Lake Management Resources

See the links below for more information on lake management and aquatic plants. 

Get Involved

Protect your lake by becoming a Shoreland Steward. The Michigan Shoreland Steward Program recognizes homeowners who protect inland lakes through best management practices on their own property. 

Not sure what to do? Take the RiverSafe Homes survey to learn about water quality protection and pollution prevention activities you can do to protect the waters near your home.  

Reach out to us to schedule a consultation at your home. Our certified staff can help you create a plan to protect your lake and preserve the natural beauty surrounding your home. Small changes have big results!

Contact a Water Resources staff member to schedule a time to visit your property.

Harmful Algae Blooms

• Harmful Algae Blooms (EGLE)
• Michigan Harmful Algal Bloom Picture Guide (EGLE)
• Algae Blooming - Michigan State University Extension
• Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB)-Associated Illness - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Report algal blooms in the state of Michigan

Plant Management

• Status and Strategy for Eurasian Water Milfoil Management
• Status and Strategy for Starry Stonewort Management
• Status and Strategy for Flowering Rush Management
• Plant Reference Chart

Lake Muck

• A Beginner’s Guide to Water Management: Muck Causes and Corrective Actions
• Assessment of the Effectiveness of Muck-Digesting Bacterial Pellets

Michigan's Phosphorous Fertilizer Law

• Phosphorous Free Fertilizer Factsheet
• Public Act 299 Overview
• Public Act 299

Native Shorelines

• Sebastian the Goose Encourages Natural Shorelines (video)
• Geese Management Techniques
• Larry, the All-American Bullfrog (video)
• The Stewardship Network: Shoreline Symposium Recordings (video playlist)
• Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership
• Huron River Watershed Council - Riverfront and Lakeshore Properties Information
• Webinar:  Advancing Inland Lake Stewardship through Shoreline Best Management Practices (EGLE)

Boat Pitting

Washtenaw County is tracking boat pitting occurring on the Huron River Chain of Lakes and actively looking into possible causes. An update will be provided when more information is known. If you experience boat pitting, please fill out the comment form through the button below. Please see the information below for information about boat pitting. While recommendations are included in the brochure below, the surest way to reduce the occurrence is to lift the pontoon above the water line if possible.

• Rust Wars - The Galvanic Force Awakens

Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers

• Brochure: How Michigan Boaters and Anglers can help Stop Aquatic Invasive Species
• EGLE: Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers (video)
• MSU Extension: Clean Boats Clean Waters

EGLE Permitting

• EGLE explains permitting for Michigan water bodies (video)

Other

• Wake boats: concerns and recommendations related to natural resource management in Michigan waters, DNR, 2022 (PDF)
• A Study of Wave Height, Energy, and Power Produced by Boats on a Recreational Lake, University of Minnesota, 2022 (PDF)
  
• Naturally Occurring Foam (DEQ)
• Michigan Freshwater Mussels (MSU)