Entities Team Up to Keep Buoys on Chain in Good Working Order
There are 102 buoys on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes, from Cranberry Lake to the Highway 70 bridge on Watersmeet Lake that help boaters navigate their way and remain safe while recreating on the busy water body. But these buoys come with a price tag, along with manpower to keep them properly positioned and in working order.
The towns of Washington and Lincoln, in partnership with the City of Eagle River, team up to financially support the program as well as place and remove the buoys each year. Officials in the Town of Washington coordinate the program, and the buoys are placed under permitting from the Wisconsin DNR using GPS coordinates.
According to Carole Linn, Town of Washington supervisor, the limited funding from the towns and city mean there is insufficient money to repair and replace the buoys, and additional financial support is needed to operate the Chain's buoy program. "Donations are the primary source of this revenue. Over the years, the Eagle River Chain of Lakes Association (ERCLA) has supported the program with an annual donation which provides the funds for the buoy replacement program," Linn said.
She explained that ERCLA volunteers surveyed the chain buoys and produced a condition report which serves as the basis for the buoy replacement program. Each year the buoys in the poorest condition are replaced.
The Town of Washington works closely with ERCLA volunteers, and during the boating season, buoys that have been moved or damaged are repositioned or repaired by volunteers from the ERCLA. The upkeep to the buoys is an ongoing process due to aging, environmental conditions, heavy Eagle River Chain boat traffic, and routine wear and tear, Linn noted. Some buoys have been struck by watercraft, causing further damage.
"This year, 14 buoys were replaced," she said, adding that buoy costs are considerable. "Each buoy costs $249, each buoy light $385, and each light guard $70. In total, a lighted buoy costs $704." ERCLA provided the necessary financial support to purchase the needed new buoys, lights and buoy guards.
"We appreciate the continued partnership and support of the Eagle River Chain of Lakes Association for this important program to enhance the safety of those using the Eagle River Chain," Linn said.