Welcome travelers and lake goers to the second installation of this summer’s Laker. Many great things are happening locally with some things to keep in mind as you enjoy your time in the sun. So sit back, relax, and enjoy.
For outdoor lovers and recreation folks alike, the Amery area will be having a new business opening up serving up fun on the water and trails. Rent kayaks, paddleboards, and even UTVs coming soon.
If you go to the cabin for some light fishing, look no further than increasing the health of the lake and having a better chance at getting a wall mounter. Learn what the Wisconsin DNR does with old trees near the water's edge and how important it is for aquatic wildlife.
Speaking of healthy waters, look out for invasive species looking for a hitchhike to their new home. The Polk County Land and Water Department told us of three invasive species that cause the most headaches for anyone at the lake.
But most important, have fun and be safe as the summer finally kicks into motion.
A new opportunity will soon be available for those who love the outdoors. Amery Outdoor Rentals will partner with Sports & More to provide rental options. These rentals will include UTVs, kayaks, paddleboards, and electric bikes. Jet skis are also planned, but they won’t be ready until next year. Owners Brandon and Britney Schwoch aim to open on June 13, barring any setbacks.
When they become available, Amery
Outdoor Rentals will have a large inventory for people to use and enjoy. To start, they will have four UTVs, most of which will be two-seater, and one will be a six-seater. They will also offer 10 kayaks, 12 paddleboards, and six electric bikes.
The Schwochs began considering the idea back in 2020 when they relocated to Amery. At that time, Brandon had noticed UTVs traveling up and down the trails and had a history of riding ATVs. For one particular UTV, it seemed
CREW MEMBERS
RENTALS | FROM 3A
like a significant investment to purchase, so they contemplated the opportunity to use one without actually buying it.
“They seem pretty neat, but, also, $20,000 is a large investment to make. Our vehicles that we purchased don't even cost that,” Brandon said. “So it was like, ‘Man, it'd be really nice to do that’, but we can't afford it. I bet there's other people like us that don't want to make a large purchase but would still like to utilize it.”
After considering it for three years and listening to community feedback, they discovered there would be ample support for such an endeavor. Less than two months ago, they decided to fully commit and create an opportunity for the community to seize.
The pair grew up in the area and knew they wanted to return to invest in the community to help it grow and attract new residents. Amery's unique region offers great opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, whether they're exploring the Cattail Trail, the Stower Seven Lakes Trail, or the various water bodies surrounding the city.
The real value, however, lies in establishing a business in a rural city instead of near the Twin Cities. When visitors come to the area, they may look for a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere. With many other businesses in town, the couple believes their partnership could draw more visitors to Amery and its other shops as well. Additionally, there isn’t anything quite like this within a 50-mile radius of the community, making it a first-of-its-kind business in this category.
In addition to this new venture, the couple owns rental properties. After evaluating the market, it appears that the area's rental opportunities are expanding, although they may not offer much for renters to do. This offer also extends to those vacationing at one of the other lakes, aiming to attract more business this way as well.
However, the sense of community in a rural setting like Amery, and having grown up here, adds value from an entrepreneurial standpoint. “We grew up with a lot of these people,” said Brandon. “And I think the value kind of
is reversed too, for us because they support us. Right? Um, and so it's not necessarily just what value we can provide, but they actually provide a lot of value to us in sharing and getting the word out about our business, where in the cities, that really doesn't happen. In Amery, everybody supports their local businesses.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the new summer opportunities can contact Britney at 407-3612448 or via email at ameryoutdoorrental@ gmail.com. Once published, their website will be www. ameryoutdoorrentals. com, where individuals can book times for any adventure they choose to
FISH STICKS PROGRAM
By Justin Runberg editor@theameryfreepress.com
Wisconsin is renowned as a mecca for anglers across the U.S., and it’s no different for those who live and breathe lake life in the state. If you reside by a lake, there is a program through the WI DNR that enables homeowners to help create a healthy habitat for numerous fish species. This is achieved through the Fish Sticks program.
