Objectives
Ensure and maintain public health and safety
Protect and preserve natural resources (water, wildlife, and fisheries)
Communicate and coordinate with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Photo Courtesy of Terrell Boettcher
Contacts
Emergency: 911
Non-emergency:
(715) 492-0211
Volunteer
The SLFD ALWAYS needs committed individuals to serve as Firefighters, Equipment Drivers, and EMRs. For more information, contact Chief Schmidt.
Meetings & Training
Monthly meetings (open to the public) are held at the town hall on the first Thursday of the month at 6:00 pm.
Training is conducted on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm. Location varies.
Committee Members
Quentin Johnson - Chair
Bill Amery - Co-Vice Chair
Dave Thearin - Co-Vice Chair
Mike Schmidt - Fire Chief
Bob Berkopec
Michelle Conroy
Mike Lawton
Fire Department
The Spider Lake Fire Department (SLFD) protects life, health, and property for the full-time and seasonal residents – as well as thousands of annual visitors - of the Town. It operates under the guidance of the Town’s Health, Safety and Environment Committee.
Responding to calls covering everything from structural and wildland fires (including brush fires), to downed power lines, to gas/carbon monoxide alarms, to medical emergencies, to vehicle and hunting accidents.
The SLFD also assists in Ice and Water Rescue, Wild Land Search and Rescue, and cleanup after natural “disasters” such as large wind events. Augmenting its response capability, the SLFD participates in “mutual aid” agreements with twelve other all-volunteer fire departments in the surrounding area, and with the Wisconsin DNR and the US Forest Service. These entities rely on the SLFD – and the SLFD on them – to assist each other in providing emergency response for TOSL and surrounding areas.
Recreation
TOSL offers a number of motorized and non-motorized recreation opportunities that seek to balance the diverse needs of the Community. A few on water activities include water and jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and fishing. A few of the land activities include ATV/UTV and snowmobiling cross country skiing, and hiking. Click here to review additional information on boating and ATV/UTV and snowmobiling activities.
Water Resources
The State of Wisconsin designates lakes, streams and rivers with at least two of the following attributes as High-Quality Waters (HQWs):
- unique or rare resources
- attaining state water quality standards
- good-to-excellent biotic integrity
The State of WI also designates the highest quality waters as Outstanding Resources Waters (ORWs). These are waters that provide:
- outstanding recreational opportunities
- support valuable fisheries and wildlife habitat
- have good water quality
- receive the state's highest protection standards.
TOSL has 5 HQWs and 2 of those (the Spider Chain and Teal Lake) are classified as ORWs.
Wildlife and Fisheries
The healthy forests and high-quality waters in TOSL provide a rich environment for many species of wildlife including deer, bear, racoon, eagles, loons, and a variety of fish. These natural resources are a valuable asset for the Town and contribute to the overall quality of life in the community. Furthermore, the Town is committed to preserve and protect these resources rather than having to restore and rebuild which can involve large investment of time, energy, and money.
DNR Guidance and Coordination
The Town of Spider Lake partners closely with the Wisconsin Department of Natural resources to preserve and protect the State's natural resources. This includes communication and guidance related to water and land resources including ordinances as well as such things as piers, docks, boathoused, shoreline protection, and water quality and usage. Click here to review addition information. on DNR Guidance and Coordination.