Ordinances
Several state and local laws, regulations and ordinances are important for protecting the water quality and safety of Crystal Lake.
Here are some of the major ones:
BENZIE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT REGULATIONS FOR SEWAGE DISPOSAL
BOAT WASHING ORDINANCES
The three townships surrounding Crystal Lake and the Village of Beulah have adopted regulations requiring that watercraft be washed before launching if they have recently been operated in other bodies of water. This is to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species. For more information, CLICK HERE.
Crystal Lake Township Ordinance
MICHIGAN BOATING LAW ON AQUATIC PLANTS
A 2019 amendment to the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act 451 of 1994 requires the removal of aquatic plants attached to watercraft that enter state waters. CLICK HERE
BENZONIA VILLAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ORDINANCES
Environmental Provisions and Tree Protection Ordinance No. 2020-03/p>Steep Slope Protection Overlay Ordinance No. 2020-04
CRYSTAL LAKE TOWNSHIP ZONING ORDINANCE
ARTICLE XXII Environmental Provisions
PUBLIC ROAD ENDS TERMINATING AT AN INLAND LAKE
Click here for Michigan State Law
MICHIGAN FERTILIZER LAW
Click here for 1994 PA 451, Part 85
CRYSTAL LAKE WATERSHED OVERLAY DISTRICT
The Crystal Lake Watershed Overlay establishes uniform zoning regulations that transcend the standard political boundaries and provides special protection for Crystal Lake. It is administered through ordinances in each of the three townships and one village within the Crystal Lake watershed. For more information CLICK HERE
Beulah Village Ordinance (Article VI)
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.
