Pell Lake Recreational Water Use and Quality Survey Results
September 20, 1999

* Please note that formatted copies are available at the PLSD office
and available upon request

  1. How many surveys returned to PLSD? 224
  2. How many surveys were sent out? 1800
  3. Survey return rate? 12.4%
  1. How is this property occupied?
    Resident 132
    Seasonal Occupancy 54
    Rental Property 13
    Vacant Property 3
  2. Do you regularly use Pell Lake for recreation purposes?
    Yes 102
    No 98
  3. When do you spend time on or near the lake in summer?
    Early A.M. 59
    Late A.M. 69
    Midday 86
    Early P.M. 102
    Late P.M. 34
    Never 3
  4. When do you spend time on or near the lake in winter?
    Early A.M. 23
    Late A.M. 33
    Midday 59
    Early P.M. 41
    Late P.M. 10
    Never 3
  5. How long have you been using Pell Lake?
    0-5 years 28
    6-10 years 22
    11-15 years 15
    More than 15 years 117
    Never 1
  6. How do you feel about the use of the following on Pell Lake?
    Regulate Use means boundaries, speed limits and hours of
    operation would be imposed by ordinance.
    Non-motorized boats
    Approve 169
     Disapprove 6
    Regulate Use 22
    Small motor boats (< 25hp)
    Approve 80
    Disapprove 62
    Regulate Use 54
    Large motor boats (25hp or >)
    Approve 11
    Disapprove 147
    Regulate Use 34
    Jet skis
    Approve 19
    Disapprove 139
    Regulate Use 33
  7. The following list contains a number of popular water-based
    activities, please indicate the approximate number of hours per
    week you spend on the activity in the space provided. (Note:
    the result number only indicates the number of responses for a
    given category.)
    Power Boating
    Spring 38
    Summer 90
    Fall 30
    Winter 0

Sailing
Spring 44
Summer 138
Fall 47
Winter 0
Rowing/Canoeing
Spring 38
Summer 67
Fall 34
Winter 1
Water skiing
Spring 9
Summer 34
Fall 10
Winter 0
Swimming/Diving
Spring 65
Summer 352
Fall 29
Winter 0
Fishing/Ice-Fishing
Spring 190
Summer 195
Fall 177
Winter 149
X-Ctry Skiing
Spring 0
Summer 0
Fall 0
Winter 32
Birdwatching
Spring 199
Summer 165
Fall 176
Winter 127
Picnicking/BBQ
Spring 114
Summer 202
Fall 124
Winter 3
Walking/Jogging
Spring 190
Summer 230
Fall 200
Winter 190
Other
Spring 18
Summer 37
Fall 8
Winter 0


11. Do you feel the boat launching facilities at Pell Lake are adequate?
Yes 127

No 49

12. Do you feel the swimming facilities at Pell Lake are adequate?
Yes 98

No 89


13. Do you visit other area lakes?
Yes 135
No 59
If so, what activities do you engage in when you visit these lakes?
Activities mentioned included boating, fishing, and swimming.

14. When you visit our lake, do you usually visit,
On your own 51
With family 122

With friends 38

With a group 4

15. Do you usually travel to Pell Lake …
On foot 78

On bike 27

By vehicle 120

  1. What commercial or public facilities do you use when you visit the lake
    (i.e. beaches, stores, gas stations, restaurants…)?
    Mentioned were Pell Lake Foods, Lakeside Grocery,
    Upper Crust, and Monroe's Mobil.
  2. How would you rate your general level of satisfaction with these facilities?
    Very Satisfied 13
    Satisfied 101
    Don't Care 15
    Not Satisfied 35
    Very Dissatisfied 16
  3. What improvements or changes, if any, would you like to see in any of
    these facilities? Please be specific.
    Some comments:

    4. "Kids cursing at older adults at lake, then seniors have to leave."

    "Facilities should be adequate and safe--whatever is needed to achieve or maintain this level."

    "Clean and modernize the beaches."

    "Leave Pell Lake as it is."

    "Clean lake and beaches."

    "Weed removal from shoreline before and after cutting. Also, cut down the geese population because of pollution."

    "Beaches are sometimes unuseable due to mess left by the geese."

    "Clean the weeds."

