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A REGULAR MEETING OF LEELANAU CLEAN WATER (LCW) WAS HELD AT 9:00 AM ON THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015 IN THE COMMUNITY MEETING ROOM OF THE LEELANAU COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER,
SUTTONS BAY, MICHIGAN 1. Call to Order
Sarah Litch called the meeting to order at 9:00 AM Welcome & Introductions
Sarah Litch, Glen Lake Association Hugh Farber, Lake Leelanau Lake Assn. Mike Litch, Glen Lake Association Tom Kelly, ISEA, ret. Buzz Long, Leelanau Conservation Dist. Elise Carol, MSU Extension Horticulturalist Yarrow Brown, Leelanau Conservancy Kama Ross, Forester, Leelanau Cons. Dist. Len Allgaier, Little Traverse Lake Conservationists Carol Peterson, South Bar Lake Assn. Carolan Sondregger, Grand Traverse Band Aquatic Biologist Chris Garthe, Leelanau Cons. Dist.
Staff: Kristin Smith, Senior Planner
2. Consideration of Agenda The agenda for the June 18, 2015 meeting, was accepted by consensus, as presented.
Consideration of the May 21, 2015 Minutes Litch submitted some minor grammatical changes. Smith mentioned the presentation by Greg Goudy is available on the Leelanau Clean Water Meeting page of the website. Long appreciated the minutes. He was not in attendance at the meeting, but felt like he was. The minutes from the May 21, 2015 meeting, were accepted by consensus, as modified.
3. Public Comment None.
4. Staff Comments Smith mentioned the Household Hazardous Waste Collection held on May 30th in Maple City was a success with 425 households participating. This was the largest collection in Leelanau County history. She noted the Grand Traverse Band will be hosting the August 29th Collection across from the Leelanau Sands Casino, just north of the BP Gas Station. The other collections include July 18th at the Government Center and October 3rd in Elmwood Township at the Cherry Bend Park. National Speaker and Environmental Gerontologist, Esther Greenhouse, will be speaking on housing issues in Leelanau County, immediately following this Leelanau Clean Water Meeting.
5. Presentation – Kama Ross & Chris Garthe Litch introduced Kama Ross as the Forester for the Leelanau Conservation Dist. Chris Garthe is a self‐proclaimed
‘Bachelor Norwegian Farmer’ and Plant Specialist for the Leelanau Conservation District. Litch noted the
importance of the concept and presentation because buffers along the water, should have happened a long
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time ago in the whole state. It is one of the goals of the Glen Lake Association to have people plant buffers. It is
also a requirement, in order to be a Lake Guardian.
Ross noted her specialty is timber management along riparian areas, which is a whole different subject. She
mentioned her family just purchased additional lake frontage on Lake Leelanau and will be putting in a buffer on
her new property. She mentioned education is the key regarding buffers and that is what the Conservation
District is all about.
Garthe commented a shoreline with mowed grass down to the water is inviting to water fowl. A buffer zone
would be something to put in to keep them off. Waterfowl like to have a 360 degree lookout. He noted a
deterrent would be an un‐mowed 20 foot section from the water’s edge up. Garthe discussed the seedbank
suppression due to continuous mowing. If you quit mowing, this will come to life. Ross discussed the creativity
that can occur in a buffer.
Ross mentioned the Conservation District has been in the business of offering native trees shrubs and perennial
plants since the 1950s. Long noted the Conservation District was formed in 1953. Ross said more recently the
May sale of perennial plants has been part of the Conservation District. Plants sold are native genotype friendly,
affordable plants that can be used in riparian zones. She encouraged people to find out what is appropriate for
their location, whether they buy from the Conservation District or not.
The Conservation District can provide evaluation of a landowner’s site for species and provide information for
them to be successful in their planting efforts. She said the Conservation District is not in competition with the
private sector, but the goal is to enhance what is they are doing and offer technical support if needed. Garthe
noted Steve Christiansen is the in‐house oil Soil Erosion officer as well as the Drain Commissioner and is housed
in the Conservation District offices, now located in the lower level of the Government Center.
