WATERSHED NEWS
Stay connected and updated with the Glen Lake Association by following articles posted here throughout the year.
Help Us Keep It Blue
The Glen Lake / Crystal River Watershed is a special place with uniquely blue waters that we as the Glen Lake Association work hard to protect and preserve, drop by drop. That’s why we’re putting out the call to everyone who lives, works, and plays in our waters to...
Staff Spotlight: Assistant Scientist, Joe Blondia
Joe, who received his Biology degree from Grand Valley State University and completed post-graduate studies in Environmental Science at the University of Montana, is one of six highly qualified part-time staff employed by the GLA. He assists with water quality...
Guardian Tips: Boat Cover Recycling and Hazardous Waste Collection
Registration is now open for the 2024 Recycle Run, a special recycling program for boat covers that can't be disposed of through regular recycling collection. Prepare for the boating season by purchasing a Recycle Run bag from the Dr. Shrink website, which helps keep...
Yellow Iris: Help Stop The Spread
Yellow Iris has spread in the watershed over the past several seasons, and we need riparians' help in eradicating this plant. Although they appear lovely, problems arise when the seed pods mature, arch over the water, split open, and disperse. Seeds can travel far and...
2023 Annual Report – It’s All About the Water!
Our 2023 GLA Annual Report is now available online! Click the link below to access.Photo by Rob Karner
Staff Spotlight: Watershed Biologist, Rob Karner
Watershed Biologist Rob Karner has worked for the Glen Lake Association since 1977. His science-based initiatives have made the GLA a leader among Midwest lake associations. He is a key member of the expert team tasked with monitoring for and eradicating invasive...
Watershed Trivia: Name this Bird!
Watershed Trivia Question: What is the name of this bird? Watershed Trivia Answer: It is a red-breasted nuthatch. The red-breasted nuthatch is a small songbird that can be found in the Netroparks, including at Glen Lake. Location Red-breasted Nuthatches are mainly...
Volunteer Spotlight: GLA Membership Chair, Woody McCally
Woody’s family has been coming to Glen Lake since the 1930s. He has vacationed here every year of his life at the family property on Dunn’s Farm Road. All the good times he’s experienced with family and friends on such a special lake have established a deep connection...
Invasive Species Watch: Hemlock Wooly Adelgid
Eastern hemlock trees are some of the largest and most common trees in Northern Michigan and the northeastern states. They play an ecologically vital role in our environment as well as providing habitat for many species. Unfortunately, these beautiful trees are under...
Volunteer Spotlight: GLA President, Stan Kryder
Stan has been to Glen Lake every year since he was born. His family began coming to Glen Lake in 1957, originally vacationing at the old Maple Croft Resort in Burdickville, where they eventually purchased their own place. Stan has served on the GLA board since 2018 as...
Eurasian Watermilfoil Update
As we reported in October of this year, GLA boat wash staff identified two fragments of Eurasian watermilfoil (“EWM” or Myriophyllum spicatum L.) on watercraft trailers exiting Little Glen Lake. This occurred at the DNR boat launch on Day Forest Road. We know from...
Guardian Opportunity: Introduction to Lakes Online Course
What every Glen Lake Guardian needs to know, available in this convenient, self-paced, online "Introduction to the Lakes" course from Michigan State University Extension. Take your GLG commitment to the next level and enroll today. The introductory six-week online...
Join Me in Preserving Glen Lake This Holiday Season
Dear Members and Friends of the Glen Lake Association: In this year-end appeal, I want to bring attention to a pressing matter that is separate from and in addition to our annual membership dues for 2024, now due by January 31, 2024—I am writing to elicit your...
Happy Giving Tuesday from Glen Lake Association
Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving that encourages people to contribute their time, a donation, or their voice to help build a better world. This year, we hope you’ll help “build a better watershed” by supporting the GLA. Give to the GLA today to protect,...
Days of Heavy Rain Have the Crystal River Bursting at her Banks
The lake level is up five inches, and the dam gates have been dropped to their lowest level in response to the October 24 rain event. See the video below to view the Crystal River bursting at her banks. Since 1945, the Glen Lake Association has maintained and operated...
