2020 Shoreline Survey Results

By the WLAC and Jen DeMoss

Last year, the Walloon Lake shoreline was comprehensively surveyed from mid-June to early July to document shoreline conditions that can potentially impact water quality. Results from this 2020 Shoreline Survey indicate that nutrient pollution, poor greenbelts, and shoreline alterations continue to pose a threat to both the water quality and overall health of the lake. Below you will learn a bit more about the methods used, results, and what you can do to help maintain the beautiful water of Walloon Lake.

KEYWORDS

CLADOPHORA: green algae

EROSION: degradation level of the land caused by natural or human actions

GREENBELT: an area of plants, such as native flowers and shrubs, planted between the lawn and the water

ALTERATIONS: any changes made to the natural shoreline ranging from tree removal to the addition of decorative boulders METHOD

The shorelines were surveyed by researchers traveling in kayaks as close to the shoreline as possible (usually within 20 feet) and noting Cladophora growth, substrate type (soil, sand, etc.), erosion, greenbelt health, shoreline alterations, and tributaries. Information and an individual shoreline score for each property were recorded on iPads using the software ArcCollector, which immediately linked it with property owner data from 2020 county equalization records. If you are a property owner, your shoreline score and a link to the entire survey will be sent to you in the coming weeks.

RESULTS

DEVELOPMENT

The most notable finding from the survey was that an alarming 89% (900) of the 1,011

surveyed shoreline properties on Walloon Lake are developed or partially developed.

This leaves property owners as the last line of defense for the overall water quality of the lake.

Some of the most detrimental results of overdevelopment are:

• Increased non-porous surfaces, such as roofs, driveways, and roads, which lead to greater amounts of stormwater runoff and associated pollutants. • Waste and byproducts of human activity such as septic leakage, fertilizers, and decomposing yard waste that can potentially reach and contaminate the lake water.

What can you do? Participate in the Michigan Shoreline Stewards Program and enhance your knowledge of the best landowner practices. If you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the WLAC office.

RESULTS

CLADOPHORA

Cladophora is an invasive green algal species that occurs naturally in small amounts in Northern Michigan lakes and streams. It is found most commonly in shallow shoreline areas and wave splash zones as it grows best on stable rocks and logs. With preferred water temperatures in the range of 50-70 degrees

Fahrenheit, the optimal time for its growth is from mid-May to early July as well as September to October.

The presence of Cladophora indicates increased nutrient levels, like nitrogen and phosphorus, which can lead to other harmful algal blooms. The survey revealed that Cl-

adophora levels are down from their 2016 high, but they are still at a relatively high overall level.

Notably, the outlets of Schoof’s Creek and Fineout Creek exhibited very heavy and moderately heavy Cladophora growth. Light to moderate growth was also dispersed along both sides of the West Arm Basin, the Foot Basin, along Lake Grove Road, and Indian Garden Road.

WALLOON SHORELINE PARCELS WITH CLADOPHORA 2001-2020

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

 Moderate

 Light

 Heavy

100

0

2001 2005 2010 2016 2020

What can you do? Limit or eliminate the use of pesticides and fertilizers on your lakefront property. These detrimental chemicals contaminate the lake and increase the growth of harmful algae.

RESULTS

GREENBELTS

Greenbelt scores ranged from 0 (little to no greenbelt) to 7 (exemplary greenbelt). More

than half of greenbelts (52%) along the Walloon Lake shoreline were found to be

in good or excellent condition. On the other hand, 30% of properties were rated poor or very poor.

Overall, the number of properties with greenbelts remained relatively the same, but it is important to note that the quality of those greenbelts have increased since 2001. Although clusters of properties with poor greenbelts occurred throughout the lake, they are more prevalent in the North Arm and Foot Basin.

WALLOON SHORELINE PARCELS GREENBELTS 2001-2020

Percent of Properties

100 80 60 40 20 0

2001 2010 2016 2020

 Good  Moderate  Poor

What can you do? If you do not already have a greenbelt, plant one along your shoreline. If you do have a greenbelt, consider increasing the size and quality.

RESULTS SHORELINE ALTERATIONS

Some form of shoreline alteration was noted on 81% of shoreline properties.

The majority of alterations (70.5%) were composed of some sort of stone barrier or wall (including the addition of boulders), described as a “hardened shoreline.” Of the parcels that had alterations most of them only had one, but 22% had more than one alteration. These alterations contribute to 79% of the lake shoreline being hardened.

This hardening negatively impacts a lake’s water quality due to a multitude of factors. Among the most serious impacts is the loss of vegetation that would otherwise absorb and filter pollutants in stormwater runoff as well as stabilize shoreline areas and prevent erosion (which was documented on 21% of properties).

What can you do? Try to reduce the amount of hardened shorelines. Do not install boulders or beach sanding. Reduced hardening will limit erosion and the negative effects of wave/wake action. Natural shorelines absorb the energy from waves, while rocks and hard surfaces bounce it back into the lake causing long-term, irreversible damage.

IMPACT

WATER QUALITY

All of these factors and findings can lead

to a decline in our water quality. The survey results indicate that human activity along the Walloon Lake shoreline is impacting the lake ecosystem and overall quality of our water.

For Northern Michigan, Walloon Lake has the second highest amount of altered shorelines (behind Lake Charlevoix) and the fifth-highest percentage of parcels with Cladophora. This positions it as one of the

highest risk lakes in Northern Michigan.

By doing your part, as outlined above, we can maintain the pristine water of Walloon Lake that we all know and love.

DID YOU KNOW?

The water quality of Walloon Lake has been monitored consistently for three decades? In partnership and collaboration with Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, we keep tabs on the biological and chemical components in Walloon Lake. Volunteers take weekly water quality measurements including temperature, pH, and clarity. Data collected through these programs indicate that water quality has been consistently high. Let’s work together to keep it that way!