NEWS
Loon Report
Half Moon Lake was again fortunate to have two pairs of loons return to our lake shortly after ice out. Both pairs of loons mated and were on nests by the 23 rd of May, one on the north end and one on the south end of the lake. It takes approximately 25-28 days of incubation for the eggs to hatch. The good news is that on the 21 st of June, a single chick hatched on the south end of the lake and is doing well. We know that the loons on the north end of the lake were nesting on two eggs. The unfortunate news is both those loons were off the nest with no chicks as of June 27 th . Most likely a mid-June storm washed away the nest or a predator got to the eggs.
For those of you new to the lake, you may see groups of adult loons on the lake in August where they socialize before they begin their migration to the Gulf of Mexico by about mid-September. The juvenile chick will remain until late October or November gaining weight and strength and perfecting its ability to fly before leaving. Please remember to stay at least 200 feet away from loons and their chicks when taking part in lake activities. I continue to report annually the loon activity on Half Moon Lake to the “Loon Watch Advisory Council” in Ashland, WI. If you have any questions regarding loon behavior, please feel free to contact me and I’ll do my best to answer them. (E-mail me at tmechelke@gmail.com)
Pat Mechelke
Eurasian Watermilfoil Update
Update on 7-24-2026
Polk County Circuit court hearing: Judge Anderson postponed his decision on our lawsuit to 8-18-2026, 3 pm.
Please see the Attorney Document (Link) in relation to the Eurasian Watermilfoil case for Half Moon Lake.
Notice
EWM was discovered in Half Moon Lake, Polk County near the main public landing in fall 2021. The Half Moon Lake Protection and Rehabilitation Board applied for and received a DNR permit to treat the small area of EWM with herbicide, which was completed and successful in reducing the amount of EWM in 2022. Plant bed surveys were completed pre and post treatments. The EWM continued to spread, so the HMLPRD Board, upon the will of the membership, implemented their decision to apply for permits to treat the spreading EWM with herbicide in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
The Wisconsin DNR has denied the permits for 4 years in a row to treat the EWM with herbicide. The HMLPRD Board, with recommendation from Barr engineering, the experts providing permit application guidance, decided to bring a lawsuit against Wisc. DNR. This website has many studies and reports regarding attempts to gain herbicide treatment approval from the DNR.
Judge Anderson, Polk County Circuit Court, is scheduled to give his decision on July 24 th 10am in Polk County Judicial Center. All are welcome to attend to show their support. Please contact any Board members with questions.
Court Hearing is also available to be view online via Zoom. Here is the necessary information to log onto the meeting:
MEETING LINK: https://wicourts.zoom.us/j/92098120094
MEETING ID: 920 9812 0094
NOTE: Please update screen name to your first and last name or case number you are appearing for. If the court cannot identify you, you may not be brought into the hearing.
NEW Polk County Boating Viewer Released
The Polk County Land and Water Resources Department is excited to launch the Polk County Boating Viewer which can be accessed at:
This interactive map allows users to visualize the State of Wisconsin slow no wake regulations, permitted buoys marking hazards, and areas suggested by lake organizations for enhanced wake activities. The map also includes Polk County ramp and carry-in boat access locations. The site includes:
Boat landings: includes lake name, type, lanes, surface, dock, parking, restrooms
Waterbodies: includes lake name, max depth, class, acres, and shoreline miles
Slow no wake areas
100 foot buffer from shore: State regulations require all watercraft to be slow no wake within 100 feet of shore, dock, raft, pier, or restricted area
200 foot buffer from shore: State regulations require personal watercraft to be slow no wake within 200 feet of shore
Additional slow no wake designations
Water hazards marked by buoys (rocks or shallow areas)
Not all hazards are marked by buoys or maps; caution should be used when navigating any waterbody as water depths can vary
Suggested enhanced wake areas are designated for select lakes
These areas have been designated by the lake organization affiliated with the waterbody
These areas are suggested to reduce impacts on the lake
This viewer has been designed as an educational resource and is not designed or intended to be used as the only source of navigation.
DNR To Host Open House At Governor Tommy G. Thompson State Fish Hatchery Sept. 27
SPOONER, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will host an open house event at the Governor Tommy G. Thompson Fish Hatchery in Spooner on Saturday, Sept. 27 beginning at 10 a.m.
This free open house will give event goers a chance to see musky and walleye up close and personal and will feature family fun activities and guided hatchery tours. Attendees will be able to see fish pumping demonstrations, a fish stocking truck, participate in various family-oriented games and more.
The Governor Tommy G. Thompson fish hatchery is the state's largest cool water hatchery. Every year, the walleye and muskellunge raised at the hatchery are stocked into waters across the state to help sustain fish populations.
