Nelson L. Association Annual Meeting minutes, June 14, 2025
The meeting was opened by President Dale McPherson at 9:21 am. There were 92 people in attendance at the meeting.
President Dale gave an overview of the lake levels. There was a long discussion on what happened to the Nelson L. water levels, and what we might do in the future regarding lake drawdowns. A number of members asked that all the leaders in lake level leadership positions get together ahead of time to come up with a plan for the future. If possible, it may be important to have these leaders at our annual meeting. Currently, the NLA Board has no plans for any future lake drawdowns.
Lenroot Township Report: A good number of projects were completed by the Township Board this past year. Many logs on the dam are over 80 years old and will soon need to be replaced. A new cement slab was added to the boat landing at the park. We are building a garage to house the Association’s pontoon and many other items currently stored in Board members’ garages. Plans for 2025 include: blacktopping Porkey’s Rd, and parts of Phipps Fire Lane, Mosquito Brook, and Totogatic Lake roads. The Gerlach’s Landing parking lot is getting prepared for blacktopping. Gravel at the town shop pit will be crushed. There is some property reevaluation being done. A new plow truck has been purchased, and as expected, we are waiting months for it to arrive. Finally, prep work is being done to replace the Namakagon River bridge on Phipps Road.
Walleye stocking update: Once again, no stocked walleyes were found in DNR shocking results after they are one year old. NLA is stocking more fingerling walleyes later this year, while the DNR stocked just over 92,000 1 ½ inch walleye fry last week. Growing Northern Pike populations may play a part in the walleye population problems. However, there are very few stocked-size walleyes in any game fish population’s stomachs on Nelson L.
Kayak Around the Big Island: We are inviting kayaks and paddleboards to make the trip. They will start at Gerlach’s Landing and finish there before 12 Noon. The picnic will begin at 4 PM on August 16.
Scholarship Award: The $1,000 award winner is Anna Maina. She will be attending U-W, Madison this coming Fall.
AED Update: We have inspected all 3 AED’s and they are in good working order. They can be found at 3 Nelson Lake resorts.
Boat Inspectors: One more boat inspector is needed to help us at our boat landings. If you know of someone who would consider this Sunday only position, please contact Rick Lindner. Volunteers are also needed to help build the new Gerlach storage garage.
Business Meeting:
Treasurer’s Report: We had $25, 291 in total revenue this past year. The average association member’s donation was $55.40, of which only $30 is for annual dues. Fireworks were the highest area for extra gifts. Currently, we have 218 association members.
Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the 2024 annual meeting were read. MOTION: to approve these minutes. Passed.
Elections to NLA Board of Directors: Rick Lindner and Jeff Hansen are stepping down from the Board. The Vice-President, and 3 at-large board members are open for election. Michelle Tripp was nominated for the V-P position. Absent any other nominations, Michelle was elected Vice-President by acclamation. Niel Ellis, Tom LeMay and Gordy Christians are running for the other 3 positions. With no other candidates running for the 3 Board positions, Niel, Tom, and Gordy became at-large board members by acclamation.
Other Business:
Door Prizes: Ross Mayer and Joe Wyland were the winners of the $25 gift certificates.
There was more discussion regarding the garage to be built at Gerlach’s Landing. MOTION: to not move forward on the garage building plans. The motion failed.
Extended growth walleyes have already been ordered for 2025. MOTION: by Matt Dieterich, and 2nd by Tom Bates that starting in 2026 to stop using Association funds for walleye recruitment. The motion failed.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 AM.
Respectfully submitted, Steve Bilitz, SecretaryBilitz, Secr.