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The Health of Harper Lake

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.

Elk Twp Board Minutes - Jul 27, 2019
     Excerpt showing discussion
Elk Twp Board Minutes - Aug 13, 2019
Picture

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.

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


Above: photos of Eurasian Milfoil infestation.


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.