Meeting Minutes

Friends of Cedar Lake Meeting Minutes

October 6, 2026

Welcome and Introductions

• Alan Heigert welcomed all attendees.

• PowerPoint presentations accompany Minutes for anyone unable to attend.

• Alan introduced the following team reports.

Public Awareness and Engagement Team (see Kurt’s PowerPoint)

• Kurt Byrne explained what is being done to build community awareness and publicize what is being done to preserve and protect Cedar Lake. 

• One effort was the information tables that were staffed with volunteers at concerts and events in Lake Villa this summer. Brochures were handed out and people were encouraged to attend the monthly meetings and to volunteer in ways that they find satisfying.

• Kurt then gave updates on the Facebook page and Website. Both serve as entry points to join Friends and volunteer.

• Informational posters in the Village Hall and Lake Villa Library have also brought some new members to the group.

• And there are more Friends of Cedar Lake t-shirts available for purchase at $14 each.  Please contact Alan if you want one.  And remember to wear yours!

Goose Mitigation Campaign

• Ed Diamond, who faithfully continues to chase geese in his boat, reported that the highest number of geese spotted in the mornings was 60. That number is now down to between 3 and 12, mostly near Allendale. 

• Ed mentioned that a small drone boat that could be operated from shore would be very helpful during the colder weather. He was asked to look into this.

Fish Stocking Initiative

• Julie Elver reported that around $3,600 has been donated to purchase fish for stocking. The Village will do the ordering, handle the money and make the payments so that there will be no sales tax to pay. 

• $3200 worth of fish were ordered in September, including fifty 12-inch Tiger Muskie that will eat the medium-size bass, 300 Walleye, and 550 Redear Sunfish that eat zebra mussels. These fish will be released at the Cedar Lake Park beach the last week of October or the first week of November.  

• The plan is to continue to collect donations that can then be used to purchase more fish in the spring and/or invest in northern pike next fall.

• A carp derby is being planned next spring based when they will be spawning.

Lake Biomass Mapping and Aquatic Plant Management

• Environmental Services completed Lake mapping again this year.  The preliminary finding is that the biomass has increased year-to-year. This is consistent with findings on other area lakes as well.  Ideal coverage is about 40% of a lake and Cedar Lake had 70% last year.  On the one hand, we have what is considered a well-balanced lake that uses its total phosphorus load.  On the other hand, it’s hard to boat through and not safe to swim through thick beds.

• We will invite the County to present the mapping results at our next meeting.

• Alan reported that professionally applied broad-spectrum herbicides (Flumioxazin and Diquat) and an algaecide (chelated copper) were particularly effective this year at beaches and for pier access in several locations on the Lake. Muck pellets also significantly reduced organic sediments at Cedar Lake Park beach.

Water Monitoring (see Kurt’s PowerPoint)

• Kurt Byrne reported that the team is done monitoring for the year. The data has been sent to Lake County Lake Lovers for further analysis and also added to the County’s monitoring of Cedar Lake.

• Water clarity averaged an excellent 12 feet and phosphorus is hard to detect.

• Jim Bland from LC Lake Lovers joined the last water monitoring event and took some plant samples for analysis.

• Jim Bland from Lake County Lake Lovers joined the last water monitoring event and took some plant samples for analysis.

• Endangered Marsh Water Marigolds did not bloom this year due to high-water levels. Botanist Linda Curtis just found them today, thriving in several locations.

• On November 18th a panel of experts will review our data and give suggestions for further action. Kurt Byrne will be there to represent Friends of Cedar Lake.

Island Erosion Feasibility Study

• The erosion study will be completed after one more company is interviewed and a finalist selected.  Steve Elver, Jim Holcomb, and Trustee Glenn McCollum from Friends are helping in the selection process.

• Once that phase is completed, decisions can be made about how best to stabilize the island and a campaign to fund the work can begin.

