Lakes are complex ecosystems and can be difficult to manage. The loss of shoreline vegetation due to development down to the water's edge, particularly in the critical shoreline area, is an increasing problem around Michigan lakes. It is important to understand how lakes work before they can be managed. The following resources offer information that is helpful in understanding lake and pond management.
Lake Management Resources
Managing Shoreline Property to Protect Water Quality (file size 903k)- Protecting Michigan's Vanishing Native Lakeshore (file size 1.5mb)
- MDEQ Management of Aquatic Plants (file size 395k)
Pond Management Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions on Pond Management (file size 84k)
- Managing Ponds for Sport Fishing (file size 7.4MB)
- Ponds - Planning, Design, Construction (file size 1.7mb)
Volunteer Lake Monitoring Programs
- Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) - MiCorps is a network of volunteer monitoring programs in Michigan. It was created through an executive order by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm to assist the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE) in collecting and sharing water quality data for use in water resources management and protection programs.
- Lake and Stream Leader's Institute
Lake Management Organizations
For further information, please contact MSU Extension-Oakland County, 248-858-0887.
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