Shoreline Mgmt
|
Shoreline Mgmt
|
|
|
The Shoreline Management is an activity sponsored by your Water Quality Committee. It's purpose is to protect our beautiful lake and has three major segments to its focus: Property Maintenance - Suggestions on how to maintain your lake front property, so as not to damage the lake; Cladophora Studies - Measuring the extent of damage to the lake by pollutants entering into the lake from surrounding surfaces; Shoreline Surveys - Analysis of individual pieces of property to reduce/eliminate contaminate intrusion into the lake, by making suggestions on alternations in landscaping as well as septic maintenance.
Want to learn more on what you can do to protect the lake from further degradation and improve its water quality? The GLA is offering a two hour Water Quality Workshop on five Saturday mornings for its members as well as other interested parties this summer. Take a LOOK and sign up today.
Proper use and maintenance of your property is an
important factor to preserve the quality of the lake water and resultant flora
and fauna in the lake. The GLA recommends that all riparians keep a wide
barrier of deep rooted vegetation at their shorelines for edge stabilization,
and minimization of nutrient runoff. This barrier will also discourage water
fowl from gathering and leaving their "calling cards" in unwanted areas.
Geese, for instance, like low cut lawns so they can be assured they are not
being stalked by predators. A taller vegetation strip discourages them from
intruding. The association also recommends riparians ensure that their septic
systems are functioning properly so they will not contribute to the addition
of phosphorous, nitrogen, and other noxious chemicals into the lake.
The Glen Lake Association has the following recommendations (in order of importance) for riparians who wish to add nutrients to their lawns and landscape: 1. Pump lake water into your irrigation system to irrigate and "fertilize" your lawn and landscape plants. The lake water will naturally contain nitrogen and phosphates for your plants and lawn and the remaining nutrients will leach into your soil and return to the lake via ground water. 2. Do not use any fertilizers at all - either chemical or organic. 3. If you decide to fertilize (ignoring items 1 and 2 above), then consider purchasing "Clean Green" 7-0-0. This is available at Northwood Hardware in Glen Arbor and Hamilton's Agronomy on M-72, just west of Traverse city next to the tractor sales at the top of the passing lane. 4. If you decide to use chemical fertilizers, then use "Lake Safe" 20-0-20 sold at Hamilton's Agronomy in Traverse City located on M-72, just west of Traverse city next to the tractor sales at the top of the passing lane. If you wish to discuss the maintenance of your landscape so as to preserve water quality, please contact Rob Karner at 231-334-5831 or cell 231-883-2776. Traditionally the Glen Lake Association has performed an annual shore line survey of both Big and Little Glen Lake. This survey is conducted by measuring amounts of cladophora in the shallow water shoreline areas for the purpose of determining where phosphorous and/or nitrogen enters the lake. It is important to minimize the amount of these nutrients because they cause excessive algae and plant growth, which will affect the water quality. A new study was completed in August 2005 by representatives of the Water Quality Committee. Cladophora, the indicator species, is an easily identified filamentous green algae that grows rapidly when nutrients are present. By measuring the size of the cladophora patch and estimating the average length of its strands, one can obtain a relative indication of the amount of nutrients entering the lake at a specific location. In this way we can then work with homeowners to determine if there is a problem and affect a solution. Common corrections for problems: - Fix faulty septic system and/or have septic tanks pumped on a regular schedule - Eliminate factors that allow runoff and erosion particularly during storm events - Discontinue feeding waterfowl and create a natural buffer strip to discourage Geese and other waterfowl (geese tend to avoid taller vegetation as they fear predators - Naturalize shoreline to create buffer strip so terrestrial plants can absorb nutrients before entering the lake The GLA assists a limited number of riparians each year with a thorough on-sight analysis of properties for improvement to their landscape and suggestions on improved septic system improvements. This analysis results in the development of a suggested detailed plan to alter their landscape with natural Michigan plants which will help reduce the flow of contaminates from entering the lake. The plan usually includes a scaled layout; suggested plant sources; how to prepare the soil for the planting; suggestions on how to do the planting; proper mulching; and short and long term maintenance. Very often this service is provided to riparians, who's property has been identified in a 'Hot Spot' area based on our Cladophora Studies. The plan also attempts to make suggestions to improve your septic system through proper maintenance. Each summer the Glen Lake Association employs a local field biologist, Rob Karner, to work with Association member riparians, where excessive cladophora is found, to help determine the cause and make recommendations for remediation. If you are in one of the identified 'Hot Spot' areas, or feel you need help with your shoreline, please contact Rob at 231- 334-5831 or cell phone 231-883-2776 and he will attempt to assist you. Here Rob, center, covers his findings with GLA home owners.
To view year 2003 activities relating to this service see the Water Quality Report. Key Benefits
CapabilitiesThe on-site assessment is handled by a degreed biologist, employed by the GLA.
|
|
Send mail to
Web Master
with questions or comments about this web site.
|
