Oakland County beaches were temporarily closed in 2011 than last year due to high levels of bacteria in the water, a reality that may have as much to do with the county’s budget as conditions this summer at the county’s more than 260 beaches. When the Oakland County Health Division’s 2011 beach monitoring program ended on July 29, a total of four beaches on four lakes had been closed for a total of five days [...]

Although tiny, zebra mussels can wreak havoc in freshwater lakes and rivers. Not only do they cause economic and ecological problems, but they can also cause recreational issues by adhering to boats and cutting the feet of swimmers. Unfortunately for lakefront property owners, there aren’t many ways to eradicate this species besides physically removing them, as most chemical controls aren’t environmentally safe. But there soon may be another tool to use in the battle against [...]

Water skiing at dawn, kayaking away an afternoon, splashing through the sandbar, catching a fish for dinner, or simply sitting and enjoying the moonlight on the water. All of these sound like the components of a fantastic vacation. Yet, for many lucky lakefront property owners and residents, it’s their everyday reality. And while it may not be Hawaii or some exotic Caribbean island, Oakland County — with its some 400 lakes — offers its own [...]

Can you imagine your mother tucking you in all nice and cozy only to leave for good after she’s all done? Well, that is exactly what happens when female turtles lay their eggs That’s right. Turtles lay their eggs, bury them, and then they’re on their own. The mothers don’t wait around for them to hatch or guard them while they are just eggs. In fact, the mothers may not ever see their offspring. “All [...]

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking to renovate the Cass Lake boating access site at Dodge Park No. 4 and is giving the public, including those owning property on or living on the lake, a chance to have their say. A special public meeting on the proposal has been scheduled by the DNR for 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4 inside Dodge Park No. 4 in Waterford Township at the boating access site. [...]

Times are changing. Facebook is no longer just a tool to connect with new and old friends. Twitter is no longer just way to follow the crazy thoughts and actions of celebrities like Lady Gaga and Charlie Sheen. And YouTube is no longer just a frivolous way for college students to put off studying for finals. Instead, social media outlets such as these are turning into powerful tools used by environmental organizations and advocacy groups [...]

Quake on the Lake, one of Oakland County’s premier summertime events, is just around the corner, slated for July 16-17. For the first time in 42 years, the American Power Boat Association’s (APBA) National Inboard Hydroplane Championships will be held in Michigan as part of this summer’s 12th annual Quake on the Lake event, which has drawn over 350,000 spectators in the past decade. Last year alone about 35,000 spectators attended the event. “The APBA [...]

Aggressive. Dominant. Threatening. These typically aren’t the words associated with algae found in lakes, and yet they accurately describe starry stonewort — a plant-like algae that has the potential to be the greatest challenge to lake management efforts in recent years. Starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa) is not native to the United States, and like many aquatic invasive species, it’s believed that starry stonewort earned free passage to America as a stowaway in the ballast water [...]

Rarely is anything perfect on the first try. The same principle applies to the creation of laws — many of which will go through a period of evolution before they are anywhere near to perfect — including the state law related to lake improvement boards. “When a law is put into place, it has all the best intentions in the world. But then you discover the unintended consequences, and hopefully you make corrections to make [...]

A volunteer-based program designed to educate the public about aquatic invasive species and help prevent the spread of invaders that can damage inland lake ecosystems is looking for a few good men and women. Managed through the Michigan Sea Grant — a cooperative program of the University of Michigan (U-M) and Michigan State University (MSU) — Clean Boats, Clean Waters program volunteers are organizing to educate boaters about where they are most likely to find [...]