THE HEALTHY LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Understanding Two Premises:

All lakes are aging and dying; science has shown that slowing the process is possible through lake Stewart education and using environmentally friendly weed treatment management.
Today’s lakes are under great threat of *invasive species that are costly to manage.

HEALTHY LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN - Former Board member, John Hartwig and Chris Viegas, had a vision, many years ago, to create a Lake Management Plan. Former President, Chris Viegas, later continued to lead their innovative lake management plan vision, such that today, other nearby lake boards use similar models.

MONITORING & ADJUSTING - Each year, the Lake Management Plan is adjusted by the Board based on new technology, water testing, weed surveys, weed mapping, science, new research, recommendations from specialists, budget (membership dues) and years of Board knowledge. That said, Mother Nature can throw us off like the summer of 2020 with low water and little rain that exposed more weeds.

PRACTICAL HOLISTIC APPROACH The Board uses the most practical, holistic approach in lake treatment and methods that are rated by the EPA as safe for humans, habitat and environment. The budget dictates available and practical options.

EXPERTS - The PLPOA board employs aquatic experts to help make decisions.
1. Water specialist, Dr. David Jude, Lake Limnologist of Freshwater Physicians - see reports below;
2. 2016 - 2020 Dr. Pullman / Mark Keiser, Lake Limnologist & Aquatic Weed Specialist of Keiser & Associates;
3. Savin Lake Services LLC applies 2,4-D, ProcellaCOR and Aquathol K/ Cutrine Ultra for targeted treatment with local permission and EGLE (former DNR and DEQ combined by the Governor) permits. We are happy to report the invasive aquatic weeds, Eurasian Milfoil, decreased from 10% (in 2016) to less than 2% (in 2020).

WHEN & HOW Weeds are treated when the water temperature reaches an ideal temperature, usually in late May or June. Members are notified through email and signs posted along the lake shore. Weed treatments are regulated by the state and applied to specific GPS locations by Savin Lake Services. Targeted Lake Weeds include - Hybridized Eurasian Milfoil, and Clasping Leaf Pondweed. We have reduced the weed bed sizes through treatments since 2016 with great success.
See reports at the bottom of the page.
See Lake Management Board Projects Here.

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*An invasive species is one that is not native and whose introduction causes harm, or is likely to cause harm, to Michigan's environment, economy or human health.

OUR WORST ENEMY - FERTILIZER

It is now universally understood that all waterways, inland lakes, rivers and streams are threatened by the use of fertilizers, road salt, and decaying debris. As transient boats and ships dump their bilge and carry weeds as they launch or travel from lake to lake, they can introduce invasive species. Aquatic-user education is essential and part of the PLPOA mission. Check out the many “read more” links on the landing page of this website and be sure to subscribe to our monthly newsletters.

Just as most forest fires are accidentally started by those who most love and use the forest, water quality issues start with those who most love and use the lake so good stewardship education is key!