Green Infrastructure

• Homeowners are reminded to maintain septic systems, avoid using lawn fertilizers, and plant buffer zones to reduce shoreline erosion.

Governance

• We are exploring various governance models, from continuing as the ad hoc group that we are at present to either incorporating as a non-profit or partnering with a governmental body.  The goal is to sustain Friends over time.

Next Meeting and Upcoming Dates

• The next meeting will be at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 in the lower level Youth Services room at the Lake Villa Library. 

                                                    Minutes drafted by Connie Saunders and Alan Heigert

 Friends of Cedar Lake Meeting Minutes September 8, 2026

Welcome and Introductions 

• Alan Heigert welcomed all attendees including new members, Paul and Brian. 

• PowerPoint presentations are accompanying these Minutes for anyone who was unable to attend.  Please review them, they are full of great information. 

• Alan gave an overview of the work that is being done using a graphic as a way to introduce the team reports (see the 2026 Roadmap slide in the PowerPoint). 

Public Awareness and Engagement Team 

• Kurt Byrne explained several efforts to increase public awareness. For example, information tables have been staffed at five Lake Villa concerts and events this summer. Celebration of Fall is next in downtown Lake Villa on 9/12. 

• In addition, our Facebook Page Friends of Cedar Lake and our website friendsofcedarlake-il.com are educational, entertaining, and provide an entry point to join and even volunteer with us.  

• And the new members joining tonight’s meeting learned about us due to the informational flyers posted in the Lake Villa Library and at Village Hall.  

Water Monitoring Team 

• Kurt Byrne also reported on water monitoring (see his PowerPoint presentation). 

• Water testing for clarity and quality has been done in four locations on the Lake every two weeks since April and ends later this month. This is part of a multi-lake effort by Lake County Lake Lovers who, along with LC Environmental Services, help us analyze the data and understand how to use it.  

• The average water clarity over the summer has been 13 feet deep, which is the best in Lake County.   

• We are fortunate to be spring fed with a small watershed and only stormwater entering the Lake. It’s a double-edged sword, however, that anything entering the Lake remains there for over ten years. 

• Reduction of the goose population helps limit external phosphorus levels and contributes to the clarity.  Maintaining or upgrading septics would also help.  

• Environmental Services is in the process of mapping Cedar Lake for the second year in a row.  This will determine plant biomass and location of invasives. The general observation is that plant overgrowth is increasing. It remains to be seen whether intervention is needed and, if so, determining the best methods.  

• In summary, Cedar Lake is in good shape but experiencing stressors. 

Goose Mitigation 

• Ed Diamond reported on the goose mitigation efforts undertaken that has involved chasing geese off the Lake and surrounding properties and addling eggs (coating them with oil) so that they will not hatch.  

• During hunting season, Cedar Lake becomes a sanctuary for geese since hunting has been prohibited.  Chasing geese will ramp up again during the fall as a result.  It was questioned whether the Village should revisit their decision. 

Island Erosion 

• Steve Elver reported on the island erosion Feasibility Study proposal process. 

• Progress has been slow. Two of three finalists have been interviewed to date. 

• Once one is selected and is able to complete the Study, then decisions will be made about what is to be done to prevent further erosion and resulting Lake sedimentation.   

• At any point that we would have a definite plan or even be shovel ready, grants to help fund the work will be applied for.  

• The reality is that this will take time.  

Fish Stocking 

• Julie Elver presented on the fish stocking goal (see her illuminating PowerPoint). 

• The effort began with a meeting of interested anglers at her home. 

• They decided to move forward with a private fish stocking effort this year while at the same time trying to enlist the help of the Village.  

• Almost $3000 has been pledged so far.  

• Professional advice from the DNR and a local fishery is helping the group make decisions about how to proceed. 

• The most recent fish studies have determined that fish are stunted and that the Lake is underfished.  

• Some suggestions were given as to how to rectify this situation based on a five-year plan.  

