The creation and maintenance of a sandy beach is often anobjective of waterfront property owners. Creating a sandybeach, however, can negatively impact water quality.

Physical ImpactsLakes act as settling basins for surrounding watersheds, collecting and accumulating materials that drain into them.Over long periods of geologic time, as a lake ages, it graduallyfills in with sediment. Any activity that adds material to a lake,in addition to the natural supply, will increase the rate of lakefilling. The regular addition of sand to a lake or shorelinewhere it can erode into the lake, accelerates the filling process.If a shoreline does not have a natural beach, a constructedbeach will likely require periodic additions of sand. Thedumped sand will drift away with shoreline currents. Althoughthe sand disappears from view, it does not leave the lake. Thesand is added to the natural sediment load to the lake andhastens the filling and aging process.

Chemical ImpactsThe mineral composition of sand is not consistent. Althoughclean, washed beach sand is primarily quartz, which is relativelyinert, it can contain other materials. Clay, if present in the deposited sand, can cause reduced water clarity. If phosphorusis present in the dumped sand, it may contribute to increasedplant growth in the lake. Recent studies have also found beachsand to be a breeding ground for bacteria.

Biological ImpactsThe physical process of filling in a lake with deposited sandhas major biological impacts. Dumping sand along the shoreof a lake can smother bottom-dwelling algae and inverte-brates, degrade habitat quality, and may disrupt the food chainof higher organisms, including fish. Deposited sand may alsodestroy spawning or nesting sites for fish. Turbidity from thedeposited sand may clog gills and interfere with normal fishbehavior. A shallower lake has less volume of water to dilute andassimilate incoming contaminants, including phosphorus. Witha constant level of phosphorus input, a lake's productivity(algae growth) will increase as the lake's depth decreases. Also,as a lake becomes shallower, more sunlight hits the lake-bot-tom and thus, there is greater potential for increased rootedplant growth.

Local Protection ActivitiesLocal residents and lake association members can help protecta lake from excessive sand dumping by:

• Educating residents, association members, and town officials about the requirement for a state permit to create or enhance a beach, and about the negative impacts of such activities even though they may be legal and permits are available.

• Encouraging association members to minimize the use of sand dumping by adopting an association policy to that effect.

• Working with town officials to adopt a local ordinance to prohibit or restrict the use of sand dumping along lake shores and within lakes.

• Reporting illegal sand dumping incidents to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).

Continued on page 2

The Truth about Beach Sanding or “Lakebed Restoration”

Having a sandy beach is often a lakefront property owner’s wish. However, beach sanding

can negatively impact water quality.

2 Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

426 Bay StreetPetoskey, MI 49770

(231) 347-1181 • (231) 347-5928 fax

www.watershedcouncil.org

Watershed Council Staff

Gail Gruenwald,

Executive Director/Staff Attorney

Administrative Team

Lynn D. Buffington,

Business Manager

Sandy Schreck,

Office Manager

Development/Communications

Maureen Stine,

Development & Communications

Director

Kristy Beyer,

Communications Specialist

Policy & Advocacy Team

Grenetta Thomassey, Ph. D.,

Program Director

Jennifer McKay,

Policy Specialist

Watershed Protection Team

Kevin Cronk,

Monitoring & Research Coordinator

Jennifer Gelb,

Restoration Ecologist

Board of Directors

Michael Esposito, President

Trish Woollcott, Vice-President

Tony Naylor, Treasurer

Bill Stetson, Secretary

Tom Adams

Wayne Blomberg

Norton Bretz

Dave Clapp

Peter DiMercurio

Tom Kennedy

Howard Newkirk

Kent Reynolds

Ham Schirmer

Dave Steenstra

Al Terry

Member of:

Michigan Environmental Council

and Earth Share of Michigan

Reflections from Our DirectorProtect Now or Restore LaterIt’s the classic conflict – give up short-term profit to reap long-termbenefits. Protect natural resources now so we won’t have to investresources to restore them later. The old saying “an ounce of preventionis worth a pound of cure” is applicable to many situations butnone more so than natural resource management. It is far easier,cheaper, and more effective from a resource standpoint to prevent

the filling of a wetland than to restore the degraded wetland in the future. We knowthe value of pristine and well managed natural resources. We know they are worth protectingfor both environmental and economic reasons. Governments, individuals, and organizationsare committing millions of dollars nationwide each year to restore degraded resourcesbased on the overwhelming values they provide. But yet, as a society we continue tosupport resource destruction at a pace that we cannot possibly afford to restore.

One explanation for this resource management conflict is that the initial “cost” of resourceprotection falls on the individual or corporation where at least currently, the cost ofrestoration rests with organizations and government agencies, i.e. all of us. For good orfor bad, our society doesn’t feel comfortable placing the burden for what is in the publicgood on the individual, even when it is consistent with local, state, or federal statute.But as we are seeing, our culture is becoming less interested in stepping up to pay forpast resource destruction. The irony is that sometimes this destruction is happeningconcurrently with restoration planning within the same watershed or area -- sometimeseven neighboring properties! We are destroying with one hand and restoring with theother. Different pots of money with shifting burdens.

