Invasive Species Control Project
Photo courtesy of: Alison Fox,
University of Florida, Bugwood.org
University of Florida, Bugwood.org
The spread of non-native invasive species (plants and animals) has caused significant harm to many lake communities across Michigan and the United States. As globalization has increased the rate and frequency of non-native invasive species has increased as have the negative impacts. These impacts reduce our ability to fully enjoy and use the lakes we love and share with our families and friends and, if not managed aggressively, usually lead to a negative impact to property values and the local economy as the lake becomes less attractive for homeowners and visitors. Jose Lake has been lucky to avoid many of the harmful effects caused by invasive species until the last few years. The first known species to invade Jose Lake was zebra mussels which were first noticed in 2008 and now are fully established in the lake. Zebra mussels were widely recognized to be an aquatic nuisance in Michigan in the early 1990's and has quickly spread through all of the Great Lakes and a majority of inland lakes across Michigan. The fact that it took until 2008 to become a problem in our lake is likely due to the limited introduction of boats from outside of the area (as our boat launch is not a DNR launch) and a bit of luck but it only took a few short years for them to become fully established. As you will learn in the information below our current focus is Eurasian Watermilfoil and Phragmites but, based on research done with other lake associations, these are likely to only be the next of many future invasive species we will need to manage if we are to protect Jose Lake for our kids, friends and future generations. Please help us take control of our future by getting involved in this project and by helping stop the spread and introduction of invasive species into Jose Lake - We need the help of all lake owners and visitors if we are going to protect the lake!
Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) (EWM) was first confirmed in Jose Lake in 2011 although it is likely to have entered the lake a few years earlier. By May of 2012, the invasive plant had colonized approximately a 1 acre area in the middle lake near the boat launch and a few smaller areas in the main lake (See maps of where it is located - pdf.). It is common for invasive species to gain a foothold in lakes near boat launches and public access points as this is where visiting boats from downstate or other lakes first enter the water and any invasive species fall off boat trailers, hulls or are pumped out of bilges and bait tanks. EWM is an aggressive invasive species that grows fast, spreads rapidly and can ‘carpet’ the top layer of a lake making those areas almost unusable if it is not managed. EWM is common throughout Michigan and across the USA. Even local lakes such as Long Lake have been significantly impacted by EWM.
The rapid spread and growth of EWM was discussed at the Jose Lake Improvement Association meeting in July of 2012. Many association members raised serious concerns about the potential negative impact to the lake including the ability to participate in recreation activities such as swimming, boating and general enjoyment of the lake as well as the potential reduction in property values of area homes and property. A decision was made to create a Weed Eradication Committee to study the problem and make a recommendation to the membership at a special emergency meeting over Labor Day weekend. The meeting was held at the Goodar Township Fire Department at 9am on Saturday, September 1st. Action is being taken to eradicate both the Eurasian Watermilfoil and the Phragmites.
Phragmites was only identified in our lake in 2012 while research was being done about the Eurasian Watermilfoil. Phragmites australis (frag-MY-teez), also known as common reed, is a perennial, wetland grass that can grow to 15 feet in height. While Phragmites australis is native to Michigan, an invasive, non-native, variety of phragmites is becoming widespread and is threatening the ecological health of wetlands and the Great Lakes coastal shoreline. Invasive phragmites creates tall, dense stands which degrade wetlands and coastal areas by crowding out native plants and animals, blocking shoreline views, reducing access for swimming, fishing, and boating and can create fire hazards from dry plant material.
To rectify this matter we collected donations to have the weeds treated during the 2013 year. We received enough in donations to treat the lake and started the process in the spring of 2013.
Since this problem isn't solved with one treatment of the lake, it is necessary to continue our fight to control this weed. At our September 1, 2012 meeting the members voted to have Act 451 implemented to cover the cost of weed control on and in the lake. Act 451 established an assessment district in which each property owner in the district was assessed a share of the cost of the treatment of the lake. Rather than just a few people donating to the fund, all property owners are required to pay an equal share.
How You Can Help
To learn more about EWM, Phragmites and other invasive species visit the following pages:
Biology and Control of Aquatic Plants: A Best Management Practices Handbook
Control and Management of Invasive Phragmites (DEQ website)
A Landowner's guide to Phragmite Control
FAQ's about EWM
Additional Resources
Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) (EWM) was first confirmed in Jose Lake in 2011 although it is likely to have entered the lake a few years earlier. By May of 2012, the invasive plant had colonized approximately a 1 acre area in the middle lake near the boat launch and a few smaller areas in the main lake (See maps of where it is located - pdf.). It is common for invasive species to gain a foothold in lakes near boat launches and public access points as this is where visiting boats from downstate or other lakes first enter the water and any invasive species fall off boat trailers, hulls or are pumped out of bilges and bait tanks. EWM is an aggressive invasive species that grows fast, spreads rapidly and can ‘carpet’ the top layer of a lake making those areas almost unusable if it is not managed. EWM is common throughout Michigan and across the USA. Even local lakes such as Long Lake have been significantly impacted by EWM.
The rapid spread and growth of EWM was discussed at the Jose Lake Improvement Association meeting in July of 2012. Many association members raised serious concerns about the potential negative impact to the lake including the ability to participate in recreation activities such as swimming, boating and general enjoyment of the lake as well as the potential reduction in property values of area homes and property. A decision was made to create a Weed Eradication Committee to study the problem and make a recommendation to the membership at a special emergency meeting over Labor Day weekend. The meeting was held at the Goodar Township Fire Department at 9am on Saturday, September 1st. Action is being taken to eradicate both the Eurasian Watermilfoil and the Phragmites.
Phragmites was only identified in our lake in 2012 while research was being done about the Eurasian Watermilfoil. Phragmites australis (frag-MY-teez), also known as common reed, is a perennial, wetland grass that can grow to 15 feet in height. While Phragmites australis is native to Michigan, an invasive, non-native, variety of phragmites is becoming widespread and is threatening the ecological health of wetlands and the Great Lakes coastal shoreline. Invasive phragmites creates tall, dense stands which degrade wetlands and coastal areas by crowding out native plants and animals, blocking shoreline views, reducing access for swimming, fishing, and boating and can create fire hazards from dry plant material.
To rectify this matter we collected donations to have the weeds treated during the 2013 year. We received enough in donations to treat the lake and started the process in the spring of 2013.
Since this problem isn't solved with one treatment of the lake, it is necessary to continue our fight to control this weed. At our September 1, 2012 meeting the members voted to have Act 451 implemented to cover the cost of weed control on and in the lake. Act 451 established an assessment district in which each property owner in the district was assessed a share of the cost of the treatment of the lake. Rather than just a few people donating to the fund, all property owners are required to pay an equal share.
How You Can Help
- Educate: Tell your friends, family or renters on how to stop the spread of invasive species by making sure their boats are clean, dry and dumped before putting them in the lake (see tips, brochure)
- Participate: Join the JLA, come to the meetings, help monitor new species/locations, help in management and removal
To learn more about EWM, Phragmites and other invasive species visit the following pages:
Biology and Control of Aquatic Plants: A Best Management Practices Handbook
Control and Management of Invasive Phragmites (DEQ website)
A Landowner's guide to Phragmite Control
FAQ's about EWM
Additional Resources