• For example, anglers are immediately encouraged to catch and remove medium sized bass (e.g., 10-15 inches). The daily catch limit is six. 

• Another is to introduce a predator fish into the Lake.  Since Northern Pike are in short supply, Tiger Muskie is the most likely candidate this year.  

• Anglers are also encouraged to release large male bluegills.  

• It was noted that there are already healthy populations of crappie and perch. 

• A bow-fisher carp derby is also being planned during spawning season to rid the Lake of as many destructive carp as possible.  

• Additional fundraising ideas such as a raffle or fishing contest are being considered. 

Additional Information 

• We encourage the use of green infrastructure wherever possible, responsible use of fertilizers and pesticides where permitted, and limited use of CMA driveway and sidewalk deicers when necessary. 

• There is ongoing effort to engage lakefront property owners and other stakeholders in our efforts to preserve the wonder that is Cedar Lake for generations to come. 

• Spot treatment of herbicide/algaecide was applied in small areas of the Lake this summer as well as the successful use of biologic Muck Pellets at the Cedar Lake Homeowner Association beach to reduce sedimentation in the swimming area. 

• We continue to investigate longer-term governance strategies to sustain our Friends group over time that may have tax benefits. 

Next Meeting and Upcoming Dates 

• The next water monitoring is on Sat, Sept 19th, 9:00-11:30 am (8:45 arrival).  If you would like to participate, sign up via the website or FB page. 

• Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 7:00 pm in the main level Adult Services room at the Lake Villa Library. 

                               Minutes drafted by Connie Saunders and Alan Heigert 

Friends of Cedar Lake Meeting Minutes

June 2, 2026

Welcome and Introductions

·   Alan Heigert welcomed twelve all in attendance.

·   Jean Ridgeway introduced her guest, Jeannine.

·   This is our last meeting until September 1st, although a lot of volunteer work will be ongoing as can be seen in this evening’s Team reports.

Lake Persona

·   Alan shared a PowerPoint slide of a pictorial portrayal generated by Notebooklm.google of our Cedar Lake Management Plan - 2026.  zThis has been added to the Homepage of our Friends of Cedar Lake-IL website.

·   He asked the group to humor him as he shared a Cedar Lake Persona self-introduction that accompanied the slide. This has also been added to the Homepage of our Friends of Cedar Lake-IL website.

·   We continue to welcome donations to help mitigate the cost of gas for this effort.

Water Monitoring Team Report by Jean Ridgeway and Julie Elver

·   Water monitoring that began in April will continue bi-weekly through October 10th.

·   The next monitoring date is this Saturday, June 6th, 9 am for about 90 minutes. To participate, contact Jean at ridgewayjean@gmail.com.

·   It was reported that the phosphorus readings have been almost indetectable since the Lake continues to be in good balance.  That is, aquatic plants feed off the phosphorus in the Lake.  We also assume that limiting geese on the Lake has further helped keep Cedar Lake a low-phosphorus lake.

·   As reported at our last meeting, two new monitoring locations have been added and two old spots dropped. One of the locations offers a baseline for future reference to see how drainage from Cedar Lake Estates affects the water quality.

·   The team also discovered that there is a bridge with a drainage pipe into the Lake near Allendale’s property which is also being monitored. 

Goose Mitigation Team Report by Ed Diamond

·   400-500 adult geese and goslings would have been on Cedar Lake had eggs not been addled this year.  Ed noted that this will need to be an annual ongoing campaign if we want to keep the population manageable.

·   Two nesting pairs in the DNR had a few eggs hatch.  

·   Last year two pair of swans had large broods of cygnets. This year only one pair had eight cygnets and only three have survived due to predatory fish and turtles. 

·   So far, only one duckling has survived.  The hope is that, with better natural protection around the island, duckling survival chances will increase.

·   Since geese are starting to molt, we should see a limited number of geese on the Lake until hunting season when Cedar Lake becomes their sanctuary.

