Each year, a dedicated group of Glen Lake Association (GLA) volunteers heads out by boat, Secchi disk in hand, to collect data that helps track the long-term health of the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed. Their work is part of the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP)—a statewide initiative through the Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) that has been helping communities monitor inland lake health for more than 50 years.
The GLA has participated in the CLMP program since 2001, continuing a local water-quality monitoring tradition that began in 1979. In the early years of CLMP participation, volunteers collected water samples in the deep basin for spring and fall phosphorus levels, water transparency (Secchi disk), and chlorophyll a. In more recent years, the GLA added aquatic plant survey monitoring. Historical data and trend lines have been maintained for Big Glen, Little Glen, Brooks Lake, and Big Fisher Lake, providing a long-term picture of lake health across the watershed.
This year’s sampling season has now come to a close, and GLA volunteers have submitted their final data.
Monitoring What Matters
This year, GLA volunteers collected data for four key indicators of lake health:
- Secchi Disk Transparency: Readings were taken weekly or biweekly on all lakes except Big Fisher, where the bottom remains visible year-round.
- Spring and Summer Phosphorus: One sample collected in early spring and another in late summer helps determine nutrient levels.
- Chlorophyll a: Five samples taken throughout the summer measure the concentration of microscopic algae.
- Exotic Aquatic Plant Watch: Although GLA registered for this monitoring, volunteers did not rake this season to avoid inadvertently spreading Eurasian watermilfoil, focusing instead on alternative observation methods.
“Keeping the watershed healthy is what matters most,” said Kris Fishman, GLA Board Secretary, who monitors Little Glen. “I love the wildlife and native plant life that keep our ecosystem balanced—and I love to SUP, kayak, and swim in Glen Lake.”
Her enthusiasm is echoed by other volunteers who dedicate time each summer to collecting this data. Over time, these efforts have shown that water quality across the watershed remains consistently high, with a Trophic Status Index (TSI) of 30 for Big Glen and 35 for Little Glen—indicating excellent water clarity and low nutrient levels. Brooks Lake and Big Fisher Lake have also held steady in recent years.
The People Behind the Data
The 2025 CLMP volunteer team included:
- Big Glen Lake: Fred and Jen Ford, Craig Sadrovitz
- Little Glen Lake: Rob Meyer, Kris Fishman, Jeff Weedman
- Big Fisher Lake: Andy DuPont
- Brooks Lake: Maureen Botteron, Amy Hartzog
For many, volunteering began through community connection. “When we moved to Glen Lake full time, I went to volunteer at the Empire Food Pantry,” said Rob Meyer. “Bill Meserve quickly segued to how I might help on the lake, and in no time, I was doing clarity, chlorophyll, and phosphorus readings.”
For others, this work continues a family legacy.
“My father, Mike Litch, asked me to help out, and of course, I said yes,” said Maureen Botteron, who started volunteering this year. “I have always respected, been curious, and admired the years my parents put into water quality.”
Mike Litch volunteered with the GLA for more than 20 years, collecting water samples and mentoring others in lake monitoring techniques. Maureen’s involvement carries that work forward.
“There is not one favorite thing that resonates with me about the most beautiful watershed in the world,” she added. “My parents, Sarah and Mike Litch, introduced me to Glen Lake at a very young age. The beauty of the defining shades of light and dark blue water, the snail-dotted sandy bottom, the whitecaps on windy days, the calm-glass waters of dusk and dawn, the icing over after New Year’s—all these stir my soul.”
Andy DuPont, who has been part of the program for decades and currently chairs the GLA Water Quality Committee, shared: “After retiring and moving to Glen Arbor, I wanted to get involved. I was fortunate to be invited onto the GLA board and trained in CLMP sampling techniques. Sharing this beautiful area with family and friends from around the country and world is my favorite part.”
Looking Ahead
With the 2025 monitoring season complete, GLA’s participation in CLMP continues to provide valuable insight into lake health and long-term trends. The data collected by these volunteers strengthen local stewardship, support science-based decision-making, and help ensure that the lakes remain as clear and vibrant as the day this work began.
The GLA extends its sincere thanks to all volunteers for another successful monitoring season—and for keeping the tradition of lake stewardship strong across generations.