|
Mechanical Harvesting
A lake service representative stated that annual cutting does not eliminate
weeds as they grow back with more vigor. They actually prefer this method
since it produces a steady year after year income for their business. A
discussion with a harvester indicated that the cutting encourages the weeds
to grow stronger stems as more nourishment is forced down to the remaining
weeds. We use this same procedure with our plants by cutting some back
to created fuller blooms of flowers and larger fruits and vegetables. Expenses
associated with this option are discussed later.
Back
to the top
Herbicidal Treatments
This method uses chemicals that destroy all weeds. The plants will rise
to the top and float to the shores. Swimming is not allowed for a number
of days after the chemicals are applied. Some fish may die due to the lack
of cover. A conversation with a homeowner on Houghton Lake stated that
he spent a day a weekend raking and removing the dead weeds from his shoreline.
This option is not without environmental consequences. Aquatic Nuisance
Specialist Laura Esman said in the June 28, '04 issue of The Citizen: "The DEQ says in most cases chemicals are also a temporary treatment
and impact the biodiversity of the lake environment, including killing
the fish."This option too, involves considerable expense, which will
be discussed later.
Back
to the top
Environmentally Sensitive Methods
There are three no-cost actions residents can take to improve the water
quality in the lake and control weed-growth: proper septic maintenance;
ditch-drainage control from Bald Eagle Road; and fertilizer elimination/reduction.
Details follow:
Septic Maintenance: Have your septic system cleaned and inspected
at least every three years for part-
time residents and every two years for full-time residents.
Ditch-Drainage Control from Bald Eagle Road: Petition Oakland County
to eliminate direct drainage from the Bald Eagle Lake Road ditch at the
south end of lake.
Fertilizer Elimination/Reduction: Eliminate or greatly reduce the use
of fertilizers that make our lawns greener. A recent article in The
Citizen quotes Todd Losee, an Environmental Quality Specialist from
the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality: "phosphates, the
active ingredient in lawn fertilizers cause excessive growth of both native
and non-native water plants in lakes and wetlands…Fertilizer runoff
increases nutrients to aquatic plants life, causing a disruption in the
natural cycle of life in lakes and wetlands."
These nutrients that wash into the lake with every downpour assist weed
growth in the lake and are usually unnecessary. In actuality, most of the
soil types found in our area do not require fertilizer at all. Residents
who insist on lawns are advised to have their soil tested to learn how
much fertilizer, if any, is needed for a healthy lawn. By finding a way
to control the use of fertilizer, we could make real progress toward ridding
our lake of unwanted weeds, and there would be no cost associated with
this option.
Back
to the top
How do we pay for these alternatives?
Mechanical harvesting and herbicidal treatments must be paid as a special
assessment on all owners. Our association cannot provide this service since
we do not have 100% membership of all owners. It is unlikely that everyone
would voluntarily contribute to the cost.
Through their Lake Board Lake Louise residents are assessed
an annual amount of $32,900 for the next five years for harvesting and
chemical treatments for 30 to 50 acres. If we treated only half our
lake the yearly cost would be approximately $50,000.
Under the environmentally sensitive option (choosing not
to use fertilizer), there are no additional costs incurred for the lake
property owners. But residents cannot be coerced into this alternative
without government involvement.
How does the government get involved in any of the above
methods?
A Lake Board, such as that which now governs Lake Louise, must be established
in order to assess the
costs of mechanical or herbicidal treatments.
An article in the July, 2000 issue of Oakland Lakefront
Magazine published an extensive article titled "Establishing a
Lake Board."The article stated : " ...establishing a board required
two-thirds of the lakefront property owners whose property actually abuts
the lake to sign a petition asking to form such a board. Once the petition
has been signed by the appropriate number of lakefront property owners,
the petition is forwarded to the local governing body where the lake is
located. The local governing body…must then pass a resolution within
60 days to establish the lake improvement board." This allows the
costs to be included on the property tax bills.
With a decision to voluntarily govern our own use of fertilizers
and maintain our septic systems, there would be no need for government
involvement. To get 100% cooperation in this option, the township would
need to pass an ordinance regulating the use of fertilizers in lake areas,
or throughout the township.
We have some difficult decisions ahead of us. We need to
explore every available avenue and think carefully about the direction
we choose. Most are in agreement that something must be done. Our hope
is that over the coming months, some consensus will develop among Bald
Eagle Lake residents so that whatever we decide to do will be the best
possible solution for ourselves and for our lake.
Back
to the top
updated 6-30-05
|
