The Lake Owen Association operates a hot water, high pressure boat washing station to remove aquatic invasive species from boats entering at the North Landing. Decontamination stations using a mild bleach solution are present at Otter Bay and the Two Lakes Campground. On July 28, 2020, Bayfield County passed an ordinance (Amendatory Ordinance No. 2020-010 to update Title 16 Chapter 2: Aquatic Invasive Species) to require inspection and decontamination when available at a public or private access. This means that inspection and decontamination with the hot water pressure wash (if warranted) at the North Outlet Landing, and decontamination with the mild bleach solution at the U.S. Forest Service Two Lakes Campground station, and Otter Bay are all mandatory. The Lake Owen Association worked with county staff and the Bayfield County Land Conservation Committee to encourage the ordinance update in order to increase participation at our decontamination stations. The ordinance in part reads as follows:
“(b) If a decontamination station is available for use at a public or private access, the boater shall decontaminate per posted directions and/or inspection protocol using the decontamination station provided.
(e ) “Decontamination Stations” means a device provided at the public or private water access to remove all potential invasive species. The station may consist of high temperature water (140 Fahrenheit or more) applied with a pressure washer by trained personnel, a recommended chemical solution applied, with a low pressure sprayer, or other technique.”
Our decontamination stations shield Lake Owen from potential aquatic invasive species carried on boats and equipment from lakes previously visited.