The Health of Harper Lake
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Special Assessment District
for invasive weed control In August 2019, the Elk Township Board adopted the final documents setting up the Special Assessment District to fund the annual treatment of non-native aquatic invasive species. The annual assessment will be $50 and will appear on your December tax statement from Elk Township each year (2019-2025). The funds will be used for the treatment of invasive weed species and the monitoring of water quality in Harper Lake. The assessment district will run for seven years. At the end of the assessment, the members of the Harper Lake Association will have to petition the Elk Township Board for another seven-year assessment district. Any funds remaining in the initial assessment district will be rolled into a subsequent assessment, if initiated, or returned equally to all current property owners. |
An invasive species is one that is not native and whose introduction causes harm, or is likely to cause harm to Michigan's economy, environment or human health. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are aquatic organisms that invade ecosystems beyond their natural, historic range. Their presence may harm native ecosystems or commercial, agricultural, or recreational activities dependent on these ecosystems. |
Elk Township and the Harper Lake Association Board contract with PLM Lake and Land Management Corp of Caledonia, Michigan, to monitor, assess and treat the waters of Harper Lake for invasive aquatic species and to periodically test the lake waters. PLM visits Harper Lake several times each year to visually survey the waters, perform spot treatments and whole lake treatments as necessary, and to collect water samples for analysis and annual reporting purposes. Volunteers from the HLA Board often accompany PLM staff while they make the rounds to learn about the lake health, the problem areas and provide local assistance when necessary. PLM then provides periodic and annual reports based on their visits and treatments.
2022 Compiled Reports
2021 Compiled Reports
2020 Compiled Reports
2022 Compiled Reports
2021 Compiled Reports
2020 Compiled Reports
Above: photos of Eurasian Milfoil infestation.
Special Assessment Information/Documents:
* 2018 Lake Management Plan from Professional Lake Management
* MDEQ Communication
Public Acts (State Law) Excerpts
PA 188 PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
PA 451 INLAND LAKE IMPROVEMENTS
Special Assessment Information/Documents:
* 2018 Lake Management Plan from Professional Lake Management
* MDEQ Communication
Public Acts (State Law) Excerpts
PA 188 PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
PA 451 INLAND LAKE IMPROVEMENTS
Links:
State of Michigan Invasive Aquatics Species
https://www.michigan.gov/invasives/0,5664,7-324-68002_71240_73848---,00.html
MDEQ Aquatic Nuisance Control
https://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135-3313_3681_3710---,00.html
MDEQ aquatic plant manual
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/wrd-anc-AquaticPlantMgmt_408522_7.pdf
Starry stonewart info
https://www.mymlsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Ecological-Factors-Associated-with-Dense-Growth-of-Nitellopsis-obtusa.pdf
https://www.wolverinelake.com/Documents/WMB_Documents_Charts_Etc/Starry_Stonewort_Lakeline_Report.pdf
http://clearwaterlake.mylaketown.com/news/3
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/08/31/dnr-aggressive-approach-on-invasive-starry-stonewort
Federal Government Information:
https://www.doi.gov/invasivespecies/
Below: photos of Starry Stonewort infestation.