    "Cleaner lake, no weeds, cleaner beach (no dogs, pets)."

    "More restaurants."

    "More family atmosphere at the beaches. Have cars yield to pedestrians and we need more of a police presence!"

    "Bigger beach, cleaner beach and lake, better parking, and more food services."

    "Would like to see a safe bike path and walkway around the lake."

    "Need more garbage cans. Stop loud music from cars parked at the beach. Fines should be imposed on owner's with dogs that are on the beach and swimming area."

    "More patrols to keep dogs off of the public beach area, less drinking so that families can spend the day at the beach and better patrols to keep the geese away."

    "Whatever happened to money we donated for 'Pell Lake Beautiful in 1976.'"

    "Would like to see less 'Mom & Pop'ism. How about a little bit more commercial."

    "Would like to see a large park-pavillion with picnic tables, etc."
  4. Which parts of the lake or lake shore do you usually visit?
    For the most part, both beaches, north shoreline, southeast
    shoreline, and south shoreline is where majority of people
    reported visiting.
  5. In the summer, do you consider this lake to be …
    Weekends
    Lightly used 25
    Moderately used 107
    Heavily used 47
    Over used 5
    Weekdays
    Lightly used 107
    Moderately used 68
    Heavily used 9
    Over used 1
    Winter time
    Lightly used 108
    Moderately used 57
    Heavily used 5
    Over used 1
  6. How would you rate your general level of satisfaction with the
    enforcement of boating, fish & game regulations on Pell Lake?
    Very satisfied 9
    Satisfied 82
    Don't Care 29
    Not satisfied 29
    Very dissatisfied 15
    Some comments:
    7.

    "More policing of teens. I welcome teens just the ones who curse at each other and directly at older adults."

    "Strictly enforce licenses and visitors usage."

    "Post boat regulations! I always see powerboats on lake and thought it was restricted! Geese should be restricted in numbers without that why did we put in a sewer system."

    "Pell Lake is too small for motor boats, at this time. It needs to be for boats with no motors because we have many children and young people swimming in this lake and we want to keep them safe."

    "In all my years of spending time by the lake (over 40 years), I've never seen police by the lake. Lake area should have more law enforcement checking around."

    "Have not seen any…"

    "Seen twice within a month, motorboats on lake. This lake is too small for motors!"

    "There seems to be no enforcement. I would like to see some spot checks."

    "Would like to see the game warden check more people out."

    "The past few years, I've noticed several power boats and a pontoon boat in the lake. It's too small for that kind of traffic. There is very little fishing regulation. I'll bet most of the people fishing do not buy a license."

    "Would like to see only electric motors on the lake."

    "1. Do not allow pontoon boats on the lake; 2. Rope off swimming areas because boats come too close to swimmers; 3. Catch and release program should be posted; 4. Limit boat motors to 10 hp."

    "I would like to see more patrols, less drinking, no geese and a swan to keep them away. I would like big power boats kept off the lake."

    "What enforcement? Pell Lake is the step-child of Walworth County! Where are our tax dollars going??"

  7. Do you consider this lake to be a clean lake?
    Yes 64
    No 98
    Some comments:

    8.

    (Yes) "Replenshied by natural springs--Agricultural pesticides have been or are being controlled." "EPA protection standards in the Clean Water Act."

    (No) "Kids developed rashes the last time they went swimming."

    (No) "But has been improving. Foam washes up on shore and water is not very clear."

    (No) "Weeds, algae, and litter."

    (Yes) "Not too many boats on it from what I have seen…"

    (No) "A lot of seaweed."

    (No) "Too many weeds and motorboats dirty a small lake like Pell."

    (No) "All the weeds and geese make it terrible!"

    (No) "It is a shallow, sand lake, that needs to be dredged and opened up."

    (No) "Too much seaweed, too much debris, and dead fish."

    (No) "Too much weed growth."

    (No) "Depends on the amount of rainfall. When the lake is low, it has problems."

    (No) "Broken glass and cans in water. Geese droppings in water, pier areas, and on the beach. Seaweed on the shoreline after the weeds are cut out in the lake."

    (No) "Geese and the party drinking people are responsible."

  8. How would you describe a clean water lake?
    Some comments:

    9.

