CLOVERLEAF LAKES PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION

SEPTEMBER 2026 EDITION:

News and Updates for Members, Visitors & Friends of the Cloverleaf Lakes

2026 Season in Review

Our mission is simple: Preserve Our Lakes for Future Generations. As the 2026 summer season comes to a close, here’s a look at how CLPA worked this year to protect our lakes, promote safety, educate our community and support the traditions that make the Cloverleaf Lakes special.

Protecting Our Lakes

• Secured grant funding for Clean Boats, Clean Waters AIS Technicians and Starry Stonewort monitoring.
• Managed AIS Technicians at the boat launch to educate boaters and help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
• Supported ongoing AIS monitoring, including surveillance for Starry Stonewort and other emerging concerns.
• Continued water quality monitoring and testing across the Cloverleaf Lakes, including volunteer participation in Citizen Lake Monitoring Network training to strengthen the quality and consistency of the data collected.
• Advanced renewal of the Cloverleaf Lakes Management Plan, including submitting grant applications for the next phases of scientific assessment and long-term lake planning.
• Stayed connected with Wisconsin DNR fisheries staff for updates on fishery conditions and stocking plans. While no stocking occurred in 2026, Cloverleaf is scheduled to receive spotted muskies in 2027, and DNR reports that local panfish populations continue to reproduce naturally.

Promoting Safety & Education

• Provided financial support for additional Shawano County Sheriff on-water patrols and stayed in communication with the Sheriff’s Office regarding lake conditions and boating safety concerns. Law enforcement decisions and citation activity remain the responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office.
• Shared timely education on boating and PWC safety, AIS prevention, water quality, recreation and lake stewardship.
• Helped support on-the-water safety during the Fourth of July boat parade and fireworks.
• Expanded communication with our lake community, including establishing a dedicated CLPA email account, marking one year of our digital newsletter, and providing regular education, safety reminders and community updates through Facebook and the CLPA website. Over the past 12 months, CLPA shared 41 Facebook posts, generating more than 1,000 reactions, comments and shares from our community.

Strengthening Our Lake Community

• Organized the annual Fourth of July Kiddie Parade.
• Promoted opportunities for residents to participate, volunteer and stay connected with issues affecting our lakes and community.

Thank You to Our Community Partners

Much of this work is made possible through collaboration. Thank you to our members, volunteers and community partners, including the Town of Belle Plaine, WAMSCO, Shawano County Sheriff’s Office, local Fire Department, and the many others who contribute their time, expertise and support throughout the year.

Together, we’re helping preserve the Cloverleaf Lakes as a place for health, rest and pleasure for generations to come.

We Want to Hear From You

As we look ahead to 2027, we’d like to hear directly from our members.

• What is one thing CLPA is doing well that you value and would like to see continue?
• What is one opportunity where you think CLPA could improve, do more or place greater focus?

Your feedback will help the Board better understand what members value and where there may be opportunities to strengthen our efforts in the year ahead.

You’re welcome to include your name, but it is not required.


Take the short member survey here: https://forms.gle/sPs4ZMc7FCCLxxoV7

What’s Next: Lake Management Plan Update

As noted in our season recap, CLPA has begun the multi-year process of renewing the Cloverleaf Lakes Management Plan.

Last updated in 2022, the plan provides the long-term framework for decisions related to water quality, aquatic plants, invasive species, habitat and other lake-management priorities. Maintaining a current, active management plan on file with the Wisconsin DNR is also a prerequisite for many permits, grants and management efforts related to aquatic invasive species

.

In September, CLPA submitted two grant applications with assistance from Onterra: one for the Stakeholder & Reports Phase and one for the Biological Survey Phase. The next step is DNR review of those applications, expected by November 15. If awarded, the grants would help offset a significant portion of the cost of this next phase of work.We also expect to receive the latest starry stonewort (SSW) monitoring results later this fall and will share those findings with members. SSW is an aquatic invasive species for which there is currently no proven eradication method, making continued monitoring and early detection especially important.

Because updating the plan is a multi-year effort, we’ll continue to share progress, survey findings and other key milestones with members as the process moves forward.

Fall Reminder: Keep Leaves Out of the Lake

Fall cleanup is here, and one simple step can help protect our lakes: keep leaves and yard debris out of the water.

As leaves break down, they release nutrients that can contribute to algae, aquatic plant growth and organic buildup along shorelines and the lake bottom.

A few lake-friendly reminders:

• Never rake or blow leaves into the lake.
• Keep leaves and grass clippings away from shorelines and drainage areas.
• Mulch leaves into your lawn when practical.
• Compost or properly dispose of excess yard waste.

What happens on land can have a direct impact on the health of our lakes.

Upcoming Events & Reminders

Belle Plaine Sportsmans Club Cloverfest Walk/Run

Sunday, September 27 | Race at 10:00 a.m.

W8466 Rustic Drive, Clintonville



The Belle Plaine Sportsmans Club will host its 23rd Annual Cloverfest Walk/Run at the Cloverleaf Lakes.

• 3.5-mile walk/run
• Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.
• Race begins at 10:00 a.m.
• Entry fee: $25, including a shirt and lunch
• Raffle, sponsor prizes and refreshments available after the race

Learn more or register:

https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Clintonville/BellePlaineSportsmansClub18thAnnualCloverfestWalkRun

Next CLPA Board Meeting

Monday, October 12 | 5:00 p.m.

Belle Plaine Community Center

CLPA Board meetings are open to members of the community. We welcome those interested in learning more about Association activities and issues affecting the Cloverleaf Lakes.

2027 CLPA Membership Renewal Coming in November

Watch your mailbox in November for information about renewing your CLPA membership for 2027.

We also plan to offer a digital renewal option, making it easier for members to join or renew online.

Membership support helps make possible many of the efforts highlighted in our Season in Review, including lake monitoring, AIS prevention and education, grant-supported projects, boating safety initiatives, community communications and events.

Every membership strengthens CLPA’s ability to continue its mission to Preserve Our Lakes For Future Generations.