1. How the survey was conducted
In July 2002, a survey questionnaire was prepared and mailed to 52 persons who own property on or near Blockhouse Lake. Each member of the Blockhouse Lake Association received a questionnaire. One copy was also mailed to non-members who live within a mile of the Lake. Completed surveys were received from 42 persons, a response rate of 81 percent. The purpose of the survey was to aid the Blockhouse Lake Association in developing plans to maintain and improve the water quality, fishery, boating, and aesthetic values of Blockhouse Lake. An Organizational Planning Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provided financial support for the project. The Association is grateful for the assistance and support provided by Butch Lobermeier, Director of the Price County Land Conservation Department who applied for and administered the grant on our behalf.
We wish to thank all the persons who took the time to complete and return the survey, and hope they will continue to provide ideas and input to the Blockhouse Lake Association.
2.
Summary
80 percent of the people returning the survey own lake frontage. Most of the shorelines were described as consisting of natural vegetation (57%), with another 38% in lawn, trees, and shrubs. About two out of three (62%) have owned their property for more than 10 years. Over 80% of the people have a house or cabin near the water, with more than half of these structures being over 30 years old. Most of the respondents use their property for vacations and/or weekends, but 22% are year-round residents.
The main reason that people bought their property was for fishing and hunting and simply enjoying peace and quiet. They use their land mainly for these purposes.
Although people's perceptions of the lake differed in some cases, most agree that boat traffic is light and have few problems with other boaters. Most people liked the lake because it afforded peace and quiet and pretty scenery. There was overwhelming agreement on the question of plant growth, with almost 75% describing it as extremely heavy. Not surprisingly, excessive plant growth was the number one factor that reduced people's enjoyment of the lake.
Many people had ideas about what the Blockhouse Lake Association could do to improve the lake. In addition to the many comments and suggestions about plant growth, there were concerns about water levels, fish populations and road traffic among others.
In
conclusion, the survey provides a comprehensive picture of the
qualities that residents
appreciate about Blockhouse Lake and the concerns they have about its
future. The challenge for the
Association will be to try and address these concerns in a way that
will be
consistent with the desires of the members.
Note: For more
information on the survey and the results, please contact Jim Williams.