White Lake Association Newsletter     

              THE WHITE LAKE

VIEWPOINT

Vol. 05-1        A NEWSLETTER OF THE WHITE LAKE ASSOCIATION      Winter, 2005

Back to Top

NUTRIENT STUDY - It is encouraging to see that we have one year under our belt with the Nutrient Study, and we are proceeding with securing the funding for the second year.  As you will see in the article from the Green Bay Gazette, the algae problems on the lake are primarily from phosphorus, which mainly come from fertilizers.   In late summer of 2004, White Lake had a severe case of algae, and it increases our awareness of the nutrient problem.  We will continue to keep you informed about the Nutrient Study, and hopefully a year from now we will have some conclusions so that we can ask the governmental units and the communities to take steps forward to help eliminate some of the nutrient loading of White Lake.  I recently read an article about townships and communities that are already looking toward phosphorus bans on fertilizers because these nutrients are a big problem throughout the state as related to algae conditions on lakes.  We appreciate everyone’s help in making the White Lake Association a viable organization, and we are looking forward to working with everyone in 2005.  The fact that our water levels are up somewhat this year should help us navigate on White Lake.

Our membership is now up to 286 members, and we are continually trying to enlist new members to make the WLA a viable organization to help the welfare of White Lake. (Jim Duncan, President)

Back to Top

ANNUAL MEETING REPORT – The 2004 Annual Meeting was held on August 19, 2004 at Fruitland Township Hall.  Secretary/Treasurer reported that we have $11,225.00 in the treasury checking account.  (Nine thousand is reserved for the nutrient study.)  In election of officers, John Truxell was re-elected as Vice President and Duane Trombley was elected Secretary/Treasurer.  Stan Jones was re-elected trustee and Phil Dakin was elected to a trustee position.  All terms are for two years. 

Remaining on the Board are Jim Duncan as President, Tom Thompson as Immediate Past President and trustees Karolyn Rillema and Don Lundquist. 

The nominating committee was made up of Tom Thompson, John Truxell, Sandy Coddington, Kim McGee and Bill Reeves. 

Dr. Mark Luttenton of Grand Valley State University gave a screen projection report on the two year nutrient loading study started last May.  Since it was early in the study, Mark only had preliminary data from the first two months of the study and thus focused on what the study would be doing over the next two years.  Questions and discussion followed. 

General discussion was held and several photos and handouts were on display.  Twenty five persons were in attendance.  There was a conflict with the White Lake Area Historical Society annual meeting the same night and when it was discovered, it was too late for either group to change dates.

Back to Top 

THANK YOU TO SANDY CODDINGTON -  Sandy elected not to seek another term as Secretary/Treasurer.  We thank her for the excellent job she did for us during her term.  With her computer background, she was able to take us to a higher technical level of keeping track of and printing out members’ addresses, etc.  Sandy and her husband Jim, make their home on White Lake on Channel View Drive.  She has volunteered to continue as web master of the WLA web page. 

Thanks again Sandy!  

ASIAN CARP BARRIER -  The following article is from the Muskegon Chronicle this fall: 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin construction in two weeks on a permanent electric barrier to keep the invasive Asian carp out of the Great Lakes and expects to finish it by April, officials announced  Wednesday. 

The announcement follows last week’s authorization by Congress to increase spending from $5 million to more than $6.8 million on the permanent barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, which connects the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River. 

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois has committed the bulk of the states’ share of the $9.1 million project, with the $1.7 million.  The other Great Lakes states will fund the remainder, about half a million. 

The announcement comes more than two years after a temporary electric barrier was installed amid concerns that the voracious carp – which can grow to 150 pounds and eat 40 percent of its body weight a day – would devour so much food it could starve native species. That barrier proved effective but it is now deteriorating, according to the Army Corps of Engineers.

Back to Top 

NEW ENTRANCE TO STATE PARK -  A new entrance to Duck Lake State Park is being constructed off from Scenic Drive, about 300 feet north of the new bridge over the channel. 

SECOND LAKE BOARD INFORMATIONAL MEETING HELD – On October 14, 2004, a second informational meeting was held by the exploratory committee presenting the concept of the formation of a Lake Board as provided by Michigan Law. 

Fourteen people were in attendance and 35 people were present at the first meeting last summer. 

