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Welcome to the 2018 Lake Charlevoix Shoreline Survey. First, find your unique ID on the address label of your Lake Charlevoix Association newsletter. Next, enter your unique ID in the box on the left under "Unique ID number--Type in your unique ID."
A legend for each map layer is shown by clicking the arrow next to the checked layer. Scroll below the map for information on greenbelts, Cladophora, and erosion from the survey.
During the summer and fall of 2018, Lake Charlevoix Association partnered with Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council and ZeroGravity Aerial to conduct a shoreline survey of Lake Charlevoix. The survey was designed to document conditions that can impact water quality, including the three biggest threats to inland lakes: nutrient pollution, habitat loss, and shoreline erosion. The shoreline assessment was conducted on a parcel by parcel basis around the entirety of Lake Charlevoix. Survey results indicate that large portions of Lake Charlevoix shoreline contain natural and native vegetation growth. However, human activity around Lake Charlevoix shoreline may be impacting the lake ecosystem and water quality. Improving areas with poor greenbelts will help conserve and preserve the character and quality of Lake Charlevoix. Improving greenbelts will help by reducing nutrient pollution and sediment input from erosion along the shoreline.
Below is a link to open the 2018 Lake Charlevoix Shoreline Survey report highlighting greenbelt status, areas of erosion, and the presence of a bioindicator algae, known as "Cladophora".
Thank you and see you around the shoreland,
Lake Charlevoix Association and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
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Greenbelts
Greenbelts are a natural buffer of native vegetation between the water's edge and your lawn that helps to reduce erosion by stabilizing the soil, filtering nutrients and other pollution. Overhanging vegetation at the water's edge provides shade and enhances near-shore habitat for fish and insects. Greenbelts can also help to deter geese that prefer well-manicured lawns and unrestricted access to the water. What was your Greenbelt rating? |
Cladophora
Cladophora is an alga that grows as a film and in later growth stages as filaments on hard substrates (i.e. - cobble, boulders, metal/wood seawalls) near the shoreline. Increased nutrients, such as phosphorus, can increase Cladophora growth to abnormal levels. Monitoring Cladophora presence serves as a useful biological indicator of changes to nutrient inputs near the shoreline.
Cladophora is an alga that grows as a film and in later growth stages as filaments on hard substrates (i.e. - cobble, boulders, metal/wood seawalls) near the shoreline. Increased nutrients, such as phosphorus, can increase Cladophora growth to abnormal levels. Monitoring Cladophora presence serves as a useful biological indicator of changes to nutrient inputs near the shoreline.
How did your shoreline rate for Cladophora Density?
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Shoreline Erosion
Erosion introduces sediments and excess nutrients attached to soil particles. An abnormal increase in sediment can clog the gills of fish, macroinvertebrates, and degrade habitat including fish spawning grounds. Increased nutrients (i.e. - phosphorus) can cause algal blooms that degrade lake water quality. Sediment in the water column reduces water clarity and absorbs sunlight that can increase water temperature. |
How did your shoreline rate for erosion?
Low = Exposed soils, gullies up to 1" deep. (No slumping)
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Medium = Exposed soils, gullies > 1" & < 6", banks undercut by <6". (Minor slumping)
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High = Exposed soils, gullies > 6", banks undercut by > 6". (Severe slumping)
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Want to improve your stewardship for Lake Charlevoix?
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Join other lake residents and find out more information about lake friendly stewardship practices along the shoreline by visiting the Michigan Shoreland Stewards (MiSS) website. www.mishorelandstewards.org. The MiSS program provides recommendations for improving your shoreline and recognizes lakefront property owners who are protecting inland lakes through best management practices on their property.
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Would you like help improving your shoreline?
Please fill out this form or give us a call anytime at 231-347-1181. We're here to help. |
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Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
426 Bay Street Petoskey, MI 49770 231-347-1181 |