Big Cedar Lake PRD

Free Coffee & Local Insights!
Ever wondered where all the rainfall goes after a storm in Washington County and how our local water is stored? Come grab a cup of coffee and learn all about it at the upcoming Free Coffee Friday!
📍 Where: 1st Floor Reading Area, West Bend Library (630 Poplar St, West Bend, WI)
📅 When: Friday, August 14, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
💰 Cost: FREE (No registration or bookings required—just drop in!)
Bring a friend, enjoy some free coffee, and explore the fascinating journey of water in our community!

Looking for a rewarding career with opportunities for growth and flexibility? Explore our current openings and apply online today!

📌 Tax Manager - Oshkosh
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📌 Senior Accountant - Appleton or Clintonville
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📌 Retirement Plan Service Consultant - Northeast & Northcentral Wisconsin
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Wisconsin summers are perfect for spending time on the water, but our weather can change quickly. A calm afternoon on a Wisconsin lake can turn into strong winds, heavy rain, lightning and dangerous waves with very little warning.

If you're already on the lake when a severe thunderstorm develops, your priority is getting yourself and your passengers to safety.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE DOCK

Check the weather first. Don't just look at the forecast for the entire day. Check for current radar, severe thunderstorm warnings and changing conditions immediately before launching.

Wisconsin weather can change quickly, especially during the summer.

Make sure you have:

A properly fitted life jacket for everyone

A charged cell phone in a waterproof case

A way to receive weather alerts

Enough fuel to get back safely

A flashlight

Knowledge of the lake and nearby boat launches or marinas

A plan for what you will do if your boat becomes disabled

IF A STORM DEVELOPS WHILE YOU'RE ON THE WATER

Don't panic.

If you have enough time to safely reach a boat launch, marina or other protected location, head toward shore.

But don't make the mistake of racing across the lake at high speed to "beat the storm." Your boat may handle very differently once strong winds and waves develop.

Slow down and maintain control.

Watch the waves and avoid taking large waves directly from the side whenever possible.

Everyone should put on a life jacket. Don't wait until someone goes overboard.

Take lightning seriously. If you can safely get off the water and into a substantial building or vehicle, do so. A boat is not a safe shelter from lightning.

If you're stranded or in danger, call for help early. Don't wait until your boat is taking on water, you've lost power, or someone is already in the water.

WHAT IF YOUR BOAT LOSES POWER?

This is where preparation matters.

A disabled boat during calm weather may be an inconvenience. The same boat without power during a severe thunderstorm can quickly become an emergency.

Have your life jackets on, keep everyone together, monitor the weather and be prepared to communicate your location.

If you need assistance, be able to tell rescuers:

The name of the lake
Your approximate location
Your boat's description
How many people are aboard
Whether anyone is injured or in the water

REMEMBER

Wisconsin has thousands of lakes, and every lake is different. Know the lake you're boating on, understand its hazards and pay attention to changing weather conditions.

The best way to survive a severe thunderstorm on the water is to avoid being on the water when one is approaching.

If you see severe weather developing, don't wait for someone else to tell you it's time to leave.

Your fishing trip can wait.

Your boat can wait.

Getting home safely cannot.

Wear your life jacket. Watch the weather. Know your lake. Have a plan.

The Hartford Township Police Department encourages you to Boat smart. Boat safe. Make it home.

Pike Lake Advancement Association News & Information
Friends of Pike Lake
Daily News

https://bigcedarlakeprd.org/news-and-notices/reminder-for-the-2026-annual-meeting/

*REMINDER* for the 2026 Annual Meeting *REMINDER* Anyone interested in having their name printed on the Commissioner Ballot for the BCLPRD ...

Meeting of Commissioners Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 6:30 pm
https://bigcedarlakeprd.org/agendas-minutes/
PLEASE PARK IN EMPLOYEE LOT

Meetings | Big Cedar Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District Boat WisconsinWisconsin DNRWisconsin LakesTown of West BendTown of PolkCedar Lakes ConservationHome - Washington County, WI

Take advantage of ridding of those electronics that you no longer have a use for!

♻️ E-Waste Recycling Event – Thursday, August 13th from 2–6 P.M.

Do you have old electronics, outdated equipment, or a box of tangled cords taking up space in your basement, garage, or storage area?

The Washington County Fair Park is hosting a free e-waste recycling event this Thursday from 2:00–6:00 P.M.

Accepted items include televisions, computers, monitors, kitchen appliances, and large household electronics that are prohibited from regular curbside trash.

This is a convenient and environmentally responsible opportunity to properly dispose of unwanted electronics while helping prevent materials such as lead and mercury from entering our soil and water. Many of the valuable materials found in electronics can also be recovered and recycled.

If you’ve been meaning to clean out that pile of electronics you’ve been holding onto, this is a great opportunity to get it done!

♻️ Recycle responsibly. Protect our environment. Keep unwanted electronics out of the landfill.

Found Item-Contact Big Cedar Lake PRD at [email protected] or 262-629-9322

Meetings | Big Cedar Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District Boat WisconsinWisconsin DNRWisconsin LakesTown of West BendTown of PolkCedar Lakes ConservationHome - Washington County, WI