Volunteer Spotlight: GLA Technical & Water Level Committee Chair, Rick Fink
The Fink Family cottage was built on the east shore of Big Glen Lake in 1940. Growing up, Rick spent nearly every summer there, so it’s no wonder the lake has always felt like home. In 1998, he and his wife, Janice, made it their permanent home. Rick believes that the...
Watershed Trivia: Crystal River Dam Adjustments
Watershed Trivia Question: Over the past 12 months, how many times have GLA Volunteers made adjustments to the Crystal River Dam to help manage lake level and river flow? Watershed Trivia Answer: Over the past year, our team of volunteers (called “captains”) visited...
All GLA Memberships will be Due for Renewal Every January 31 Starting in 2024
Effective for 2024, all GLA memberships will be due for renewal every January 31, in order to save administrative time and associated expenses. By synchronizing renewals going forward, we will simplify the notification and collection process so that staff time can be...
Eurasian Watermilfoil Update
The Glen Lake Association has been hard at work since the early September discovery of a few floating strands of Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) in Little Glen. First, we hired Zero Gravity, LLC to conduct a drone flight over the entire deep basin of Little Glen. This...
Important Update on Invasive Species
On September 3, the Glen Lake Association identified two fragments of Eurasian watermilfoil (“EWM” or Myriophyllum spicatum L.) on watercraft trailers exiting Little Glen Lake. This occurred at the DNR boat launch on Day Forest Road. Although this is unwelcome news,...
Guardian Tip: Do Your Part – Be SepticSmart!
Proper use and routine maintenance of septic systems are vitally important to watershed protection. To protect the health of our lakes and streams, it is critically important that people who live within the watershed’s boundary regularly inspect and maintain their...
Reminder, this Saturday August 5th is our Annual Meeting
VOTE TODAY! Time extended to Vote Online or via Mail/Email Note: You must be logged in to your GLA Member Account to use Online Voting. Click here: MY ACCOUNT or access the MY ACCOUNT tab at the top of the GLA Website to log in. Then select MEMBER VOTING from the drop...
Watershed Trivia: Turtles
Watershed Trivia Question: With spring, come turtles on the move to lay their eggs...How many species of turtle are known to live in the Glen Lake Crystal River Watershed? Watershed Trivia Answer: Three - Common Snapping Turtle, Eastern Painted Turtle, and Blandings...
2022 Annual Report: It’s All About the Water!
Our 2022 GLA Annual Report is here (published in the spring of 2023) View the report online via the link below and watch for your hard copy in the mail. Be sure to check your address label on your hard copy for information on membership status... "Membership Lapsed" -...
Guardian Tip: Leave Your Leaves, Please!
Support pollinators and essential native plants this spring! Please refrain from cleaning up your gardens until the temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees. Many butterflies, bees and other pollinators are currently overwintering in the dead leaves and...
Watershed Trivia: Species of Planktonic Diatom in our Lakes
Watershed Trivia Question: Since monitoring began in 2004, how many species of planktonic diatom have been identified in Glen and Fisher Lakes? And has the diversity gone up or down over the years? Watershed Trivia Answer: Rob Karner reports 19 different diatoms (a...
Under the Microscope
At first glance, the waters of Glen and Fisher lakes appear as clear as distilled water. But magnified 450 times, a whole new world appears. Since 2014, each month from April to November, watershed biologist Rob Karner climbs on board the GLA Science boat, RV Sarah,...
Guardian Tips: Native Plants, Lake Water Irrigation and No Fertilizer Zones Slow the Lake Aging Process
Maintaining species diversity, especially amongst the smallest creatures in our lakes, is key to ecosystem health. So what can you do to prevent excessive nutrients, such as phosphorus, from entering our water? Help do your part to buffer against harmful algal blooms...
The Ice is Breaking Up!
With winter temperatures undergoing a roller coaster ride in January and February, a record number of days above freezing have caused ice cover on Glen Lake to be minimal at best. For example, ice covers Big Glen most years in the third week in January and comes off...
Do Your Part, Be Septic Smart!
