Crab Lake Conservation Foundation Fights Invasive Species

In his most recent role as chairman of equity asset management and equity capital markets with Baird, William Mahler led the Institutional Equities Business division to growth for 17 consecutive years. Currently, William Mahler focuses on philanthropic causes such pediatric health care, in addition to serving as president of the Crab Lake Conservation Foundation.

A 949-acre lake located in Vilas County, Wisconsin, Crab Lake has a maximum depth of 60 feet and boasts exceptional water clarity year-round. The mesotrophic lake, was formed by glaciers, drains into Lake Superior, and consists of 24 islands and more than 25 miles of shoreline. With lots of rock bars and fallen trees, the shoreline provides a habitat for numerous species of fish and rare birds such as loons and bald eagles.

The Crab Lake Conservation Foundation was created to preserve the natural habitats and beauty of the lake. In addition to raising money to build an endowment, the foundation has worked on an initiative to eliminate the island’s infestation of yellow flag iris, an invasive species that is detrimental to native flowers and plants.