Ross noted the intention of the presentation is to cover the specifics of species selection. Garthe commented
every shoreline is different. It is important to find out what is part of your plant community and enhance it.
(Please refer to the Powerpoint at the end of the minutes for additional information and pictures of featured
plants.)
Lower Shoreline
Bulrush – 27 species of it. A type of grass, spread by rhizomes. If you quit mowing down to the shore, Bulrush
will appear on the shoreline. Grows 6 – 8’ tall
Allgaier asked what encourages Bulrush to grow. He referenced Little Traverse Lake. Garthe noted plants are
opportunists and when the proper environment is there they will exploit it. Allgaier discussed erosion issues on
Little Traverse Lake and the fact the Bulrushes are appearing 30 – 40’ out from their original locations. Garthe
commented this may even be the root system of one plant.
Peterson asked if they resembled Phragmites. Garthe noted the stalk of Phragmites is segmented and they grow
like a grass; node, leaf, node, leaf. Bulrushes are a tapered tube with a seed head.
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Carol briefly discussed soil testing available through MSU Extension at a cost of $25. Information is available
online at www.msusoiltest.com. She noted it is only recommended you have your soil tested every three years.
Garthe noted a soil test provides a good window of your base and what you are working from. He noted MSU
Extension or the Conservation District can provide reference material of what plants will grow in your type of
soil.
Blue Flag Iris
Garthe commented the Blue Flag Iris are growing right now. He mentioned on 633 just south of Herman Rd. and
the Suttons Bay High School, they are blooming like crazy in the ditch. They can also be seen on Kiel’s Lake,
north of Northport. It indicates to him it is an alkaline shoreline.
Buttonbush
Garthe commented Buttonbush is a good nectar flower and is native to Michigan. However, it is more
commonly found south of Ludington to Bay City. It also provides a good seed source to birds.
Other native plants in the seed bank are: Sweet Flag, Water Plantain, White Water Lily, Arrow Arum,
Arrowhead Common bur‐reed, and Pickerel Weed.
Garthe commented if you stop mowing you often will not need to plant these. They will often just appear.
Shoreline (between water level and OHWM)
Cardinal Flower:
Garthe often sees Cardinal Flower in the southern part of Leelanau County, near Glen Lake, Crystal River or on
LaCore Rd. north of Empire where there are huge colonies. It is a good nectar plant and is a secondary helper
for a beneficial insect. It is also considered to be poisonous, although Ross commented the concern is with
eating the leaf.
Allgaier discussed a plant he could not identify on his property. Garthe said if you don’t know what it is bring it
in. Carol said you can bring plant and bug samples to MSU Extension offices. On Wednesdays they have a
diagnostic clinic. It is held on the last Wednesday of the month in Leelanau and on the other Wednesdays in
Grand Traverse County. Ross commented in addition to bug and plant identification, they can address disease
concerns as well. Carol said people can call with questions, or send emails with photos. She noted it is nice to
hear what is going on in people’s yards.
Great Blue Lobelia:
Garthe commented the Great Blue Lobelia is basically a blue cardinal flower. It can be seen along 642 near
Rocky’s Upholstery shop. It is a good nectar plant
Joe Pye Weed:
Garthe said it is good nectar plant as well, but surprisingly has no fragrance.
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Red Osier Dogwood:
It is very common and just got done blooming a short time ago. The deer love it and it is one of the most cold
hardy plants in the area. It will also grow from a cutting said Ross.
Ninebark:
Garthe said it requires wet land. Ninebark provides good nectar and berries in the winter. It is a controllable
shrub.
Other shoreline native plants include: Boneset, Swamp Milkweed, Silky Dogwood, Speckled Alder, Black Willow,
Eastern Cottonwood.
Upper Shoreline (above the OHWM)
Switch Grass:
Garthe commented it looks very similar to Sand Reed Grass which lives on dunes. Switch Grass requires a little
better soil. Carol commented Switch Grass can be found around most of the light posts on the Government
Center property.