After the presentation, questions and discussion, a vote was taken.  Of the 49 persons present at the two meetings, 43 were in favor of the committee looking into the possibility of a Lake Board.  A Lake Board becomes a separate Board under state law and does have the power to raise special assessment funds for lake improvement or management plans.  However, there are procedural requirements placed on it by the state. 

We will make every effort to keep you posted of any future meetings and what is happening.  We will probably concentrate on making the five governmental units around the lake informed about the Lake Board concept over the winter.  In the mean time, we still need and will need your input about going this route. 

Exploratory committee member are Tom Thompson, John Truxell, Ben Fedewa and Don Lundquist.

 Back to Top

ROAD END UPDATE – INDIAN BAY ROAD in White River Township has been graded and paved from Old Channel Trail down to the lake.  Grading and rip rap stones were placed at the bottom of the hill to control storm water runoff erosion impact on the lake.  The project was done by the County Road Commission with support from White River Township.  The road end can be used as a walk down for ice fishermen.  There is no room for parking or cars at the lake end for vehicles.  The paved section on the hillside was put in for erosion control and to access the driveways for the adjacent lots below.  Previously, extreme washouts on the hill presented problems for access to those lots.  Road side parking has to be on top of the hill. 

DOCK ROAD end has received roll curbing to control storm water runoff, some benches and landscaping.  The above was paid for by the Driftwood Beach condo group and developer in an exchange agreement with the County Road Commission for the condo building encroaching on the road right of way. 

After hearing testimony from the WLA and the area fire department that the zigzag path to the lake was supposed to be straight and hindered the launching of emergency watercraft or the hovercraft for the channel area, the Road Commission agreed to straighten the lane way to the lake.  The road end has been signed for the hand-carry down launching of small craft only (canoe, kayak).  There is no parking room for vehicles with trailers.  Remember, road ends are never more than 66 feet wide and thus very limited in space, often, with hills and neighboring driveways present. 

LAMOS ROAD end by the old school house has had controversy this fall when the owners of a vacant 50 foot wide lot on the east side have claimed that the east 33 feet of the road end should be theirs by adverse possession.  At first, the Road Commission’s position was that they did not have any claim to that east 33 feet.  However, after much legal research by Fruitland Township and with information provided by some area residents, the Road Commission has reversed its position and is claiming possession of the 33 foot east side. A public hearing is scheduled on this road end on January 11, 2005, 2:00 p.m. at the County Road Commission Office on East Apple Avenue. 

The road end is on a hillside and has been used as a walk down, emergency access, lake maintenance, and winter access for ice fishing.  There is a storm water and ground water control drain on the west side of the road end.  Some 20 years ago the Road Commission and Fruitland Township brought in fill to create a better grade lane down the hillside.  The feeling of the area and the WLA Board is this road end should remain public and with the limited use as is.  (Tom Thompson)

 Back to Top

WHITE RIVER LIGHT STATION – “Friends of the White River Light Station” – The “Friends group was formed in July of 2003.  The founding members felt there was a need to help provide funds for additional artifacts for the museum and to preserve the ones we already have, to sponsor educational programs on Western Michigan maritime heritage for adults as well as youngsters, and to provide any additional help that our lighthouse curator, Karen McDonnell, may need for special programs or events.  We want to be sure that our lighthouse is maintained and preserved for generations to come.  Even though Fruitland Township is responsible for maintaining the grounds and building, they often do not have enough funding for the extras that will ensure that our White River Light Station remains one of the premier lighthouses on the Great Lakes. 

Most recently, the Township received a grant that allowed for a long needed electrical upgrade at the lighthouse.  When that is completed, a first-rate security system can be installed.  This is an expense that we hope to be able to help with. 

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  We offer five different levels of membership ranging from a Student membership at $15.00 per year to a Lifetime membership at $1,000.00.  Along with the knowledge that you are helping to preserve our number one tourist attraction in the area, there are special benefits at all levels, two of which are free admittance to the lighthouse and a quarterly newsletter.  As in all groups such as ours, we hope that our members are willing to help with any special events we may sponsor, to serve on committees, and to serve on the Board. 

Coming up on July 23, we are having Lee Murdock at the new Whitehall High School auditorium.  He is always a favorite here, and we are looking forward to a tremendous turnout. 

