About Staples Lake Protection
Lake protection involves organized efforts to:
1) Monitor and assess water quality, including testing for nutrients, clarity, and aquatic plants
2) Work with the Wisconsin DNR on lake and stream monitoring and best practices
3) Develop and implement management plans that guide protection actions over time
4) Educate property owners and residents about shoreline health and sustainable practices
5) Support community involvement in preserving the natural environment around the lake
The Staples Lake Protection & Rehabilitation Program is dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating the natural habitat and beauty of the lake through planned actions, data review, and cooperative efforts with partners such as the DNR.
Monitoring & DNR Partnership
Staples Lake’s water quality and watershed health are supported in part through collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The DNR maintains data, provides technical guidance, and supports grants and projects that help local groups like the Staples Lake Protection District implement water quality improvement strategies.
Examples of these types of efforts include nutrient management planning, soil sampling in the watershed, and best management practices designed to reduce runoff — actions that help slow harmful nutrient and sediment loads from impacting water quality.
Healthy Lakes & Shoreline Projects
Staples Lake participates in efforts aligned with the Healthy Lakes & Rivers Program, a statewide initiative that promotes a set of simple, practical shoreline and property practices to improve habitat and water quality. These include things like:
- Planting native plants along the shore
- Using erosion control techniques
- Reducing runoff from yards and driveways
- Creating natural buffers along the water
The Healthy Lakes program’s goal is to make shorelines more resilient and water healthier — and many of the practices supported by this program are things that any property owner can adopt.
Get Involved and Learn More
Lake protection is a community effort. There are many ways to get involved:
- Attend Staples Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District meetings (agendas and minutes will be posted on the Protection site)
- Volunteer for shoreline or habitat projects
- Adopt Healthy Lakes practices on your own property
- Help track changes in lake conditions and share observations
If you have questions about lake protection efforts, want to learn more about current or past projects, or are interested in contributing, please contact us. Your involvement helps make a difference.
Midwest Glacial Lakes Protection (MGLP)
About Regional Lake Protection
- The Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership (MGLP) is a regional organization focused on protecting glacial lakes across the Upper Midwest. They provide research, education, and practical resources to support water quality, shoreline health, and fish habitat.
How This Supports Lakes Like Ours
- MGLP works with lake communities through education, funding, and conservation efforts that support long-term lake health.
Helpful Highlights
- Shoreline Guides – Learn how natural shorelines improve water quality and reduce erosion
- FREE Educational Webinars – Topics include aquatic plants, climate impacts, watershed conservation and lake management.
- Conservation Funding – Supports projects that improve fish habitat and protect water quality
For more information and additional resources, visit the Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership.
Click here to request your copies of MGLP's Shoreline Living.