Caution: Aeration on Barron, Burnett, Polk and Washburn county lakes creates open water

BARRON – Several lakes in Barron, Burnett, Polk and Washburn counties will have areas of open water this winter resulting from aeration systems used to sustain aquatic life, according to the Department of Natural Resources. The systems are operated by governmental units or lake groups and cause areas on the lakes to remain ice-free.

“These systems help prevent winterkill of fish and other organisms by increasing the dissolved oxygen in the water.” said Brian Spangler, DNR fisheries technician.

Snowmobilers, anglers, and other lake users should use caution on these lakes because of the danger associated with open water and variable ice thickness. The open water areas should be surrounded by a fence of uprights connected by rope with reflective tape or reflectors.

The lakes with public access that have aeration systems include: Chain (North & South Twin), Desair, Kirby, Moon, Prairie, and Staples lakes in Barron County; Antler, Bass (McKinley Township), Coon, Diamond, Camelia, King, Largon, Little Butternut, Lotus (East), Mckeith, South Twin and Vincent lakes in Polk County; Green, Point and West Elbow lakes in Burnett County; Little Long (Bashaw Township), Camp, and Priceless Ponds (Madge Township) in Washburn County. DNR officials note that operational modifications have been made to the aeration system on the north end of Barron County’s Prairie Lake with relocation of the aerator pumps to the offshore area in front of the Veterans Park boat landing access because of the bog island relocation. The landing will be closed to access during the winter months, extra caution should be taken.

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