I have to say it seems quite crazy and wasteful to me. We cannot continue to put off the environmental costs of our actions. It is irresponsible to continue to mortgage our environmental and economic future for the short term gains of the present. (Sound familiar?) We know the importance of restoration and we are spending considerable resources to this end. We need to stop creating degraded sites which will need futurerestoration and put our limited resources into the ounce of prevention, negating theneed for the pound of cure.

Gail GruenwaldExecutive Director

The Truth about Beach Sanding or “Lakebed Restoration” continued from page 1

PermitsFilling for the creation and improvement of swimming areas and beaches requires a permitfrom the MDEQ Water Resources Division. Placement of sand, pea stone, or other cleanfill below (waterward) of the water line requires a permit. A reasonable amount of sandmay be placed landward of the water line without a permit as long as the sand does notshift the location of the existing ordinaryhighwater mark or the shoreline contour.The sand cannot be placed in a wetland.For more information on permittingand additional information on whichlocal, state, and federal permits may beneeded, contact the Inland Lakes andStreams Program at (517) 241-4512or www.michigan.gov/deq.

3Summer 2011 www.watershedcouncil.org

The battle to repel the Phragmites invasion continues… Phragmites (common reed) is a tall perennial plant that inhabitswet areas, with both invasive and native varieties occurring inNorthern Michigan. The invasive type grows densely, threateningnative ecosystems by crowding out native plants, while alsoposing a nuisance for those living or recreating on our lakesand streams. Following two years of surveys to pinpoint allinvasive Phragmites stands along the entire 74-mile LakeMichigan shoreline in Emmet County, action was taken inthe fall of 2010 to treat the infestations.

Of the 297 stands documented during prior surveys, all but16 were treated with herbicides in an attempt to halt the invasionand proliferation of invasive Phragmites on our shorelines. Although treatment is generally quite effective, follow-up isnecessary to look for and treat any new growth. To this end,Watershed Council staff and interns will be contacting all privateproperty owners where treatment occurred in 2010 to arrange

site visits and assess treat-ment effectiveness. We willconsult with property ownersand provide recommenda-tions regarding follow-uptreatment where necessary.

Protecting the Lake Michigan shoreline from this invasiveplant is extremely important due to the number of threatenedand endangered species found along the shoreline in EmmetCounty. During the next few years, we plan to continue ourefforts to control invasive Phragmites through further follow-upand a repeat of the comprehensive shoreline survey of EmmetCounty. If you would like more information about this projector would like to report any known or suspected invasivePhragmites infestations, please contact Kevin at 231-347-1181, ext. 109 or e-mail kevin@watershedcouncil.org.

After years of data gathering and interim response actions,there are a few remaining steps left for the remediation effortsat Bay Harbor and East Park.

CMS submitted a permit application to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a deep injectionwell in Emmet County. A final decision on the well is expectedin July. At the same point in time, Resort Township instituteda nine month moratorium on injection wells in March 2011.

This effectively halts CMS from pursuing the deep injectionwell in Emmet County during that time period. A deep injectionwell could avoid direct discharges into the aquatic ecosystemswhere mercury and other contaminants can accumulate throughecological processes. Therefore, deep injection is the preferredmethod of disposal if the well is properly constructed, operated,and maintained and if the wastewater treatment process at thesite is unable to treat the leachate to meet water quality standards.

It is expected that the long-term option, even after collection,treatment, and disposal of leachate, will result in mercury ventingto the Little Traverse Bay, exceeding state water quality standards. Thus, as part of the final long-term remedy, CMShas requested a waiver from the MDEQ. This waiver allowsthe MDEQ to set aside the state water quality standards if theapplicant has controlled the source of ground water contaminationand has demonstrated that compliance with the standard isunachievable. Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council does not believe CMS has been able to do this yet and that MDEQshould not grant the waiver at this time.

Lastly, the State of Michigan, with EPA in an advisory role,began negotiating an agreement with CMS Land Companythat will govern the long-term remedy.

Bay Harbor Update

4 Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

What do Crooked Lake, the airport in Pellston, the PleasantviewSwamp, the M-119 corridor near Petoskey State Park, the Minnehaha hills, the University of Michigan Biological Station,and the Marathon gas station in Alanson all have in common?Some portion of the rain and snow falling in all of these areaseventually makes its way to Burt Lake. This precipitation providesthe most essential ingredient for sustaining life in the BurtLake ecosystem: water. Ironically, this same precipitation hasthe potential to cause great harm to the Burt Lake ecosystemand other surface waters in the watershed.

Stormwater runoff generated from rain and snowmelt accruescontaminants, such as nutrients, oil, and heavy metals, as itflows over roads, parking lots, yards, and farm fields. Therunoff flows into and pollutes nearby lakes, streams, and wetlandsin the Burt Lake Watershed and ultimately reaches BurtLake. Concern regarding stormwater runoff and other sourcesof contamination in the watershed prompted the Burt LakePreservation Association (BLPA) to take a closer look at thequality of water flowing into Burt Lake from rivers and streams.