The program focuses on enhancing lake habitats for all species that inhabit or are near the water by restoring the woody habitats provided by trees. For hundreds of years, trees have naturally fallen into lakes before humans began constructing homes along the shores. These trees create habitats for a variety of aquatic species. They offer food and shelter for fish, as well as nesting and sunny areas for birds and turtles. Almost all fish species utilize the woody habitats in the water during a portion of their lives.
But what is a fish stick? The Wisconsin DNR describes them as a single tree or a group of trees. These trees or woody habitats are then placed and anchored to the shore, either partially or fully submerged in the water. This practice aims to provide more habitat for aquatic species and to expand fishing opportunities for anglers. On average, fishing contributes a combined total of nearly $2 billion annually to the state.
The program is carried out in tandem with several different owners and organizations. Generally, it is done in
cooperation with property owners, lake associations, DNR permitting and fisheries staff, and various county departments.
Another main reason for doing the Fish Sticks Program is that so much lakeshore is occupied by homeowners. Biologists refer to this as the riparian
zone. This zone has the highest biodiversity concerning the numerous species it contains. The riparian zone is defined as the land bordering freshwater, which can include lakes, streams, and rivers.
With much of the land near water being bought up, the natural life cycle of
trees has slowed or even disappeared in some areas. This is because property owners want a clear yard to see the water and to create space for other uses. With humans altering the riparian zone, this has directly impacted species
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FISH STICKS | FROM 6A
habitats and their ability to thrive. The removal of trees from the shorelines and even the water disrupts the natural cycle and the self-perpetuating benefits that trees provide when they are in the water. Removing understory trees prevents new seedlings from growing and stifles shoreline health.
One example of how essential a woody habitat is for aquatic life comes from the Wisconsin DNR. When a white pine tree was removed from the water, approximately 13 species of fish emerged with it. Among the fish were a black crappie, small and largemouth bass, yellow perch, and a bluegill sunfish, to name a few.
Research shows that multiple species can live and grow beneath a single tree, but they can thrive even more when additional trees are
Welcome to beautiful Balsam Lake, a village living in natural harmony. Established in 1905 the Village of Balsam Lake rests on the southwest shore of Balsam Lake in one of the most prime tourist locations of northwest Wisconsin. Whether you are looking to relax or take part in a wide variety of activities, both on and off shore, the Village of Balsam Lake is the place for you! The Village is nestled on the largest lake in the area, (2,054 acres), which is teeming with fish to satisfy the most avid of anglers. The unique shoreline stretches 65 miles and the lake is dotted with picturesque islands and bays. Fine Dining and casual eateries abound and over 50 businesses provide a vast array of services.
FISH STICKS | FROM 11A
submerged. This occurs due to the complex branch system under water, which enables different species to utilize the various areas it offers, creating a hub for anglers to explore.
Another study showcased just how many naturally occurring trees there are in the water on lakes. On undeveloped lakes, 893 logs were found per mile of shoreline, compared to shorelines where houses have been built, which have only 92. That is quite a stark difference.
If you are an angler with lakefront property, consider reaching out to the DNR and other lake associations to learn how you can strengthen fish habitat in your lake. Similarly, if you enjoy witnessing the various wildlife that the Fish Sticks Program can provide, look into whether this is something you can participate in. ■
GRILLED SHRIMP PANZANELLA
Make sure you use very crusty bread for panzanella so it doesn't get too soggy when it soaks up the dressing.
Ingredients
• 1 1-pound loaf crusty Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (12 cups)
1. Preheat the oven to 275°F. Spread the bread on a baking sheet and bake until slightly crisp (like stale bread) but not toasted, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool.
2. Preheat a grill to medium high. Whisk 2 tablespoons olive oil, the garlic, red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Add the shrimp and toss. Set aside while you assemble the salad.
3. Whisk the vinegar and remaining ½ cup olive oil in another large bowl. Add the tomatoes and onion and season with ½ teaspoon salt. Add the olives, capers, bread cubes and basil. Toss and let sit at room temperature while you grill the shrimp.
