Abstract

Engaging a Lake Community with GIS: Mapping Shoreland Resources
Track: Ocean, Coastal, and Marine Resources
Author(s): Ben Niemann, Douglas Miskowiak

In early 2005, a small group from the Moose Lake Improvement Association teamed up with the Couderay Land Trust and the Center for Land Use Education to use ArcMap and available data to inventory shoreline characteristics and island resources. The results were surprising. Mapping with more precise data revealed 22 miles of additional shoreline and 20 'lost' islands. Superimposing ownership data from plat records provided information never before considered for local resource planning. An effective lake planning and management tool emerged and facilitated the following:

- Citizen engagement and awareness using GIS at the annual lake meeting

- Informed discussions between citizens and resource professionals from the US Forest Service

- Development of a long term protection strategy for the islands including easements and transfer of ownership

ArcMap and good information empowered interested citizens to talk about and manage the sensitive lake resources they valued.

Ben Niemann
Moose Lake Improvement Association
Pine Point Road
Box 10486 N
Hayward , Wisconsin 54843
United States
Phone: 7154623141
E-mail: sue.niemann@gmail.com

Douglas Miskowiak
Center for Land Use Education
800 Reserve Street
College of Natural Resources
Stevens Point , Wisconsin 54481
United States
Phone: 7153464989
Fax: 7153464038
E-mail: doug.miskowiak@uwsp.edu