Gages Lake Conservation Committee
About the Gages Lake Conservation Committee
The Gages Lake Conservation Committee (GLCC) is a volunteer organization that manages the conservation needs of Gages Lake, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Lake County Health Department (LCHD), and Wildwood Park District (WPD).
The purpose of the GLCC is to:
- Promote through cooperative community interest, the conservation of Gages Lake, a glacial lake, for the recreational use and enjoyment of residents of the several surrounding communities with lake use rights.
- Maintain a quality sport fishery, using advice from and services of the IDNR and LCHD.
- Sample water quality and monitor results in consultation with the Northern Illinois Planning Commission, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), and the LCHD Lakes Management Division.
- Make residents aware of their impact on the health of Gages Lake and to help provide conservation education.
- Raise funds to support the various conservation activities.
The guiding principal in GLCC deliberations and actions shall be “what is best for the lake” and for those residents represented by the committee. A healthy lake is important to all residents and their property values.
By Laws
Bylaws of the Gages Lake Conservation Committee were updated and approved on April 11, 2024. To read the full bylaws, including the GLCC name, definitions, purpose, members and eligibility, board of the committee, voting rights, and vacancies, election of board members, officers and duties, meetings, operating plan and budget, finances, amendments to bylaws, and dissolution, download the bylaws below.
Board Members and Meetings
Board Members
The Gages Lake Conservation Committee is comprised of four elected, non-compensated board members. All members who serve on the board live within the Gages Lake surrounding communities. Please click on the highlighted link to view the GLCC organizational Bylaws
Rob FloodPresident |
Todd ScharaVice President |
Marianne PorrecaTreasurer |
Rachael KlabundeSecretary |
2024 Meeting Calendar
The Gages Lake Conservation Committee typically meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7:00pm at the Wildwood Park District (33325 N. Sears Blvd., Wildwood, IL 60030). All meetings are open to the public.
| Meeting Date | Meeting Type | Agendas | Minutes | Packets |
| February 8th, 2024 at 7:00pm | Regular Meeting |  Agenda |
Minutes
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| March 14th, 2024 at 7:00pm | Regular Meeting | Agenda |
Minutes |
Packet |
| April 11th, 2024 at 7:00pm | Regular Meeting | Agenda |
Minutes |
Packet |
| May 9th, 2024 at 7:00pm | Regular Meeting | |
Minutes |
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| June 13th, 2024 at 7:00pm | Regular Meeting | |
Minutes |
Packet |
| October 10th, 2024 at 7:00pm | Regular Meeting | Agenda |
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Packet |
Gages Lake Care and Maintenance
The Gages Lake Conservation Committee is responsible, in-part, for the following Gages Lake care and maintenance initiatives.
Aquatic Weed & Algae Control
Nuisance aquatic vegetation and algae can have a major impact on the beauty and ecological balance of lakes and ponds, which is why the Gages Lake Conservation Committee works with a local licensed company and highly-trained team of scientists, biologists, ecologists, and aquatic resource management professionals for aquatic weed and algae control of Gages Lake. Invasive algae and aquatic weeds are not only unsightly but can sometimes be a danger to aquatic life and humans. They may also cause many water quality problems and be a detriment to aquatic ecosystems, while also hiding a lake’s true beauty.
Successful weed and algae control is a challenge that requires patience, diligence, and an array of strategies, including the use of herbicides in Gages Lake. When used properly, herbicides can be invaluable tools for the safe, fast and cost-effective eradication of plant species that are threatening the health and balance of Gages Lake's aquatic ecosystem. While herbicides often get a bad rap, it’s important to note that all herbicides used are registered and approved through a stringent process directed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The GLCC typically meets in April or May each year to determine zones and target areas to treat.
Fish Restocking
The Gages Lake Conservation Committee partners with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), as well as utilizes a local certified and fully licensed hatchery to restock gamefish in Gages Lake. Fish restocking offers numerous benefits to Gages Lake, such as ensuring a thriving ecosystem and balanced fish population, recreational fishing, mosquito control, and aesthetic appeal.
Species of fish that are restocked in Gages Lake include Channel Catfish, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye.
Lily Pad Control
The Gages Lake Conservation Committee utilizes a local licensed pond and lake management company for lily pad control of Gages Lake. The team of licensed aquatic pesticide applicators use EPA registered and state-permitted products that are labeled for aquatic use and are applied per label instruction to control the nuisance aquatic vegetation, which offers the most sustainable and cost-effective solution to managing lily pads. Treating lily pads with a systemic herbicide allows preservation of the natural balance of Gages Lake's aquatic ecosystems, as well as maintains and enhances the health and beauty of Gages Lake.
Volunteer Lake Monitoring
The Volunteer Lake Monitor tracks the water level of Gages Lake and reports their findings to the GLCC and to Lake County Environmental Health, along with any other issues they can see from the water. This allows both groups to keep an eye on water levels and track historical water level trends and events, such as droughts.
2024 Projects
The GLCC is committed to preserving, protecting, and maintaining the health of Gages Lake, and does so through the following projects.
May
- Weed and Algae Control- Treat targeted areas of Gages Lake to control species such as Eurasian Watermilfoil and Curlyleaf Pondweed.
- Shoreline Cleanup- Clean trash along entire Gages Lake shoreline.
June
- Carp Removal- Partner with IDNR to remove invasive carp from Gages Lake. Removed 260 carp from the lake in 2024!
