About the CLWA
CLWA News
Final report on swimmer’s itch control for summer 2017
CLWA contracted with Swimmer’s Itch Solutions LLC to conduct swimmer’s itch control activities on Crystal Lake during summer of 2017. It concentrated on trapping merganser broods and moving them to other waters where the swimmer’s itch parasites are not present. By reducing one of the parasite hosts, the cycle that releases the parasites into Crystal is broken and swimmer’s itch will be decreased. Glen and Higgins Lakes has already had positive results with these methods.
The public greatly assisted the success of this program by reporting sightings of merganser broods. As a result, SIS captured a total of 14 broods (including 116 ducklings) which have been relocated to Lake Michigan or Lake Huron. By late July, all merganser broods had been removed from Crystal Lake. This reduction in the merganser population is expected to result in a lower infection rate in 2018. To read the final report on the summer’s work, CLICK HERE
Protecting Crystal Lake Now for Generations to Come.
P.O. Box 89 • Beulah, MI 49617
info@crystallakewatershed.org
231.882.4001 Tel
The Crystal Lake Watershed Association (CLWA), is a non-profit (501c3) organization.
Photography: Jay Burt and Rick Cosaro
Site by: Rick Cosaro
Quagga Mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis)
A close relative of the Zebra mussel which already infests Crystal Lake. Like its cousin, it consumes native phytoplankton and clogs lakeshore recreational equipment. More rounded shell and less prominent dark rings than the Quagga. Can grow to 2 inches in length.
New England Mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum)
Small dark snails that reproduce rapidly to high densities in many habitats. Their small size makes them difficult to detect when attached to fishing gear or watercraft. They are abundant in the Platte River.
Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)
Dark red color with bright red raised spots: look like small lobsters. Length 2.2 - 4.7 inches. Compete aggressively with native crayfish for food and habitat. Introduced by live bait dumping, aquarium trade.
Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata)
Submerged aquatic plant; green leaves whorled in groups of 4-8. Very slender stems can grow up to 30 feet long. White 3-petaled flowers. Forms dense mats that shade out native vegetation and interferes with recreational activities.
Starry Stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa)
Submerged whorls of 4-6 leaves with blunt tips; can reach up to 33 inches. Forms dense mats that significantly reduce the diversity of other aquatic plants. Mats impede movement of fish, water flow, and recreational activities.
