Page 2 - 77456 ALPOA Newsletter 2021

Loving Our Lake
21
COOPERATIVE LAKES MONITORING PROGRAM
ALPOA has participated in the CLMP program since back in the early 1970’s. The program is a partnership between several organizations including Michigan Lake and Stream Association, DEQ, Michigan State University, Great Lakes Commission and Huron River Watershed Council. Michigan citizen volunteers receive training on how to run water quality tests and take samples for testing by the Michigan DEQ.
ALPOA members conduct the tests and collect samples on our lake from early spring into fall. The samples are taken to a DEQ location for testing and the results are published online at the end of the season.
In January 2020, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) announced funding for the CLMP program was exhausted and the program would not run in 2020. Renewed funding has been acquired and we will be participating during the 2021 season.
Our association volunteers conduct the Secchi Disk Water Transparency test weekly, Total Phosphorus spring and fall, and chlorophyll sampling. There are additional tests available, however, we are not conducting these tests currently.
The water sample testing provides the opportunity to measure and track the water quality of our lake. Generally, the tests and sampling indicate our water quality is good.
Our Arnold Lake CLMP volunteers are Mike Toner, Bob Faught, Tony Koritnik, Don Ferguson and Matt Southern. Please let them know we appreciate their efforts to maintain the health of our lake.
Since 2011, we have contracted with PLM Lake and Land Management Corp. in Evart, Michigan to provide water quality maintenance services for our lake. From approximately May to October, PLM works to help us maintain the water quality by treating the lake for invasive aquatic plants and nuisance native plants using systemic and contact herbicides. In the spring, property owners are notified via mail of treatment to be applied. On the days of treatment, shoreline posting will inform property owners of the treatment and any appropriate warnings. Tentative weed control dates are listed on the next page. Any changes will be posted on ALPOA Facebook.
As property owners we are stewards of the lake and it is also our responsibility to help maintain the quality of our lake for property values, recreation, and aesthetics.
LOON NESTING
PLATFORM
The ALPOA board authorized the expense not
to exceed $300 for the construction of a loon nesting platform. Research was conducted and the Michigan Loon Preservation Association was contacted for information related to construction and placement of the floating platform.
John Marion and Matt Southern constructed the platform during the winter in John’s garage. The flotation portion is schedule 40 PVC construction pipe with capped enclosed ends. The deck is wood construction and the top is bamboo matting. The matting is a protective device to protect the nest and baby loons from attacks from eagles and other birds of prey. Cement blocks hold the platform
in place. John, Matt, and John Hood secured the platform on location.
The nesting platform is located on one of the canals in the south part of the lake. This location has been used by the loons in the past for nesting. The location is well marked with signs indicating “loon nesting – keep out.” Loons enjoy their solitude, so we request you avoid this area and enjoy the loons when they are out on the lake. Photographs may be viewed on the ALPOA Facebook page.
If you want to learn more about loons or join the Michigan Loon Preservation Association, please contact Joanne C. Williams, MLPA – MLW, P.O. Box 294, Shepherd, Mi. 48883. Donations are accepted.