This summer, the Glen Lake Association, in collaboration with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB), will deploy a targeted, nonchemical treatment to eradicate three colonies of invasive Eurasian watermilfoil, or EWM, discovered in the deep basin of Little Glen Lake last year. These efforts aim to protect Glen Lake’s ecological integrity by preventing the spread of EWM and supporting the return of native plant species to affected areas.
For many people visiting and moving here, it’s all about the water. Unfortunately, the same is true for other, less-welcome entities: Eurasian watermilfoil, Quagga mussels, purple loosestrife and other invasive species. Combating these and other unwelcome plants and animals is an ongoing challenge. For example, Lake Leelanau has been in the news for its battle against Eurasian watermilfoil, a plant native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Now Glen Lake has discovered signs of the plant. If unchecked, it spreads quickly and forms thick mats in shallow areas. It blocks sunlight and kills native aquatic plants that fish and other underwater species rely on for food and shelter. Glen Lake Association watershed biologist Rob Karner says treating invasives follows a simple formula: find it, deal with it, and repeat until it’s gone. But while the formula may be simple, it’s far from easy.