Reeds Lake
Water Quality Monitoring/Analysis
2012
Submitted By:
Jaimee Conroy, Environmental Scientist
PLM Lake & Land Management Corp.
PO Box 132 · Caledonia, Michigan 49316
phone 616.89 1. 1294 · fax 616.891.0371
www.plmcorp.net
~~~:_:~~Lake -
Water_Quality Monito~ng/Analysis
I20~2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - 3
Characteristics of the Lake
Management Goals for Reeds Lake
Lake Management Activities Conducted in 2012
3
3
4
Water Quality
4
Aquatic/Exotic Plant Identification Survey (AVAS Method)
5
Current Conditions in the Lake
5
Aquatic Vegetation
5
Water Quality Monitoring
Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Vertical Profiles
Secchi Disk Depth
Water Collection for Multiple Parameters
Chlorophyll
6
6
7
7
9
E. Coli Monitoring Program
9
Sediment Sampling Program
9
Zooplankton Sampling Program
2012 Water Quality Concerns/Recommendations
10
11
Reeds Lake - Water Quality Monitoring/ Analysis 2012
Water Quality Monitoring/Analysis
Introduction
PLM Lake ft Land Management Corp. has conducted sampling and analysis of Reeds Lake throughout the
2012 season.
The evaluation was based on the specific information detailed in the "Request for
Proposal" provided by the City of East Grand Rapids. This study examines current conditions in the
lake, and provides management recommendations for 2013.
Characteristics of the Lake
Reeds Lake is a 265-acre lake
located within Grand Rapids
Township and the City of East
Grand Rapids, Kent County,
Michigan. Public access to the
lake is provided by a city boat
launch, located in John Collins
Park near the middle of the
North West shore of the lake. A
majority of the shoreline has
been developed. The northern
end of the shoreline is
undeveloped
wetland,
and
residential/urban development
borders the remainder of the lake. A majority of the shoreline has been developed for single family
year-round homes. The lake has a history of aquatic plant and algae problems. A formal lake-use
survey was not included in this study, but observations made while working on the lake indicate that
the lake is used for fishing, boating (power ft non-power), and swimming.
Reeds Lake is within the Lower Grand River Watershed (LGRW). The Lower Grand River drains a 2909
sq. mi. area, in Ottawa, Muskegon, Kent, Montcalm, Ionia, Barry and Eaton Counties. The LGRW also
has small portions in several other counties.
Management Goals for Reeds Lake
• The primary goal of aquatic plant management in Reeds Lake is the control of exotic aquatic
plants. The exotic plant species, Eurasian watermilfoil and curly leaf pondweed, should be
controlled throughout Reeds Lake. The abundance of these species should be reduced to the
maximum extent possible, and efforts should be made to reduce their recovery after treatment.
•
Aquatic plant management should preserve species diversity and cover of native plants sufficient to
provide habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms. Native plants should be managed to
encourage the growth of plants that support the Reeds Lake fishery (by creating structure and
habitat) provided that they do not excessively interfere with recreational uses of the lake (e.g.,
swimming and fishing) in high-use areas. Where they must be managed, management techniques
that reduce the stature of native plants without killing them (e.g., harvesting, contact herbicides)
should be used whenever possible. Specific areas should be set aside where native plants will not
be managed, to provide habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms. Muskgrass (Chara) should be
allowed to grow throughout the lake, except in where it grows so tall as to interfere with boating
and swimming.
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Reeds Lake - Water Quality Monitoring/ Analysis 2012
• The species Starry stonewort, if found on the Reeds Lake should be actively
controlled and managed. Starry stonewort is in the same family as Muskgrass
(Chara) but is considered to be an exotic invasive species. Starry stonewort,
which looks very similar to the beneficial species Chara, is appearing in more
and more lakes. Chara is a highly desired plant because it is typically low
growing, keeps the water clear and can slow down the invasion of exotic weed
species. Starry stonewort also forms dense mats, but unlike chara, it can grow
from 5 to 7 feet tall. Starry stonewort can be very detrimental to a lake's
ecosystem and has the ability to kill off native plants and have a negative
impact on a lake's fisheries.
Starry stonewort
• The invasive terrestrial plants, Purple loosestrife and Phragmities should be controlled along the
shoreline and adjacent wetlands where present. Both species are exotic and have the ability to
displace beneficial native vegetation. Purple loosestrife grows 2 -4 feet tall and is a vibrant
magenta color. It is very aggressive and can quickly become
the dominant wetland vegetaion. Phragmites (common reed)
is a wetland grass that ranges in height from 6 to 15 feet tall.
