County's new lakeshore tech aims to protect resources

Pat Brown, new lakeshore technician for Barron County, introduced himself to members of the Barron County Property Committee at its meeting Monday at the Government Center. He began the new position this summer.

Brown told the committee members that he will be working with lake associations, lake districts and private property owners to identify anything that could lead to pollution of water, including invasive species.

Brown said boat landings fall in the realm of the Property Committee and he will work to keep signage updated at all of the county's landings, whether used extensively or not.

He said he foresees working with lake associations on decontamination stations, aquatic plant identification, native plant lakeshore buffers and runoff mitigation. He also plans to conduct Clean Boats Clean Water inspector trainings.

Brown gave kudos to Barron County for taking a step forward with the new position to protect its greatest resources, its lakes.

In a message sent to lake associations, Brown said, "I am passionate about lake quality, invasive species prevention and management, and native buffer zones."

He welcomes those with lakeshore concerns to contact him by email Pat.Brown@co.barron.wi.us or phone at 715-537-6313.