If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact myself at 894-8433 or Betsy Grein at 894-4926, we will be happy to send you a membership application.  We hope to hear from you.  (Nancy Truxell, President).

Back to Top

TANNERY BAY REPORT – With the completion of the removal of 93,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment in 2003, Grand Valley State University scientists were contracted to do a follow up study of the condition of the bay for two years.  The following information is from a report in the November 10, 2004 White Lake Beacon: (Ronda Howell reporting) 

Dr. Dick Rediske with Grand Valley State University told audience members at a White Lake Public Advisory Council (PAC) meeting last Wednesday that his office took samples from 20 separate locations in and around Tannery Bay on June 29.  All the samples were within 75 feet of the shoreline. 

“We took surface grab samples and set up experiments to study sediment toxicity based on amphipod and chironomid survival,” said Rediske. 

He told an audience filled with Whitehall city officials, developers who wish to obtain the Genesco site and PAC members that amphipods are primarily leaf shredders who are sensitive to pollution.  Chironomids are blood midges, thriving in most conditions.  Rediske said although there are some higher concentrations of compounds around what used to be Hide Island.  Overall, levels are lower than in tests from 2003. 

“Mean concentrations of chromium are two times less than they were in 2003.  Arsenic levels are four times less than they were in the previous year’s testing,” he said. 

Rediske told the group some levels of mercury and organic chromium, chromium bound to organic molecules, are higher around former the Hide Island area.  They may be showing up now because of dredging. 

“Dredging may have peeled away high levels of chromium, leaving some historic sediment intact from earlier (tannery waste) processes,” said Rediske.  He told the group that the 93,000 cubic yards to materials dredged from Tannery Bay resulted in added depth to the area and new, clean sediment is being deposited. 

“Organisms are coming back into the bay,” he said.  “We expect cleaner sediment to continue coming in.” Rediske and representatives from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality said the dredging did not completely remove all contaminated sediments in the bay. 

“We should see substantial improvement as clean sediment filters into the area,” said Rediske.  He recommends doing a second sediment toxicity study in 2005 with additional control samples taken.

Back to Top 

Landscaping for Water Quality - A summary of a three booklet series of Landscaping for Water Quality produced by the Center for Environmental Study, Grand Rapids (616-988-2854).   

By Phil Dakin, a White Lake riparian owner 

As our society grows, the amount of finally clipped, heavily fertilized deep green lawns, paved drives, parking lots, roofed areas and roadways increase.  These have steadily replaced nature’s water filtering areas of forests, shrubs, native grasses and flowers creating increased surface water runoff and decreased water infiltration to the soil allowing more pollutants to enter our ground water, lakes and streams.  It is vitally important for landowners near lakes and streams to limit their affects on this natural filtering system since their runoff and pollutants go directly into the water.  Landscaping for water quality by reinstalling some of nature’s filtering system is one way landowners can minimize their adverse affects on their water body.     

Decreasing the amount of turf grass by landscaping for water quality is a way to invite nature back into our lives and yards.  There is a wide variety of native plants to use from the dry soil zones to wet areas.  A misconception is that this means bringing in weeds and making the yard unsightly.  Many native plants can be integrated into a manicured look and still provide the water quality benefits of using less fertilizer and water and they can provide very scenic landscapes with their showy flowers. 

A carpet of turf grass typically has a three-inch, dense mat root structure.  This mat restricts water flow into the ground and can become almost as impervious as paved surfaces.  In rainstorms less water soaks into the ground resulting in more surface runoff that can carry fertilizers, fuels, oils, soil and other pollutants directly into our lakes and streams or into storm sewers that empty into these lakes and streams. 

Prairie plants, flowers, shrubs and trees have roots that grow from a foot to several feet deep.  These deep roots utilize more water and form channels in the soil to allow more water absorption and better aeration for healthier plants. 

Using plants other than turf grass reduces the amount of yard waste, fertilizer, watering, water runoff, water ponding and waterway contamination and increases water infiltration and habitat for pest predators.  Incorporating pervious paving stones for patios and drives and capturing roof runoff water can also decrease the surface water runoff. 

In areas of turf grass, before adding fertilizer to your lawn, take a soil test to determine whether fertilizer is needed and what specific amounts are needed.  Most soils contain sufficient amounts of phosphorus that it can be eliminated from the lawn fertilizer.  Contact the County MSU Extension office on how to take soil samples, getting them tested and interpreting the results. 

