MINOCQUA – The operation of large lake aerators near the Hwy. 51 bridge in downtown Minocqua continues to alarm town officials because of potential unsafe ice conditions once the snowmobiling season rolls around. The town board discussed the matter last night, but took no action pending a review by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wardens of the aerators’ operation.
The Pointe Condominiums on Lake Minocqua installed the aerator system to protect their newly constructed permanent piers. While some believe it’s the Pointe Hotel & Suites that’s running aerators, hotel general manager Buck Drossart says that’s not the case. He said they have not operated their aerators this season. He clarified that there are three corporate bodies occupying that high point of land just south of the bridge (historically known as Clawson Hill). The other entities are The Pointe Condominiums on Lake Minocqua, and the Pointe Resort and Club. “I have no control over that complex,” Drossart said of the Pointe Condominiums on Lake Minocqua.
While there may be other factors for the water flow (possible increased flow of water over the Kawaguesaga dam, mused supervisors), the finger of blame is pointing to the aerators for causing thin ice near the bridge. “There is no need for that open water in mid-December,” said Town Chairman Mark Hartzheim. He noted that aerators are typically used in March and April as warm temperatures and wind begin to move the ice.
Putting lives at risk
A large number of snowmobilers, as well as winter fishermen, travel under the bridge once the snowmobile trails are officially opened. Typically, trails don’t open until after the holidays. But already a couple of snowmobilers have traveled under the bridge in recent days, said Hartzheim. The machine’s high speed can carry the driver and passenger over thin ice; however, if the driver slows or stops, it could result in a tragedy, he said. Drossart said two of his employees ventured out a few feet from the hotel’s own piers, with one individual breaking through. (The person got out safely.) “There’s only an inch and a half, two inches of ice,” Drossart said. His hotel hosts a large number of snowmobilers, and they access the lake from a short trail they have. If the thin ice conditions continue, he will direct them to enter the lakes to the east and near the shore to reach safe ice. Or, he said, he might have to shut down his trail access, potentially losing business.
DNR intervention
Police Chief David Jaeger said he requested the wardens’ help to determine if the aerators are being operated properly. The aerators on the pier complex are located on the west side of Clawson Hill, but apparently they are pushing the water around the corner toward the bridge. (Drossart confirmed there’s moving water near his piers.) According to literature posted on the DNR’s website, the department’s Bureau of Watershed Management outlines the following about aeration systems in lakes: “The operation of an aeration system cannot adversely impact the public or your neighbors who may be accessing the lake near your waterfront. You need to ensure that your aerator does not impact the ice on your neighbor’s property or create unsafe ice conditions for ice skaters, fishermen, snowmobilers, etc.” “Is there something we can do to be proactive,” asked supervisor Billy Fried.
While the town could mark the unsafe area, supervisors are keenly aware that marking one unsafe lake area, but potentially missing another, could lead to a lawsuit if an ice traveler falls through the unmarked area. “Do what your conscience says,” Town Clerk Roben Haggart said, in quoting the town’s insurance carrier representative. “That gets you sued, obviously,” replied supervisor John Thompson.