Heliopsis
Garthe said Heliopsis is one of his favorites for a shoreline planting. It is a good soil stabilizer. It is also a late seed
producer for the benefit of birds. It is a member of the sunflower family.
Highbush Cranberry
Often found along streams, if planted make sure they are the North American variety.
Marram Grass:
Found on Great Lakes shorelines. Grows well on shifting dunes. It is available at the Conservation District
seedling sale. It is specifically for sandy shorelines.
Bearberry:
Bearberry is very common and grows in swampy areas. It grows on the bluffs at Peterson Park, right out of the
clay. It can also be found at the Good Harbor Trailhead, near the sandy dunes in that area. He noted it is a very
versatile, tough plant. Carol commented it is planted to the right of the entrance door to the Government
Center. She noted plant labels will be added this summer to the plants at the Government Center. She also
hopes to involve the Conservation District and the Leelanau Conservancy with that project.
Kelly suggested the idea of a driving tour of Leelanau County to see these plants.
Other upper shoreline native plants: Butterfly Weed, Elderberry, Bergamont, Indian Grass, Serviceberry,
Hazelnut, Common Witchhazel, White Pine, Black Cherry, White Oak
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Ross noted there are many more species to consider and the Conservation District is always willing to add
additional species to their list.
Native Grasses for Filters
Little Bluestem:
Garthe said it is very common on dunes.
Big Bluestem:
Big Bluestem is usually 2 – 6 feet and not as tall as what is pictured.
Prairie Dropseed:
Carol noted Prairie Dropseed are the perfectly formed little grasses outside of the Government Center.
Native Trees to Plant:
Ross discussed Ash and Cedar dying along the wetlands. She stressed the importance of diversity in tree
selection as well as seeking alternatives. The following is a list of alternatives that Ross would recommend:
Northern White Cedar, Balsam Fir, Eastern Hemlock, Black Spruce, Swamp White Oak, Red Maple, Shagbark
Hickory, Hackberry, Willow, Yellow and White Birch, Aspen
Edible Riparian Buffers:
Ross said she often gets requests for ideas for those who want to forage for edibles in the buffer zone as an
activity. Some options include American Elderberry, Mulberry and American Hazelnut.
Natural Resource Education – a mission of the Conservation District
Ross noted the Conservation District is happy to provide presentations for Lake Associations or service groups.
They do site visits at no cost for their services. They can write articles for newsletters. They do workshops and
provide plant sales. The Conservation District is also open to new ideas like the driving plant identification tour.
Allgaier discussed climate change issues including the loss of deciduous trees, white pine, birch and cedar. He
wondered if these are water table related or the stress of change. With all of the change occurring he felt it
would be useful to have a repository of what changes are being seen in various locations to determine if the
change is systemic or only in a certain place. Ross likes to feel she is the point person for this with respect to
forestry. She is always networking with DNR, forest service and park service.
Mike Litch asked about jewel weed. He noted it is crowding out other species in his wetland area and is growing
really tall. Garthe commented it is telling you the conditions are ideal for it to proliferate. It is an annual and
starts from scratch every year.
Kelly still sees contractors removing every speck of native vegetation off the lot down to the water. How do we
reach out to them? He discussed the change in consciousness related to industry in America, where belching
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smoke stacks no longer signals progress. He hopes to see a similar change in consciousness related to water
quality where a green lawn down to the water is no‐no.
Farber commented the Lake Leelanau Lake Association has worked on this problem. He thinks the key is to get
real estate people, contractors and those who issue building permits on board. If people aren’t pushed in the
right direction then they won’t go that way. Garthe commented people mowing to the shore not doing it to be
vindictive but they just don’t know and consider anything growing between the water and their patio is an
impediment. We need to teach them it is part of the view to be enjoyed and enhanced. Allgaier commented the
people who issue permits can help with this effort and provide effective communication. Ross commented Drain
Commissioner, Steve Christensen, does as good of a job as he possibly can concerning education with the
permits he issues. Members briefly discussed the importance of getting the message to property owners early in
the process. Litch commented it seems like it should be tied into the building permits
Leelanau Conservation District is moving on Monday, June 22, 2015 to the lower level of the Government
Center.
