The DLIA communicates with residents through email, Facebook, our Deer Tales newsletters; the Improvement Association and the Conservancy; and a Directory of Property owners: listing names, addresses, and phone numbers; and this website, www.deerlakewi.com, with information about Deer Lake organizations and projects.
In 1990, the DLIA started a newsletter, called Deer Tales. It is sent to all lake residents, not just DLIA members. Distributed three times a year, typically each issue contains a calendar of upcoming events, the President’s message, a Conservancy corner which describes the current activities of the Conservancy, and an Environmental Committee report. The newsletter also educates lake residents on a variety of issues such as boating regulations, jet-ski laws, boating safety, and environmental conservation. It encourages residents to learn to identify invasive weeds, those in the lake such as curly-leafed pondweed, and those on land, such as European buckthorn. It tries to encourage residents to value the “good” weeds in the lake and encourages the planting of buffer zones along the lakefront. Deer Tales also publishes names of recipients of the annual Hall of Fame plaques, first awarded in 2005. Awards are given to individuals or organizations that have contributed significantly to improving the quality of life on the lake.
The DLIA plans social events to promote community ties among residents. Events are designed to be self-supporting and offer a variety of activities. A number of events are planned around July 4th: a boat parade, light-up-the lake, and the ever-popular fireworks. Pontoon parties are held and new in 2008, music on the lake. The DLIA and the Deer Lake Conservancy also sponsor a picnic at Flagstad Farm Preserve.
More than two-thirds of the roughly 320 residents of Deer Lake belong to the Association. Dues are currently $50 a year and the Association asks for a separate voluntary contribution for fireworks and a $50 donation to water quality to defray costs of spraying for algae and curly leafed pondweed and other water quality/invasive species issues. Accomplishments of the Association far outweigh the cost of membership. The Association’s success reflects its willingness to cooperate with other organizations and the willingness of many members to volunteer countless hours of service. We should all be proud to be members of this Association and celebrate and support its accomplishments.