    "Years ago you would be able to see the bottom of the lake when swimming.""Base it on Lake Geneva."

    "One in which you can see the bottom."

    "No more weeds on beach and no mud on bottom."

    "Clean and see bottom."

    "Back to the water fowl and the relative size of the lake!"

    "No weeds or scum or tin cans or trash."

    "I'm 6'5". I'd like to see my feet when I'm in 6 feet of water."

    "Not a lot of weeds. Clean or moderately clean beaches."

    "No weeds."

    "When you can see the bottom like the lake was in the 60's."

    "one that allows fish/game to live freely, with minimal weeds."

    "Less seaweed. Sandy bottom and no wood or glass debris."

    "Clean water."

    "Minimal blooms, weeds/vegetation is natural but I think the algae is influenced by anthropogenic?? factors."

    "Water that has a safe bacteria count."

    "Clear and clean bottom."

    "One where you can swim without tons of seaweed blocking spring-fed lake and not cut your feet on broken bottles."
  9. Which of the following factors would negatively AFFECT your use of a lake
    for the activities which you identified in the previous question.
    Green scum or algae
    Discourage 95
    Stop 59
    Not affect 11
     Water too cold
    Discourage 21
    Stop 8
    Not affect 111
     Suds and foam
    Discourage 96
    Stop 42
    Not affect 16
     Litter, cans, glass, or plastic
    Discourage 92
    Stop 73
    Not affect 7
     Water fowl
    Discourage 52
    Stop 31
    Not affect 68
     Restricted bag & size limits
    Discourage 20
    Stop 6
    Not affect 107
     Dead fish
    Discourage 87
    Stop 55
    Not affect 17
     Strange tastes
    Discourage 63
    Stop 70
    Not affect 19
     Too shallow
    Discourage 51
    Stop 10
    Not affect 91
     Irritating to eyes and skin
    Discourage 48
    Stop 93
    Not affect 10
     Steeply sloping banks
    Discourage 39
    Stop 12
    Not affect 95
     Rocky bottom
    Discourage 39
    Stop 11
    Not affect 93
     Water too warm
    Discourage 19
    Stop 7
    Not affect 115
     Murky, dark, or turbid water
    Discourage 87
    Stop 45
    Not affect 19
     Too many weeds
    Discourage 108
    Stop 49
    Not affect 11
     Hours of use
    Discourage 37
    Stop 10
    Not affect 89
     Too many boats
    Discourage 84
    Stop 45
    Not affect 24
     Speed limits
    Discourage 31
    Stop 20
    Not affect 94
     Strange odors
    Discourage 62
    Stop 72
    Not affect 17
     Too rough and choppy
    Discourage 35
    Stop 18
    Not affect 88
     Gas and oil films
    Discourage 54
    Stop 94
    Not affect 7
     Muddy bottom
    Discourage 71
    Stop 26
    Not affect 62
     Strange colors
    Discourage 70
    Stop 64
    Not affect 16
     Too many people
    Discourage 75
    Stop 21
    Not affect 53
     Other
    Discourage 0
    Stop 0
    Not affect 0
  10. What changes would have to occur in the items that presently discourage your use to stop you from using a lake?
    Some comments:
    11.

    "If any of these conditions continued over an extended period of time, we would probably give up fishing on the lake."

    "Stop the over-taxation of unbuildable lots."

    "If the slopes get steeper, it will be harder to use the lake."

    "Keep the usage to a minimum and it will keep a lot of the other issues low."

    "Keep the beach area free of goose poop!"

    "Dirty."

    "Cleaner shoreline, better weed cutting and removal, and reduction of water fowl that pollute the east shoreline!"

    "Motor boats would stop me from using the lake, then the lake would have weeds and gas fumes and oil fumes!"

    "If litter and garbage grew out of control. Large number of dead fish along shore. Pollution control is a must!!"

    "Clean the lake."

    "It needs to be clean."

    "Clean the lake of weeds, and keep boats and industry from dumping."

    "Clean the lake by dredging out the weeds or cleaning it like Silver Lake did."

    "Clean up the weeds, open up the channels, no time limit on fishing, clean up the cans and litter, etc."

    "The lake would have to be cleaned; dredged for weeds; glass and debris picked up; gravel removed and replaced by sand; and a better boating dock."