This year, BLPA and the Watershed Council embark togetherupon a journey upstream into the Burt Lake Watershed,

to monitor water quality and assess impacts from all majortributaries flowing into Burt Lake. In fact, sampling has alreadybegun. Immediately following a large storm event in April,Watershed Council staff were in and on the water of theCrooked River, Maple River, Carp Creek, White GooseCreek, Plymouth Beach Canal, Harbor Woods Canal, theSturgeon River, and the Indian River, collecting water samplesto deliver to laboratories for analysis; monitoring dissolvedoxygen and other parameters with a meter; and measuringflow velocity and volume. Twenty one hours of hard worklater, the first round of comprehensive water quality monitoringof the Burt Lake tributaries was completed.

We will continue to monitor the Burt Lake tributaries in thefall and, quite possibly, for several years to come. The waterquality data will be used to assess the relative impacts of thevarious rivers and streams on Burt Lake (e.g., the amount ofphosphorus in pounds per day flowing in from each tributary)and to identify any serious water quality problems and suggestmanagement solutions. Through this holistic, watershed-scaleapproach, BLPA and the Watershed Council take a big stepforward in protecting the water quality and ecosystem healthof Burt Lake.

A Journey Upstream into the Burt Lake Watershed

Burt Lake photo by: Sickinger

5Summer 2011 www.watershedcouncil.org

The natural function of streams (including rivers and creeks)is to convey water from higher elevations to lower. In theprocess, sediments within the stream are also transported downthe channel. Depending on slope and water volume, streamsare able to transport sediments that range in size from minuteparticles of clay to large boulders.

The vast majority of sediments within Northern Michiganstreams originate from natural sources. Wind and rain graduallyerode the landscape, introducing sediments into the stream.Stream flow alone increases the amount of sediments due tothe erosive power of water that scours the stream channel anderodes the banks. However, a portion of sediments in most ofour streams can be attributed to soil erosion and sedimentationpollution caused by human activities.

Rain and snowmelt wash large quantities of sediments into ourstreams from tilled agricultural fields, construction sites, roadsand trails, and bare and eroding areas in our yards. Estimates fromthe Little Traverse Bay Watershed Protection Plan of sedimen-tation pollution show that the City of Petoskey alone contributes

approximately 250,000pounds of sediments everyyear to the Bear Riverand Little Traverse Bay.Exacerbating the prob-lem, the proliferation ofimpervious surfaces (e.g.,

roads, parking lots, roofs) in urban areas, causes water to flowoverland instead of soaking into the ground, which results inunnaturally high volumes of contaminated water flowing intonearby streams and accelerating erosion within the channel.

Recently, it has come to light that sedimentation has becomea problem in the Rapid and Grass Rivers. Several areas withinthese river systems have filled with sediments to a notable degree, making navigation difficult for boaters and degrading thehabitat of fish, insects, and other aquatic life. In response to thesedimentation problems in these rivers, a group of concernedresidents and organizations also participating in the Elk RiverChain of Lakes Watershed Committee was formed to investigatecauses and devise solutions. The Watershed Council is activelyinvolved with this group and will assist this summer with inventories, data collection, and hydrologic modeling. Staytuned for updates regarding progress of this project. For moreinformation contact Kevin at 231-347-1181, ext. 109.

SeDImeNTATION: The Dirt on Rapid & Grass Rivers

(Above) Brett Fossell from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians leads a discussion on the Rapid River and stream hydrology.

(Left) Kevin Cronk and Thom Yocum prepare to measure stream discharge.

Kevin Cronk teaches volunteers methods for measuring stream discharge.(Stream discharge = Volume per unit of time.)

Aquavist ('ä-kw-vist) noun: A member of Tip of the Mitt Watershed

Council's Local Activist Network; from Aqua - water, and Activist - one

who seeks change through action.{ }

Want to join the Aquavists or add a resource to our website?

Contact Grenetta Thomassey at(231) 347-1181 ext. 118 or email her at grenetta@watershedcouncil.org.

The Aquavists are an informed and empoweredactivist community dedicated to protecting Northern Michigan'swaters. We form a unique rapid response team to act as agrassroots voice for the waters in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan,and Emmet counties. Aquavists provide support to our neighbors,using our centrally-located Base Camp in Cyberspace!

Is there an issue in your county that involves water resourcesand has you worried? Maybe the thing you are concernedabout just happened in a neighboring county. Wouldn't youlike to hear how it was handled, and what kind of things youmight encounter? Bring it to our attention! Let us knowwhat's going on, what questions you have, and what kind ofhelp you need to address the situation. We want to make iteasier for you to solve problems and share resources.

Becoming a member is easy. Simply send your email requestto Grenetta Thomassey, Program Director for the WatershedCouncil, grenetta@watershedcouncil.org. This will get you onthe Aquavist Alert email list, which comes with a pledge: wewill not send frivolous emails, just to send you “something.”Our Alerts are sent only when there is a need to share hot issues about which you, as a water activist, will want information.The focus is local, but we do address state or federal matters ifthey impact your local waters, as well. We also share educationalevents conducted by Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, aswell as by other Aquavist members.

You can get the latest information about what is going on byvisiting the Aquavist section of our website, which has a pagedevoted to each county. The main page has a list of terrificresource links for you at the federal and state level, and eachcounty page has a resource link list for the locals.

The Watershed Council has two additional email alert lists.The first is called Great Lakes Champions. This is for folkswho live outside of the Great Lakes Basin, but who still wantto advocate for the Great Lakes in their home state about federalissues. The second is devoted to the topic of hydraulic fracturing,or “fracking”. Both of these have water at their focus, and youcan subscribe by emailing Grenetta, as well. However, memberswho are also interested in other environmental issues mightwant to subscribe to a statewide listserve called “Enviro-Mich”hosted by the Sierra Club – Mackinac Chapter. You can findinformation about it here:http://mailman.great-lakes.net/mailman/listinfo/enviro-mich

Gaps Analysis Finished for Antrim CountyThe Local Ordinance Gaps Analysis project is a review of all the water-related ordinances in our service area of Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Cheboygancounties. The purpose is to evaluate them against what should be in place to bestprotect water resources, and offer recommendations and suggested actions to help local governments strengthen any areas that need to be improved. It coversordinances at not only the county level, but also for cities, townships, and villagesin the county. The work for Antrim County was completed this spring, and we are scheduling presentations to review the results with local officials and help jurisdictions understand how to use this valuable tool. The work for Charlevoix is nearly complete, while Emmet and Cheboygan counties have been started.

Download a free copy of the entire book from our website atwww.watershedcouncil.org/publications.

6 Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

7Spring 2011 www.watershedcouncil.org

If you were here in Northern Michigan this spring, you likelyremember a number of heavy rainstorms; and if you weren’there, let’s just say they were the kind that prompt the expression“it’s raining cats and dogs.” With such heavy spring rains, itis easy to see stormwater in action. Stormwater runoff occurswhen precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over theland surface. Undeveloped land generates less stormwaterbecause the plants and soils encourage quicker infiltration. Onthe other hand, as development occurs and roads, driveways,parking lots, rooftops and other impervious surfaces are addedto the landscape, more runoff volume is created. This runoffis swiftly carried to our local streams, lakes, wetlands and riversand can cause flooding and erosion, and wash away importantstream habitat. Stormwater runoff also picks up and carriesin it many different pollutants that are found on paved surfacessuch as sediment, nutrients, bacteria, oil and grease, trash, pesticides and metals. These pollutants can have significantimpacts to water quality, habitat and human health.

• Sediment can cloud the water and increase water temperatures. Sediment can also destroy aquatic habitats.

• Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms. When algae die, they sink to the bottom and decompose in a process that removes oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms can't exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels.

• Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming areas and create health hazards, often making beach closures necessary.

• Trash and other debris can seriously harm aquatic life.

• Household hazardous wastes like insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil, and other auto fluids can poison aquatic life.

In urban areas, stormwater is directed to a curb and guttersystem, where it then enters the municipal stormwater system.Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulatesmunicipalities in more urban areas through the National PollutantDischarge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program,municipalities in Northern Michigan are not mandated. As aresult, our municipal stormwater is, for the most part, dischargeddirectly into local surface waters without treatment. In somecases, stormwater structures, such as sumps, are installed atindividual inlets to trap sediments. More advanced treatmentstructures are occasionally installed where need is higher andfunding is available.

So next time you’re caught in a downpour, take a moment towatch stormwater in action and ask yourself “What’s in mystormwater……?”.

What’s in Your Stormwater?

8 Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

One of the best ways you can reduce you’re stormwater ‘footprint’is to install a rain garden. If you have never heard of such agarden, it may be best to first explain what a rain garden isn’t:• A water garden or pond• A swampy haven for mosquitos• A place is your yard where it never stops raining

A rain garden is a shallow depression in the ground thatis planted with a mix of both wetland and upland plants.When designed and installed properly, rain gardens soak upstormwater where it infiltrates into the ground. As a result,rain gardens can provide numerous benefits, most notably im-proved water quality, as well as groundwater recharge, habitatcreation, and beautification of the landscape.

Rain gardens are one of the most appropriate stormwater bestmanagement practices (BMP) for residential and other small-scaleapplications because they don’t require professional engineering;in fact, they are quite simple to design and construct. The basicsteps include first determining the best location for the raingarden. Ideally, the location should be at least 10’ from anystructures and avoid poorly-drained areas because the soilsmay not provide enough infiltration. Its size will be determinedby its drainage area. Formulas used to calculate the size of arain garden take into account the total area of rooftops, drive

ways, patios, sidewalks, and other impervious (non-porous)surfaces. Depth of a rain garden is typically not greater than12”; its bottom should be level with gentle side slopes to transitionbetween the surrounding grade.

Soil preparation is critical; adjustments to the soil may be necessaryto achieve good infiltration (ponding should last no longerthan 24 hours) and a supportive planting medium.

Rain gardens can look any way you choose; from formal towild or somewhere in between. Native plants are best for rain

gardens as they tend to have deep, extensive rootsystems, which encourage more infiltration andabsorb more nutrients.

Rain gardens require little care once the plantsbecome established. Like all gardens, plants willneed watering during their first season; afterward,water only as necessary. A layer of mulch will helpkeep weeds from gaining a competitive edge.Pruning, weeding, and other typical garden tasks areall optional, but remember DO NOT FERTILIZEas this defeats the purpose of trying to removenutrients from stormwater.

For more information about rain gardens, includingdesign and implementation, contact Jennifer Gelb at jen@watershedcouncil.org or call 231-347-1181, ext. 112.

RAIN GARDeNS: Improving Water Quality One Plant at a Time

Rain gardens are one of the most appropriate stormwater best management practices (BMP) for residential and other small-scale applications.

The rain garden at the CharlevoixPublic Library creates an invitingatmosphere for reading or gazingat butterflies as they visit the widevariety of native plants.

9Summer 2011 www.watershedcouncil.org

The Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council has been working inEmmet and Charlevoix Counties with several partners to organize pharmaceutical collection days, education materials,and collection boxes. It has been a successful program but seasonal in nature without permanent collection locations.That will soon change. Tip of the Mitt Watershed Councilrecently received grants from the Charlevoix County CommunityFoundation and the Petoskey-Harbor Springs CommunityFoundation providing the funds needed to purchase and installcollection boxes to keep pharmaceuticals out of our waters.

This generous funding will allow installation of drop boxes atlocal law enforcement offices at locations throughout bothCharlevoix and Emmet County. This offers a year-round,

more convenient and safe method for citizens to dispose ofunwanted medicines. Additionally, local law enforcementhave committed their time and efforts to maintain the boxesand properly dispose of the contents for the long term. Thisis a tremendous contribution to the costs of the project.Other community partners will be vital to the completion ofthese grants as well.

In addition to the Drop-Boxes, both counties offer POD(Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug) Drop-off Days.For more information on upcoming POD collection events or where to properly dispose of pharmaceuticals, visitwww.watershedcouncil.org/events.

Keeping Pharmaceuticals Out of Our Waters

Summer has only just begun and reports of dead birds on theLake Michigan shoreline are already drifting in to the WatershedCouncil, though based on the state of decomposition, it appearsthat these dead birds are from the wave of avian botulism thatstruck in the fall of 2010. Outbreaks of avian botulism have beenrecorded in different areas of the Great Lakes for decades, butthe frequency of occurrence and the sheer number of deadbirds has increased dramatically in recent years. The northernLake Michigan region was hit hard in 2007 when an estimated8,000 dead birds appeared on the shoreline; largely migratorywaterfowl such as loons, grebes, and scoters.Bird fatalities dropped sharply in 2008 and2009; a respite believed due to cooler summers andsubsequently, colder water temperatures. Follow-ing a warm summer in 2010, dead birds againturned up in large numbers on the Lake Michiganshoreline. From September to November of 2010,we received 56 calls from residents reportingdead birds from an area extending from AntrimCounty to the Upper Peninsula.

In an effort to track bird fatalities, WatershedCouncil staff noted the types and numbers reported, as well as locations of the dead birds.However, it quickly became apparent that ourtracking efforts were flawed as there was dupli-cation in reporting (i.e., people reporting fromthe same area) and many shoreline areas were notbeing monitored. In response, the WatershedCouncil teamed up with the Emmet County

Lakeshore Association to develop a more accurate and thoroughavian botulism monitoring program. Workshops will beheld in the late summer to train volunteers in avian botulismmonitoring methods and assign volunteers to monitor specificshoreline areas. We truly hope that avian botulism does notstrike again this year, but we will be fully prepared to track itif it does. If you would like more information regarding avianbotulism, the monitoring program, or how to volunteer, pleasecontact Kevin Cronk at (231) 347-1181 ext. 109.

Bracing for Botulism

10 Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

Nestled between Torch and Clam Lakes in Antrim Countyis a small hidden jewel called Thayer Lake. This quiet, scenic110-acre water body measures less than one mile in length, aquarter mile in width, and at its deepest reaches approximately12 feet. In spite of its small size, there are plenty of peoplethat truly care about the lake and have taken steps to protect it.

A few years ago, a group of concerned Thayer Lake propertyowners approached the Watershed Council about monitoringand safeguarding the water quality of their lake. With openarms, we welcomed Thayer into our family of Northern Michiganlakes that are monitored as part of the Tip of the Mitt VolunteerLake Monitoring program. Engaged members of The Preservation Association of Thayer Lake have attended trainings to learn the ropes of the monitoring program andtaken that knowledge onto the lake to monitor and assesstheir lake’s water quality.

Regarding their experience, volunteer monitor Don Venburgof Thayer Lake comments that “Tip of the Mitt has been instrumental in helping our lake association develop our monitoring program with instruction, supplying necessaryequipment, analysis of samples, and interpretation of the results,” adding that “Only by knowing the quality of thewater can we be good stewards of our lake.” Another volunteeron Thayer Lake, Dick Nordin also chimed in, saying that “Welook forward to a continuing relationship.” Well Dick andDon, so do we; a mutually beneficial relationship where boththe Watershed Council and the Lake Association achieve ourgoal to protect and preserve Thayer Lake.

