Our Work

What We Do:

Some of you may not know what the PLC does, and so here is a brief description of some of PLC’s activities and accomplishments:

1. Shoreline Assessment Report:

The Shoreline Assessment Report which you are receiving with this letter is the culmination of two years’ of work by Dennis Skadsen and significant effort by current and former Board members. The report is a call to action; it details the way in which intensive shoreline development over the last 25 years has adversely affected water quality. The report includes resources and tools to assist you in restoring the natural riparian buffer that is so important in preserving lake water quality.

2. Watershed Protection Fund:

In 2017 the Board authorized the formation of the Watershed Protection Fund, a restricted purpose fund under the auspices of the PLC. The management committee of the Fund has met, developed materials for a fundraising campaign, and is in the process of contacting landowners within the watershed regarding grassland easements. The purpose of acquiring conservation easements is to create buffer zones to reduce tributary pollution by reducing runoff from agricultural land in the watershed. This is an ongoing project.

3. Water Quality Testing:

The PLC and its predecessor organization, the Greater Pickerel Lake Association, have worked with the Northeast Glacial Lakes Project to conduct comprehensive water quality testing. We have probably the most comprehensive historical data regarding water quality of any lake in northeast South Dakota. This database is extremely valuable in gauging the health of the lake, trends in water quality, and potential sources of water quality problems. The Water Quality Report for 2017 will be distributed at the annual meeting on August 11, 2018, and will be on the website.

4. Pickerel’s Path:

Several years ago, under the leadership of our former president, Gene Burrish, and a result of the combined efforts of cabin owners and the Pickerel Lake State Recreation Area, Pickerel’s Path was established. It is now possible to hike around much of the lake, including a wonderful hike through the East State Park. A great addition to the lake environment, Pickerel’s Path allows us to enjoy the natural splendor of the Pickerel Lake environment.

5. Aquatic Invasive Species:

We are planning a major AIS initiative for 2018 which will involve identification, testing and prevention of AIS in our lake. We want to educate you about AIS issues and enlist your help in inspecting the water near your property for invasive species.

6. PLC Website:

The PLC’s website, www.pickerellakeconservancy.org, is a vital link between the PLC and its members. The website provides a vast amount of information regarding the PLC, Pickerel Lake, water quality issues, upcoming events, and it provides important links to a wide variety of resources, such as native plants, trees and bushes that can be used for lakeshore restoration. One of the PLC’s initiatives for 2018 is a complete rebuild of the PLC website to make it better and more accessible.

7. Watershed Study:

Again working with the Northeast Glacial Lakes Project and Dennis Skadsen, who works as environmental consultant to the PLC, the PLC commissioned a study of the Pickerel Lake Watershed. Mr. Skadsen mapped the entire watershed of Pickerel Lake to determine how the land in the watershed was being used, i.e., pasture, cropland, etc. This information is important in evaluating how land use within the watershed may contribute to the infiltration of agricultural fertilizers and sediment into Pickerel Lake and, in turn, affect water quality.

8. Social and Information Events:

The PLC sponsored a cabin tour in 2017, a sold-out event which was extremely successful. In 2016, we held a cocktail hour/dinner attended by approximately 100 PLC members. We hope to hold another event in the summer of 2019 which will allow our members to both socialize and learn more about PLC initiatives.

Why You Should Become a PLC Member:

Pickerel Lake has given much to you; it’s time to give back. Please join the PLC and help us protect and promote the best interests of Pickerel Lake. Become a member and please pay your dues. Better yet, become a member of one our subcommittees. The issues we face are challenging and interesting. You will learn a lot about the lake and the lake ecology, and you will meet interesting people. Join us at www.pickerellakeconservancy.org

Thank you for your contribution and your participation.