6. Discussion/for Action Items A. Update on Research Project for Swimmer’s Itch
Mike Litch discussed the upcoming research project on Swimmer’s Itch by Oakland University and graduate
student, Madeline Messner. They will conduct testing on various lakes in Leelanau County to better understand
conditions which promote Swimmer’s Itch. They are coming to a number of lakes in Benzie and Leelanau
Counties, including: Glen Lake, Lake Leelanau, Little Traverse Lake, Lime Lake, Crystal Lake and Platte Lake.
Messner is working to better understand the factors that promote increases in the cercaria produced from the
snails as well as other conditions that promote Swimmer’s Itch. She has created a timeline of where she will be
and when, as well as what will happen. There will be a meeting for training to help understand metadata related
to the cercaria. Mike Litch can provide a timeline to those who are interested.
Litch said for $500 per lake there is a wealth of information provided including DNA testing for the type of
cercaria, pesticide and nutrient testing which will become part of the database. Allgaier noted the QPCR analysis
was the major expense and cost driver. Allgaier would want to test for E. coli (human) due to the septic issues in
the Little Traverse Lake area. He noted he has lined up a donor to pay for additional costs for E. coli. He would
pick one site with a high probability of Swimmer’s Itch. A second site would be selected based on antiquated
septic systems in low lying areas.
Mike Litch commented the researchers theorize herbicides and pesticides are affecting the algae in the water as
well as the water column. Nutrients and contaminants could promote the growth of the snails that produce the
cercaria and cause Swimmer’s Itch.
Litch noted money needs to be in order for lake sampling by June 27th. Messner would like to meet with all of
the lake associations. They are required to provide a volunteer in order to show them how to use the equipment
for sampling. They hope to extend this testing into next year for other lake associations (possibly Cedar and Bar
Lakes). They are trying to raise additional funds through grants and foundations, to expand the study, through
Oakland University.
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B. July Presentation Update: Water Quality Monitoring Compilation & Computer Site
Litch said Cal Killen will be here to present the Water Quality Monitoring Compilation that he and Litch have
been working on. Litch thought it will be a great ‘place’ to keep all of the water monitoring, testing and
information and share it. There has previously been no place to put testing data for Glen Lake, which is
extensive. She feels when the work is completed this data will be in very good shape. Mike Litch noted there is
MiCorp data from CLMP (Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program) in one spot and Excel spreadsheets for
shoreline surveys in another. The program is helpful to have it all in one spot and can be compared with other
lake associations.
Litch noted each of the parameters of the testing includes benchmarks which are color coded. Litch briefly
discussed the section called the Library. Under the Library, presentations or Powerpoints can be included.
Pictures can also be posted. Everyone that feeds data into it will have a code to get into it and add additional
information. Litch thought the site would be a gem for the county to host. It is the big picture of water quality in
the County.
Smith suggested IT Director, Ron Plamondon could talk to Cal. At the very least a link to the site could be on
www.leelanau.cc. Litch suggested inviting Ron Plamondon to the next Leelanau Clean Water Meeting. Smith will
extend the invitation.
She noted lat /long for every testing site has yet to be added. She noted data can be uploaded from an
organization’s site and put into a graph. The July meeting will make people aware of the architecture.
Litch discussed the importance of putting the data out there for people to see. Allgaier discussed the way the
site came about. All of the testing sites are on a map. Litch emphasized the site is very user friendly.
7. Communication Items/Reports
A. Excessive Nutrient Loading
Litch mentioned Karner was interested in having LIAA (Land Information Access Association) do a gap analysis of
township master plans, zoning ordinances, and watershed plans to identify what is not being done in terms of
what needs to be done, what hasn’t been taken care of and what is being proposed in terms of the care of the
land and water. The Tip of the Mitt did this type to see where protection is lacking. It is a third person analysis to
determine what the ordinances cover in terms of greenbelts, setbacks, buffers, etc. Recommendations would be
made by an expert panel. A large study was done in Lake Charlevoix. Karner suggested this analysis be
conducted in Leelanau County. He had the idea that Leelanau Clean Water could do it for the county or
townships within the county. Allgaier suggested the option of a model ordinance, township by township.