Proper septic system use and routine care are vital to protecting health, preserving our highly valued groundwater, lakes, streams, and waterways, and avoiding costly repairs from neglect. Having our septic systems inspected is one of the most important things we can...
Swimmer’s Itch Prevention
Swimmer’s Itch? Prevention is the Key! People ask “why can’t the GLA eradicate swimmer’s itch on Glen Lake?” Here are a few reminders as to why: More than one bird host (common merganser) contributes to the problem. Based on the science, we now know that Canada...
Discovery Boat is Back for 2021!
The pandemic may have put our popular onboard Discovery Boat Program on hold summer 2020, but we are back in action for the 2021 Season. Morning and afternoon sessions will be offered all 5 Friday's in July, Sign up soon, the seats will go quickly! The Discovery...
Water Protection: Best Tools for the Job
Preserving and protecting our water resources takes multiple partners. One important partner in this watershed wide mission are our local governments. The Glen Lake-Crystal River Watershed boundary cuts across four different townships - Glen Arbor, Empire, Kasson, and...
Almost a Swan Song
Trumpeter Swan Photo by Rob Karner More than 100 years ago, European settlers brought the elegant Mute Swan to North America, but the beautiful birds also proved to be aggressive and invasive. By 1855 due to pressures from hunting, loss of habitat and competition...
Overlay District: Harmony on the Same Page
Being a conductor of an orchestra means you need to get all the musicians and their instruments to be in tune and on the same page. From start to finish, the music needs to harmonize. The Glen Lake/ Crystal River Watershed has within its boundaries four townships—Glen...
GLA Partners with NMC’s Freshwater Studies Class
A hands-on experience for incoming water science students proved to be a successful collaboration for GLA and Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. As part of their water studies program requirements, NMC student volunteers launched an innovative invasive...
Shared Celebrations: GLA and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
The year 2020 will be etched in history for many reasons. But despite the pandemic, chaotic politics and a world turned upside down, there have been bright spots. Among them are two neighboring Leelanau County entities that share like missions and vision: the...
Overlay District: Hard to be a Visionary
Gaining support for a plan for the future is not easy, especially when the need isn’t apparent. The Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed is a case in point. A casual look around our hills and shorelines suggests that “all is well.” It begs the question: why do we...
Today’s the Day!
Help us celebrate Giving Tuesday and protect, preserve and continue to improve our water resources in the beautiful Glen Lake/ Crystal River Watershed. By giving a gift to the Glen Lake Association, you will join friends, neighbors and the community to keep...
Overlay Districts: “Being the Best”
Tamaracks dance in the rain on Brooks Lake. Photo by Rob Karner Striving to be the best is a challenge that never ends. And though we liken ongoing efforts to protect our Glen Lake/ Crystal River Watershed as among the country’s best, we’re also aware...
Overlay Districts Aim to Protect Property Value
Hatlem Creek in Fall Photo courtesy of Ranae Ihme In the spirit of preserving property rights and property values in the Glen Lake/ Crystal River Watershed, the argument could easily shift to the close connection between property values and water quality....
GLA Weighs In On Mining Operations Statute Changes
A proposed change to an existing state statute regulating the operation of sand and gravel mining operations is being unanimously opposed by the Glen Lake Association. The change, Senate Bill 431, would restrict regulation by local units of government in the...
2019 Shoreline Survey Reveals 180 Cases of “Beach Sanding” on Glen Lake
Beach sanding is a term which describes a shoreline practice that creates an artificial “sandy beach” in a place where it does not naturally occur. A recent national study by the Environmental Protection Agency on inland lakes showed that the number one thing that...
GLA Working to Eliminate Yellow Iris
At left, yellow iris sites on Fisher Lake. The invasive species yellow iris has spread in the watershed over the past several seasons and the GLA is asking riparians for their help in eradicating the plants. Property owners have been notified and are part of the...
Understanding Overlay Districts
Steep slopes map Every watershed should have a variety of tools to protect the water. Education is one of the biggest and most effective tools but effective zoning can pay big dividends as well. Using a zoning Overlay District (OD), as defined by the boundaries of the...