4. Grill the shrimp, turning once, until just opaque, 3 to 4 minutes. Once the shrimp are cooked, taste a bread cube. If it’s a bit dry, drizzle the salad with a few tablespoons of water and toss. Add the grilled shrimp to the salad and toss. ■
Join us for weekly online or in person worship on Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday Worship 9:00 A.M.
1816 - 108th St./Co. Rd. I Balsam Lake, WI Come & Worship With Us 1115 Mains Crossing Ave. • Amery, WI 715-268-9291 • www.balsamlutheranchurch.org
First Lutheran Church
240 W. Elm St. • Amery
Tim Bjorge, Pastor
Sundays: 9:00 am Worship Weekly Live Stream on Facebook: FirstLutheranChurchofAmeryWI 715-268-7135 • www.flcamery.org
LUCK LUTHERAN CHURCH
Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m. 715-472-2605
510 E. Foster Ave., Luck secretarypaula@lakeland.ws www.lucklutheran.org
WORSHIP IN THE PARK in the park across from church July 20, 2025 • 9:30 a.m.
“Breaking Chains” Praise Band Bring a chair. If rain, at church Everyone Welcome!
“Opening Doors of Faith For All People”
United Covenant Church
Summer Worship Services
8:30 am & 10 am and Bible Studies throughout the week
348 5th St NW, Clear Lake www.unitedcovchurch.org 715-263-2665
unitedcovchurch@cltcomm.net
Pastor Dan Pearson
Join us in person or online at www.eastbalsam.org 715-857-5411 contact@eastbalsam.org Fully Accessible
“The Church in the Pines”
Pastor David Maghakian Sunday Worship - 10:00 a.m. Fellowship/Coffee time to follow FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ST. CROIX FALLS
719 Nevada Street St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3550
We are an Open and Inclusive Congregation!! Please come and join us!! Love Grows Here!!
THREE CONGREGATIONS, ONE MISSION
Sunday Worship 9:30 AM
We are located just west of Amery
http:/www.nuicparish.org/events
West Denmark Lutheran Church
2478 170th St, Luck, WI 54853
715-472-2383
(leave message, will call back)
715-307-3927
(answered daily) www.westdenmark.org
Worship Sundays 10 am 8:30 a.m. Meditation Hour
Pastor Shawn Mai
Reconciling in Christ Green Congregation
L KER
2025 • No. 2 • June 6 - 19,
Lake Magnor
LAKE MAGNOR FAST FACTS
FISH PROFILE: WALLEYE
By Justin Runberg editor@theameryfreepress.com
Do you know what makes country restaurants so appealing to visitors to Wisconsin? The freshly caught and delicious Walleye from one of the local lakes. In all seriousness, the Walleye is one of, if not the, most sought-after freshwater fish within the state. Known for its specific look, it is a pretty fish that helps drive the angler industry, whether someone is on shore, a river, or a lake.
Walleye are freshwater fish found in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. They are heavily stocked throughout the state and can be found in most water bodies. The best adaption the fish has is in its name. Not the Wall eye but an eye nonetheless. Its eye is special in the fact that it can help it see in turbid water. Turbid water means that the sediment on the floor of a water body has been rustled up to make the water murky and less clear.
This adaptation makes it one of the SEE 9B
VIEWS OF LAKE MAGNOR
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WALLEYE | FROM 3B
more top-tier predators as it navigates the water. As one of the top fish in their food chain, they typically are not found in warm water. This means that you’re going to have to find a little deeper water because they prefer the temperatures to be nice and low. They also have a pretty large aquatic range related to hunting and spawning. Besides the Midwest, the species can be found in a spattering of areas but is predominantly near the Great
Lakes. Once the ice is out of the lake or water body these fish reside in, it means it is time to get ready for the spawn. Typically, they begin when the temperatures are warm enough to melt the ice but cold enough that you wouldn’t want to get in the water. It begins in early April and extends into the middle of May when temperatures are 38 to 44 degrees.