Lake Charlevoix looked at ordinances and rated their strengths in terms of protection with regard to something
like greenbelts. They also determined what the shortfalls were. Each township was rated in each area. It was a
third party analysis, not just lake associations telling the townships what they need to do. The document was
127 pages. She has heard Grenetta Thomassey present about the gaps they have uncovered and addressed.
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Farber discussed the Supervisor meeting in Leelanau County. All but one township was represented (Cleveland).
He noted water was never mentioned by any of the Supervisors when asked what was important. Allgaier
discussed the idea of filling the gaps with ordinance provisions, with information that can be inserted into a
master plan for protection of our water. Create the vacuum with gap analysis and offer to help them fill it with a
model ordinance document or master plan document.
B. Invasive Species
Litch discussed her work under Water Quality Monitoring Compilation.
C. Fracking No report.
D. Communications
Farber is working to put an ad in the Enterprise for the upcoming meeting with Cal Killen. He would like to
emphasize the importance of attendance by lake associations at the July meeting.
E. Water Sampling: No additional report
F. Reports from LCW Members
Kelly noted they received a mini‐grant from Trout Unlimited. They will be in Northport doing sampling in
Northport Creek. It will be added to the Water Quality Monitoring Compilation. He has also been in contact with
Mary Beeker from NMC Online Water Library. It is background work for them to make recommendations on
habitat for trout.
Long received a permit for treatment of terrestrial invasive species along the lakeshore and inland lakes. It is for
three years. There is money for surveying. They are working on funding for treatment with the townships.
Bingham and Suttons Bay have updated and upgraded their ordinances to cover all invasive terrestrial species
with no time frame. The Conservation District is working with the Village of Northport. They have a large
Phragmites stand problem.
Smith noted the Zoning Ordinances & Master Plans for the townships are posted on the county website
www.leelanau.cc. Steve Patmore is the Zoning Administrator and Kathy Egan is the Planner for both Suttons Bay
and Bingham Townships.
Kids Fishing Day will be held from 11AM – 3PM next Sunday, June 28th at Veronica Valley.
8. Public Comments: None
9. Staff Comments
Smith noted there were 425 households that participated in the first Household Hazardous Waste Collection at
the Maple City Road Commission. The next collection will be on July 18th at the Government Center.
10. Adjourn The meeting adjourned, by consensus, at 10:45AM.
Choosing Plants, Shrubs and Trees for
Your Shoreline Native Plants to Consider When Creating a Buffer Along Water
Chris Garthe, Native Plant SpecialistKama Ross, District Forester
LEELANAU CONSERVATION DISTRICTPhone: (231) 256-9783 www.leelanaucd.org
What to Avoid!
What to Create!
Leelanau Conservation DistrictOffering bare root native trees, shrubs
and perennial plants since ?
Annual April Native Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale
Annual May Native Plant Sale
Affordable way to plant large areas for reforestation, windbreaks/living fences, wildlife habitat, erosion control, absorb wave energy, discourage geese/ducks…
On-site recommendations: site evaluation, species selection and planting information – at no charge!
