About the CLWA
CLWA News
CLWA’S 2023 Annual Meeting held on July 22
Nearly 100 members and friends attended the 2023 Annual Meeting at the Mills Community House in Benzonia. President Sue Brown reviewed CLWA projects over the past year and presented several new initiatives that are under way. Water quality monitoring and protection will expand with the addition of part-time CLWA Lake Biologist John Ransom. Treasurer Bruce Gerhart reported on the organization’s sound fiscal condition and the allocation of its resources. Election of officers and board members had taken place by mail ballot.
Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions at the conclusion of the presentations. A primary concern was the development around the lake and weak enforcement of zoning ordinances.
Thanks to the courtesy of the Benzie County Historical Society, virtual attendance by Zoom was also provided.
To read the draft minutes of the 2023 Annual Meeting, CLICK HERE.
To watch a video of the 2023 Annual Meeting, CLICK HERE. Passcode: 2Y?a750G
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.