The peak of the spawning event reaches its climax when the water
temp rises to about 42 degrees. Unlike other fish parents, the Walleye throws caution to the wind when dealing with its young. They will usually broadcast their eggs. No, they don’t make it on TV or the Radio station. It is a term for aquatic species and refers to their reproductive strategy. When they broadcast their eggs, the female will release many unfertilized eggs into the water. The male then comes back and fertilizes them in the water. After the
male fertilizes the eggs, he makes his way back into the aquatic world, leaving the eggs to fend for themselves.
After the babies make their way to adulthood, the fun comes. Walleye are one of the most popular angler fish in the state and Great Lakes areas because they taste great and are fun to catch.
The best way to catch one of these
WALLEYE | FROM 9B
ambush predators of the deep lakes is to lure them with a minnow. Other bait that would work well would be nightcrawlers, leeches, and small Bullheads. Some of the best times to fish for Walleye are on windy days. This is because it mixes up the bottom soil into the water, making it difficult for fish to navigate. But, because of the Walleyes’ eyes, they can move more freely. This will help an angler hook him a trophy without being in deeper waters. If it is not windy and a pretty calm day, Walleye can still be caught, but anglers will have to find deeper parts of the water bodies to tempt them with good bait. Near dusk or night, the Walleye will move into shallow waters for hunting when the water cools. Besides the Midwest, there are only a few pockets where the Walleye are prevalent in the United States. This makes the Great Lakes area an angler’s dream when trying to net a trophy and bragging rights for years. ■
Pike Lake
Nor th Twin Lake
PIKE LAKE AND NORTH TWIN LAKE FAST FACTS
Boat Landings
Pike 1 • North Twin 1
Fish
Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye
Invasive
Species
Chinese Mystery Snail, Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Eurasian Water-Milfoil, Purple Loosestrife (North Twin)
SAILING THE INLAND LAKES AND RIVERS
By Justin Runberg editor@theameryfreepress.com
Sailboats have been a staple on the water since their inception hundreds of years ago. Many different iterations of the design have been crafted by countless civilizations. Sailboats also enabled various civilizations to travel and embark on distant lands. Additionally, they served as a means to wage war across the seven seas.
Although sailboats were essential for countless decades, they are now more commonly used for recreation. When people think of a sailboat, their minds may drift toward the ocean. While many large sailing crafts are found on the high seas, many also navigate inland lakes.
Wisconsin has a rich sailing history, thanks to the Great Lakes and the extensive water bodies within the state. Most inland sailing clubs in Wisconsin began in the mid to late 1800s. Some areas that had sailing clubs at that time include Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, and Lake Geneva. The Neenah-Nodaway Yacht Club is one of the oldest yacht and sailing clubs in the country.
Although Wisconsin is surrounded by the Great Lakes, most inland water bodies are not as large. For those interested in picking up a new hobby, they should consider one of two sailing
boats to see if the sport is for them. Dinghy
The first of the two models of sailboats is the Dinghy. Many may have heard the name before, but they are small sailing boats. Dinghies can carry upwards of two people at a time and are relatively lightweight. It is also one of the more affordable sailboats available, thanks to its size. These types of sailboats are typically used on inland lakes. Unlike other larger sailboats, Dinghies have an open concept with no cabin to retreat to if the weather gets bad.
Part of the reason they are great for beginners is due to the design of the craft. Being smaller, having a fixed keel, and a shallow inside floor allow the boat to respond well to maneuvering. A keel is a plate or beam that runs along the underside of the boat, acting as a backbone providing structural support and stability to the vessel. In addition to managing the sailing aspect, a person can also shift their weight, gaining much more control over the essential functions compared to a larger sailboat. These boats can serve multiple functions for everyone from beginners to more experienced sailors. Most often, people who have these types
SAILBOATS | FROM 2C
of watercraft use them for either recreation or racing. The recreational aspect allows you to set sail in safer waters and helps you get accustomed to the sport of sailing. Racing takes place throughout the state, offering you the chance to test your newfound skills against other sailors. Many yacht and sailing clubs hold competitions during the warmer months.
If this interests you, two of the most popular beginner dinghy sailboats are the Laser and Sunfish, both known for their single-handed sailing and racing capabilities.
