Each year the MPOA is required by the State of Illinois - Office of Water Resources to have an inspection of the Wonder Lake Dam embankment and spillway. The MPOA has again retained the same engineering firm that has conducted the last 10 dam inspections as continuity in the inspection team is the best means of noticing any changes from year-to-year. This inspection is conducted by Professional and Structural Engineers, with state engineers also in attendance. The completed report is then forwarded to the Illinois Office of Water Resources and is also posted on the MPOA website when received. The inspection will take place this coming Friday, October 16th at 1 pm.
As always, with autumn underway, Wonder Lake landowners with lakefront or streamfront properties are strongly encouraged to NOT rake their leaves or grass clippings into the water, as this can create a significant nutrient load, fueling future algae blooms. Please consider composting raked leaves or utilizing available landscape waste disposal services.
For the past few years, the MPOA has worked with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, U.S Department of Agriculture, and US Fish & Wildlife Service to conduct “legal” harassment of Cormorant’s, as well as to allow an annual “lethal harvest” of up to twenty-five (25) Cormorants, particularly at those island locations where they congregate to roost. Efforts continue to explore and implement non-lethal options as well. The establishment of roosts result in large amounts of “droppings”, that can over time kill off desirable species of trees and vegetation, such as the Oak trees on Strom Island, where extensive native plant restoration work implemented with help from the Nippersink Watershed Association and the Wonder Lake Sportsman’s Club, has been impacted. The MPOA is now working on regulatory permit renewals for the 2027 season. An article discussing various Cormorant impacts can be found at: http://wildlife.org/the-rise-of-double-crested-cormorants-too-much-of-a-good-thing/