    "Correct them."

    "Too many people and boats in the lake; severe change in environmental conditions; should have to pay to launch."

    "If it got more polluted, over crowded, dogs in water. Beach area neglected with glass, cans, diapers. Overfilled garbage cans, loud music, pier covered with geese dung. Also, we should have quality sand instead of that sand that is used now."

    "Keeping the lake and beach area clean."

  11. If any of these items apply to Pell Lake, what do you think could be done
    to improve the situation? What would you like to see done?

    12.

    "We would like to see water in the southern section of the lake as it was in the past. This would deepen the entire lake as well. The installation of sewers should help the water quality of the lake and open the springs."

    "If Pell Lake wants visitors they'll take care of the taxation problems."

    "Dredging the lake and remove the weeds."

    "Everything looks fine just the way it is."

    "Shoot the geese and have a barbecue at the fireman's day!!"

    "Clean the lake!"

    "Restrict motor boats, trash, and keep working on removal of weeds."

    "Post signs and a much stronger show of law enforcement! Most importantly, keep residents educated, have town meetings, mail flyers, etc."

    "Clear the weeds and scum and litter."

    "It needs to be clean."

    "Weed remover. Restrictions on all size motors on lake."

    "Increase size of lake; dredge lake; cut weeds down; open up the channel; take out man-made dam; allow boating in organized manner."

    "Employ someone to clean beach area and cut grass. Heavy fines should be executed to people who allow their dogs to poop on the beach and surrounding area and swim in the water. Beach should be paroled by police a few times a day during the busy season. Noise should be regulated."

    "Again, keeping the lake and beach clean, patrol beach area from heavy party people that keep nice families away; and keep geese from beach."

  12. Article IX, Section 1, of the State Constitution provides that Wisconsin's
    lakes are public domain, owned, in common, by all of the people of
    Wisconsin. Do you feel that you have ownership rights and
    responsibilities with regard to Pell Lake?
    Yes 114
    No 59
    Some comments:

    13.

    (Yes) "As a property owner I would tell people to clean up after they picnic."

    (Yes) "We use it whenever we want without asking permission."

    (No) "Can't sell or give the land away!"

    (Yes) "Because we are home owners. We respect other lakes so those lakeside owners should respect our lake!"

    (No) "I feel a lack of control over management of the resources."

    (Yes) "We are homeowners and pay taxes."

    (Yes) "I take responsibility to keep the lake clean, when I have trash I use the trash containers not the lake."

    (Yes) "Absolutely! Everyone should take pride in their property and total respect to the lake and surrounding neighbors."

    (Yes) "I'm a Wisconsin resident."

    (Yes) "Who keeps up the lake? Local people…"

    (Yes) "We own property on the lake, therefore, we should be able to use the lake."

    (Yes) "I pay taxes."

    (Yes) "I own land and property there."

    (Yes) "Ownership rights, no. Responsibilities, yes, because we use it more then outsiders (i.e. non-residents)."

    (Yes) "I pay taxes and would like to see improvements. Also, to be able to enjoy myself and swim in a clean, safe lake."

    (No) "I am not a resident of Wisconsin."

    (Yes) "I live there part time and pay taxes."
  13. Do you think that the general public should have access rights to these lakes?
    Yes 130
    No 39
    Some comments:
    14.

    (No) "They would not clean up after themselves."

    (Yes) "The public must have access if the DNR stocks the lake, etc. Perhaps, this access could be limited so the lake does not become dangerous to use. Put up 'Do not litter or be fined' signs."

    (Yes) "Because of the state's rights."

    (Yes) "It's public, but they should be watched, possibly permits issued."

    (Yes) "On a limited, pay per use basis."

    (No) "The population of Pell Lake has paid for improvements to the lake over many years. The square acreage of the lake is too small for general use. It would become over-crowded and need control legislation. Just keep it to Bloomfield Township owners."

    (Yes) "That's the only way to get some people there."

    (Yes) "Because they are PUBLIC beaches!"

    (No) "Those who live in Pell Lake, all year round residents and summer residents and their guests."

    (Yes) "This should be done on a trial basis. Possibly two years. If general public doesn't respect the lake and the people who live there, then change the laws and make private if necessary!"

    (No) "Too small."