Keelboat
A keelboat is a type of sailboat that is slightly larger than a dinghy. Despite being a bit bigger, it remains effective for beginners. A keelboat features a fixed appendage on the bottom, which provides added stability and counteracts the wind pushing against the sails. It also includes ballast, which is extra weight added to the keel to prevent the boat from capsizing.
These boats can range from 20 feet at the shortest to nearly 200 feet in length. There are also two types of keelboats. The first is the full keel, which means that the keel extends the full length of the boat from bow to stern. The other type is a fin keel, which is a separate attachment mounted under the hull in a fixed position.
Due to their larger size, these boats offer more space for additional passengers. This
also allows everyone to move around more comfortably while on board, and can become an enjoyable family activity.
Similar to the Dinghy, these
boats are primarily used for recreation and racing. A popular location that people frequent during the summer months is the Mississippi River.
Lake City in Minnesota and Pepin in Wisconsin are areas where keelboats are commonly seen on nice, windy days. Regardless of how you
choose to spend your time on the water, a sailboat can offer great family fun and help create lasting memories for years to come. ■
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to get
service and are not receiving it, please email your address to polkcountylaker@gmail.com and we will add you to the list.
NATIVE SHRUBS TO ATTRACT WILDLIFE–PART II
Attracting wildlife to your yard to the summer gives a very satisfying look to anyone’s lake front property. From the windows to your yard, to boaters coming by, certain shrubs add a certain aesthetic that is hard to pass up in this region. Below are three more shrub species that will help attract wildlife to your property, with some small and large to fit your yard goals.
Black Chokeberry
The Black chokeberry tree is a common sight throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. The plant’s berries can also be safely ingested making them a great yard snack when they become ripe. The shrub itself is not going to take up all of the room in your yard, but will stand at about five to six feet high when fully mature.
The Black Chokeberry is known for being hardy and tolerant to a variety of soil types, but does best when the soil has moisture. Because of its toughness, this shrub gets used more often than not in mass planting. That is because, besides the berries and wildlife, it is used as a natural windbreak, helps with erosion control, and also helps in excessively wet soils. During the spring the shrub grows some white flowers that look visually appealing. The plant gets another makeover during the fall
when the leaves change from green to a vibrant red, orange, and purple. With the plant being a nice addition to your lake front property it also makes a great home and food source for many wildlife species. About 24 to be exact. Although many enjoy the shrub, the one animal that does not have a particular fondness for it is the White Tail Deer. Other wildlife that can be
found near these shrubs are fox, rabbits, Ruffed Grouse, Cedar Waxwings, and Chickadees to name a few. Birds who take advantage of the food source also help in distributing these plants. When they eat the berry and fly away, they drop seed through their stool, making sure to help the plant flourish in a new location.
Gray Dogwood
Based on the name you would think this shrub has a similar look to that of a gray dog. Unfortunately, you would be wrong. Moving up in size this shrub can grow up to eight feet tall. This shrub is able to grow in a variety of different conditions, even in dryer ones, but prefer well drained moist soils. When fully grown, the shrub will small white berries on short red stems. The stems remain almost through winter
Blake Chokeberry
UW-Green Bay Herbarium
Gray Dogwood
UW-Green Bay Herbarium
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NATIVE PLANTS | FROM 5C
and showcase a contrast of color during the winter months, after losing its leaves. During the warmer months of the year, the shrub is used for a visual screen from your neighbors or can act as a natural border.
Though it is native to Wisconsin, the shrub is known to be an aggressive grower in its habitat. If you plant this in your yard, be cautious of this fact as it could become unmanageable if left to its own devices.
Although the aggressive semi-little shrub is great at growing, it is also a great addition for those who enjoy birdwatching. This is because some of the more unique species of birds flock to the Gray Dogwood. Unlike some of the other shrub species on this list, the Gray Dogwood attracts the Northern Cardinal, the Eastern Bluebird, the Downy Woodpecker, and the Northern Flicker. And there are still about 13 more species of birds that enjoy the shrub. Planting one of these species may take some work but will provide you with an array of colors stemming from the birds who make it home.
Pagoda Dogwood
Another dogwood shrub, the Pagoda Dogwood shrub species is native to Wisconsin’s forests. One of the larger species on the list, this shrub will take
up much room wherever it is planted.