Rain garden is a general term for these water quality plantings.  There is a wide variety of rain garden designs for water quality covering riparian areas, buffer zones, prairie plants, butterfly attraction, sunny & shady conditions, dry and wet conditions, shrubs and trees.  When planning your rain garden consider such items as the purpose, sun exposure, soil conditions & moisture, plant hardiness, plant varieties (use native plants for some non-native plants are invasive and spread undesirably), flower timing & color and plant diversity.  A good resource for rain garden information is Rain Gardens of West Michigan http://www.raingardens.org. 

White Lake does have several industrial pollution areas and other contaminates from the past but these are currently being cleaned up and studied for corrective actions.  Compared to this past pollution it seems that each landowner’s input to the lake would be minimal; however, many minimal inputs can grow over time to have a measurable adverse impact on the lake.   

We all can assist in helping improve water quality by taking care of our own lot water.  It is much easier to prevent water pollution than it is to clean it up.  Also, don’t forget about maintaining your septic system so that is not a source of pollution to the lake. 

Remember that the lakes and streams are OUR natural resources and WE can either help maintain healthy resources or ignore OUR impacts and let those resources degrade.

 Back to Top

White Lake Nutrient Assessment Study - By:  Mark Luttenton, Annis Water Resources Institute, GVSU 

The White Lake Remedial Action Plan lists 8 beneficial use impairments (BUI), including:

Many of the BUI can be linked to the addition of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, from the watershed.  Over the past several decades, land use changes within watersheds providing drainage to coastal lakes, including White Lake, have accelerated nutrient loading to these systems.  Furthermore, data suggest that White Lake retains much of the phosphate and nitrogen received from the watershed.  These data have generally lead to the conclusion that most nutrient based water quality problems in White Lake are due to nutrient loading from the White River. 

However, recent changes in White Lake have initiated a reevaluation of the environmental factors and processes that have primary influence over various biological components within White Lake.  Evaluating the nutrient status of White Lake is essential to understanding current lake conditions and restoring basic water quality.  During summer 2004, the Annis Water Resources Institute initiated a new study that will:

Ultimately, the results of the study will help local and regional officials and resource managers establish priorities to improve water quality in White Lake.  The project is being conducted with support from White Lake Association and a Michigan DEQ Clean Michigan Initiative grant.

The data collected during summer and fall 2004 indicates that White Lake can be considered a slightly eutrophic system.  The table below provides a comparison between average values for data from White Lake and values typical for eutrophic lakes. 

 Chlorophyll a is used as an indicator of algal growth in a lake and is directly related to the concentration of nutrients in the water.  As algal growth increases, it causes the water to become more cloudy, and thus, reduces the depth that one can see a Secchi disk, a small, round plate with an alternating black and white color pattern. 

Our preliminary data also indicates that the White River is still a major source of phosphorus to White Lake.  Average annual nutrient loads entering White Lake from the White River is approximately 26 tons/year or 52,000 pounds/year.  The small tributaries such as Mill Creek and Buttermilk Creek, contribute an average of 0.84 pounds/year. 

Sampling will continue through this winter and into next fall.  The final results will be tabulated and available in December 2005.

 Back to Top

ALGAE AND BLUE-GREEN TOXIC ALGAE – Last summer you may have noticed some algae in White Lake that looked different than before.  Scientists say microcystis, or blue-green algae, has been found on White Lake.  It floats on the surface in clumps and has a brighter green-bluish color, giving it its common name.  A problem being that it is toxic and can be harmful if ingested.  Scientists blame zebra mussels and high concentrations of phosphorus as the biggest contributors to blue-green algal blooms. 

The following information was taken from the October 17, 2004 Muskegon Chronicle, Jeff Alexander reporting and the Green Bay Press – Gazette, Jim Lee column. 

§         The problem: Microcystis, also known as blue-green algae, can produce a group of toxic chemicals known as microsystins.  Not all blue-green algae produce the toxins.

§         The cause: Lakes with elevated concentrations of phosphorous produce blue-green algae.  Zebra mussels are suspected of contributing to an increase in blue-green algal blooms in clean lakes. The mussels eat the good algae and spit out the bad, microcystis, which allows blue-green algae to proliferate.