    (Yes) "Article IX, Section 1."

    (No) "Residents only. People destroy the lake because they don't live there, or vacation there."

    (Yes) "It's not a privately owned lake."

    (Yes) "It is for everybody to enjoy."

    (No) "They would not keep the lake or its surroundings clean and it would get too overcrowded."

    (Yes) "What right do you have to deny them access? It's not a privately-owned lake."

    (No) "I don't know. Our lake is a small lake and could be easily overcrowded. If the public was allowed they should have to pay an admission for the upkeep of the lake."
  14. On the south side of the lake is a man-made dike, often referred to as the
    "rubber bridge". What do you suggest be done with this area? (e.g.
    remove, maintain, leave as is…)
    Some comments:
    15.

    "Remove the dike. This would be a terrific spawning area for better fishing."

    "If it isn't broke, don't fix it."

    "One must address the consequences of removal, especially with the sewer pipes and water. Would opening the dike, undermine the pipes and roadways? Leaving as is--sounds appropriate--especially with the times of drought increasing. Opening it will give the mosquitoes more places to breed. It would also turn into wetlands and attract more geese and other water fowl."

    "Leave as is!"

    "Maintain if possible."

    "I'm so glad you asked this question! Please remove the rubber bridge. Bring back the backside of the lake. Have all the weeds on the west and south removed. Make the lake deeper! I know this is a big job but it would be worth it!"

    "1. What is its purpose to maintain a level lake? 2. I would maintain it for a few more years."

    "Leave it."

    "Remove and open up by dredging."

    "Maintain it."

    "Don't know area."

    "Leave as is…"

    "Leave as is and maintain a walkway with place to stop sit and relax."

    "I would like it to remain as is but in certain circumstances; like when a tree falls to be removed and also where there are deep muddy ridges to be filled in with some natural material to keep this bridge as scenic as possible. I just love this rubber bridge. Your in the midst of nature, the quietness, the beautiful birds, wetlands, you have it all in this little area. Please preserve the many, beautiful areas we have near this lake."

    "Remove that stupid dike and let the lake go back to its original form--who was the idiot that put the dike in? It ruined the lake!"

  15. There are many geese on Pell Lake throughout the year. Do you wish
    there were:
    More geese 16
    Less geese 78
    No geese 54

  16. Would you be prepared to pay for any improvements to the lake
    environment or facilities which you may have indicated above?
    Yes 77
    No 94
    Comments:
    $ amount listed is amount responder was willing to pay per month
    17.

    (Yes) $5.00

    (Yes) $10.00 "If in proper hands, do not support waste of money." "Removal of dike, control of the geese."

    (No) $0 "We're already paying 500x what the property is worth. Those with buildable and improved lots with sewer & water construction should pay."

    (Yes) $5.00 "Pay for the dredging and improving the lake as long as the visitors are required to pay also."

    (No) $0 "Pay per use basis-issue permits for fishing, boating, and picnicking."

    (Yes) $5.00 "Buying a giant pooper scooper and hiring a sure shot with a rifle; an aeration system might help powered by the wind."

    (No) $0 "The State of Wisconsin should pay!"

    (No) $0 "Not unless it was decided that this was a private lake, where full time residents had cards and summer residents and their guests paid for the privilege of using the lake. The Pell Lake group are doing a wonderful job of removing weeds with their weed eater but the whole lake needs to be cleaned."

    (Yes) $20-$40 "Remove the rubber bridges, weeds, and deepen the lake."

    (No) $0 "All state residents."

    (Yes) $4-6 "Get rid of the geese."

    (No) $0 "The state should pay!"

    (Yes) $5

    (Yes) $10 "Dredge and open up channels. Remove dam, increase size and depth of lake."

    (Yes) $5 "Cleaning the lake."

    (No) $0 "DNR should pay."

    (No) $0 "Too many taxes and fees already."

    (Yes) $5 "State should pay but I would pay for walkways and water quality project."

    (No) $0 "All of these expenses should already be included in our taxes."

    (Yes) $10 "Limit public access to the lake by member cards. Litter patrol, seaweed removal, and walking patrol on the beaches."

    (No) $0 "Nothing because we are already paying for schools and garbage that we do not use because this is our vacation home!"