Public Awareness Team Report

·       Kurt Byrne reported that the Friends of Cedar Lake website is now live and open to the public.  It continues to be populated.  All are amazed by how good it is.

·       Kudos to Julie Elver for her creating our logo and at developing the website.

·       Alecea Morton has also developed a companion Friends Facebook Page that will coordinate information to keep postings consistent with the webpage.

·       Julie and Kurt showcased the website and highlighted our activities at the June 1st Lake Villa Board Meeting.  Trustees were very complimentary and voiced support of our efforts.  One Trustee strongly encouraged our group to become a 501(c)3 non-profit that would allow us to solicit funds with a Donate button added to the website.

·   Jean encouraged everyone to volunteer for our Friends Information Table at various LV and Township functions this summer. We will only be able to do as much as the help we get. Contact Jean Ridgeway at ridgewayjean@gmail.com.

·   We will have a Table at tomorrow evening’s Concert in the Park at the Lehmann Mansion.  Set up is at 6:15-6:30 and the concert begins at 7:00.  Join us!

Erosion Feasibility Study Report

·   Steve Elver reported that the three finalists selected, CBBL, ILM, and Baxter & Woodman, will present their proposals to the Village next week.  Steve and Jim Holcomb are helping make the final selection.

·   The study needs to be completed by the end of the summer in order to apply for

Fish Stocking Report

·   Julie Elver, persistent as ever, drove to a local Fishery when they were slow responding to calls and emails.  Deep Lake recommends this fishery, although Julie will get other bids. 

·   Pricing on two fish stocking scenarios is expected, one with smaller fish and another with mature fish.  Bids will recommend the types of fish to stock based on the 2024 fish count.

·   Julie also asked about the lack of Crappies in the fish count that we know are in the Lake.  The worker explained that their absence was probably due to staying deeper in cooler water during the heat of the season when the fish count was taken than shocking reaches.

Herbicide/Algaecide Spot Treatment Report by Alan Heigert

·   Alan reported that broad spectrum contact herbicides were used this morning at the Village Beach, the Cedar Lake Park beach and pier, and on the shoreline of at least four homeowners.  The agents used were Diquate and Flumioximin.  Also, Chelated Copper was also applied to reduce algae.

·   A contact herbicide is effective at reducing biomass that would otherwise make swimming or boating difficult.  Therefore, it is used only for spot treatments.

·   A systemic herbicide applied early in the Spring would be the corrective action taken to reduce Eurasian Water Milfoil beds, if this type of action was ever needed.  At this point, we will only do lake mapping to determine the best future course of action.

·   In spite of a quarter of the Lake being Eurasian Water Milfoil, Milfoil or the other invasive, Curlyleaf Pondweed, should not overwhelm native vegetation.

·   One concern raised was the toxicity of such treatments.  There is no danger to people or animals once applied; however, one should refrain from irrigating with treated water for a minimum of 48 hours.

Lake Mapping Report

·   Kurt reported that Lake Mapping and rake sampling is planned for August.  Mapping was completed last year, which gives us a baseline to compare against.

Formal Governance Discussion

·   Jean’s friend, Jeannine, is an attorney and confirmed that applying as a non-profit is not difficult but may need legal advice, incur some cost, and take time to first register with the Federal Government and then with the State. 

·   Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws would need to be drafted and a Board elected.  This can be time-consuming and should be started soon if we anticipate taking this action next year.

·   The alternative is to partner with the Village or with the Township but be unable to manage fees or grants on our own.

Next Meeting and Coming Events

·   Next meeting will be on September 1, 2026, 7:00 pm at the Lake Villa Library.

·   There will be no meetings in July or August.

·   See the the Upcoming Events tab for a list of upcoming events.

Friends of Cedar Lake Meeting Minutes

May 5, 2026

Welcome and Introductions

·   Alan Heigert welcomed everyone and introduced Glenn Westman who works for Lake County Stormwater Management Commission but attended the meeting as a private citizen. Glenn has been very helpful with information about the role of SWM and how we might interface with this important County agency.

