Big Eau Pleine Aerator Information
Aerator On!
The new aerator on the Big Eau Pleine was turned on Monday March 7, 2011. Holes were drilled in the ice above the ends of each line to assist in opening up a large contiguous area of open water to improve oxygen levels for the fish. As seen in the photo below taken on March 10, some of the lines are opening large sections of open water. Snowmobiles, ice fisherman and others that venture out on to the ice, so be careful.
Thanks to the many volunteers that worked closely with BEPCO leaders, DNR and WVIC staff to make this a reality.
The fund raising effort in 2009-2010 has been an encouraging partnership between BEPCO , DNR, WVIC and Marathon County to work together for a common goal of protecting the fish in the Big Eau Pleine. A reminder to all. Access to the aerator site is restricted and needs permission. Please respect the private property.
As the ice melts and if the oxygen levels remain adequate (see Water Quality charts - Isopleths), the aerator will be shut down in the late March.
In 2010, Pat Patton took Mike Paul for a ride in his airplane to see the aerator from the air. Mike posted a video on YouTube. See the location of the aerator on GoogleMaps
Lon Hoerter of WVIC and Joe Jurgensen watch as John Kennedy backs Scout (provided by Jim Kafka) up to hook to PVC lines and drag out. Ron Rahm bent over in orange.
Jon Fochs and Mike Reigel watch as Luke Lamb drags another set of lines out onto the staging area
Luke Lamb pulling lines to stage
Jeff from Merkel electric trenching the ice
A look at the first lines staged through the PVC culvert sleeve
Aerial shot by Pat Patton and Mike Paul showing the layout of lines and scope of the project.
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| This mini Old Faithful started soon after the Aerator was started on February 17. |
View of the open water from the pump house on February 19. |
The aerator is starting to open some pretty good sized holes in the ice already by February 26. |
One of the reasons for the massive fill kill (see photos) was that the 30 year old aerator is no longer functioning properly to provide enough dissolved oxygen to keep the fish alive throughout the winter. Through the generous contributions of so many people, BEPCO has raised the $32,416 in matching funds to replace the aerator in order to avoid another massive fish kill like the one this past Spring. Your donations are appreciated! See list of donors See Press Release
Community Connections, the newsletter of the Marathon County Environmental Resources Committee has an update on the aerator.
| BEPCO has been granted 501(c)(3) tax exempt status! We would like to thank the Clifton, Gunderson LLP office in Marshfield for their assistance in processing our application. |
