Volume LII | Issue 2
8
A MESSAGE FROM OUR FRIENDS AT TIP OF THE MITT WATERSHED COUNCIL
CLEAN BOATS =
Clean Water
By Russ Kittleson, WLAC Environmental Impact Committee Chair
A
s fellow lake enthusiasts, I am sure by now you know the threat that aquatic invasive species pose to the health and wellbeing of Walloon Lake. The two main species of concern are zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM). The WLAC treats annually for EWM, so please be on the lookout for permission requests as summer begins and the survey and treatment schedules are set. But treatment is only part of the solution…prevention is also key to limiting the spread of invasives into and out of Walloon. As part of our prevention strategy, we are installing two waterless, permanent boat wash units called CD3s (short for “Clean, Drain, Dry, Dispose”) this summer. One will be located at Jones Landing on the North Arm and the other will be at the Sumner Road Boat Launch. Additionally, we have new signage going up all around the lake.
In 2019, it became a Michigan state law that all boaters must “ensure the watercraft, trailer, and any conveyance used to transport the watercraft or trailer are free of aquatic organisms, including plants.” In order to help boaters follow this regulation, we felt it necessary to provide a means by which to clean their boats before and after each use. We are excited and hopeful that all boaters will take time to help limit the spread of aquatic invasives, and we are doing our part by giving them the opportunity to do so. Walloon Lake is very fortunate to be dealing with only two major aquatic invasive species. It is our hope that with prevention and treatment we can both lower the amount of EWM currently present and prevent other invasives from taking hold. I would like to take a moment to thank our partners at Bear Creek Township, Bay Township, Charlevoix County Community Foundation, Land Trust Alliance, and the Petoskey Harbor Springs Community Foundation for their funding and support of this initiative.
Boating is an important part of Northern Michigan culture. There are so many ways to enjoy our beautiful waters: fishing, relaxing with family on a pontoon, sailing, or navigating a kayak down a pristine river. However, humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy boating. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) that can hitch rides on boat hulls and trailers, such as zebra mussels, find our love of water very handy when it comes to spreading from lake to lake. AIS are species that can drastically change a lake’s ecosystem, displace native species, degrade water quality, and introduce harmful pathogens into our waters. Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council and Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy are working to protect Walloon Lake from aquatic species that can cause economic and ecological damage. Fortunately, a little time and elbow grease can prevent the spread of AIS from lake to lake. Tiny fragments of Eurasian watermilfoil can easily grow into huge colonies when transported to new bodies of water, and zebra mussels love to cling to boat hulls and trailers. Other invasive species, such as round gobies, can spread through improperly disposed of bait fish. That’s why Clean, Drain, Dry, and Dispose principles are so important. High-powered sprayers from boat-washing stations can clean off plant fragments and aquatic animals, and mats to collect and dispose of aquatic invaders are a great way to maintain the health of Walloon Lake for everyone’s enjoyment. A boat wash before entering Walloon Lake can prevent the spread of more invasive species to the lake, and a wash after exiting the lake can keep boaters from spreading zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil to other areas. Dispose of unused bait in the trash, and help keep invasive fish from colonizing Walloon Lake. We appreciate your support!
