Looking Out For Our Lakes

Healthy Lakes Forum coming Tuesday. March 22

On Tuesday, March 22, 6pm – 8pm, the County Drain Commission will host the “Healthy Lakes Forum.”  It will be held at the Newaygo County Administration Building Board Chambers at 1087 Newell Street, White Cloud.

The event will also be available by internet. Please email [email protected] for the Teams link. Or click on this link at 6pm on March 22: Healthy Lakes Forum Teams Link.

For more information you can call the Drain Commission Office: 231-689-7213.

What is a Healthy Lakes Forum?
It is a place to learn about ways to keep our inland lakes healthy. You will hear from lake and fisheries experts about inland lake management; lakeshore best practices; and watershed actions for lakes.

Who should attend the Healthy Lakes Forum?
Anyone who lives on, uses or just appreciates our County’s lakes should attend. 
According to Dale Twing, Newaygo County Drain Commissioner, many of the problems of keeping our lakes healthy stem from unhealthy practices: old or poor sewer systems on the lakes; the use of inappropriate lawn and garden fertilizers; road run-off; and non-native or invasive plant species in the lakes and on the shorelines. 
“Part of my job as Drain Commissioner is to sit on the county’s 6 Lake Boards. I hear about many problems from lake residents, but the biggest complaint seems to be about too many weeds around their boat docks and shorelines,” states Dale.
“I found that all their information was coming from the people being paid to chemically treat their lakes for the weeds. This may not always be the healthiest answer for their problem. I felt the people needed information from experts that were independent of any financial benefit.”
The experts who will be presenting on these issues and healthy lake solutions are:  Mark Tonello from the Michigan DNR; Eric Calabro from Michigan EGLE; and Erick Elgin from MSU Extension. 

What you will learn at the Healthy Lakes Forum:
You will learn how activities on the lake, shoreline, and in a lake's watershed can both positively and negatively impact the health of the lake ecosystem. This forum will also discuss the wise use and management of our lakes and how we all play a central role.
Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your love for Newaygo County’s beautiful inland lakes and waters!