Lagoon Road and Highway 134, Cambridge, WI
- Fishing available first Saturday of May until the 30 of September
- Bass and perch are "catch and release" only
- A bag limit of 16 panfish for persons 16 years and younger and disabled persons as defined in sec. 29.183(3)(a-c), Wis. Stats and that persons older than sixteen may fish, but practice "catch and release" only
– Village of Cambridge Resolution No. 2017-02
When faced with abandoned wastewater treatment lagoons five years ago, then-Village President, Donn Trieloff, had the vision to convert the approximately 20 acres at the end of Lagoon Road off of Highway 134 into a self-sustaining ecosystem. He saw this area as a way to provide youth, families, and those who require handicapped accessibility with an opportunity to enjoy fishing and wildlife viewing. Through support of the Village Board and the Cambridge Oakland Wastewater Commission, funding from the Cambridge Foundation and a DNR Stewardship Grant, and the hard work and dedication of many individuals and organizations, the Cambridge Wildlife and Fishing Area is now a reality.
Donn Trieloff, the Cambridge Lions, Oakland Conservation Club, Jay Settersten – Settertech, Jay Weiss – Cambridge Tree Project, Craig Carpenter, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the village staff all played vital roles in contouring/shaping the ponds and surrounding landscape, building a handicapped pier, seeding, planting trees, building signs and stocking fish.
The ponds have been stocked with 2,500 bluegills, 500 bass, 1,000 yellow perch and 1,000 black crappies. The ponds is open for fishing, first on a catch-and-release basis and then with limited bag limits. The trails around the ponds are open to the public for hiking and wildlife watching.
Cambridge, having been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation,
desires to continue its tree planting ways. As stated in the Village's Arbor Day Proclamation, trees clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife. In addition, they are a source of joy and spiritual renewal. In carrying out this belief, 40 swamp oaks have been planted around the ponds. In addition, Cambridge Girl Scout Troop 2007 has planted 5 varieties of native trees on the grounds. Cambridge Girl Scout Troop 2450 has also provided trash and recycling barrels for the grounds. As his Eagle Scout project, Josh Moen, of Deerfield Boy Scout Troop 88, built 7 picnic tables from scratch for the Cambridge Wildlife and Fishing Area.
The Village would like to thank everyone for their vision, hard work and dedication in making this
project happen. It has been so wonderful to see youth, families, and organizations all working together toward a common goal. The Cambridge Wildlife and Fishing Area is a beautiful area that will give back to citizens of all ages for years to come.