Growing upwards of 25 feet in the air, it is also one of the best places for wildlife to create a home inside. With the size of the shrub it should be no surprise that this species of dogwood is the only one that will form a small tree. The canopy will act as a sort of umbrella with cream colored flowers budding in the spring. As the months go on, the plant takes on a new form with the leaves in the autumn turning a maroon color.
In regard to the animals it attracts, people can expect to see small and large creatures of all varieties. Butterflies and other natural pollinators will gravitate towards the Pagoda Dogwood. Butterflies are some of nature’s most intriguing and visually appealing insects. But, it gets better. If your yard gets devastated by deer, this will act as a natural repellent, helping to make sure other fauna is untouched. The berries that the tree produces later in the year also provide a great
landscape for game birds if you are a hunter or like the look of them. Turkeys and grouse take advantage of the tougher branches to hold themselves up for a snack. If you enjoy the song birds, putting one of these up in your yard will have them singing songs all day long. Some of these birds include Eastern Kingbirds, Wood Thrushes, Purple Finches, Hermit Thrushes, and many more. ■
Pagoda Dogwood Johnson's Nursery LLC
PHRAGMITES, ZEBRA MUSSELS, AND EURASIAN WATER MILFOIL, OH MY!
By Justin Runberg editor@theameryfreepress.com
Invasive species wreak havoc in any habitat they invade. These species are animals introduced to environments where they thrive, with few or no natural predators. This allows their populations to soar while displacing native species. Almost everywhere you go, there is at least one invasive species that has established itself. This is also true here in Polk County, where numerous invasive species have arrived from various sources. However, some are more problematic than others.
Phragmites
Phragmites are a tall, non-native grass that grows each year. It forms dense stands in wetlands and other moist habitats, and the number of these populations is on the rise.
“We currently have 10 sites in Polk County and counting including the one we found recently,” said Colton Sorenson, Water Resource Specialist.
“And the kind of cool thing about it, or the positive side, is we've actually got management occurring on all those sites or planned to be. The other sites is actually part of a DNR grant and a part of a DNR program. We actually have treated all previous sites last year.”
Although the species is being treated, the sites still require monitoring. The Polk County Land and Water Department conducts additional followups to ensure it doesn’t spread, as just one or two sprigs can jump-start the population once again.
Phragmites are known for their prolific ability to spread seeds and establish new populations. They produce large seed heads containing hundreds of seeds that can disperse relatively easily. One observation made by the Land and Water Department is that while they have succeeded in eradicating a population of Phragmites, a new population establishes itself nearby. By the time the team notices, the cycle may begin anew. This is why it is crucial for the department to continue monitoring the area, even after a population has been removed.
Due to this, they have succeeded in managing the Phragmites. The first site was discovered in 2017 within the county. The site was treated with herbicide that same year. There was no regrowth until 2023. Last year, they went out and observed that there was nothing at this particular site.
Although they are managed, if allowed to grow, they could become a detriment to the habitat they take over.
“This plant can really take over and just create a monoculture which outcompetes all our native species and just kind of displaces things like that,” Sorenson said. “Which also affects habitat as well or the species that live there because the defective habitat could be affecting everything from insects to mammals, and displacing them.”
Zebra Mussels
Zebra mussels have been a major concern for lakes for over a decade. They are a non-native species of clam that has established itself in Wisconsin’s lakes. Unfortunately, once zebra mussels are found in a water body, there are limited options for removal. This means that once they are present, they are here to stay. All major lakes in the area contain zebra mussels, and the risk of spreading them to other
lakes increases during the summer months.
“There could be hundreds of boats out there on a nice sunny day in the summer. So, yeah, definitely an increase as the seasons pick up, potentially spreading invasive species,” Sorenson said. “That's why just the prevention methods are very important to follow. So clean, drain, dry, never move. You always want to clean your boat, clean the weeds off it, the plants off it, and any animals.”
