Happy Summer!   

SLPOA will be supporting a Mobile Boat Wash event at the DNR Spider Lake Launch site hosted by the Benzie Conservation District. This is part of our continued “Landing Blitz" efforts to raise awareness of the threat of aquatic invasive species that are dramatically affecting the ecology of our inland lakes.

Spider Lake is at the most serious risk for infestations of Eurasian Water Milfoil that is actually present in most of the larger lakes in our region ( Arbutus, Long, Silver, Green, Duck, Lake Leelenau and others ) . Once established it can proliferate and clog the waters making boating, swimming, fishing —indeed all enjoyment of our lake very difficult. Area lake associations are spending tens of thousands of dollars and some significantly more to control the Milfoil through physical measures and chemical control applications of pesticides. Control efforts are usually paid for through fundraising by the riparian lake community, voluntary donations, of actually Special Assessment District fees and Lake Management Plans that are set up and managed through local township authority with additional taxation applied to all lakefront property owners. Once established the invasive usually cannot be eradicated, so control is an ongoing yearly effort and expense. Other invasive that are imminently threatening are Quaga Mussels, and Starry Stonewart.

We are asking for volunteers to help protect our lake. With the Benzie Conservation District’s Mobile Boat Wash Crew I would only need a few SLPOA members - 3 to 4 other volunteers each day would be ideal. Event times are from 10am till 2pm with perhaps arrival at 9:30 for set up help.

If you are interested in helping your lake association and protecting Spider Lake,  please contact us with the dates of your availability.