"Phrag" quickly becomes the dominant feature in aquatic
ecosystems, aggressively invading shorelines, wetlands, and
ditches. This plant creates dense "strands" - walls of weeds
crowding out beneficial native wetland vegetation and
indigenous waterfowl habitats. Spreading by fragmentation
and an extensive root system, Phragmites ultimately out·
competes native plant life for sun, water and nutrients.
Phragmites
•
Conditions in Reeds Lake should not be allowed to deteriorate below present levels. Expansion of
aquatic plant problems should trigger an adjustment in the aquatic vegetation management
strategy. To support such responses, an annual record of vegetation and management should be
maintained.
• Preventative measures that protect the lake from further nutrient enrichment should be identified
and implemented.
Lake Management Activities Conducted in 2012
Water Quality
Water quality was evaluated on March 15 and August 15, 2012. On each occasion, (1) a depth profile of
water temperature and dissolved oxygen concentrations were measured at one-meter (approximately
three foot) intervals at the Deep Hole site and the Secchi disk depth was measured at all the sites of
the lake, (2) samples for analysis were collected from the deep part of the lake (surface, midthermocline and bottom water), from the deep hole site, (3) a water sample (3 feet of depth) was
collected from the Deep Hole for chlorophyll analysis and (4) samples were collected from the Deep
Hole for Iron, Calcium, Total Phosphorus, Hardness, Chloride, Ortho Phosphorus, Sulfates, Nitrates,
Nitrites, Kjeldahl Nitrogen, Potassium, Magnesium, Alkalinity and Sodium, (5) E.Coli was sampled midsummer at 3 locations along the shoreline of the lake, (6) Three composite sediment samples were
taken at two locations (City Hall & John Collins Park out falls) for Kjeldahl Nitrogen, Total phosphorus,
and total solids, (7) Zooplankton species presence and abundance was collected at the deep hole site
during summer collection.
4 ) PLM Lake & Land
Mana~ent Corp.
Reeds Lake - Water Quality Monitoring/ Analysis 2012
Aquatic/ Exotic Plant Identification Survey (AVAS Method)
A complete survey of the aquatic vegetation of the lake was conducted August 15, 2012. Brief checks
of the lake were made throughout the summer months.
Vegetation surveys determine the locations of target and non -target plant species. The results of the
surveys are used to determine the most appropriate management strategy. The vegetation surveys also
document the success of the prescribed management program. An AVAS survey is the State of
Michigan's method for conducting a complete aquatic vegetation survey. The Aquatic Vegetation
Assessment Site (AVAS) survey divides the parts of the lake capable of growing plants (littoral zone)
into subareas and records the cover of each aquatic plant found in each "site". This method of
surveying takes into account not only the types of plant species present in the lake but also the
densities of those species. AVAS surveys are also an excellent way to track plant species trends over
time. A goal of invasive plant management is to have native plants increase while exotic plants
decrease over time. The success of this goal can be illustrated through the use of the AVAS data
collected over several years.
Table 1: Plant Sp ecies Found In Reeds Lake - August 2012
AVAS
Code
Common Name
Scientific Name
% Cumulative Cover
Reeds Lake
Submerged- Exotic
Myr·iophyllum spicatum
Potomageton crispus
0.00
1.43
Chara
Potomageton spp.
Potomageton amplifolious
Zosterella dubia
Ceratophyllum demersum
11.48
5.05
3.52
10.57
2.86
Water lily
Nymphaea odorata
Arrowhead
Sagittaria latifolia
Cattail
Typha spp.
Bulrush
Scirpus spp.
6.81
.05
10.71
2.57
Lythrum salicaria
.24
Eurasian watermilfoil
Curlyleaf pondweed
1
2
Submerged- Native
3
4
11
14
20
Muskgrass
Thinleaf pondweed
Largeleaf pondweed
Water stargrass
Coontail
Emergent- Native
30
36
39
40
Emergent - Exotic
43
Purple Loose strife
Tot al
55.29
Current Conditions in the Lake
Aquatic Vegeta tion
Reeds Lake supports a fairly diverse community of aquatic plants. Nine native species of aquatic plants
were encountered in the August 2012 survey of the lake (Table 1). Rooted plant growth is moderate to
dense almost everywhere in the littoral zone (0 to 10 feet deep).
