Dear Friends,

It hardly seemed like winter this year with the mild weather we have had. Even the north woods has had their share of springlike winter. Predictions are for an early spring., Warnings came out in February to stay off the lakes. It looks as though we have "El Nino" to thank for this. Hope he brings us a warm summer also.

With all the stocking of muskys and walleyes, 1997 saw a significant increase in our fish population and 1998 should find us well on our way to the 1995 numbers. Last September A Ballard-Irving-White Birch Lakes Association was formed, which is "Working Together to Make Our Lakes Safe, Clean and Enjoyable for Eveyone."  Our first project was to permanently install an aerator at the entrance of Ballard to keep our lakes oxygenated, forestalling any future problems.

Work progressed last fall on our fish ponds, getting the third one finished just before the first freeze. It was thrilling to see them fill after all the hard work that was put into their reconstruction. They really look great and should be ready to rear fish. Plans are to construct two more this summer.

The Barn is nearing completion, with an occupancy date yet to be set. Planning has also been going on this winter for the big storage building. Hopes are to have it as some sort of recreation building. If you have any desires of what should be included, please let us know. We are open to all suggestions. Timbers were set in place for a picnic pavilion by the Fish Hatchery area. We plan to have it screened in and operational sometime during the season.

Our Tuesday potluck picnics continued to be successful and well attended. Our largest group was more than sixty people. There were some terrific dishes to sample. Keep this in mind and bring a favorite recipe with you.

Our managers, Udell and Janet Meyers, finished their interim with us in September and are on to another phase of their life. To fill their niche, we have hired Bill and Sue Grunwald. Bill was our AAA inspector for many years and is familiar with the tourist industry. They have made the apartment their home this winter and have done a good job overseeing for us. They really enjoy the north and are selling their home in Madison. The Christmas lights at Aqualand and the picture of the lights are a credit to Bill.

In August this year we held a photo contest for all those under age 17. We had some very good pictures turned in and we are printing the winning photo in this newsletter.

Many of the younger sets also enjoyed a camp out in the Fish Hatchery building. It is available for anyone to use. The fire pit should be ready for use this summer also.

We thank the many of you who participated in our poetry project. This consisted of filling the letters of WHITE BIRCH VILLAGE with what the village brings to mind. For those of you who did not get a chance to share in the project in 1997, give it a try in 1998! The following is a sampling from the many turned in.

W - Waiting to get there, Water fun

H - Having time to relax and not cut the grass, Hiking, Hammocks

I - I'll always remember how bright the stars are, In touch with nature

T - Tall pines, Tubing, Thunder storms

E - Eagles soaring, Environment awesome

B - Best place to be, Blueberry Island, Beach

I - If only we could stay longer, Itchy ankles

R - Roasting marshmallows, Relaxing

C - Chipmunks everywhere, Catching fish, Canoeing

H - Hot afternoons, Hummingbirds, Home away from home

V - Voted the best, Very, very fun, Very special family times

I - I love it here, Invigorating hot tub, It's the place to be

L - Lots and lots of memories, Lots of frogs

L - Loons, Laughing children

A - Age doesn't matter, Awesome views

G - Good friends, Games

E - Everything we could want, Each day is too short