Project Documents
The following documents represent the comprehensive study and planning work completed for Little Lake Butte des Morts through a collaborative effort led by the City of Neenah and supported by the City of Menasha, Village of Fox Crossing, and multiple partner organizations.
Phase 1 Completed Documents
2025 Little Lake Butte des Morts Aquatic Plant Management Strategy
Released: February 2025
This comprehensive 133-page strategy document provides the foundation for aquatic plant management efforts on LLBDM. It includes baseline water quality data, stakeholder input, evaluation of management methods, and recommended implementation steps.
City of Neenah Harvesting Pilot Plan (Appendix A)
Released: February 2025
Detailed pilot project plan for mechanical harvesting in targeted areas near Arrowhead Park and Herb and Dolly Smith Park to evaluate feasibility and efficacy while protecting important habitat.
Aquatic Plant Survey Results (Appendix B)
Released: February 2025
Technical documentation of the 2024 comprehensive aquatic plant survey, including species identification, distribution mapping, and analysis of plant community health.
Stakeholder Engagement Summary (Appendix C)
Released: February 2025
Complete documentation of public meetings, surveys, and community input gathered during the planning process, including stakeholder priorities and concerns.
Area of Interest (AOI) Justification (Appendix D)
Released: February 2025
Technical analysis defining the watershed and drainage basin areas of influence that impact Little Lake Butte des Morts water quality and ecosystem health.
Key Findings Summary
Water Quality Status: Current monitoring indicates LLBDM is in fair to poor condition with frequent algae blooms and elevated nutrient levels requiring management intervention.
Aquatic Plant Community: The 2024 survey identified 24 plant species including beneficial natives and invasive species requiring targeted management.
Stakeholder Priorities: Community input identified excessive aquatic plant growth, algae blooms, and poor water quality as the top three concerns requiring action.
Management Recommendations: The strategy recommends forming a lake organization, implementing pilot harvesting projects, and developing a comprehensive long-term management plan.
Implementation Timeline
- 2025: Lake association formation and pilot project initiation
- 2026: Full harvesting program implementation and monitoring
- 2027: Whole-lake aquatic plant management plan completion
Project Partners
This work was made possible through collaboration between:
- City of Neenah (lead)
- City of Menasha
- Village of Fox Crossing
- Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- Winnebago County Land & Water Conservation Department
- GEI Consultants, Inc.
Funding Sources
- Wisconsin DNR Surface Water Grant Program
- Fund for Lake Michigan
- Municipal contributions from Neenah, Menasha, and Fox Crossing
- Future Neenah
- Community Foundation of the Fox Cities
Questions About These Documents?
For technical questions about the studies or implementation recommendations, contact Katie Woodrow at Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance at (920) 915-5767.
For questions about lake association formation or community involvement, use our Contact Form.
These documents represent Phase 1 of our lake improvement efforts. Phase 2 will focus on implementation and ongoing monitoring as we work together to improve Little Lake Butte des Morts for current and future generations.