More information on the open house is available on the DNR Events Calendar.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Governor Tommy G. Thompson Fish Hatchery open house
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: Governor Tommy G. Thompson Fish Hatchery
951 West Maple St.
Spooner, WI 54801
The Governor Tommy G. Thompson fish hatchery is the state's largest cool water hatchery. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
More HML Maps Available
The board had more 2025 HML maps made, since they ran out at the annual lake meeting. If you missed out on a map or would like to get one, please reach out to Ellen Butler at: ellenbutler1912@gmail.com
Lake maps are updated every 2-3 years. If you have any changes or updates, please let Ellen know at the email address above.
Letter from District Resident: Marty Guinee
Half Moon Lake neighbors,
My name is Marty Guinee. My wife, Gloria, our kids and I have had the joy of owning a cabin at the south end of the lake for a little over three years now.
I’m writing to introduce myself because I won’t be able to attend the upcoming annual meeting. Unfortunately, I’ll be at a funeral that Saturday morning. While I’m sorry to miss seeing you in person, I wanted to share a little about myself and why I’m running to serve on the Half Moon Lake Rehabilitation District.
One of the reasons my family was so excited to buy on Half Moon Lake, beyond its natural beauty, was the strong sense of community engagement and care for the lake itself. That was clear from my first conversation with Bud Ericksen, a former District member, who spoke with passion about the real work happening here on water clarity, invasive species, etc. Over the years, that sense has only deepened. It’s clear that this is a community of people who care about protecting something we all love.
I believe in sharing the responsibility of that work, and therefore I’m interested in serving on the Half Moon Lake Rehabilitation District.
When we’re at the cabin on weekends, you’ll usually find us slowly cruising the shoreline in our pontoon. If you see us out there, don’t hesitate to wave us down, there’s a good chance we’ll have a cold beer or soda in the cooler to share.
Outside of cabin life, we live in Stillwater, MN; I run a graphics manufacturing business in St. Paul and Gloria is a professor in the Social Work department at UW - River Falls.
I’d truly appreciate your support in the election, and I encourage everyone to get involved in any way you can. Together, we can preserve and protect our beautiful Half Moon Lake!
Warm regards,
Marty Guinee
Eurasian Watermilfoil Management Denied Again
The DNR has denied the Eurasian watermilfoil management plan again. The letter dated June 24, 2025, stated:
“The Department has reviewed your application to chemically treat 234.90 acres of aquatic vegetation in Half Moon Lake in Polk County. After careful consideration, your permit application does not meet the minimum requirements by law.
This decision is consistent with conversations the Department has had with Half Moon Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District. Department staff provided comments regarding application of Fluridone to Half Moon Lake and alternative considerations for Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) management on Half Moon Lake on January 15th and February 24th of 2025.”
The board will meet again soon to determine next steps.
Waterski Lessons Available on HML
Waterski lessons are available this summer on Half Moon Lake by Jake Artang. See the flyer below for the details, or text Jake at 952-242-4273.
Jake Artang skies for UW-Madison where he’s currently ranked in the top 20 nationwide. He spent last summer coaching at a waterski school in Tennessee and is running the MN junior development program this summer.
Ojibwe Spring Fishing Season Starting Soon
Wisconsinites Reminded Of Protected Tribal Right To Fish
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 13, 2025
Contact: DNR Office of Communications
DNRPress@wisconsin.gov
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds Wisconsinites of the protected tribal right to fish in certain Wisconsin waterways and the legal consequences they could face if found interfering with that right during the upcoming Ojibwe spring fishing season.
“The safety of Ojibwe fishers is a top priority for the DNR. The agency fully supports legally protected Ojibwe treaty rights and tribal sovereignty,” said DNR Secretary Karen Hyun. “We will swiftly act on incidents of violence and harassment against tribal citizens. We support Ojibwe citizens to exercise their rights and engage in traditional practices, knowing the DNR, in collaboration with our various valued partners, are working to ensure a safe and successful spring harvest.”
Each tribal fishing season, tribal citizens harvest using various methods, including spearing and netting. The harvest usually begins shortly after the ice melts, typically by mid-April. This year, the season is expected to begin earlier due to the mild winter Wisconsin has experienced. The tribal harvest is not a date-regulated activity, and as a result, there is neither an open nor closed season. The DNR collaborates with the Ojibwe tribes to uphold these tribal rights.
“Tribal members must be able to safely exercise their right to hunt, fish and gather in the Ceded Territories without unlawful interference,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Local law enforcement as well as the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission can help ensure that tribal members’ rights are protected during the spring fishing season.”
“For Ojibwe families, the spring season is a brief opportunity to harvest walleye and other species from Ceded Territory waters,” said Jason Schlender, GLIFWC Executive Administrator. “But the benefits of eating healthy meals for Ojibwe communities lasts throughout the year, from household kitchen tables to elder nutrition programs.”
Part of the collaboration between the DNR and the Ojibwe tribes includes working together to set a safe harvest limit for every walleye and muskellunge lake in the Ceded Territory. These safe harvest limits ensure that the walleye and muskellunge harvests do not adversely affect each lake’s fishery.
