Join hundreds of lake lovers from across the state as we gather for three days of learning about issues affecting our lakes. This year, we'll be celebrating the critical role citizen volunteers play in keeping Wisconsin's lakes clean, safe, and healthy for everyone. Activities include:

• Sessions that explore the latest lake research and management strategies.
• Workshops highlighting successful steps Lake Associations have taken to protect lakes.
• Informative presentations on issues such as invasive species, the economic value of healthy lakes, and potential lake-related legislative changes.
• Talk Tables for attendees to exchange ideas about innovative projects and lake management services.
• Exhibits from business partners and nonprofit organizations.
• WAL's annual meeting and board of director elections.
• Entertainment events, including a live production of On Golden Pond.

Join us April 28-30 at the Green Bay Regency Suites and KI Convention Center for the annual Wisconsin Lake Convention. You can register and see the program agenda online.

Stop the Spread: A Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species will be held Thursday April 7th at the Lakewoods Resort in Cable Wisconsin. Aquatic invasive species are costing taxpayers millions of dollars by lowering property values, degrading habitat, and displacing native plants, wildlife, and fish species. This workshop will focus on:

• Why aquatic invasive species are a threat to lakes and streams.
• Invasive species that are currently major threats to Wisconsin lakes, such as Eurasian Water Milfoil, Zebra Mussels, Rusty Crayfish and other bait species.
• Invasive species emerging as new threats to Wisconsin lakes, such as Curlyleaf Pondweed, Spiny Water Flea, Ruffe, and Goby.
• Steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
• How to Recognize an invasive spread.

A conference brochure is available online.Contact Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center at (715) 685- 2672 for more information.

The DNR's Spring Rules Hearings and the annual Conservation Congress County Meetings will be held on April 11th at 7 PM at locations across the state. The Conservation Congress is an independent organization of Wisconsin citizens elected in their own counties to advise the Natural Resources Board on fish and wildlife management issues and policy.Wisconsin citizens can exercise their right to vote on natural resource management proposals by attending their county's meeting on April 11th. This year there are several issues on the agenda related to lakes and rivers, including:

• Question 3 Possession and transportation of exotic species
• Question 28 Fishing Tournament Fees
• Question 48: Exotic Aquatic Species
• Question 53 Restore Full Permitting Process For Certain Waters Affected By Act 118, The "Jobs Creation Act"
• Question 54 Providing Increased Protection to Wisconsin Rivers, Creeks and Streams
• Question 55 Asking For Increased Penalties and Added DNR Enforcement Authority Concerning Exotic Species
• Question 58 Exotic Species
• Question 64 Environmental Impact Study for the Upper Mississippi River
• Question 73 Musky Stamp
• Question 74 One Line Motor Trolling

DNR Secretary Scott Hassett is calling on the outdoor community to support hunting and fishing fee increases. Without fee increases, DNR will be forced to scale back conservation programs. A sampling of cuts include:

• No construction of new fishing piers.
• Dramatically reduced habitat development or maintenance work on state managed lands.
• Reductions of stream trout and walleye fingerling stocking by a third or half.
• Elimination of 27 local fish biologist and technician positions.
• Elimination of 30 Conservation Warden positions.
• Loss of 60,000 acres of leased public hunting lands.

Information about the propsed fee increases is available online. A link to Secretary Hassett's press release can be found on WAL's website.

Presentations from WAL's February 19th workshop Lake Protection: It Starts and Ends at Home are now available online.