Windigo Lake Installs Sawyer County's First Hot Water Decontamination Station to Prevent Invasive Species Introduction

SAWYER COUNTY, WI - 5/20/2025 - The Windigo Lake Property Owners Association (WLPOA) has installed Sawyer County's first hot water decontamination station, reinforcing the community's long-standing commitment to keeping its waters clean and preventing the introduction of invasive species. The station is located at the lake's public landing, under Sawyer County ordinance (2021-112). Sawyer County Ordinance 2021-112 (2A) states "If a Decontamination Station is available and functioning for use at a public or private access, the owner or user of a Boat or Equipment shall decontaminate the Boat or Equipment entering and exiting out of the waterbody per posted directions and/or inspection protocol using the Decontamination Station provided as set forth herein."

This proactive step follows the recent confirmation of Chinese mystery snails in Windigo, the lake's first documented aquatic invasive species (AIS). While not considered highly aggressive, their discovery has galvanized WLPOA to act quickly to prevent other AIS introductions to Windigo and other area lakes.

"We're fortunate that the first AIS we've found is relatively manageable," said Dick Steininger, WLPOA President. "But that doesn't mean we let our guard down. This station is about protecting everything we love about this lake before the next threat arrives."

The new station uses high-temperature water to kill and remove invasive species from boats and trailers. Its installation is part of a larger, ongoing prevention effort that includes years of involvement in the Wisconsin DNR's Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW) program. WLPOA manages both paid and volunteer monitors to inspect watercraft and educate lake users.

"We're proud of our prevention work, and this is a major upgrade," said Peter Ingarra, WLPOA Lake Environment and Safety Chair. "It's a modern solution to a growing problem, and it gives us another tool to protect what we've all invested in."

WLPOA also acknowledged recent challenges, including several incidents where boat monitors faced verbal aggression while carrying out their duties. The association is encouraging boaters to approach the new process with understanding and a shared sense of responsibility.

"No one is here to make life harder for boaters," said Paul Martin, WLPOA Vice President. "Our monitors are your neighbors. They're not enforcing policy, they're simply asking for cooperation to help keep the lake healthy. A few minutes at the station can make a real difference."

The decontamination station was largely funded by a state grant, with additional contributions from WLPOA member dues, fishery donations, and volunteer labor. The association also funds the majority of the CBCW monitoring program locally, meeting grant requirements and demonstrating long-term financial stewardship.

The station's use is enforceable under county law, and compliance is the responsibility of the Sawyer County Sheriff's Office.