CLOVERLEAF LAKES PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION

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

Summer is in full swing on the Cloverleaf Lakes, and we hope everyone is enjoying time on the water with family, friends, and neighbors.

As lake activity reaches its seasonal peak, this edition includes a recap of our 4th of July festivities, along with timely updates and reminders to help keep our lakes safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone.

Thank you for supporting CLPA’s volunteers, respecting fellow lake users, and helping us preserve the Cloverleaf Lakes for future generations.

Celebrating America’s 250th on the Cloverleaf Lakes

The Cloverleaf Lakes were filled with patriotic spirit as our community came together to celebrate America’s 250th birthday!

CLPA was proud to host the Kiddie Parade, where children and families decorated their bikes, wagons, and more for a fun and festive morning. A special thank-you to the Town of Belle Plaine Fire Department, the Hoskings for donating popsicles, and to WAMSCO for providing games for the parade participants.

A huge thank-you also goes to the Cloverleaf Lakes Fireworks (CLF) Inc. committee and team for the time and effort they put into organizing another incredible boat parade and fireworks show.

Thank you as well to everyone who participated, volunteered, and helped make this year’s celebration such a memorable one on the Cloverleaf Lakes!

A Safer Flow for Busy Lake Days

As a reminder, the Town of Belle Plaine boating ordinance requires boat traffic on Pine Lake and Grass Lake to travel counterclockwise from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Following the traffic pattern helps create a more predictable flow on the water, improves visibility between boats, and reduces the risk of close calls, especially during busy summer days.



Think of it like driving on the road: going the wrong direction can create confusion and safety risks for everyone around you.

Thank you for staying alert, following the flow, and helping keep the Cloverleaf Lakes safe and enjoyable for all.

Protecting Our Lakes Through Planning and Partnership

CLPA continues to work with community partners to monitor lake levels and assess beaver dams or other potential obstructions that could affect the natural flow of water through the Cloverleaf Lakes system. This has been especially important during a year of heavy rainfall and rapidly changing conditions.

We are also beginning the multi-year process of updating our lake management plan, last finalized in 2022. Maintaining an active plan helps guide responsible lake stewardship and supports eligibility for many Wisconsin DNR grants and permitting efforts.

As this process moves forward and more details become available, CLPA will continue to share updates with our members and lake community. These initiatives are part of our ongoing work to monitor conditions, plan ahead, and protect the Cloverleaf Lakes for future generations.

Cruising After Sunset? Check Your Lights.

Night cruises are a favorite summer tradition, but landing or docking lights should not be used as headlights while underway. Bright forward-facing lights can create glare and make it harder for others to see your boat’s required navigation lights.

Wisconsin law requires boats operating from sunset to sunrise to display prescribed navigation lights.

For most recreational motorboats, required navigation lights include a red light on the port, or left, side; a green light on the starboard, or right, side; and a white stern or all-around light, depending on the boat’s size and configuration. These lights allow other boaters to identify your position and direction of travel. Bright docking or landing lights can interfere with that visibility, create glare on the water, and shine into nearby homes along the shoreline.  

Please use landing lights only when approaching a dock or shoreline, and rely on your navigation lights while cruising.

Launching a Boat or Kayak at the Public Launch? Don't Forget the Fee.

Whether you’re heading out in a fishing boat, pontoon, or kayak, launch fees apply to all watercraft using the public landing on County Trunk Y.

These fees help support the maintenance and upkeep of the Town of Belle Plaine’s public boat launch, keeping it safe, accessible, and ready for everyone to enjoy.

Daily Launch Fees

• $5 for residents
• $10 for non-residents

Daily fees can be deposited in the collection box at the launch.

Annual Permits

• $30 for residents
• $60 for non-residents

Please contact the Town of Belle Plaine to purchase an annual permit.

Thank you for helping support this important community resource.