Houghton Lake Management Plan Michigan Lake and Stream Associations April 2009

Physical Characteristics Lake Surface Area (acres)20,044 Maximum Depth (feet)21 Mean Depth (feet)8.6 Lake Volume (acre-feet)172,463 Shoreline Length (miles)35 Shoreline Development Factor1.8 Watershed Area (square miles)172 Ratio of Lake Area to Watershed Area1 : 5.5

TempDissolvedTotal Depth(F)OxygenPhosphorus

Plant Survey Sites Grid Survey Locations

Aquatic Plant Surveys July 24 – August 1, 2001 August 19-20, 2002 August 4-6, 2003 August 23-26, 2004 August 22-24, 2005 August 21-23, 2006 August 20-22, 2007 Augsut 12-13, 2008

Robbins pondweed Thinleaf pondweed Eurasian milfoil Flat-stem pondweed Richardson’s pondweed Curly-leaf pondweed Whitestem pondweed Water stargrass Illinois pondweed Water stargrass Large-leaf pondweed

Estimated Plant Coverage: sites with plants Approximately 50% of lake area 25 plant species found

Eurasian Milfoil

Lake Board Established 2000 Includes representatives for all local governmental units Determined the scope of improvements necessary to protect or improve Houghton Lake Established a special assessment district to finance the improvements Prepares, assembles and computes statistical data on the status of the lake

Study Findings 10,800 acres of milfoil in 2001 Common or dense in 5,300 acres 21 other plants also Milfoil most abundant

2000 Satellite imagery from altitude 423 miles above earth

2002

Plant Control History Herbicides (acres treated)Acres# Weevils SonarContactsSystemicHarvestedStocked , , , , ,31035

Watershed Management Houghton Lake Guidebook Storm Sewer Inventory Uniform Storm Water Regulations Phosphorus Fertilizer Ordinance Information and Education

Update lake residents on progress Newspaper – Newsletter & Special Report over 600 Publish reports – Assist other lakes & organizations Produce “Houghton Lake” CD

Assessment District Revenue Generated 64.6% Water front –Lake – River – Canal (50.7% of parcels) 22.2 % Back Lot About a 6 iron from the water (38.5% of parcels) 13.2 % Commercial (10.8% of parcels)

What’s Next? Continue programs to improve and protect Houghton Lake. Questions... ?