Glen Lake Association Celebrates 75 years, Rob Karner Recognized for 40 Years of Service
Clear skies and the 80-degree temperatures of a perfect summer afternoon didn’t keep more than 100 people from turning out for the GLA Annual meeting this August. The commitment of this organization’s members has not waivered for more than 75 years now. Meeting...
Engineered Seawalls – Are They Appropriate for Glen Lake?
The 2017 GLA shoreline survey revealed that Glen Lake had a total of 18 engineered seawalls (made of wood, steel, or concrete), with seven seawalls located on Little Glen and 11 on Big Glen. A subsequent 2019 shoreline survey showed a reduction in...
GLA’s 2020 Annual Meeting is Thursday, August 6
The Glen Lake Association 2020 Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, August 6, from 4 pm to 5:15 pmPlease join us online! Registration is required to attend the Zoom webinar which will feature: A new 75th GLA video Special recognitions State of the...
Road End Permitted Uses
The Glen Lake Association (GLA) has been dedicated to protecting, preserving and caring for the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed for over 75 years. Through scientific research, invasive species control and education the GLA strives to protect the environment and...
New Discoveries in Swimmer’s Itch
Prevention is the Key “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” so the saying goes. This certainly rings true for Swimmer’s Itch. Prevention is the key to itch free enjoyment of our waters. Listed below are suggested preventative strategies based on GLA...
75th Celebration Fundraising Campaign: Supporting our Watershed Scientist Position
It’s all about the water…. After 75 years, the Glen Lake Association is celebrating this impressive milestone with the same basic focus: protecting and preserving the water within the Glen Lake/ Crystal River Watershed. To commemorate this accomplishment with an eye...
New Discoveries in Swimmer’s Itch
It has been widely accepted by many Swimmer’s Itch scientists that once Common Mergansers (once thought to be the major player in Swimmer’s Itch on Glen Lake) were live trapped and ready for relocation, that the approved DNR relocation sites were “safe” places to set...
GLA Pioneering New Study on Septics, Seeks Riparian Volunteers
The GLA has engaged Freshwater Solutions, LLC and the University of Alberta Canada to conduct a pioneering study on septic influences on our surface waters (lake) and drinking water (private drinking wells). Ordinarily, the county health department and/or the...
Brooks Lake – Part 3 of Satellite Water Bodies in our Watershed
When the name Brooks Lake is raised in a conversation on many of the Discovery Boat Cruises, most people do not know about it much less know that it is a lake within our watershed. It is located next to the east shore of Big Glen and it is connected to Big Glen by two...
Guardian Ambassador Shares Info on Lake-Friendly Landscapes
GLA is continuing its mission—75 years and running—to preserve and protect the quality of water in the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed. One of the association's newest initiatives is Glen Lake Guardians, which educates and advocates protecting our watershed by...
Day Mill Pond – Satellite Water Bodies in Our Watershed Part 2
The 7-acre, 3-foot deep Day Mill Pond lies west of the west end of Little Glen Lake and is easily observed from M109 highway. Hydrologically, it is connected most of the time by a 3-foot diameter culvert and a small, slow-flowing creek that empties into Little Glen....
Spotting the Invasive Coltsfoot
Coltsfoot, (Tussilago farfara) above, is the first invasive to watch out for around Glen Lake. When you see our native Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) blooming, it’s time to scrutinize your property for coltsfoot. The bloom period of these two...
Shoreline Erosion on Glen Lake
Click image to link to video. The shorelines of Glen Lake are by nature’s design, an ever-changing phenomenon. Wind and waves during periodic storm events can peel away or build up shorelines into irregular and unpredictable patterns. This natural process...
GLA is Online Webinar Sponsor
GLA is pleased to announce that we are the online webinar sponsor for the 54th Annual Michigan Lakes and Streams Association Conference that was to be held this May at Crystal Mountain Resort. That event has been cancelled but the MLSA is offering free webinars...
Report from the GLA Water Level Committee
The graph above displays the water level verse target for March. The dam gates have been at their lowest setting all winter but the Glen Lakes remain high to target due to precipitation. Starting March 15 the lake level target starts to ramp up, from 596.6’...
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