§         Where it’s found: Blue-green algal blooms are common in the southern United States, Europe and Africa.  In Michigan, blue-green algal blooms occur on Spring Lake, Mona Lake, Muskegon Lake and White Lake and some very clean Michigan lakes, such as Lake Leelanau.

§         Why it matters: Microcystins are extremely toxic.  Ingesting water containing microcystins can cause stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain and weakness, as well as skin, eye and throat irritation and, in extreme cases, liver damage and cancer.

§         Protect yourself: Blue-green algae floats, creating a layer of bluish-green scum on the water surface that looks like paint.  If you see it, stay out of the water or at least avoid areas where the scum is present. 

JIM LEE COLUMNIST FOR THE GREEN BAY GAZETTE –  

A LAKE WITH AN ALGAE PROBLEM IS A LAKE WITH PHOPOSPHOROU PROBLEM -  We can do our part to avoid algae.   

It doesn’t matter if that lake is Trout Lake in Vilas County, Lake Michigan or the Gulf of Mexico, says David Poister, assistant professor of chemistry and environmental science at St. Norbert College in DePere. 

“We’ve kind of taken care of the easy sources of phosphorous – sewage treatment and the elimination of phosphorous from laundry detergents – now we need smaller actions by vast numbers of people” to control long-term effects of phosphorous in the environment, he said. 

Poister has been studying the relationship between algae and phosphorous on 3,816-acre Trout Lake for several years. 

He’s found a controlling factor in the health of a lake is the amount of excess phosphorous in the system.  Phosphorous fertilizes a lake, just as it does farm fields and lawns. 

A limited amount of phosphorous is beneficial, providing nutrients for aquatic plants and algae, which forms the basis for a lake’s food chain and ultimately, the quality of its sport fishery. 

In a lake, phosphorous boosts the growth of phytoplankton, or algae.  When a lake is in balance, the amount of phosphorous is equal to the lake’s natural consumptive needs, Poister said. 

If a surplus of phosphorous is present, algae continue to feed and multiply beyond a lake’s normal capacity.  An unwelcome algae “bloom,” a condition readily seen as a “green, smelly, gooey film” on the lake surface, is likely to occur, according to Poister. 

As these algae die and decompose, they consume oxygen from the water, reducing the amount of oxygen available to other aquatic creatures.  In extreme cases, oxygen levels plummet so low that fish kills result and fish reproduction suffers. 

Diatoms, a more dense type of phytoplankton, remove phosphorous from the water column of a lake or river by feeding on it and then sinking to the bottom in a process called sedimentation. 

Diatoms are capable of keeping phosphorous levels under control when phosphorous levels are reasonable, Poister said, but they can become overwhelmed when phosphorous levels increase beyond normal. 

“Nearly every water body has diatoms, but their abundance can vary greatly from system to system,” he said.  “If there are more diatoms in a lake, it decreases the impact of adding phosphorous to a lake.” 

During the 1970’s, “there was so much phosphate in the Great Lakes it swamped the ability of diatoms to handle it, so the phosphate stayed in the water column,” Poister said, and subsequently created a variety of noxious weeds, algae, oxygen deprivation and other water quality problems. 

“Since then, steps have been taken to reduce the amount of phosphorous entering the lakes, and the natural feedback mechanisms may be beginning to re-establish itself in Lake Michigan.” 

He said the water quality of Lake Michigan appears to be improving “or at least it’s not getting worse.” 

Poister said his research indicated “if you can reduce the phosphorous level to the point where the ability of diatoms to respond isn’t overwhelmed, then over time a lake should gradually – and it may take hundreds of years – clean itself up.” 

It’s that first step – reducing phosphorous intake – that is so crucial and which often requires individual action, he said. 

Responsibility rests, in part, with Wisconsin residents, who fertilize lawns and fields, the biologist contends. 

“The reason you fertilize is to promote plants growth,” Poister says.  “When fertilizer ends up in a river or lake, it does the same thing.” 

Jim Lee is an outdoors writer for Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers.  He may be reached at 715-845-0605 or by e-mail at jlee@wdhprint.com (Brought to our attention by Tom Hamilton).

Back to Top

White Lake Association
P.O. Box 151
Montague, MI  49437
Please report any broken links to the Webmaster.