Leaves left in the street release phosphorus/nutrients which end up in Rock Lake. Why is this a problem? These excess nutrients cause algae blooms, low oxygen levels for fish, and murky waters.

Wet and decaying leaves are the largest source of urban phosphorus pollution. Simple actions can make a significant difference. In fact, research shows that raking leaves off of the street before it rains can reduce the amount of phosphorus in urban stormwater by 80%! Leaves left in the street release phosphorus/nutrients which end up in Rock Lake.

<—-  Here’s an algae bloom on Rock Lake. One pound of phosphorus created by leaf debris can produce 500 pounds of algae.

Lake front owners: Do NOT blow your leaves into Rock Lake. The added nutrients will help degrade the lake–fueling algae blooms, encouraging more aquatic plant growth, and potentially impacting your lake access.

What can ALL residents do?

1. Remove leaves from the street within 5 feet of the curb, before it rains.
2. Clean out storm drains in front of your property.
3. Mulch leaves directly on your lawn with your mower.  Mulching will lead to faster greening in the spring, a softer playing surface, and richer soil.
4. Spread cut up leaves on your flower beds or under your bushes/trees.
5.Compost leaves with other compostable items. For tips on how to start composting: https://www.ripple-effects.com/Composting

What more can City residents do?

1. Pile collected leaves neatly onto the terrace to keep them from falling into the street. The City has a self-contained leaf vacuum designed to remove leaves from the terrace within eight feet of the curb. Do not worry about damaging the terrace lawn. The City will be picking up leaves regularly, and the lawn will be going dormant during the fall.
 2. Use the City’s Yard Waste Center located on Stony Road between CP Avenue and Topeka Drive. It is open 24/7 for City residents. City Residents can properly dispose of leaves, grass clippings, branches & brush at no charge.

What more can Town residents do?

Unfortunately, there are no drop off yard waste sites available in the Town. It is also illegal to dump yard waste in or on streets, parks, public right-of-ways and ditches.

1. There is limited yard waste pickup from John’s Disposal.  Yard waste (leaves) 
should be placed in brown compostable bags or clear plastic bags. Please contact them for the current schedule: Lake Mills, Town – Johns Disposal

2. Town residents are allowed to burn their leaves. Burning is not a good solution since it creates air pollution, releases particulates, and aggravates asthma and other respiratory conditions. The smoke from burning leaves tends to stay closer to the ground and near your neighbors instead of being directed upwards through a smoke stack. Before burning, Town residents must notify the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department with the address at which the burning will take place, the name of the responsible person, and his or her telephone number. Please call the non-emergency number at (920) 674-7310. Burning Regulations – Town of Lake Mills.

For more information:

Leaves & Yard Care: https://www.cleanlakesalliance.org/leaves/

Video on Mulching: ai35948v7_mb_vsquiz-quiz-16×9-adapt-dt35352v6_lofi_visa_xxdrpi (1).mp4 (youtube.com)

Experts give you permission to stop raking your leaves this fall: Here’s why | PBS News

Leave the Leaves: Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation