June 28th, 2014
Tony Groves the aquatic biologist from Progressive AE was introduced and presented his perspective on the invasive species (milfoil) that his research team has found in Long Lake. Tony included several handouts (copies attached) which included lake maps and GPS points of milfoil discovery at approximately 93 of the 98 sampling locations around the lake. Tony outlined various options and presented the recommendation best suited for Long Lake at this point in time including a preliminary budget and specifics on how his company would manage the 5 year process.
They are normally done in June and there is a 24 hour swim restriction, 2 to 3 week irrigation restriction, and there is no impact to fishing.
Herbicide treatments of lakes in Michigan require a permit from the DEQ. The DEQ regulates herbicides approved for use, dose rates, and specific areas of the lake where treatments are allowed. At the time of treatment,signs are posted that list the herbicides used and specific water use restrictions. DEQ most of the98 would look to see if there are any specific endangered species specific to Long Lake and advise accordingly.
The milfoil is currently ringing the lake with most of the 98 sampling zones having milfoil growth. Since the lake is relatively deep (60 feet) it will not take over the entire lake but will continue to envelop the shoreline and will eventually rise to the surface and form a canopy and take over existing native plants
Answered in first question but repeated that there is a 24 hour swim restriction
The administrative fees $2,000 are for miscellaneous fees for the township related to meetings, mailings, communications in newspapers, etc. The $8,000 is the annual charge for Progressive AE to help with management of the 5 year project, and the $25,000 is for the plant control herbicides. All fees are annual fees. The plan is for treating up to 50 acres of the lake each year. Important to note that this will not eradicate the milfoil, but will provide a means to effectively control.
Permits for treatment are issued by the DEQ (as opposed to the DNR). The company that conducts the treatment will be posting signs at the boat ramp to inform users that the lake is being treated. Specific dates of the treatment will be included in the signage that is posted. The DNR is not directly involved with the treatments and will likely not contribute financially to the program.
No, it is primarily for the control of milfoil since that is the number one enemy at this point in time, but it could be used for other invasive species directly related to long Lake. The special assessment cannot be used by the township for any other township projects.
Hybrid milfoil (native and invasive combined) is starting to show some tolerance in other lakes. Samples have been sent to Grand Valley State University for testing of the Long Lake milfoil to determine if there is any sign of hybrids
Using a protocol developed by the DEQ, the lake was surveyed in 300 foot intervals around the entire shoreline. There were 98 sampling sites total and plants were collected and identified at each of the 98 sites. Each site was referenced via GPS.
Once it ends we go back and repeat the process with the township board. The contract for the 5 years is done through the township and not the lake association.
Can’t use harvesting because it spreads the milfoil. Can’t use suction dredging because it is expensive, disrupts the lake bottom, and is time consuming. It would cost millions of dollars to dredge and that also disrupts the lake. Weevils are still in use today but have not proven to be predictable in the past and the company supplying cannot be depended on to remain in business in Michigan.
The EPA does testing of herbicides before registration and approval of products. The products do not accumulate in the fish….but specific testing afterwards is not conducted.
The herbicides kill the milfoil and therefore the weevils do not have a food source to live on.
No, it would be cost prohibitive and would require individual permits. A do-it-yourself option would not be cost effective.
It takes 3-4 weeks to kill the plants and they will fall to the bottom of the lake and decompose. A follow up survey is conducted to see if a second application is required in the same year.
Don’t fertilize your lawns and if you do use a phosphorus free fertilizer. Keep a natural shoreline…it is a lake not a swimming pool. Google for information, view michiganlakeinfo.com, visit the tip of the mitt watershed site. If you trailer your boat to other lakes, wash your boat and trailer before launching back into Long Lake.
They die and sink to the bottom
The non-targeted species are not affected by the treatments but the native species can become issues in the future. That is why the fertilizers are not recommended on your lawns by the lake. In general, most native plants are beneficial to the lake.
Yes, the treatment program is competitively bid. Progressive AE would manage the vendors used to apply the herbicide. There are approximately a dozen licensed contractors to choose from