Left: Volunteer Lake Monitors Don Venburg and Dick Nordin, with summer intern Braden Ackerman, enjoying a day on Thayer Lake.

VOLUNTeeR LAKe mONITORING: Spotlight on Thayer Lake

Please join us in support of the new book, Pristine Waters: Preserving the Chain of Lakes, arich photographic celebration of the beautiful Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed.

This book of images traces the water emerging in the northern and eastern areas of thewatershed through its 55 mile journey through fourteen lakes and several rivers to themouth of Elk River which empties in the East Arm of Grand Traverse Bay. Pristine Watersis sponsored by the Elk River Chain of Lakes Conservation Network, a supra-organizationof many environmental groups, including the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, concernedwith protecting the health and vitality of the Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed. Photography is by Dana Vannoy of Williamsburg, MI. The 56-page soft back book will sell for $20 and is available at Tip of theMitt Watershed Council in Petoskey and in bookstores and gift shops across our region. All profits from the sale of the bookwill go to the sponsoring organizations which include: Elk River Chain of Lakes LOON NETWORK, Elk-Skegemog LakesAssociation, Friends of Clam Lake, Grass River Natural Area, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Intermediate LakeAssociation, Six Mile Lake Association, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, Three Lakes Association, and the Watershed CenterGrand Traverse Bay.

Hot Off the Presses!

Thayer Lake is a small, hidden gem of Antrim County. Despite its small size, itis truly treasured by the property owners that surround it.

11Summer 2011 www.watershedcouncil.org

Over three-hundred lucky middle school students from acrossCharlevoix County got an opportunity to board the ‘Beaver Islander’and hit the open water in this, the 18th annual Experience LakeCharlevoix extravaganza!

For nearly two decades Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council haspartnered with the Lake Charlevoix Association to hold this annualaquatic field trip for local students. With the amount of schools,students, and volunteers participating, it takes nearly a full year toplan all the details for the field trip each year. With help from our phenomenal volunteers and the U.S. Coast Guard, studentsrotate through seven learning stations throughout the day while on the boat. Issues such as aquatic invasive species, benthic environments, Secchi discs, pH, and sources of pollution in our watersheds, are just some of the featured themes that studentslearn about. All of the learning stations help local teachers and schools align with the Grade Level Content Expectations(G.L.C.E.’s) set forth by the Michigan Department of Education. If you are interested in volunteering for the 2012 ExperienceLake Charlevoix, please contact Maureen Stine at 231-347-1181 ext. 116. Come join the fun!

experience Lake Charlevoix 2011!

Middle school students learn about the use and importance of Secchi discs.

Beetles (Order Coleoptera) have beendescribed as “the most successful orderof animals on earth”, outnumberingvertebrates by a factor of ten. Beetles playimportant beneficial and detrimentalroles in Northern Michigan ecosystems.The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis)is an invasive beetle that has decimatedash trees in the Great Lakes region.On a more positive note, Northern

Michigan is home to several populations of one of the world’srare beetles – one indicative of natural stream ecosystems –the Hungerford’s water beetle (Brychius hungerfordi).

A federal and state endangered species, the Hungerford’s beetleis currently found in only six rivers in Michigan and three locations in Canada. It was first collected from the Maple River(Emmet County) in 1952 by Dr. Paul Spangler, then a Kansasgraduate student teaching at the University of Michigan BiologicalStation (UMBS). Since Dr. Spangler’s discovery, other UMBS

researchers have contributed significantly to the understandingand protection of the Hungerford’s beetle.

Several aspects of the Hungerford’s beetle story should resonate with Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council members:

The importance of protecting stream ecosystems – beetlesare found in cool, well-aerated habitats with clean substrateand aquatic plants.

The value of citizen monitoring - a larval beetle was recentlydiscovered from another Northern Michigan site (Boyne River)by an North Central Michigan College student.

The abundance and uniqueness of Northern michiganaquatic resources –six Michigan systems support populationsof this rare animal, found at only a few other locations on earth.

For more information visit http://web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/abstracts/zoology/Brychius_hungerfordi.pdf

Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle by Dave Clapp

Focus on Flora & Fauna

12 Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

“We get by with a little help from our friends” –

-The BEATLES

Friends in the Fight Against Purple LoosestrifeIf you have ever tried to remove purple loosestrife, you know it takes a bit ofblood, sweat and tears. For the Galerucella beetle, however, all it takes is abig appetite. The beetles are a native predator to purple loosestrife. They arealso one of the best-known examples of successful biological control of aninvasive species. Biological control relies on the concept of using one biologicalorganism to control another. In this case, the plant and the beetle, both native to Eurasia, are reunited; the predator, the beetle, controls the purpleloosestrife, the prey. In its native range, purple loosestrife is not invasive becauseit coexists with many different insect species, among them Galerucella beetles,which feed on its buds and leaves. This predation from both the larvae andadult forms of the beetles can result in significant damage to the plant. Thestruggling plants must then use their limited energy to stay alive as they havefewer resources to put toward reproduction.

