Kangaroo Lake Information & Resources
We’ve gathered an extensive collection of studies, reports, and educational resources about Kangaroo Lake and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re a property owner, visitor, or simply someone who cares about the lake, you’ll find valuable information here on its history, ecology, water quality, plant and wildlife studies, and ongoing preservation efforts.
Our mission is to protect, preserve, and continually improve the health of this beautiful natural resource so it can be enjoyed for generations to come. By learning more about the lake and the challenges it faces, we can all play a part in ensuring that Kangaroo Lake remains a thriving ecosystem and a special place for our community.
Education Papers
- The WI DNR’s brochure on shoreline habitat: The Waters Edge.
- Read our report on Bulrush Introduction and Growth from 2014-2016, dated May 2017
- See the News article Paul wrote in 2014 when they started the planting.
- WDNR Steve Van Egeren’s Presentation on Shoreline Preservation, July 2014 – YouTube clip on “FishSticks”
Education Papers Series:
- #1 – Water Quality
- #2 – Invasive Eurasian Water-MilFoil
- #3 – Shorelands, Buffers and Restoration
- #4 – Aquatic Plants and their Critical Role in Kangaroo Lake
- #5 – The Water and Watershed of Kangaroo Lake
- #6 – Freshwater Sponge in Kangaroo Lake
- #7 – Conserving your Shoreline
- #8 – The Foam on Kangaroo Lake
Additional resources:
Lake Studies & Research
- Bulrushes – 2017 Study
- Bulrushes – 2008 Study
- Water Quality Sampling Data and Process: Dr. Paul Mahlberg
- Eurasian Water-milfoil Survey of Kangaroo Lake for the Years: 2006, 2008, & 2010. Plant Density, Plant Distribution, Water Depth, Bottom Character.
- Lake Rain Data – 1997 to 2008
- Lake Core Sample
- Ice Phenology
DNR Fish Surveys & Reports
- DNR’s Jacob Steckmesser’s presentation at Annual Mtg 8/8/26
- DNR’s Nick Legler’s work with the KLA Fishery Committee: July 27, 2021
- DNR’s Nick Legler’s Video report August 2020
- Q&A following Nick’s presentation August 2020
- Nick also followed up with written answers.
- DNR’s Nick Legler Preliminary Report June 2018
- DNR’s Steve Hogler’s Presentation on 7/6/2013
- 2012 – 2013
- 2009 – 2010
- 2004 – 2005
- 1995
Comprehensive Lake Management Plans
Developed with the Wisconsin DNR and Onterra LLC. Includes updated plant surveys and findings presented at the 2025 KLA Annual Meeting.
KLA is currently accepting comments: email Healthy@KangarooLake.org.
Comprehensive Lake Managment 2018 Plan
Invasive Species
Invasive species threaten the native plants and ecology of Kangaroo Lake. Property owners are responsible for removal, but local help is available through the Door County Invasive Species Team (DCIST) at the Door County Soil and Water Conservation Department.
Upon your request it will host a ‘how-to-do-it’ work session at your property on how to proceed. Some tools are available for loan. Contact that Department (746-2214), dcist1@gmail.com for more information on help sessions. The KLA has two Root Wrenches available for loan (839-2536). As an alternative to removing the invasive plants yourself, you may choose to hire someone to do the work.
Land Invasive Plants
Aquatic Invasive Plants
Aquatic Invasive Animals
Other Aquatic Invasives
VHS. Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia is a fish disease somewhat recently found in fish of the Great Lakes including Lake Michigan. For more information on VHS and its impact on Wisconsin Lakes visit the DNR Site.
Swimmer’s Itch
Swimmer’s itch has appeared in Kangaroo Lake in the past. It causes red, itchy welts within hours of swimming. Though not dangerous or contagious, it can be very uncomfortable.
Tips to reduce risk:
Avoid swimming near aquatic plants or in shallow water.
Swim offshore when possible.
Rinse or shower immediately after swimming.
Rub down briskly to remove larvae before they penetrate the skin.
More details on Swimmer’s Itch – WI DNR
If you or your family experience symptoms, please report it here so we can monitor and respond.
Wisconsin Lakes Conference Videos and Other Information
- “Back to the Point”, Video from Wisconsin Lake’s Conference 2014
- “We’re all in this Together”, Video from Wisconsin Lake’s Conference 2013
Maps of Kangaroo Lake
- Kangaroo Lake Watershed and Land Use Classifications
- EWM (Eurasian Milfoil) Sampling Sites in Kangaroo Lake.
- Results of Survey for Eurasian Water Milfoil – 2006
- Door County Land Trust’s Map of the Kangaroo Lake Preserve
- Kangaroo Lake Aquatic Plant Communities
- Kangaroo Lake Sensitive Area Map
- Kangaroo Lake No Wake Zone
- Kangaroo Lake Historic Bulrush Locations
- Fish Crib Locations
- Rock Piles to Avoid!