That is a wrap on 2025. The Glen Lake Association (GLA) completed far more work this year than can be captured in a single article and more work will be shared in the 2025 Impact Report in the spring. Before we turn the page, here is a look at several of the most significant accomplishments that helped protect the lakes and streams that so many people care about.
Our Biggest Battle Yet: Stopping EWM from Overtaking Little Glen Lake
This year brought one of the biggest challenges the GLA has faced, which was ensuring that Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) did not gain a foothold in Little Glen Lake. EWM spreads quickly, grows aggressively, and can overtake large sections of a lake if not addressed early.
Some of the most innovative work in 2025 used drone-guided surveys and remote-operated vehicles to locate and treat invasive plants while they were still small. This methodology helped identify 570 square feet of EWM last year, and it allowed the GLA to respond quickly in partnership with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians through non-chemical removal efforts. Together, we treated the colonies discovered last year in the deep basin of Little Glen Lake using biodegradable burlap benthic barriers, which block sunlight to kill the invasive plants.
Rapid detection and rapid response continue to be key factors in success. If left unchecked, EWM can cause major ecological and economic impacts. The history of Houghton Lake is a well-known example. EWM was first identified there more than 20 years ago. At the time, little was known about the plant, and the response was limited. Within a decade, it had spread to cover an estimated 10,000 acres, which is nearly half of the lake! The plant damaged boat motors, restricted fishing and swimming, and accumulated along shorelines in foul-smelling piles up to two feet deep.
This is exactly the scenario that early action helps prevent. Working quickly helped the GLA avoid the full-scale infestations that nearby lakes are facing, including some that are now battling more than nine acres of EWM.
Because invasive species removal is never complete after a single season, monitoring of 25 sites continued on Big Glen and Fisher Lakes throughout the year. The good news: no new EWM colonies were found. Constant vigilance remains necessary to protect the long-term health of these waters.
Celebrating the Boat Wash’s 30th Anniversary
In 2025, the Glen Lake Association celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Boat Wash. Since opening in 1995, the Boat Wash has served as the most important first line of defense against aquatic invasive species. Located on the north shore of Little Glen Lake, it stops harmful plants and mussels before they reach the water.
The final 2025 numbers demonstrate both the scale and success of this program.
2025 Boat Wash Summary
- 4,040 total boats inspected
- 737 power washes
- 539 engine flushes
- 29 aquatic plants found
- 3 mussels found
- 1748 pieces of information distributed
- 0 inspections refused
We’re proud that three decades of consistent monitoring and public education have made a lasting impact on the health of the watershed.
Invasive Species Removal and Native Plant Protection
The Glen Lake Association continued more than 10 years of work to identify and remove shoreline and land-based invasive species. Surveys were completed by boat, by foot, and by drone, followed by manual removal of coltsfoot, yellow iris, purple loosestrife, and phragmites. More than 70 sites around the watershed were treated in 2025.
These efforts are producing measurable results. Since 2015, the number of coltsfoot infestation sites has decreased by 68 percent.
This year also included continued work to protect the rarest flower in Michigan, the endangered Michigan Monkeyflower. The Glen Lake Association helped maintain healthy habitat conditions at Old Settlers Park to support this state-endemic species, which is on the federally endangered species list. The flower requires very specific shoreline environments to survive encroachment from more aggressive species. Luckily, the colony is thriving, thanks to our conservation efforts supported by funding from Little Garden Club alongside local volunteers and riparians, and the Leelanau County Parks and Recreation Commission.
A Landmark for the Organization: Welcoming the First Executive Director
In 2025, the GLA welcomed its first executive director, Kate Gille. The board conducted a rigorous search and unanimously selected Kate for her deep background in environmental advocacy, strategic communications, and nonprofit management. Kate hit the ground running, and she has already begun strengthening operations, securing new funding, and expanding the GLA’s community of supporters, in addition to completing her Master of Science in marketing. Kate is a Michigan native and former park ranger at Sleeping Bear Dunes, and she looks forward to continuing to position the organization for long-term growth in the years ahead.
More to Come in 2026
The accomplishments highlighted here represent only part of what the GLA achieved in 2025. Additional scientific, educational, and operational successes will be shared in the 2025 Impact Report in the spring.
What is already clear is that the dedication of volunteers, partners, staff, and supporters helped make 2025 a year of meaningful progress. The work completed this year will continue to protect the waters enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations to come.