From the President
Over the past few weeks, I’ve represented the Klinger Lake Association at regional and state level meetings of the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association. MLSA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of Michigan’s inland lakes and streams. Every time I participate in these meetings and hear about issues being faced by other lakes (such as failing septic systems, out-of-control invasive weeds) I am thankful for my predecessors in the KLA and thankful for the natural beauty of our lake.
In the last year, I received a copy of a document – prepared by authors unknown – which made the case for creating the White Pigeon Sanitary System. Ultimately, through the efforts of numerous KLA representatives and other lake residents, the sewers became a reality from which we all benefit to this day. If you were to review the water clarity measurements before the sewers and after, you’d instantly see the value of the system.
What about invasive weeds? Reviewing records over the past 10 years shows that we have battled two primary invasive species: Eurasian watermilfoil and Starry Stonewort. However, we’ve been able to focus our herbicide treatments in only about 7.5 acres out of roughly 830 acres of surface area. Why such a small area? Two reasons: 1) Years of diligence by the KLA (the old adage ‘a stitch in time saves nine’ holds true) 2) The ‘bathymetry’ (depth profile) of Klinger Lake. Because there are large areas of the lake that are very deep, sunlight doesn’t reach the bottom, therefore plants are unable to grow.
Last year, we converted the Klinger Lake Association into a 501(C)(3) non-profit, making us eligible for certain grants from the State of Michigan. We applied for and were awarded a small grant in association with the Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters program.
If you ever have questions or concerns about the lake, please email communications@klingerlakeassociation.org
In the last year, I received a copy of a document – prepared by authors unknown – which made the case for creating the White Pigeon Sanitary System. Ultimately, through the efforts of numerous KLA representatives and other lake residents, the sewers became a reality from which we all benefit to this day. If you were to review the water clarity measurements before the sewers and after, you’d instantly see the value of the system.
What about invasive weeds? Reviewing records over the past 10 years shows that we have battled two primary invasive species: Eurasian watermilfoil and Starry Stonewort. However, we’ve been able to focus our herbicide treatments in only about 7.5 acres out of roughly 830 acres of surface area. Why such a small area? Two reasons: 1) Years of diligence by the KLA (the old adage ‘a stitch in time saves nine’ holds true) 2) The ‘bathymetry’ (depth profile) of Klinger Lake. Because there are large areas of the lake that are very deep, sunlight doesn’t reach the bottom, therefore plants are unable to grow.
Last year, we converted the Klinger Lake Association into a 501(C)(3) non-profit, making us eligible for certain grants from the State of Michigan. We applied for and were awarded a small grant in association with the Michigan Clean Boats, Clean Waters program.
If you ever have questions or concerns about the lake, please email communications@klingerlakeassociation.org