- Aquatic Weed Harvesting – Renting lake harvesting service to cut up and remove dense dead aquatic weeds (Curlyleaf Pondweed & Eurasian Watermilfoil) that were treated prior to Memorial Day and have not yet sunken to the lake bottom. Harvesting will take place 6/11-6/12, 2024 and will target the areas around Sunset Park/Boat Launch, Willow Point Park, and other boating lane areas around the lake where the dead surface vegetation is still thick. The harvesting company (Clearwater) will be parking their dump trailer at the Sunset Park parking lot overnight the night of 6/11 to complete their work early in the morning of 6/12.
- Weed and Algae Control
August
- Catfish Restocking- IDNR stocks Gages Lake with Channel Catfish at no charge.
- Lily Pad Treatment- Treat targeted areas for lily pad control.
- Weed and Algae Control
September
- Adopt-A-Highway- Join the GLCC on Wednesday, September 18th from 6:00pm-7:30pm as they do fall clean up of Rte. 45 between Deerpath Rd. and Gages Lake Rd. Please meet at JoJo’s Bar & Grill.
October
- Fall Fish Restocking- Restock Gages Lake with Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye.
Archived Agendas, Meetings, and Projects
2023 Projects
May
- Weed and Algae Control- Treated 40 acres of Gages Lake. Targeted species were Eurasian Watermilfoil and Curlyleaf Pondweed.
- Shoreline Cleanup- Cleaned entire lake shoreline.
June
- Carp Removal- Partnered with IDNR to remove invasive carp. A total of 404 were removed.
August
- Catfish Restocking- IDNR stocked 1,392 8-10" Channel Catfish at no charge.
- Lily Pad Treatment- Treated 4.04 acres of targeted treatment areas.
October
- Fall Fish Restocking- Restocking Gages Lake with 100 9-12" Northern Pike , 250 4-6" Smallmouth Bass, and 250 5-7" and 250 6-8" Walleye.
Events
The Gages Lake Conservation Committee raises funds to support their various conservation initiatives and projects through hosting, sponsoring, and/or being the recipient of event proceeds and donations the following events:
Adopt-A-Highway
Each year in the Spring and Fall, the Gages Lake Conservation Committee volunteers their time for trash clean-up along US Highway 45.
Boat Parade
Every summer, the Gages Lake Block Party on the Water group plans and hosts the Gages Lake Venetian Night event, where traditionally, the GLCC has been selected as the recipient of the event's proceeds and donations. Participants will select a theme, decorate their boats, and parade around Gages Lake for all to see!
Carp Fishing Derby
Each spring the GLCC, Gagewood Lions Club, and WPD host an annual Carp Fishing Derby at Willow Point Park. Basic fishing instructions are given for beginners, and participants can learn to bait their hook upon early arrival. All ages are welcome and some fishing poles are provided. Prizes are awarded for each age group.
Harvest Fest
The GLCC attends the Wildwood Park District's annual Harvest Fest event as a vendor every year. At their booth, they raise funds through minnow races and donations, and visitors can learn about Gages Lake native plant and fish species, as well as GLCC'S conservation initiatives.
Ice Golf Tournament
Each winter, the Gages Lake Block Party on the Water group plans and hosts the Gages Lake Ice Golf Tournament event, where traditionally, the GLCC has been selected as the recipient of the event's proceeds and donations. Event includes a five-hole ice golf tournament, 50/25/25 raffle, and bonfire.
Kayak Poker Run
Every summer, the Gages Lake Block Party on the Water group plans and hosts the Gages Lake Kayak Poker Run, where traditionally, the GLCC has been selected as the recipient of the event's proceeds and donations. Participants will grab their kayak, paddle board, paddle boat, or canoe and paddle to five different lake-front docks to collect their poker hand. Refreshments and/or snacks will be provided at each stop, enjoy live music and food at the last stop, and purchase 50/25/25 raffle tickets.
Snow Much Fun
The GLCC sponsors the Wildwood Park District's Snow Much Fun event every January by leading an ice fishing demo and providing ice fishing gear for all to use. The 2024 Snow Much Fun event will take place on Saturday, January 20th from 10-11:30am at Pebble Beach Park.
Get Involved
The GLCC is always looking for help and to grow the community’s involvement. Getting involved and supporting the GLCC’s initiatives is essential to our organization and helps to fulfill our mission. Gages Lake is a unique and beautiful natural resource right in our own community, and it’s important for our residents to understand their impact on the health of Gages Lake, to help preserve and protect it, raise awareness of GLCC events and initiatives, and provide conservation education.
Ways to Get Involved
Attend a Board Meeting
Whether you’re interested in becoming a board member, you’re looking to learn more about the GLCC, or you’d like your voice to be heard, we welcome all residents to attend our board meetings. The Gages Lake Conservation Committee typically meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7:00pm at the Wildwood Park District (33325 N. Sears Blvd., Wildwood, IL 60030). All meetings are open to the public.
Donate
Help the GLCC make a difference. When you donate to the Gages Lake Conservation Committee, you’re directly helping to improve, preserve, and protect the health of Gages Lake. If you’d like to make a donation:
- Make Checks Payable To: Gages Lake Conservation Committee
- Mail To: 33818 N. Prospect Dr., Gages Lake, IL 60030
Volunteer
When you volunteer, you have the opportunity to make a true impact. The GLCC offers many types of volunteer opportunities to meet the interests and needs of everyone, including:
- Volunteer at fundraising events. Whether you’re interested in helping with the planning process or providing a helping hand on the day of the event, we’re always looking for event assistance.
- Join us for one of our community clean-up events. The GLCC does Gages Lake shoreline cleanup and Adopt-A-Highway cleanup on US Highway 45.
Contact the GLCC
Have Questions or Want to Get Involved?
The Gages Lake Conservation Committee would love to hear from you!
Email: GagesLakeCC@gmail.com.
Stay Connected
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