While other options to control purple loosestrife can be effective as well,they tend to be more labor and resource intensive. Digging out the plants isonly practical for small areas. Applying herbicide to plants can potentiallyharm other plants and wildlife, and usually must be performed again andagain. Beetles, on the other hand, are self-sustaining. Once introduced to asite, they often times become established without additional stocking. Beetlescan be purchased through commercial vendors or they can be transplantedfrom a site with an established population to a site with purple loosestrifewhich lacks Galerucella beetles. The Watershed Council has been coordinatingan annual Purple Loosestrife Beetle Collection Day since 2005. Participantsinclude lake and stream associationmembers, resource professionals,and others who are interested inestablishing a population of beetlesat a purple loosestrife-infested area.

Unfortunately, purple loosestrifewill never be completely eradicated;however, efforts to control its spreadin a safe and effective manner remainimportant. For more informationor to participate in a future beetlecollection day, contact JenniferGelb at jen@watershedcouncil.orgor call 231-347-1181 ext. 112.

A Purple Loosestrife Beetle Collection Daywas held on June 15th. Many thanks to our volunteer beetle collectors.

Participants collect the tiny, but effective, Galerucellabeetles. The beetles will be transplanted to areasaround Northern Michigan where purple loosestrifeis established. As a biological control, the beetleshelp to curb the spread of the invasive plant byeating its leaves and buds.

13Summer 2011 www.watershedcouncil.org

In Their Own WordsFor thirty-three years our members, friends, staff, and Board of Directors have all worked together, united in our commongoals; to continue successes and triumphs in protecting fresh water resources across Northern Michigan. But don’ttake our word for it! Here are their ‘stories’ as they answer the question:

Why do you volunteer for the Watershed Council?

“Aer having built a home on an inland lake (Mullett), I felt a love and connection with the water and became really interested in learning more aboutthe lake and how I can work to protect it. I attended the ‘Lake and StreamLeadership Institute’ at MSU and someone approached me and said I shouldvolunteer at Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, so I did. I love keeping up withthe latest issues and information and help out any way I can.”Sally Kraegel with grandson NoahVolunteer, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

Why are you a board member of the Watershed Council?

“I was offered an “at large” position on the TOMWC board as a result of aserendipitous meeting with a former MDNR colleague at the Antrim CountyPetoskey Stone Festival. I chose to accept the offer for a number of reasons: • As a research biologist with the MDNR Fisheries Division and lifelong angler, I have a strong professional and personal interest in the aquatic resources of northern Michigan.• I felt a need to get out of my professional “comfort zone” and contribute a little more of my personal time to resource protection and promotion (beyond simply enjoying the abundance of Northern Michigan!).• I have two young sons and would like to set a good example for them, as well as work to make sure that quality aquatic resources are available for them to enjoy.I’ve enjoyed my time on the board thus far, and look forward to continuingmy service to the TOMWC.”

Why are you a member of the Watershed Council?“Our family’s reasons for joining Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council are because we lovethe water, and want to support the organization which we view as the ‘good shepherds’of our freshwater resources. Water is so much of the reason many of us live in North-ern Michigan. While we keep busy with professional and personal lives, you keep busysafeguarding our lakes and rivers. We have a cottage on Burt Lake and want to stayaware of the rising issues and health of our lake. We fully enjoy your lake Profiles andjust received our 2011 Burt Lake Profile detailing the lake chemistry. Plus the eventsyou implement are wonderful! e Wednesdays on the Water aquatic tours providethose intimate encounters with nature that are so positive and enjoyable. We feel thatthe Watershed Council is scientifically helpful and always providing great opportunitiesfor learning through the year.”e Langton Family: Scott, Cynthia, Bennett, and Elliot

Dave Clapp and his children. Board Member,

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

Bennett & Elliot Langton

14 Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

Back to WellnessLinda BurgertMr. and Mrs. Robert ConklinMarcia and Stephen De SilvaMr. Ralph F. FodellFraternal Order of Eagles 1282Full Circle ContractingJudicial Management Systems, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher KnickerbockerMr. Joseph LutherMr. and Mrs. Darryl PfisterPresque Isle Electric Co-opRogers JewelryDr. and Mrs. Bradford S. RoweMr. and Mrs. Laurence W. SchmidtSilent Sport Lodge Bed & Breakfast

Spray's Landscape Services, Inc.Straits Area Audubon SocietyStraits Area ChiropracticStraits Area Federal Credit UnionSturgeon For Tomorrow Black Lake ChapterWalstrom Marine

Welcome New MembersThe future of our waters and our quality of life ultimately depend on what we do today to protect them. In order to continue to protect

and enhance water quality in our region, the Watershed Council depends upon individual members, like you, for strength and financial

support. We would like to thank all of our members for your continued support and extend a special welcome to our new members.

In Memory of:

Martha Drake Mrs. Harry C. Porter

Frank C. Granstra Mrs. Valerie Granstra Ivanelle E. Liphart/Annette Aken

In Honor of:

Jennifer Gelb Northern Michigan Master Gardener Association Raven Hill Discovery Center

Memorials and HonorariumsMemorials and Honorariums are a meaningful way

to celebrate the memory of a loved one or pay tribute

to somone who cares about the preservation of

our beautiful water resources.

