The Paw Paw Lake Association (PPLA) has engaged Restorative Lake Sciences (RLS) to add to their spring 2022 report by:
1. Reviewing past aquatic vegetation and algal management practices and suggest an approach for future vegetation and algal management;
2. Review and comment on historical environmental management practices and make suggestions for future management practices; and,
3. Suggest goals, objectives and timelines for Paw Paw Lake management activities. Estimate costs for the suggested management program.
The results this report will provide a clear direction for efficient allocation of resources aimed at improving the environmental condition of Paw Paw Lake.
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PPLA continues working for you on Paw Paw Lake ...
The Paw Paw Lake Association engaged Restorative Lake Sciences (RLS) of Spring Lake Michigan to review and evaluate historical test data and other information for Paw Paw Lake and its watershed. The objective of the program is to assess the health of Paw Paw Lake, report on the lake's condition and suggest actions for managing the lake's environment. RLS has completed a draft report and the committee managing the report consisting of Doug Peterson, Rick Hoffmann, and Charlie Pater met with Dr. Jennifer Jermalowicz-Jones, RLS project manager, to discuss and comment on the draft report. Some draft report conclusions and suggestions are as follows:
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1. The environmental classification for Paw Paw Lake is believed to be Eutrophic. The lake is nutrient rich, has reduced transparency, marked dissolved oxygen depletion and elevated chlorophyll-a concentrations.
2. Paw Paw Lake's watershed land use is the major factor for its being classified Eutrophic.
3. Whole lake treatment for invasive species is not recommended. Spot treatments using materials such as ProceellaCOR (Registered Trademark) or its alternatives are considered to be better alternatives for invasive species management.
4. Paw Paw Lake's basin will continue to deteriorate unless tributaries and other non-point sources are mitigated for nutrients.
5. The public needs to be educated about the lake's condition and the steps needed to improve Paw Paw Lake's ecological state.
6. The existing Lake Improvement Program, sponsored by SAPAC, should be modified to include many/all of the proposed improvements regarding data collection and analysis including nutrient mitigation programs, invasive species treatments, and measurements aimed at evaluating progress of each program.
7. To avoid mechanical and operational problems that can be associated with auto-sampling equipment it is recommended that sampling of lake nutrients at designated collection points should be done during rain events by trained personnel to collet the mosts accurate data possible.
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Dr. Jones will review the committee's comments on the draft and visit Paw Paw Lake and its watershed. Information from the comments and visit will be used to assemble the final report.
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The Committee
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Weed and water quality issues continue to be a primary concern. The milfoil treatment was successful. SAPAC continues to work on drain issues with the Spicer Group. The floodplain reclamation project scheduled to start late summer will catch additional sediment flowing through the Branch and Derby drains. SAPAC will continue to release informational videos every month. A new informational brochure was developed for VRBP/Air B&B guests.
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News from Paw Paw Lake Foundation...
PPLF has started a pilot project to clean storm sewers to eliminate nutrients from flowing into the lake. We will get a bid specification and receive quotes for qualified sewer and catch basin cleaners using a vector truck. We estimate 100-150 catch basins should be able to be cleaned. We will work with the Drain Commissioner's office to clean the catch basins under their jurisdiction at the same time. An additional 30-50 catch basins should be able to be cleaned and paid for by the Drains Commission. Future cleaning will be determined at the conclusion of pilot project.
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