Category: ‘Research’
Posted on August 8th, 2022
HABs on Black Lake
Thanks to Tip of the Mitt! In June, Caroline Keson, Monitoring Programs Coordinator, presented an update on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABS) and the role of Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. She also addressed numerous questions about HABs.
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Posted on June 12th, 2022
New Research on Impact of HABs
The Great Lakes Hazardous Algal Blooms (HABs) Collaborative recently released two new fact sheets summarizing research on the impacts of harmful algal blooms on human health. These fact sheets contain significant information pertinent to Black Lake as well as the Great Lakes.
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Posted on July 22nd, 2021
Summary of Rainfall, Flows, Lake and Headpond Levels
July 8—July 19
On July 19, 2021, Nelson Turcotte of Black River Limited Partnership sent this letter to the Black Lake Association with the request that we post it. It is a summary of rainfall, flows at Alverno and Kleber Dams, and water levels at the headpond and Black Lake.
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Posted on August 13th, 2020
USGS Report on HABs Sampling’s
This is the latest report from the USGS on HABs sampling’s.
Ian will be out again this week sampling, so if you see him, please say HI! So far the samples we’ve collected at Black Lake have shown no detectable toxins, so that is great news. I’ve looked at a few of the samples under the microscope, and for the most part they have been filamentous green algae. The good news is that green algae do not produce toxins. They are, unfortunately still unsightly and can cause a pungent order when decomposing. Hopefully the slightly cooler temps will keep any additional blooms at bay this year, but please let us know if you see the tell-tale signs such as the teal “paint spill” or what looks like little green hairs in the water. I’ve attached a few photos to give you an idea of some of the blooms that are very dangerous and to let us know if you see them.
Posted on November 1st, 2017
Watershed Academy Monitoring Session
Several members of the Black Lake Association recently participated with Onaway High School students in a Watershed Academy Monitoring Session led by Eli Baker and Maria Affhalter from Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. Dave Turzewski and Ron and Sharon Dulak donned waders to spend a day with the students performing water chemistry tests and assessing stream macroinvertebrates to determine the health of Stoney Creek and its watershed. Not only was their time with the students fun and educational, but the outcome indicated that Stoney Creek is healthy.
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Posted on June 6th, 2017
Black Lake Association at Work Protecting Black Lake
Two Surveys Scheduled This Summer
Shoreline Survey
The Tip of the Mitt (TOTM) Watershed Council will begin the first phase of the Black Lake shoreline survey in mid- to late June, according to Matt Claucherty, Tip of the Mitt Monitoring and Research Coordinator. The shoreline survey process will include assessment of the greenbelt (vegetative buffer), shoreline erosion, and cladophora algae growth (nutrient pollution). The survey will identify possible problem areas that may be a result of septic tank leakage, over-fertilization of lawns, or inflow from nearby tributaries. You’re likely to see a kayak or two in front of your property, with the occupants taking pictures and making notes while the information is being collected. Matt encourages you to ask questions.
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Posted on February 23rd, 2017
Black Lake Sturgeon 2017
BLACK LAKE–The Lake sturgeon is an ancient fish species that inhabits large river and lake systems in the Great Lakes Basin and elsewhere.
These monstrous fish can grow up to 7 feet long and weigh 200 pounds, providing Michigan hook-and-line anglers trying to catch them an extraordinary thrill.
They are the largest fish native to the Great Lakes, and because of habitat loss – mostly the loss of spawning habitat by the creation of dams – and overfishing in the past, the lake sturgeon is a threatened species in Michigan. Specific regulations limit sport fishing and no commercial harvest is allowed.
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Posted on October 23rd, 2015
The dynamic story of northern Michigan’s Black Lake
Mention Black Lake (Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties) to many Michigan anglers and the first thing that pops into their heads is lake sturgeon.
There’s a good reason for that, Black Lake has a highly publicized spear fishery through the ice that draws both anglers and observers. But in terms of angling effort, Black Lake is really a walleye/northern pike/muskellunge lake, says Michigan Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologist Tim Cwalinski. And that’s been a focal point for management.
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Posted on September 24th, 2015
Black Lake Invasive Phragmites Treated
The invasive phragmites discovered during the 2014 Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council weed survey of Black Lake was treated today (9/24/2015) by Huron Pines. Huron Pines has permits and landowner permission for this treatment. The two patches are located on the North shore of the lake measuring 13’ x 5’ and 175’ X 5’. The phragmites was treated with herbicide which is absorbed by the plant and goes into the root system destroying the plant. Huron Pines will continue to monitor these patches and retreat, if necessary, to insure eradication. The cost of this treatment to the Black Lake Association is $100.00.
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Posted on September 15th, 2015
Two new aquatic nuisance species have been confirmed in Michigan
Two new aquatic nuisance species have been confirmed in Michigan. The New Zealand Mudsnail was found in the Pere Marquette River near Baldwin, MI and is capable of reproducing in large numbers and displacing other macroinvertebrates. Didymo commonly called “rock snot” was confirmed in the St. Marys River and is a type of algae capable of covering the bottom of cold clean streams. Both of these species have no nutritional value.
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