From the President of the Klinger Lake Association
October, 2019
As the calendar turns to October, the trees around Klinger Lake have started to change colors, while boats and docks are taken off the lake for winter storage. It is always a sad day when my pontoon is taken from the dock!
I thought I’d take a moment to talk about what the KLA has been doing and a few other things going on that might be of interest. In addition to serving as President of the Klinger Lake Association, I continue as the board member responsible for water quality testing and weed treatment. I often receive questions from lake residents like ‘How is the water quality this year?’ and 'Are there more weeds this year than last year?'
The first simple answer is: 'The water clarity (a basic measure of quality) is slightly better in 2019 compared with 2018’. Other measurements, such as total phosphorus, chlorophyll and dissolved oxygen are recorded throughout the season. Past data for Klinger Lake and numerous other lakes are available for review at https://data.micorps.net/view/ . Data for 2019 should be available around February , 2020.
As far as weed control, remember that the KLA treats only aquatic invasive species (AIS). In 2019, we treated approximately 7 acres (of our total 850 acres) for invasive species. This is a very small treatment area, which makes our cost per total acreage amongst the lowest in the state. In 2019, we spent approximately $9.25 per acre of lake surface. The average cost per acre for the 80 lakes for which we have data is about $110 per acre! We are the beneficiaries of years of diligence by our predecessors and by the generally deep waters of Klinger Lake. I heard a few concerns this season about algae clumps in the lake, but in comparison to 2018, the algae problems were not as prevalent. This was the case in virtually all other lakes in our part of Michigan. We’ll continue to actively monitor conditions in the future.
A few things to consider going forward:
I am honored to serve as President of the Klinger Lake Association. It is a privilege to live in this beautiful area and to enjoy the treasure that is Klinger Lake. I’ll do all I can do preserve it for my children and grandchildren and generations to come. The best way to reach me for feedback or questions is via email at needham.mike@gmail.com
Mike Needham, President, Klinger Lake Association
As the calendar turns to October, the trees around Klinger Lake have started to change colors, while boats and docks are taken off the lake for winter storage. It is always a sad day when my pontoon is taken from the dock!
I thought I’d take a moment to talk about what the KLA has been doing and a few other things going on that might be of interest. In addition to serving as President of the Klinger Lake Association, I continue as the board member responsible for water quality testing and weed treatment. I often receive questions from lake residents like ‘How is the water quality this year?’ and 'Are there more weeds this year than last year?'
The first simple answer is: 'The water clarity (a basic measure of quality) is slightly better in 2019 compared with 2018’. Other measurements, such as total phosphorus, chlorophyll and dissolved oxygen are recorded throughout the season. Past data for Klinger Lake and numerous other lakes are available for review at https://data.micorps.net/view/ . Data for 2019 should be available around February , 2020.
As far as weed control, remember that the KLA treats only aquatic invasive species (AIS). In 2019, we treated approximately 7 acres (of our total 850 acres) for invasive species. This is a very small treatment area, which makes our cost per total acreage amongst the lowest in the state. In 2019, we spent approximately $9.25 per acre of lake surface. The average cost per acre for the 80 lakes for which we have data is about $110 per acre! We are the beneficiaries of years of diligence by our predecessors and by the generally deep waters of Klinger Lake. I heard a few concerns this season about algae clumps in the lake, but in comparison to 2018, the algae problems were not as prevalent. This was the case in virtually all other lakes in our part of Michigan. We’ll continue to actively monitor conditions in the future.
A few things to consider going forward:
- We’re exploring transitioning most of our communications activities from hard copy to electronic means. By doing so, we’d save money and be able to communicate up-to-date information more easily. When you complete your KLA Membership Enrollment form for 2020, please provide your email address(es) so we can communicate with you electronically.
- Starting in 2019, vehicles which use or park in the DNR Public Launch at Klinger Lake must have a Michigan Recreational Passport. I am told that enforcement will begin in 2020. The law is in place and a notice is posted at the entrance to the public launch.
- We’re all responsible for keeping trash out of Klinger Lake. Please make sure you and your guests don’t contribute to the problems by littering. The volunteers who maintain the dam as well as homeowners whose beaches become the destination of the garbage would appreciate your help. And, if you see something floating in the lake like a can, a bottle, or a bait container, stop and pick it up. If we all do a little bit, nobody will have to do as much.
- As we (or our contractors) rake leaves and do fall cleanup, keep in mind that leaves and other natural debris NEVER should go into the lake. If you see anyone putting yard waste in the lake, please ask them to stop!
I am honored to serve as President of the Klinger Lake Association. It is a privilege to live in this beautiful area and to enjoy the treasure that is Klinger Lake. I’ll do all I can do preserve it for my children and grandchildren and generations to come. The best way to reach me for feedback or questions is via email at needham.mike@gmail.com
Mike Needham, President, Klinger Lake Association
KLA sponsored sign at the Klinger Lake Public Access site