An invasive fish species called the Round Goby was found in Lake Joanis a few weeks ago. UWSP College of Natural Resources faculty, staff, and students will be working with the Wisconsin DNR to monitor the population and evaluate different control techniques.

It may seem counterintuitive, but if you catch what you believe to be a Round Goby in the lake, the DNR requires you to release it back. There are several native fish species that look similar to Round Gobies, and the goal is to protect those native populations.

Josh Raabe, CNR Associate Professor of Fisheries, is helping to head up the project and was interviewed by WAOW Channel 9 News this week. Watch the video below!

Have you noticed the new wooden steps on the southwest shore of Lake Joanis? This incredible service project was completed by Johanna Polarek, BSA Troop 298, as part of her requirements to become an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Scouts BSA program. Johanna planned the project with assistance from Schmeeckle staff, garnered donations from generous community businesses, and coordinated a volunteer crew of scouts and adults.

This steep portion of the shoreline has always suffered from erosion. Johanna and her crew braved the rain a couple of weekends ago to excavate the hillside and install heavy treated 6x6 timbers to create a retaining wall of steps. Not only does the structure help control erosion, but it also provides safe access to the shoreline for anglers and wildlife watchers.

A special thank you to Johanna, her family and friends, and her fellow scouts who worked together to make this project a reality. It will benefit Schmeeckle visitors and protect the sensitive lake shoreline for many years to come! We are fortunate to have such generous young people in Stevens Point who are willing to make our community a better place. 🌞