1. As this is the time of year when piers and lifts are starting to be installed in the lake, it’s important to remember the MPOA rules and regulations: 

REGULATIONS FOR DOCKS, LIFTS, SWIM PLATFORMS, RAILWAYS OR ANY OTHER FORM OF IN-WATER EQUIPMENT 

1.  In-water equipment, including all of the above, shall not project more than 40 feet into the lake from the nearest shoreline
2. Docks shall be no greater than 10 feet wide.
3. For L-shaped or T-shaped docks, the length of that portion parallel to the shoreline shall not exceed 50% of the landowner’s shoreline footage.
4. All in-water equipment shall be aligned so as not to cross the projection of property lines. Docks shall not come within 10 feet of the perpendicular projection of the property lines.
5. All in-water equipment including bumpers shall be securely anchored to prevent detachment.
6. Good judgement should be used when installing your docks so that they are not underwater during high water events. It is important to note that the MPOA does not actively seek out violations of these regulations, but it does enforce them when they come to our attention. https://wlmpoa.org/lake-regulations

2. This is also the time of year when waterfront landowners may be considering installing or repairing shoreline protection practices. A summary of what is involved in obtaining permission from the MPOA, as well as the Village or County, to do such work can be found on the MPOA website at: https://wlmpoa.org/shoreline-streambank-stabilization-permits

3. The Wonder Lake Sportsman’s Club is continuing their on-going efforts to implement a variety of practices to discourage Double Crested Cormorants from making a home at Wonder Lake. This is due to the significant damage they cause to the areas below where they roost and nest, as well as impacts to the Wonder Lake fishery and water quality. The accumulated droppings can increase the acidity of the soil below them, which could adversely affect the large oak trees found on Strom Island. Unfortunately, Cormorants find the islands to be preferred nesting spots, due to a lack of predators that could go after their eggs or hatchlings. All of the harassment techniques are regulated by the annual permitting process through the US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Department of Agriculture, and Illinois Department of Natural Resources.