GLA is continuing its mission—75 years and running—to preserve and protect the quality of water in the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed. One of the association’s newest initiatives is Glen Lake Guardians, which educates and advocates protecting our watershed by engaging in best practices. Guardians voluntarily pledge to protect, and share their advocacy with others.

Guardian Ambassador, Tricia Denton, below, is sharing information to  help lakeshore property owners create and maintain sediment and pollution “traps” along the shoreline. 

Vibrant strips of native vegetation along the shore are important contributors to water quality, helping to slow stormwater runoff and remove unwanted sediments. Native vegetation also provide long and deep root systems that help prevent erosion from shoreline ice build-up in winter. While these vegetative filter strips protect water quality, they are also important in improving habitat without blocking access to docks and the water.

Learn more by watching this video.

Currently, the Glen Lake Association is working with the Leelanau Conservancy and others to re-write and improve its Watershed Management Plan for review and approval by the Michigan Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) Department. Watershed management plans organize and encourage efforts by watershed groups, local governments, and others to reduce and prevent pollution from entering lakes and streams throughout Michigan.

The conservancy’s program manager, Yarrow Brown, says the Leelanau Conservancy has a big stake in watershed planning and management and is happy to facilitate the development of plans with lake associations. After all, the conservancy is a leader in protecting land from degradation and preserving healthy ecosystems, including streams, lakes and wetlands.

Learn more about Glen Lake Guardians.