Protecting Glen Lake for future generations

By Rob Karner

Sun contributor

We live in a world where discoveries of what can harm us are everywhere. We discovered that lead in our paints and gasoline is harmful, so now we have lead-free paint and lead-free gasoline. We learned that some of us are intolerant to ingredients in our foods, forcing us to concoct special foods for those with dietary challenges — sugar-free, lactose-free, gluten-free, salt-free, peanut oil-free, and more. We now know that chemicals in our food can be harmful, hence the option to buy chemical-free “organic” foods. The average citizens want to be able to make the right choices, not only for themselves, but also in the interest of the environment.

In Glen Arbor, a proposal is in the works that would call attention to a chemical that has a profound impact on water quality. This chemical is called phosphorus. Of the many chemicals that impact water quality, phosphorous is the most important. Why? Because one pound of phosphorous in a lake, river or stream can grow 500 pounds of algae, and too much algae can adversely affect aquatic ecosystems. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, once excess phosphorous is added to the lake, it accumulates over time and is stored at the bottom of the lake.

Phosphorous in normal quantities is not harmful. In fact, it is required to keep plants alive in our water. The problem is when too much human-induced phosphorous enters our lakes — mostly from precipitation, but also from lawn fertilizers.

Glen Arbor, Empire and Kasson Townships have the opportunity to protect our waterways by approving a proposal to make it unlawful to use phosphorous-containing fertilizer within 500 feet of any lake, river or stream. In short, there should be an ordinance that requires any riparian that applies lawn fertilizer to use phosphorous-free products. The Glen Lake Association supports it; Leelanau Clean Water supports it, and now it is time for support from the township level.

How does phosphorous in fertilizers that are applied to lawns get into our surface water? By applying fertilizer to turf grass, the shallow roots have very little time to absorb the nutrients before they go unabsorbed and percolate into the ground water. Generally, the ground water flows into the lake and carries the unabsorbed or excess phosphorous into the water where it stimulates aquatic plants and algae.

Unlike turf grass, natural greenbelt buffers with native plant species boast deep root systems that will absorb more of the excess phosphorous, thereby reducing or eliminating any excess phosphorous from entering the lake. The bonus of a natural greenbelt buffer is that you don’t need to fertilize, making the issue of phosphorous-free fertilizers a moot point.

Obtaining phosphorous-free fertilizers is easier than ever. Many stores that sell lawn fertilizer have phosphorous-free fertilizer. All you need to do is ask. Many ask if this type of fertilizer works on their lawns. Most often, the answer is yes. Our soils have a natural supply of phosphorous. Besides, the most active ingredient in lawn fertilizer that makes your lawn healthy and green is nitrogen.

This fall, three townships that border the shores of the Glen Lakes will have the opportunity to pass an ordinance that makes it illegal for any person or commercial lawn-care business to apply lawn fertilizer that contains phosphorous. Many townships in Michigan have already implemented a ban on phosphorous, knowing that doing so will protect water quality in their township. In addition, a movement is underway to push for a state law that governs the use of phosphorous in fertilizers in an effort to protect our lakes, rivers and streams.

Dorsey Trailer Park owners and managers Duane and Chris Shugart, are already on the fast track to preserve the Glen Lakes. They own and manage 900 feet of Little Glen shoreline — home to over 30 seasonal riparians in the park. The policy in their park is that if you decide to use lawn fertilizer in your yard, it must be phosphorous-free and contained to a limited quantity this fall. The lawns around their trailer park may not be overly lush and green (a sign that usually indicates excessive use of fertilizer), but the lawns are healthy. This seems like a small price to pay for keeping the water from deteriorating. In fact, the Shugarts have replaced much of their turf with a natural greenbelt, earning them last year’s Stewardship Award from the Glen Lake Association.

Now, residents of the park can enjoy their shoreline — free of the algae that once covered the stones along their shoreline. Today, they are truly free from the ill effects of excess phosphorous in Little Glen Lake.

For more information about phosphorous deteriorating our water, contact Rob Karner M.S., Watershed Biologist for the Glen Lake Association. Call (231) 334-5831 or email him at rkarner(AT)leelanau.org.