Preserving the Legacy of the Lac Courte Oreilles Lakes

2026 Fundraising Campaign
for COLA's 2027 Operating Expenses

To all on the Lac Courte Oreilles lakes:

Controlling aquatic invasive species (AIS) is COLA’s most pressing problem. Eurasian watermilfoil and curly-leaf pondweed are the main culprits. The process is time consuming, labor intensive, and expensive. AIS must first be located and mapped with GPS coordinates, and treatment plans require a detailed permitting process through the DNR. Treatment options include herbicide application, DASH (diver-assisted, suction harvesting), hand pulling, and using the EcoHarvester. Pre-and-post surveys are conducted to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment with reports prepared for the DNR.

In order to fully address this effort, COLA outsourced AIS management in 2025 to Aquatic Plant Management (APM). While APM’s post survey results from treatment this year show significant progress in controlling AIS, that progress is seriously hampered by the DNR’s insistence that AIS must be at least five acres in size before treatment can commence. In contrast, Whitefish has a half-acre minimum. COLA is challenging the DNR’s stance on this. The projected 2026 costs for AIS treatment with APM will be upwards of $200,000. COLA also plans on installing a state-of-the-art waterless boat cleaning station, called the CD3 Watercraft Cleaning System, at the public landing on Chicago Bay to help prevent the spread of AIS by boats. The projected cost is $54,000. To effectively manage AIS, we must meet or exceed these numbers.

 The legacy of Lac Courte Oreilles is its water quality, and COLA exists to protect the water quality of the lakes. COLA, however, can’t do its work without money. You have a vested interest in protecting the water quality of the lakes. It is your property value, your recreational space, and your aesthetic enjoyment of the lakes. Protect that investment by donating and becoming a Partner with COLA to ensure its success in protecting the water quality of Lac Courte Oreilles. Also, please seriously consider joining the COLA board to help in our mission of protecting these lakes for future generations.

Please make your donation at one of the suggested levels below.           

 Sustaining Partner - $100 to $999

Protecting Partner - $1,000 to $4,999      

Defending Partner - $5,000 to $9,999

Guardian of the Legacy - $10,000 and Greater

To donate via credit/debit card with a one-time or recurring donation, click the Donate button in the top right corner above. A form and directions to donate by mail with a check is also included there.

 Many employers have matching gift programs, so check with your employer, if applicable, to see if they will match your donation to double your contribution.  

 Sincerely,

 COLA Fundraising Committee