Boat Wash
The boat wash and launch is located:
6 miles east of Frankfort (2 miles west of Benzonia/US-31) on M-115 at Mollineaux Road
Address:
5739 DNR Boat Ramp Service Road
Frankfort, MI 49635
In the spring of 2013 CLWA installed a boat washing station at the public DNR Crystal Lake Boating Access Site, off Mollineaux Road and M-115 on the southwest shore of the lake. The CLWA received the right to lease State land and operate the station as part of an agreement with the DNR, reached in response to CLWA’s concerns about the launch site’s potential to introduce invasive species being carried by boats visiting from other waters.
FOR AN ACCOUNT OF THE SETTLEMENT CLICK HERE
The station is open May through October and there is no charge for boat washing. Hot water is provided, which eliminates unwanted aquatic hitchhikers most effectively. CLWA provides limited staffing of the boat wash from Memorial weekend through Labor Day weekend and on weekends in the fall, although it is easily do-it-yourself at all times. The process is quick and easy, taking no more than five minutes for most boats.
A new Michigan law went into effect in March 2019 that requires thorough cleaning of all watercraft (including non-motorized), emptying of all water from the craft, and also restricts disposal of fish and bait. For the full text of the law CLICK HERE.
In 2013 all the Townships surrounding Crystal Lake approved ordinances ($500 fine) requiring boats to be washed prior to being launched into the lake if they have been operated in another watershed in the last 10 days.
In addition to the main DNR boat launch at Mollineaux Road, where the CLWA’s washing facility is readily available, there are several other secondary boat launch sites around Crystal Lake, for example at the Beulah Public Beach, the Crystal Lake Yacht Club, and public road ends. Boaters should be aware that the boat washing ordinances apply wherever your boat is launched – if it has navigated other waters within 10 days, it must be washed.
The red marker indicates the Boat Wash Station.
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.
