Research shows that the health of a lake or stream is usually a direct reflection of the use and management of the land within its watershed. In fact, interventions are often necessary to maintain or improve the conditions of these resources. Located within U.S. Public Land Survey Sections 16 and 17, Township 6 North, Range 17 East, in the Town of Ottawa, Waukesha County, School Section Lake, together with its tributaries and associated wetlands, is a high-quality natural resource. The purpose of this plan is to provide a framework to protect and improve the land and water resources of School Section Lake and its watershed. This lake protection plan focuses on what can be done to continue to protect this existing high-quality resource from human impacts and prevent future water pollution or resource degradation from occurring. This plan complements other existing programs and ongoing management actions in the School Section Lake watershed and represents the continuing commitments of government agencies, municipalities, and citizens to diligent land use planning and natural resource protection. This plan presents recommendations for appropriate and feasible watershed management measures for enhancing and preserving the water quality of School Section Lake, and for providing the public with opportunities for safe and enjoyable recreation within the Lake’s watershed. This plan is further designed to assist State and local units of government, nongovernmental organizations, businesses, and citizens in developing strategies that will benefit the natural assets of School Section Lake and protect sensitive habitats within the watershed. By using the strategies outlined in this plan, results will be achieved that enrich and preserve the natural environment. In general, this plan should serve as a practical guide for the management of water quality within the School Section Lake watershed and for the management of the land surfaces that drain directly and indirectly to the streams and lakes within the watershed.

The School Section Lake Management District will hire a contractor to conduct a plant survey and update the aquatic plant management plan for School Section Lake. The plant survey will be a point intercept survey totaling 250 points. The lake will be sampled in mid-summer. The final report will contain the following elements: 1) Results of the points sampled, including sediment type found and maximum rooting depth; 2) Results of a general lake survey to map general plant beds, map localized plant beds, map species distribution and a list of plant species found; 3) Review of existing conditions of the watershed, identify and quantify potential point and nonpoint sources of pollution, and identify nutrient and contaminant input and balances; 4) Results of WILMS and UAL modeling; 5) Results of a recreational use survey; 6) An aquatic plant management plan that meets the requirements of NR 109.09; and 7) Minutes from one public meeting regarding aquatic plant issues.