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Our Newsletters provide the latest information on lake management and other topics of interest.


Spring 2024








2024 Membership Form





Master Angler



Congratulations to FOPL member, Linda Hamrick, who was awarded a 2023 Master Angler award for a qualifying catch in Potage Lake by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Linda caught a 36-inch Northern Pike on the Lake.




Invasive aquatic plants



Why are invasive plansts dangerous to lakes?





Invasive plants and animals have many impacts on fish and wildlife resources. They replace native plants which support wildlife and erosion. They spread quickly. Too many weeds is not good for lake health. They can block access to the water and make it difficult to swim, paddle or boat. They also reduce oxygen levels in the water that are essential for fish to thrive.



EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL





Eurasian watermilfoil is a rooted submerged aquatic plant. The leaves are feather-like with four leaves arranged in a whorl. The plant is native to Europe and Asia. The species was likely introduced and spread though movement of watercraft and water-related equipment. Its appearance is similar to native Northern Watermilfoil and native Coontail.



Starry Stonewart





Starry stonewart is a submerged aquatic macroalgae with many irregular branches. It is native to Europe. Fragments can easily attach to the fur and feathers of mammals and birds, or attach to boats or fishing equipment and spread from one water body to another. It forms dense mats in lakes and can affect the diversity of other aquatic plants. It looks similar to native Chara.



Curly -leaf pondweed





Curly-leaf pondweed is a perennial native to Asia and Australia. It was introduced to the US by hobbyist who used it as aquarium plant. It begins growing in early spring before most other weeds. It has small "teeth" visible along the edge of the leaf. It can be easily confused with the Clasping Leaf pondweed that does not have teeth" on edge. It is spread through burr like winter buds (turions), which are moved along waterways.



Carolina Fanwort (Cabomba)





Carolina Fanwort (Cabomba) is also know as Fanwort. It roots itself into the mud of shallow water. It is native to Brazil, Argentina and SE US. It forms a dense mat which with alters oxygen and ph levels. It reduces sunlight penetration and interferes with recreational water use. It was introduced for aquariums and water gardens.



Other Items of Interest



Understanding OUr Watershed





A watershed is defined as all of the land area that drains into a common low point, such as a lake or river. Rainwater and snowmelt run over the land and carry pollutants into those lakes and rivers. This form of pollution is nonpoint source pollution, since it originates from a variety of sources. Watershed management takes a holistic approach to natural resource protection, focusing on all the activities within the watershed boundaries that can impact water quality. This requires working across township, and county



Algae





Some algae multiply rapidly in lakes and rivers. Thick layers of algae, called algal blooms, may form when nutrients (mainly phosphorus and nitrogen) build up in the water in amounts in excess of naturally-occurring nutrients. Fertilizers, pet waste, improperly functioning septic tanks, grass clippings, leaves, and other yard wastes are all sources of nutrients.


read more

Purple loosestrife - Invasive plant





Purple loosestrife thrives along roadsides and in wetlands. While seeds can germinate in water, establishment is much more successful in moist substrate that’s not flooded. It prefers full sun, but can tolerate shade. Given the right conditions, purple loosestrife can rapidly establish and replace native vegetation. This can lead to a reduction in plant diversity, which reduces habitat value to wildlife. In 2020, FOPL purchased some beetles as trial to reduce Purple loosestrife near the North end of the lake. The beetles eat the plant.



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2023 Membership Form

Friends of Portage Lake



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