Dear Homeowner,

Several of you have suggested that we publish a short letter explaining how the Association fee is used.  In addition, your feedback from the recent survey has indicated the a vast majority of you feel the highest priority for the association is lake management. We want to share some information with you about lake management and ask for your help.

The Lake Shangri-La Property Owners Association Fee goes toward keeping our lake free of weeds and stocked with fish among many other things. Weed treatment takes place in the spring, is environmentally safe, and is completed under the supervision of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). We have evaluated other methods of controlling the non-native invasive weed species such as harvesting and have determined it is not feasible given our budget, as this requires harvesting every week, ownership of a harvester and somewhere to dispose of the weeds. The DNR suggests that treatment is the most effective method of ridding a lake of harmful invasive weeds. We are not attempting to rid the lake of all weeds, only those weeds that are harmful to other native aquatic wildlife such as fish and plants. 

In 2007, weed control costs were nearly $14,000 as we continued to battle Eurasian Milfoil. 2008 showed we were successful with Milfoil so we set our sights on Curly Leaf Pondweed (also invasive) and treated this weed, costing approximately $6000.  More native friendly weeds are beginning to return and creating a healthier environment for the fish.  Without yearly spraying, our lake would become severely choked with weeds. As you can observe, the Eurasion Milfoil is beginning to creep in around the edges of the lake again at this time.  If left unchecked, it will kill all the lillypads and other native weeds and even create an unfriendly habitat for game fish. Therefore, we'll continue to monitor the aquatic plantlife and pursue our plans.

Also, this year we applied for a grant from the DNR with the help of the town of Salem and received a $3000 grant. We are using the money to secure services from Northern Environmental to help us create a multi-year lake management plan.  This plan helps us identify our goals and objective of lake management and then establishes actionable steps for achieving our goals over many years.  Also, the plan includes methods for measuring our actions to ensure we are progressing toward our goals.

In 2006 the lake was stocked with 154 10-16" Northern and 1,540 7-9" Walley at a cost of approximately $7000. In 2008, we are planning to stock again.  The hope was to stock Small Mouth Bass, however the fisheries have indicated thier stock is not healthy so we will likely focus on Northern and Walley.  The Large Mouth Bass and Black Carppie are thriving and healthy.  We have a small over population of pan fish and the big game fish will help keep the pan fish population in check. Too many panfish are harmful to the reproduction of game fish species.

Our Community Center located at 22112 121st Street, has been updated and remodeled at considerable cost, with the addition of a new roof, windows, insulation, wiring, and window treatments in addition to usual maintenance. Uilities, garbage pick-up, insurance coverage, property tax, and grounds maintenance fees are ongoing. The Center is open to rent residents and non-residents for parties and meetings. It features a fully equipped kitchen, bar, and large seating areas upstairs and downstairs.  Current paid membership entitles you to a reduced rental rate.

Every year the Association hosts Halloween and Christmas parties, as well as an Easter Egg Hunt, Family Fun Day, Football Party/Chili-Cook Off and a number of other events for family and children. Parks, community boat piers, playground equipment, common areas and the west side beach are all maintained by the Association.

The Association Board is responsible for collecting fees once a year. If you are a member, thank you!!!.  If and you haven't sent in your $100 fee, please do so now by mailing your payment to the address below.

If you are NOT a member, please consider joining the association and helping us continue to keep our community and lake healthy, happy and our properties valueable. 

We want Lake Shangri-La, its parks, beaches, and community center, to be a source of pride for all its residents. Make checks payable to Lake ShangriLa POA c/o Carol Dittmer 21744 118th St. Bristol, WI 53104.

Thank you for your continued support and co-operation.

Sincerely,

Lake Shangri-La Property Owners Association Board