    (Yes) $1 "Taxes are very high now, where are all our $ going? I would like to see how much is "ear-marked" for the lake itself?"

    (No) $0 "Take it out of the taxes you already gouge us for without raising them again. Try using the money better."

    (No) $0 "The government, e.g. fishing and hunting license fees, DNR fines, income taxes, real estate taxes, and sales taxes and where does all that lotto money go? (schools right, hah!!!)"

    (Yes) $10 "Drain the lake and fill it in and make a park and fieldhouse."

    (No) $0 "I thought that there was already something in place to help improve the lakes environment. Let a donation organization (Mud Hens) do it. People in this area are being tapped out for money because of water and sewer and school taxes as well. I don't think it should be a forced issue."

    (No) $0 "Form a private non-profit organization and do fundraisers."
  17. How many people live with you in your home?
    Self 63
    2 through 4 persons 98
    More than 4 persons 19
  18. Are a member of any of the following organizations?
    Conservation Organization 11
     Homeowners Association 44
    Sailing Club 1
    Church Group 45
    Snowmobiling Club 9
    Boat Club 3
    Angling Club 6
    Lake Association 13
    Scouting Troop 8
    Other Groups 5
  19. Are there any other issues that you would like to draw to our attention
    at this time? You may attach additional sheets of paper if necessary.

    Some comments:

"The best thing about Pell Lake is the volunteers who do the great work on the lake."

"I moved into Pell Lake for the peace and quiet. I am not happy about the water and sewer hook-up or the trend that I see starting here towards a modern community."

"Not at this time! Good luck to whom this may concern."

"When are board meetings and where are they held?"

"If lake is to be used for boating, some rules and restrictions need to be in place for safety, e.g. no wake zones and buoys."

"1) I would like our community to be more conscience of preserviing our wetlands and prairies and also making nature paths. 2) Also, to enforce laws, and stop the burning of garbage. 3) We have old trees around our community; we as a community should preserve these trees. Many of these trees have been carelessly been cut down, slaughtered, butchered when the water work began. Why all the carelessness? The beauty of our lake is diminishing."

"As seasonal residents, we do not get full benefits from tax dollars paid (schooling, garbage, college)."

"Get rid of junk cars in people's yards; Four Reason's junk yard; and semi-trucks."

"Many, many unlicensed junk cars and semi-tractors are polluting my air and ears and are ugly. A good lake is nice but if the air is bad and the neighborhood is a junk yard then why bother?"

"Township employees should stay in township and work on beach cleanup etc. instead of being at gas stations in Lake Geneva and Genoa City."

"Lake improvement should have been done years ago; this is a terrible time to do it with sewers and water going in."

"Instead of worrying about the lake itself, somebody should start doing something about all the garbage and junk in property owner's yards including inoperative junk cars that stand in the same spot for years. If you want to see for yourself, take a drive on 1200 block of Laural Drive. You are wasting your time trying to do something with the lake when you have such garbage surrounding the lake. Thank you!"

"Where to get more information on the proposed incorporation?"

"I would like to see Pell Lake incorporate."

"We need to have a community clean up, clean-up the junked cars all over the subdivision, especially at Post and Park Roads!"

"Leave me alone too old to help anyone."

"Anytime any governmental agency sticks its fingers in a pie (e.g. Pell Lake) our taxes go up! Not our wages! We get more bureaucrats and more bills and no one know or cares about us poor little guys!"

"I would really like to see them spraying for mosquitoes again. That is one of the problems with going down by the lake. I also would like to see the park at Four Reasons updated and cared for maybe some new flowers and plants. And if we could help get rid of bugs you would find more children playing at the park."

"If we improve lake, more people will visit this town and we don't need that…leave it as it is."

"I realize this is probably a moot point, but the 4-Reasons tavern is really a big part of why people do not use that beach and park area."

"Our lake has great potential. We as a community need to put forth more effort."

"Yes. The slum-like appearance of the 4 Reasons corner. It looks like the Pell Lake version of skid row."

"Unless the lake eco-system is failing, I feel lakes should be left alone. If I wanted Lake Geneva, I'd go there. Don't fix what isn't broken."

"You are clueless. The older people don't use the lake. The families with children have to work all the time to afford to stay here."