Chain of Lakes

The Washtenaw County Public Works Division has been requested by lake communities in northern Washtenaw and southern Livingston Counties to undertake a lake management program to control invasive weeds and provide lake management oversight.

This project will provide lake improvements to the Chain of Lakes by controlling invasive and nuisance aquatic weeds through the application of herbicides to the water and mechanical weed harvesting.

Please click on the image below for a video recording of the October 23, 2018 Huron River Chain of Lakes (HRCL) management project meeting. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the outcomes of the 2018 lake management season and what to look forward to as we head into the 2019 season. 

 The HRCL manager, Dr. Doug Pullman, discusses the project outcomes and expectations. The MDEQ Aquatic Nuisance Control representative, Lisa Huberty, provided information about the permit review process and answered other general questions. Other meeting attendees were two board members from the Portage, Base & Whitewood Owners Association and Washtenaw County staff involved with the project.

Video-Huron River Chain of Lakes management project meeting 10/25/2018

HRCL Project Meeting
Map of the chain of lakes with roads

Aquatic Plants

Aquatic plants are an important part of any lake or pond. They provide food and protection for fish, waterfowl, insects, mammals and microscopic animals. These plants also help replenish oxygen to the aquatic environment, critical for the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms.

However, aquatic plants can also become a nuisance. Invasive plants that are not native to Michigan can grow rapidly out of control, choking out other plants and organisms and reducing recreational options in the lake.

Starry Stonewort

Starry stonewort is one example of an invasive plant seen in Michigan waters. Click here to learn more about starry stonewort from the Huron River Watershed Council. 

Project Details

The Chain of Lakes Improvement Project is a five (5) year project to control the growth and reproduction of non-native invasive weeds, including Eurasian Milfoil and Starry Stonewort. The project will include spot treatments in problem areas and support other activities that would enhance the recreational and biological quality of the lake. Additionally, all necessary regulatory approvals and scientific studies for the chemical treatments as well as the creation of a lake management plan are included in the project.

Cost

The total estimated cost for the five (5) year project is $1,952,530. A Special Assessment District consisting of benefiting parcels in Washtenaw and Livingston Counties will cover the total estimated cost of the project. Commercial and residential waterfront and lake access parcels form the project special assessment district because these parcels receive a benefit from the implementation of the project. The cost of the project will be distributed using the formula reflecting the varying benefit provided to each type of property.

Included Lakes and Bodies of Water

The following lakes are included in this Chain of Lakes assessment and management project. Please click on the corresponding links to view the survey and analysis reports for each body of water.

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