There are 2,300 lakes larger than 25 acres in the Ceded Territory, including 919 walleye lakes and 623 musky lakes. Each year, the Ojibwe tribal citizens fish a portion of these lakes outside of reservation boundaries during their spring harvest season. Tribal citizens rely on these lakes to preserve their cultural heritage and also act as a vital food source for their communities.
By March 15 of every year, each tribe declares how many walleyes and muskellunge it intends to harvest from each lake based on the safe harvest limits. Harvest begins shortly after the ice melts, with nightly fishing permits issued by the tribes to their members to harvest a specific number of fish, including one walleye between 20 and 24 inches and one additional walleye of any size.
All fish that are taken are documented each night by a tribal clerk or warden who are present at boat landings. Once the declared harvest is reached in a given lake, no additional permits are issued for that lake, and the harvest ends. The Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) provides daily reports to the DNR for all fish harvested off-reservation by spearing or netting in the Ceded Territory.
TRIBAL RIGHTS
In the mid-1800s, the Lake Superior Ojibwe Tribes ceded more than 22,000 square miles of tribal territory across Northern Wisconsin, including all or parts of 30 counties through a series of treaties with the United States federal government.
When the Ojibwe ceded lands to the federal government, they maintained their rights to hunt, fish and gather off reservation land within the Ceded Territory. However, after Wisconsin became a state, state and local officials frequently assumed statehood superseded Ojibwe treaty rights and regulated or prohibited off-reservation hunting, fishing, and gathering by tribal members.
In 1983, a federal court ruling reaffirmed the Ojibwe had the right to hunt, fish and gather off-reservation in the Ceded Territory, including the right to catch fish by spearing and netting.
INTERFERING WITH TRIBAL RIGHTS
It is illegal to interfere or attempt to interfere with tribal citizens who are exercising treaty rights, including the spring harvest of walleye. Prohibited conduct against any tribal citizen includes, but is not limited to, stalking, obstructing access to lakes, recklessly operating watercraft, creating hazardous wakes, threatening violence and committing acts of violence.
The Ojibwe spring harvest, which includes spearfishing, is an integral and respected part of Wisconsin’s history. The DNR is actively engaged with tribal law enforcement officers to protect tribal rights not only for the upcoming season but for generations to come and will continue to work to ensure all who participate are able to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
These treaties and court decisions remain in place today, ensuring the Ojibwe can continue to exercise their right to hunt, fish and gather off-reservation in the Ceded Territories. To assist in regulating those activities, 11 Ojibwe bands have formed GLIFWC, which provides fully trained wardens who patrol the Ceded Territory to make sure tribal citizens are following applicable tribal conservation laws. Violations are cited into tribal courts for prosecution. Ojibwe spearing and netting are carefully monitored and regulated by staff from both GLIFWC and the Wisconsin DNR.
Anyone violating tribal rights could be charged under several Wisconsin laws, fined up to $10,000 and sentenced up to 9 months in prison. Additionally, any tribal member whose rights are violated may bring civil action for damages and seek a restraining order.
WISCONSIN’S HATE CRIME PROVISIONS
Wisconsin law includes hate crime penalty enhancements for many crimes if they are committed, at least in part, based on a “belief or perception regarding the race, religion, color, disability, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry of” the victim. For example, when a hate crime penalty enhancement applies to a felony, the maximum fine can be increased by up to an additional $5,000 and the maximum prison term can be increased by up to an additional 5 years.
REPORTING TRIBAL RIGHTS INFRINGEMENT
If you have witnessed or been subject to infringement of tribal rights to hunt, fish and gather that is active and involves physical harassment or a verbal threat of physical harm, report that to local law enforcement immediately by calling 911.
If the threat has passed, please contact local law enforcement at the non-emergency number. Call or text the confidential DNR Tip Hotline at 1-800-TIP-WDNR, as soon as possible to make a report of the event.
The Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) also recommends reporting any instances of infringement in order to maintain a record and provide appropriate follow up. Call GLIFWC Enforcement at 715-685-2113 to document an incident.
Voluntary Contributions to The Half Moon Lake District are Tax Deductible
A question was asked at our annual meeting last July whether there was a way to make contributions to the District outside our normal tax levy. The answer is ‘Yes’!
As a special purpose government entity, charitable contributions to the District are deductible under IRS code 170(c)(1) if made for a public purpose. Funds contributed will be used for our stated purpose of maintaining, protecting, and improving the quality of our lake and its watershed. We have been sent a government information letter from the IRS. This letter describes government entity exemption from Federal income tax and cites applicable Internal Revenue Code sections pertaining to deductible contributions and income exclusion.
If you would like to include the District in your giving plans, your gift would be most welcome. Please send your gift to:
Half Moon Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District
PO Box 118
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
Or contribute online on the Donation page.
We will send you a gift acknowledgement letter. In addition, we will send a copy of the government information letter if so requested.
Any questions please call or email Mike McMahon (mmcma10134@aol.com, 515-371-2243).