Volume LI | Issue 2
8
2020 Shoreline
SURVEY RESULTS
L
By the WLAC and Jen DeMoss
METHOD
ast year, the Walloon Lake shoreline was comprehensively surveyed from mid-June to early July to document shoreline conditions that can potentially impact water quality. Results from this 2020 Shoreline Survey indicate that nutrient pollution, poor greenbelts, and shoreline alterations continue to pose a threat to both the water quality and overall health of the lake. Below you will learn a bit more about the methods used, results, and what you can do to help maintain the beautiful water of Walloon Lake.
The shorelines were surveyed by researchers traveling in kayaks as close to the shoreline as possible (usually within 20 feet) and noting Cladophora growth, substrate type (soil, sand, etc.), erosion, greenbelt health, shoreline alterations, and tributaries. Information and an individual shoreline score for each property were recorded on iPads using the software ArcCollector, which immediately linked it with property owner data from 2020 county equalization records. If you are a property owner, your shoreline score and a link to the entire survey will be sent to you in the coming weeks.
RESULTS
KEYWORDS CLADOPHORA: green algae EROSION: degradation level of the land caused by natural or human actions GREENBELT: an area of plants, such as native flowers and shrubs, planted between the lawn and the water ALTERATIONS: any changes made to the natural shoreline ranging from tree removal to the addition of decorative boulders
DEVELOPMENT
The most notable finding from the survey was that an alarming 89% (900) of the 1,011 surveyed shoreline properties on Walloon Lake are developed or partially developed. This leaves property owners as the last line of defense for the overall water quality of the lake. Some of the most detrimental results of overdevelopment are: • Increased non-porous surfaces, such as roofs, driveways, and roads, which lead to greater amounts of stormwater runoff and associated pollutants. • Waste and byproducts of human activity such as septic leakage, fertilizers, and decomposing yard waste that can potentially reach and contaminate the lake water.
What can you do? Participate in the Michigan Shoreline Stewards Program and enhance your knowledge of the best landowner practices. If you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the WLAC office.
RESULTS
CLADOPHORA
Cladophora is an invasive green algal species that occurs naturally in small amounts in Northern Michigan lakes and streams. It is found most commonly in shallow shoreline areas and wave splash zones as it grows best on stable rocks and logs. With preferred water temperatures in the range of 50-70 degrees
