GLA staff survey the Crystal River for purple loosestrife.
We talk a lot about Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) here at the Glen Lake Association (GLA). While EWM is a highly aggressive invasive plant, it’s not the only one we’re watching. Many invasive plants pose threats to local ecosystems by threatening native species, food chains, habitats, and in some cases, overall water quality.
If that sounds like a lot to look out for, it is. But great news—the GLA has expanded its shoreline invasive species survey to the Crystal River! This allows us to gather even more data that’s critical in our mission to protect the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed.
This year, we’re proud to be collaborating more with the staff at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to share shoreline invasive species data and coordinate our efforts. By working together, we can more efficiently identify and address invasive species across the lakes and river.
Keep reading below for specifics on common invasive shoreline plants growing along the Crystal River. If you’re ready to have your property land surveyed by the GLA for invasives, send us permission so we can get to work.
Already know you’ve got invasive species growing? Grant us permission to remove them on your behalf.
Invasive Plants in the Crystal River
The Crystal River is a special place, full of peace, beautiful nature, and outdoor enthusiasts who love to recreate there. But it does share an important commonality with most watershed areas in Michigan: it’s under threat from invasive species. Data collected by our friends at the National Park Service shows that there are 74 different species of invasive plants distributed along the river! When it comes to the GLA’s Crystal River survey, there are three key offenders we’re interested in monitoring:
Yellow iris
Yellow iris
Thank you to the National Park Service for surveying the upper river for yellow iris! On the map above you can see where these notable infestations of yellow iris currently exist. If yellow iris is on your property, please contact the GLA so we can help you remove it by digging the plants out by the roots using hand tools and then hauling the debris off-site. After removal, a great replacement flower is native blue iris, which has lovely blooms each spring.
Purple Loosestrife
Purple loosestrife is another invasive plant with a deceptively beautiful look. However, just like yellow iris, purple loosestrife will outcompete native plants while also reducing habitat for fish and other wildlife. Purple loosestrife colonies can be controlled by deadheading and, in more extreme cases, certified herbicide application.
Purple Loosestrife
Earlier this month, the GLA conducted a survey for purple loosestrife, which can be seen on the map above. Thank you to Crystal River Outfitters for providing the kayaks we used to conduct this survey!
Phragmites
Phragmites are tall wetland grasses that steal nutrients from wildlife and ruin otherwise scenic shoreline views. Like purple loosestrife, these grasses are controlled through deadheading and certified herbicide application as necessary.
The great news about phragmites? The Crystal River has no significant colonies at this time! But if you’re a riparian or frequent river visitor, keep an eye out for these grasses so we can stop any future infestations before it gets out of hand.
Remove Invasives from your Shoreline
Early detection is one of the most effective tools for managing invasive species. That’s why the GLA encourages riparian property owners to provide permission in advance for land-based shoreline surveys and any necessary removal work.
We survey shorelines for invasive species throughout the year. We survey by boat and—when permitted by property owners—on land. When we identify invasives, our team informs each impacted landowner, gets permission, and then safely removes the plants with minimal disruption.
Grant the GLA advance permission to land-survey your property.
Grant the GLA advance permission to remove invasive species from your property.