Ensuring you aren’t transferring plants and old water to a new lake is one of the best ways to combat Zebra Mussels. While you might be able to see them in the water once they mature, the real issue arises when they are still young. The larvae of Zebra Mussels are so tiny they are invisible to the naked eye. These small organisms can also cling to aquatic vegetation. Even though the vegetation may be native to the region, the microscopic hitchhikers are not and could spread to other lakes if brought along.
Currently, there is no permanent treatment for Zebra Mussels, aside from ensuring your boat is clean before heading to a new lake, drying out the boat and live wells, and manually managing them from the shore. The DNR cannot neutralize this species without impacting other species in the
INVASIVE SPECIES | FROM 5C
water. The best method is to limit the spread of Zebra Mussels and prevent them from establishing themselves in other lakes across the region.
invasive species native to North Africa, Europe, and Asia. This aquatic plant causes numerous problems for lake life in Wisconsin. It is a significant threat due to its rapid growth and ability to create dense mats of vegetation, which starve out other species. Currently, there are only 10 verified locations of this species in Polk County. Given its relatively low numbers, the Polk County Land and Water Department aims to address the issue proactively and prevent its spread.
The two main concerns are water travel and the challenges it presents to anglers fishing in the region’s waters.
“It can affect things like fishing in that way where those weed lines are
STUFFED ZUCCHINI
Ingredients
• 6 medium zucchini (about 3 lb.)
3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
• 1 lb. mild or spicy Italian sausage
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh oregano, plus more for serving
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°.
2. Halve the zucchini lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the interior of the zucchini (reserving the flesh), leaving about 1/4-inchthick border around the edges. Arrange the zucchini boats on a parchment-lined, rimmed baking sheet.
3. Chop the reserved zucchini flesh and set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring to
break up the sausage, until browned and crumbly, about 6 minutes. Add the chopped zucchini flesh, red bell pepper, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the oregano, basil, and marinara. Let cool 5 minutes. Stir in the mozzarella and 1/4 cup of parmesan.
4. Divide the filling mixture evenly among the zucchini shells. Stir together the panko breadcrumbs, remaining 1/4 cup parmesan, and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly on top of each stuffed zucchini.
5. Bake on the middle rack of the oven until the breadcrumbs are golden brown, cheese is melted and zucchini is tender, about 20 minutes. Serve with additional chopped fresh herbs. ■
going to be tough weed line, and it's going to be hard to fish through these this species and bringing bait through without getting aquatic plants on them,” said Sorenson. “When they start matting at the surface and it starts getting wrapped around your boat motor, you're constantly doing the forward and reverse trying to clear plants off, and it can just really be a nuisance that way.”
Not only is this species effective at growing, but it is also prolific at spreading. The reason for this is fragmentation. For example, if a boat were to drive through a clump of the Eurasian Water Milfoil, all the individual fragments would start drifting.
Eventually, due to wind and water, they will drift while beginning to grow roots. When the opportunity arises, the roots will take hold, and a new population will begin to grow. As the season progresses, the species becomes brittle, almost encouraging its own fragmentation to spread and establish itself.
There are ways to manage this species, though it is tough. One method they have found, since it grows in shallower water, is to draw down a dam to dry out the water’s edge. This is one way to manage it, although there are others. Other methods will depend on the species' location and mass. ■
BURRATA SALAD
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. balsamic glaze, plus more for drizzling
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• 2 pt. multicolored grape tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 2 cups loosely packed arugula
• 2 (4-oz.) balls burrata
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
Directions
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the oil and garlic to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is golden and the oil is fragrant, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. When cool enough to handle, slice the garlic and place it in a storage container. Pour the oil over the garlic.
2. In a medium bowl, combine ¼ cup of the garlic oil, balsamic glaze, salt, and pepper. Fold in the tomatoes and the shallot. If you have time, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the tomatoes to marinate.
3. Arrange the arugula on a serving platter. Top with the burrata. Drizzle the burrata and arugula with more garlic oil and balsamic glaze; sprinkle the burrata with salt and pepper, to taste. Fold the basil into the tomato mixture and spoon the mixture on top of the arugula and around the burrata. Serve topped with more basil, if you like. ■