VolunteersWe could not accomplish the many tasks and projects

that need to be done without the help of our volunteers!

RSVP VolunteersSharon Brown Gloria KrusellMarge May Joan RasmussenJanis Cole

Other Volunteers

Sally Kraegel Data EntryClaire Rassmussen Gaps Analysis ResearchEd Strzelinski Pharmacist for Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug Drop-off Days.Scott Smith Skilled assistance with the Little Traverse Bay Stormwater Initiative ProposalOur many Volunteer Lake Monitors andVolunteer Stream Monitors!

Thank YouRoast & Toast of Petoskey for providing delicious fresh

coffee for our meetings and events.

North By Nature Ecological Landscapes for maintaining

the Freshwater Center’s landscape.

February 15, 2011 - June 9, 2011

Join our facebook “Group”Recieve up-to-date alerts on important issuesas well as invitations to upcoming events and volunteer opportunities simply type “Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council” in the search area. It’s news you can use.

Above: American Toad (Bufo americanus)

Photo by Kristy Beyer

15Summer 2011 www.watershedcouncil.org

Summer EventsAdditional details available at

www.watershedcouncil.org/events

July 11 32nd Annual Meeting at NCMCProgram: Hydraulic Fracturing Panel

July 15 - 16 Whale of a SaleIrish Boat Shop Storage Building

Fairview Square, Harbor Springs

July 30 Emmet County POD Day(Prescription and Over-the-CounterDrug Drop-Off Day)

August 1 Lake Michigan SummitHarbor Springs, City Hall

August 8 Lake Michigan SummitCharlevoix, Public Library

September 10 Charlevoix County POD Day(Prescription and Over-the-CounterDrug Drop-Off Day)

Join us for a Summer “WOW” TOUR

(Wednesdays on the Water)

Additional details available at www.watershedcouncil.org/events

Pre-registration required. Limited space available.

July 6 Grass River Walking Tourw/Jennifer Gelb

July 13 Jordan River Paddlew/Wil Cwikiel

July 20 Mullett Lake Pontoon Tourw/Jennifer Gelb and Grenetta Thomassey

August 3 Crooked Lake Paddlew/Maureen Stine

August 10 Carp Creek Gorge

Walking Tourw/Kevin Cronk and guest Mike

Supernault, from the Burt Lake

Preservation Association

August17 Black Lake Paddlew/Maureen Stine

Welcome AboardSummer Intern, Lucy Xu

Summer intern Lucy Xu studies at the University ofMichigan, majoring in environmental studies. Passionateabout environmental and watershed protection, shehelps collect water samples and monitor water qualityfrom streams and lakes in North Michigan. e abovepicture was taken when Lucy was doing a road-streamcrossing survey at Rapid River.

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council is pleased to share ourongoing partnership with our friends from the Alliancefor the Great Lakes and help drum up local support forthis year’s, “Adopt-A-Beach” International CoastalCleanup. In Northern Michigan we are fortunate tolive around some of the most beautiful beaches onEarth. Stewardship programs such as this are creatingpositive changes for our Great Lakes.

What? Beach and shoreline cleanups involving thousands of volunteers to remove trash and collect data on their findings.

When? Saturday, September 17, 2011, 9 a.m. to noon

Where? Beaches and tributaries along Great Lakescoastal areas in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Who? You! Cleanup volunteers are individuals, families,schools, community, scouting and religious groups.

Why? Have fun giving back to the places you careabout. e Great Lakes' shoreline and beaches are inour backyards. e event is more than just a cleanup-it's a celebration of the Great Lakes! e informationgathered is used to make positive changes for ourGreat Lakes.

e Adopt-A-Beach program is not just about litter. It’sabout the need for clean lakes, shorelines, and waterways.It is about residents working together to create perma-nent solutions to shoreline debris. Our lakes and shorelineshave been a dumping ground for man-made debris forthousands of years. e harmful effects of litter are severe:negative economic and aesthetic impacts, harm andrisk to human health and safety, injury and death toanimals through entanglement and ingestion, andhabitat destruction.

Additionally, the Adopt-A-Beach program fosters feelingsof pride and ownership as local residents begin to carefor “their” beach and it gives people of all ages the opportunity to learn about and actively participate inconserving coastal resources.

For more information on how you can get involvedwith September’s International Coastal Clean-Up inour service area contact Maureen Stine at (231) 347-1181 ext. 116. For information on the Alliance for theGreat Lakes Michigan office, contact Jamie Cross at,(616) 850-0745.

Adopt-a-Beach

SAVE THE DATE!September 17, 2011,

9 a.m. to noon

Our MissionThe Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council speaks for Northern Michigan's waters. We are dedicated to protecting our lakes, streams, wetlands, andground water through respected advocacy, innovative education, technicallysound water quality monitoring, thorough research and restoration actions.We achieve our mission by empowering others and we believe in the capacityto make a positive difference. We work locally, regionally and throughoutthe Great Lakes Basin to achieve our goals.

Visit our website for additional information, upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.www.watershedcouncil.org