All of the plants listed in Table 1 are native North American species except Eurasian watermilfoil,
Curlyleaf pondweed and Purple loosestrife. Eurasian watermilfoil, Curlyleaf pondweed and Purple
loosestrife are non-indigenous aquatic nuisance species, i.e., plants from other places. These exotic
plants cause considerably more problems than most native species. Eurasian watermilfoil can attain
nuisance levels of growth at almost any time of year, whereas curly leaf pondweed completes its
lifecycle and drops out of the water column by approximately the Fourth of July. The only exotic plant
currently found on the lake was Purple loosestrife. The 2011 Sonar A.S. lake wide treatment greatly
reduced the Eurasian watermilfoil to non-detectable levels for the 2012 season.
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PLM Lake & Land Management Corp.
I
~eeds Lake - ~ater Quality Monitoring/Analysis 2012
The native plant species in Reeds Lake benefit the lake, performing such functions as stabilizing
sediments and providing habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms. In general, native species cause
few problems, compared with those caused by exotic plants. Three species commonly found in higher
densities on Reeds Lake are Coontail, Water stargrass and Chara.
Coon tail
Water stargrass
Chara
Water Quality Monitoring
Water quality monitoring is a critical part of lake management. Water quality monitoring provides an
ongoing record of conditions in a waterbody. Changes in water quality can indicate threats from
sources such as failed or inadequate septic systems, agricultural and lawn runoff, burgeoning
development and erosion from construction site. Prompt identification of threats to water quality
makes it possible to remedy them before irreversible harm has been done. Riparian's enjoyment of the
water resource and the value of their property depend on maintaining water quality.
(Detailed water quality results are attached.)
Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Vertical Profiles
Depth profiles of temperature and dissolved oxygen indicate that on March 15 the lake was not yet
stratified. The surface levels were above saturation, 14.51 mg/L at the Deep Hole. At this time,
Reeds Lake had adequate dissolved oxygen down to 10 meters (13.19 mg/L).
On August 15, the lake was stratified and almost completely void of oxygen under the thermocline.
The thermocline was slightly deeper at (7 .0 meters) therefore; the anoxic water was deeper in the
hypolimnion at approximately 8.0 meters. The dissolved oxygen concentration at the surface was 8.7
mg/L (91.6 percent saturation).
Substantial oxygen demand leads to
rapid
deoxygenation
of
the
upon
thermal
hypolimnion
stratification in the spring and
oxygen
concentrations
are
frequently decreased in bottom
waters
during
the
summer.
Depletion of oxygen beneath the
thermocline during the summer is a
common
symptom
of
eutrophication, and often leads to
elevated internal nutrient loading
as the result of the release of
phosphorus
from
hypolimnetic
sediment.
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I PLM~ & Land Management Corp.
Wind action
Thermal Stratification of a lake
I
Reeds Lake - Water Quality Monitoring/ Analysis 2012
Table 2: Temperature/ Dissolved Oxygen Profile
March2012
Water
Depth
August 2012
Temp (c)
D.O. (%)
D.O.
(mg/L)
Water
Depth
(M)
6.3
6.28
6.23
6.21
6.23
5.82
5.27
5.25
' 5;2'5
5.21
5 :14
117.6
113.2
112
111.7
109.5
108.1
105.7
105.2
104.9
103.6
104
14.51
13.91
13.82
13.79
13.55
13.46
13.37
13.32
13.29
13.13
13.19
0
1
2
3
(M )
0
1
2
3
' 4
5
6
7
"·s
9
·10
Temp (c)
23 ,7
23.7
43.4,.
23.2
23.t ,
23 .1
22:8
22.4
1.6.5
4
5
6
7
8
9
D.O. (%)
9i'.6
90.3
"'' 8'~ i
82.3
71.4·
62.2
D.O.
(mg/L)
8.7
8.71
. 7. .~9
7.04
6.14
5.26
.... 4.01
•
5.7
.it
0.59
.s.f - o,_55
10
Secchi Disk Depth
The Secchi disk depth is a measure of wat er clarity, determined by
measuring the depth to which a black and white disk can be seen from the
surface. (Larger numbers represent greater water clarity.) In March, the
Secchi disk depth was 8.0 feet at the Deep Hole Site, which is slightly
above average for Reeds Lake. Wat er clarity decreased slightly in August
to 7.0 feet. Water clarity can fluctuate from week to week depending on
several envi ronmenta l factors such as rain fall & algal production.