Coordinating with landscape contractors
Lower Shorelinebelow the ordinary high water mark (OHWM)
only native Michigan species may be planted here - MDEQ
Bulrush Grass-like leaves 6-8’ Tall Dense, Spreading Plant right into
water’s edge
Lower Shoreline
Blue Flag Iris Bloom: May – July
Height: 2 – 3’
Wet to moist soil
Full sun to partial shade
Naturally found in wet meadows
Lower ShorelineButtonbush
Multi-stemmed shrub Height 6’ Unusually round,
fragrant flowers Nectar source Full sun to part
shade
Other native plants:
Sweet Flag Water Plantain White Water Lily Arrow Arum
Arrowhead Common Bur-reed Pickerel Weed
ShorelineBetween water level and OHWM
Cardinal Flower Bloom: July – September
Height: 2 – 4’
Natural habitat –streambanks & swamps
Full sun to filtered shade
Attracts hummingbirds
Poisonous
Shoreline
Great Blue Lobelia Bloom: July – September
Height: 1 – 3’
Full sun to partial shade
Naturally found in rich lowland woods, meadows, marshes, and streambanks
Shoreline
Joe Pye Weed Bloom: August –
September
Height: 4 – 6’
Prefers full sun in a moist soil
Will grow in partial shade
Shoreline
Red Osier Dogwood
Red multi-stemmed shrub
Flowers: June Fruit: August-October Height: 3 – 6’ Full sun to part shade
Shoreline
Ninebark Multi-stemmed
shrub
Whitish-pink flowers: June
Red fruit capsules
Full sun to partial shade
Height 10’
Other native plants:
Boneset Swamp milkweed Silky dogwood Speckled alder Black willow Eastern
cottonwood
Upper Shorelineabove the OHWM
Switch Grass Height: 2 – 7’ Deep rooted: 10 – 11’ Broad range of soils Very nutritious –
palatability declines at maturity
Upper Shorelineabove the OHWM
Heliopsis Also known as Smooth
Oxeye, member of the sunflower family
Bloom: July – August Height: 3 - 4’ Spreads prolifically
Upper ShorelineHighbush
Cranberry
Found along streams, open or lightly shaded swamps & wet grounds
Moderate shade-tolerant
Flowers: May - June Fruit: September,
persistent
Upper Shoreline
Marram Grass Found on Lake
Michigan shoreline Spreading Drought/sand
tolerant 1-3’ in height Full sun
Upper Shoreline
Bearberry Found on Lake
Michigan shoreline Full sun Spreading Drought/light traffic
tolerant
Other native plants:
Butterfly weed
Elderberry
Bergamot
Indian grass
Serviceberry
Hazelnut
Common Witchhazel
White pine
Black cherry
White oak
Shoreline-Upper Shoreline
Sky Blue Aster Marsh Blazing Star Spiderwort New England Aster Indian Grass Culver’s Root Swamp Buttercup Ferns Nannyberry
Arrowwood Viburnum
Elderberry Hazelnut Blueberries Serviceberry Or we’ll help you find
a suitable native species!
Many More Species to consider:
Native Grasses for Filters
Little Bluestem Root depth: 5 – 8’
Drought tolerant
Valuable for erosion control
Height: 3’
Beautiful bronze-orange fall color
Native Grasses for Filters
Big Bluestem Height: 2 – 6’
Quality forage
Only 1/3 of plant is above ground –deep root
Native Grasses for Filters
Indian Grass Height: 3 – 10’ Deep root system, drought
tolerant Erosion control Prefers moist soil in full sun Used as an ornamental
grass Palatable when young, less
so as it ages
Native Grasses for Filters
Prairie Dropseed Easy to grow Clump-forming All soil types Full sun to partial shade Drought tolerant Seed heads fragrant Attracts birds
Native Trees to Plant Northern White
Cedar Balsam Fir Eastern Hemlock Black Spruce Swamp White Oak
Red Maple Shagbark Hickory Hackberry Willow Yellow and White
Birch Aspen
Edible Riparian Buffers
Mix of species produces a range of fruit and nuts Attractive to pollinators Fun!American Elderberry, Mulberry, American Hazelnut,…
Natural Resource Education – a mission of the Conservation District
Present at Lake Association events On-site visits Articles for newsletters Workshops Plant sales Your ideas for how we can help your
communities?
Contact Us:Buzz Long, Executive Director
Susan Cordes, Administrative AssistantSteve Christensen, Erosion Control Technician &
Leelanau County Drain CommissionerTom Adams, Natural Resource Specialist
Chris Garthe, Native Plant SpecialistKama Ross, District Forester
LEELANAU CONSERVATION DISTRICT8527 E. Government Center Drive, Suttons BayPhone: (231) 256-9783 www.leelanaucd.org
