Home > News >
Sylvania news
Crooked Lake
On January 18, 2012, the Ottawa National Forest announced that the Crooked Lake boat landing is being modified to a carry down only facility to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species into the lake.
Thanks to everyone who wrote a letter in support of this.
(to read the Forest Service press release, go to Ottawa National Forest; to read the full text [a letter to people on the FS mailing list regarding this matter], click here)
(Posted January 19, 2012)
The Ottawa National Forest has recently released a proposal related to reducing the threat of introducing aquatic invasive species into Crooked Lake. Click on ONF-Plan to read and/or print the 5-page document.
A related ONF document, describing the history of the Eurasian watermilfoil infestation in Crooked Lake, was released at the same time. Click on EWM-History to read and/or print this 3-page document.
The ONF proposal outlines three options for reducing the threat of introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species in Crooked Lake. Option #1 would maintain the status quo, which is just monitoring the existing infestation of Eurasian watermilfoil and removing plants if they are found. Option #2 involves introducing milfoil beetles to attempt to control the E. watermilfoil biologically. Option #3 involves modifying the Crooked Lake boat launch to make it a "carry-down" facility, and no longer permit boats to be launched from trailers. Boats launched from trailers are the primary way in which aquatic invasive species are introduced into our lakes, as fragments of weeds and invasive animals (such as zebra mussels) can easily be attached to the trailer itself, the boat propellor, boat hull, and other locations on a boat/trailer. Canoes, kayaks, and small boats would still be permitted to be launched into the lake under Option #3, if they can be carried a short distance to the lake. Since Crooked Lake is primarily a wilderness lake (except for the north bay), a carry-down launch is actually most consistent with the primary use of the lake (as a trailhead for canoes, kayaks, and other small watercraft making trips into the wilderness). The Friends of Sylvania and several other groups strongly support Option #3, as this is by far the best way to reduce the threat of further introductions of aquatic invasive species into Crooked Lake. Option #3 also would greatly reduce the potential for unauthorized gas motorboat use within the wilderness portion of Crooked Lake, which has been an ongoing problem for the Forest Service for many years.
Click on FoS-letter to read the letter sent recently from the Friends of Sylvania to Anthony Scardina, Ottawa NF Supervisor, regarding this matter. It's fine to use the same points outlined in this letter, but it's always best if folks use their own words, if possible. The Ottawa is accepting comments on this proposal now, and it would be best if folks could submit written comments within the next month or so (there is no formal deadline for comments, that we are aware of). We are urging the Ottawa to implement Option #3 in the spring or early summer of 2012, as any delays only puts the wilderness at further risk.
Here is the address to mail letters to:
Mr. Anthony Scardina, Supervisor
Ottawa National Forest
Supervisor's Office
E6248 US 2
Ironwood, MI 49938
His email address: ascardina@fs.fed.us
(posted November 7, 2011)
Firewood alert
The emerald ash borer is moving toward Sylvania at a much faster rate than expected. It is now less than 100 miles away. Go to Growing concerns: invasive species for more information. Do not bring firewood in from anywhere but purchase it in Watersmeet.