Public Awareness Campaign

·       The Friends of Cedar Lake website is now live, but still being populated and not yet open to the public. Much work went into creating this website and our logo. Thanks go to Julie Elver, Jean Ridgeway and Kurt Byrne with assistance from Alecea Morton who has begun a Friends Facebook Page. And…they did this at the unbelievable one-time fee of $7.95 for the domain.

·   Johnny D Tees, Lake Villa (https://johnnydtees.com) provided informational posters and a banner free of charge for the informational tables that will be set up during summer events. Everyone was delighted with the results. Glenn McCollum made this happen.  Please frequent this establishment in thanks.

·   It was suggested that we have flyers to pass out at the table along with information about stormwater management and environmental issues aimed at preserving our lakes and surrounding ecology.

·   Volunteers are needed to staff a table at Lehman Park on Memorial Day, May 25th. Parade at Noon.  Contact Jean Ridgeway at ridgewayjean@gmail.com.

·   Corey Westman, events coordinator for Lake Villa, will be contacted for permission to set up a table at several additional events this summer.

Water Monitoring Program

·   Water monitoring began on April 14th and will continue through October 10th.

·   Cedar Lake is a low phosphorus lake that is helped by limiting geese on the lake.

·   Two new monitoring locations have been added and two old spots were dropped. One of the new locations will give us a baseline for future reference to see how drainage from Cedar Lake Estates affects lake water quality.

·   The collection schedule has been adjusted to make the work more efficient and to limit the collection time to approximately 90 minutes.

·   To volunteer, contact Jean Ridgeway at ridgewayjean@gmail.com.

·   Learning with Alana is offered by LC Lake Lovers.  Alana Bartolai with LC Environmental Services will answer your every lake question at a ZOOM meeting this coming Wednesday, May 13th 7:00 pm.  Sign up with LC Lake Lovers.

Goose Mitigation Campaign

·   Ed Diamond reported that all eggs have now been addled (coated with oil so they won’t hatch).  Numbers are now down to 17 nests and 88 eggs.

·   There is one swan nest and several duck nests with eggs on the island. Their eggs will not be addled.

·   We continue to welcome donations to help mitigate the cost of gas for this effort.

Erosion Feasibility Study

·   The most severe erosion is at the southwest end of the island.

·   Ten proposals for a Feasibility Study were reviewed by Steve Elver, Jim Holcomb, and Village staff. Costs ranged from $17,000 to $42,000 which the village will fund.  See PowerPoint slides for details.

·   Three companies were selected and are being interviewed to make a final selection. They include CBBL, ILM, and Baxter & Woodman.

·   The study needs to be completed by the end of the summer in order to apply for matching construction grants and schedule work in 2027.

·   Glenn Westman explained the SWM grant process and ways to score higher in their selection process.  A project such as this one that preserves shoreline integrity and reduces sedimentation should be well received.

·   Glenn was highly complimentary to the work done to date.  He also reviewed the 2022 Cedar Lake Report and highlighted relevant recommendations made by the County for just such a project on our lake that should be cited in our proposal.

·   Glenn is familiar with the contractors selected and knows them all to be highly reputable and should offer effective options. 

Fish Stocking

·   Julie and Steve Elver along with Jean and Mike Ridgeway met with Jack Krupka from Deep Lake and learned how Deep Lake raises funds to stock the lake with fish and remove excess weeds annually.

·   Based on a fish count from stunning and counting fish varieties and size is all that is needed to get recommendations from the Richardson company that can set up a plan and give an estimate of costs.  Fish are not harmed in the process.

Next Meeting and Coming Events

·   Next meeting will be on June 2, 2026, 7:00 pm at the Lake Villa Library.

·   There will be no meetings in July or August.

·   See the PowerPoint slide for a list of upcoming events.