LAKE SCIENCES

After nine years of service to the Long Lake Association, Len Klein has had to step aside due to term limit restrictions. Thank you, Len, for your dedication, hard work, and knowledge in leading the Lake Science Team. We hope to continue to see Len join our sampling team out on the lakes as a volunteer, as his schedule allows.

The YSI meter and Secchi disk have been passed to Karen Baker, who will lead the team in 2026. Like last year, LLA has hired one intern from NMC’s Marine Technology program and will share a second intern with the Benzie Conservation District. This arrangement worked very well for us in 2025.

Last year, our water samples showed overall good quality, with only minor variations compared to previous years. The one exception was water clarity, which was negatively impacted by lower lake levels. This past winter’s snowpack, ice coverage, and spring rain are contributing to good lake levels for the start of the year.

This winter, I participated in the MSU Extension course ‘Introduction to Lakes Online.’ Even though it is an introductory online course, it is worthwhile. The course gives insight into how lakefront homeowners can help protect their watershed, the water quality, shoreline habitat, and aquatic life. I encourage lakefront homeowners to enroll in the course when it is offered again next year. One session was devoted to shoreline habitat and protection. You can help your shoreline by planting a natural buffer at your shore in place of turfgrass to reduce runoff, erosion, and sedimentation. Thinking of a new or replacement seawall? Consider a combination of native plants with deep, complex root systems and biodegradable materials like coconut fiber logs to create a living shoreline. Let’s all work together to protect our lakes so that we can enjoy them for future generations.

Lake Water Quality Monitoring | LONG LAKE

Lake Water Quality Monitoring | MICKEY LAKE

Lake Water Quality Monitoring | RUTH LAKE

Our Interns Hard at Work!