, and strengthening partnerships that help us care for this resource long into the future. Ongoing collaboration with Polk County Land & Water Resources, Barr Engineering, Aquatic Plant Management, and Endangered Resource Services ensures that our management strategies are science-based, cost-effective, and aligned with state guidelines. We remain focused on controlling Eurasian Watermilfoil while protecting the diverse native plants that keep our lake ecosystem balanced.
An important step forward this winter has been preparing for the 2026 treatment season. The District hired Barr Engineering and Aquatic Plant Management to develop the permit application for herbicide treatment of Eurasian Watermilfoil. That permit application was submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on January 20. The DNR aquatic permit application materials can be found on our website at halfmoonlake.net → Lake Info → Weeds & Management. This process helps ensure that any treatment work is carefully reviewed, environmentally responsible, and in compliance with state regulations. In compliance with DNR regulation, a notification letter will be sent to all Half Moon Lake District members regarding the permit application.
Winter is also a planning season. The Board is reviewing monitoring data and budgeting for 2026 projects. We are continuing efforts to improve prevention tools, including watercraft inspection and shoreline education, because stopping new invasions is just as important as managing existing ones. Following the Wisconsin DNR’s decision not to approve our 2025 treatment application, the Board has engaged the law firm Boardman & Clark to help us understand our options and prepare an appeal if needed regarding the current permit request.
I want to sincerely thank the volunteers and community members who support our programs — whether serving on the board, helping at the landing, attending meetings, or simply staying informed and spreading the word. Lake stewardship is truly a shared responsibility, and Half Moon Lake benefits from an engaged and caring community.
We have volunteers beginning to plan our 4th of July weekend events, and this year will be especially meaningful as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. If you have ideas, would like to help, or want to participate in the festivities, please reach out — we’d love community input to make it a memorable celebration for everyone. Please check the website for details on events at halfmoonlake.net.
Looking ahead, we will share details this spring about upcoming treatments and monitoring plans on the website. Please also mark your calendar for our Annual Meeting on Saturday, August 1. Your input matters, and I encourage you to attend, ask questions, and consider getting involved. Fresh perspectives and new volunteers are always welcome.
Until then, I hope you enjoy the peace of the season and the chance to appreciate Half Moon Lake in its winter form. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to protecting our lake.
Warm regards,
Ellen Butler, Chair
Half Moon Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District