Committees
CLWA committees are responsible for carrying out most of the programs of the organization. They are active, multi-facetted, and composed of Board members as well as interested CLWA members.
Article VII of the CLWA Bylaws establishes four standing committees and provides for the formation of additional standing and special committees as needed.
If you are interested in joining a committee, contact the chair at info@crystal@lakewatershed.org.
Crystal Lake Swimmer’s Itch Partnership
Chair: Ron Reagh
The Crystal Lake Swimmer’s Itch Partnership (CLSIP) was formed to combat the problem of swimmer’s itch. It includes representatives from Frankfort, Beulah, Congregational Summer Assembly, Chimney Corners Resort, Crystal Beach Cottagers’ Association, and Crystal Lake Yacht Club. It is now a standing committee of the CLWA and actively participates in a regional coalition of 24 lake associations, the Michigan Swimmer’s Itch Partnership.
Development
Chair: Barbara Leonard
The primary function of the Development committee is to promote the growth and vitality of a large, involved, supportive and active membership. It is also responsible for coordinating all fund raising activities.
Education and Communication
Chair: Ellen Herscher
The Education and Communication committee works to inform the public about the value of Crystal Lake and its watershed, threats to the watershed environment, and the need for responsible stewardship. It also serves to communicate the work of the CLWA to its membership and the broader community. It is responsible for publishing the semiannual newsletter Crystal Whitecaps, exhibiting at art fairs and other events, developing informational materials and brochures, coordinating the Walkabout educational program with local schools, maintaining the website, and publicizing CLWA projects and events.
Water Quality
Chair: Hugh Walton
The primary function of the Water Quality committee is to obtain and record consistent and long term scientific measurements of the water parameters that determine the overall health of Crystal Lake. It also develops strategies to remediate the effect of threats that may arise. Currently it conducts regular testing of lake water for temperature, pH, specific conductivity, dissolved oxygen and clarity, records lake levels and erosion, and inspects for the appearance of invasive species. To deter aquatic invasives from hitchhiking into Crystal Lake, the committee oversees the boat washing station that CLWA operates at the DNR boating access site.
Land Use
Chair: Tom Kucera
The Zoning and Land Use Committee promotes land uses in the watershed that are protective of the water quality in Crystal Lake. The committee works with property owners, local governments and others to promote voluntary activities and regulations that protect shoreline and watershed health. The Committee has also been instrumental in writing a Watershed Management Plan for the Betsie River/Crystal Lake Watershed, completed in 2016.
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.