Water Collection for Multiple Parameters
The Deep Hole Si te of Reeds Lake was sampled for mult iple parameters at the surface, midthermocline and bottom in both March and August. Deep water samples were obtained using a Van
Dorn water collection bottle.
Table 3: Deep Hole Site - Marc/1 2012
Analytical Param et er
lr,011 (mg1f::t
. <·
Calci um (mg/L)
l"otal Phospho~us (ug/L)
Hardness (mg/L)
~hlor.itil~ (~glL)
Ortho Phosphorus (ug/L)
S1,dfat~s fmg/L)
Nit rat es (ug/L)
~itr;ites· .(wgt:L) ·
Kjeldahl Nit rogen (ug/L)
'. Pot~ssi1:1m _(mg{-LJ
Magnesium (mg/L)
Al.~aliniW '(mg(L)
Sodium (mg/L)
t c:mQ.uctiYity
..
Tot al Dissolved Solids
pH~:f~~u .) . .
7
=
=
=
=
=
Surface
M id-Thermo
Bottom
.141 '
35.2
11
150
75
<10
12.4
<500
<100
830
~ 112
34.6
14
160
100
<10
:15.4
<500
<HJO
480
3.36
4.46 ;
14.5
130
64.6
17.5
113
86.4
724
724
492
7.54
491
7,60
.1.01
36.3
27
160
118
15
15.2
<500
<1 00
410
4.29
17.1
187
80.5
726
491
7.59
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Reeds Lake - Water Quality Monitoring/ Analysis 2012
Table 4: Deep Hole Site - August 2012
Analyt ical Paramet er
Iron (mg/L)
Calci um (mg/L)
Tatal Phosphorus (ug/L)
Hardness (mg/L)
Cblonde (mg/L)
Ortho Phosphor us (ug/L)
~a,fat.es (mgl;L)
Nitrates (ug/L)
Nftr)tes .(l;!giL)
Kjeldahl Nitrogen (ug/L)
=
Surface
M id-Thermo
Bottom
.169
38
36
125
94
12
.435
53
266
170
.843
52
716
178
97
122·
672
<500
<100
470
238
10.3
<500
<100
3730
Potas~ium ("'!g/~)
3.56
3 ..82
Magnesium (mg/L)
16.8
128
82.1
160
168
83.0
800
524
82.0
789
516
7. 33
-Alka;tiai~y
(mg/L)
Sodium (mg/L)
¢~nqucd'lii~y
Total Dissolved Solids
pH (S;U;)
=
1'3.9
=
821
533
7.55
18.2
7.49
5.06
<500
<100
4870
4.1·0
17.7
Interpretation
C/'f r
E evat
(
..
Acceptable
Moderate/l'.!ighly Elev(\t~<t
Acceptable
• f~ I I' ·~ ~t d
Acceptable
AC:c~e~abl~ .
Acceptable
-~ Accepta·~1~:: :i.
;_i.;
Moderate/Highly Elevated
.~ O1.tWfJ.:. i;.:1e ~f4a ·
• <
Slightly Elevated..
~ccieptabi~ ..
Slightly Elevated
~efe~abi~ ·
Acceptable
-
'-
\'./,
'I
.Acc~ptat>ie
As the tables above illustrate, a majority of the parameters sampled on Reeds Lake this season are
within acceptable limits for freshwater lakes. However, a few parameters were elevated to varying
degrees.
Total Plwsplwrus measures the total (organic and inorganic, dissolved and particulate) amount of
phosphorus in the water. Phosphorus is usually the plant nutrient (i.e., fertilizer) that controls the
amount of algal growth in lakes and ponds. Most Midwestern lakes have more phosphorus and more
algae than is desirable, so lower values are generally better, though very unproductive water bodies
typically support little fish production. Reeds Lake has phosphorus enrichment from the surrounding
watershed (external loading) along with internal loading of nutrients in the hypolimnion during
stratification. As the lake stratifies during peak summer months, nutrients are released from the
sediments in the bottom water when oxygen is absent. This pooling of nutrients in the cooler water is
evident in the highly elevated concentrations observed in the mid and deep samples during the month
of August. Once the thermocline breaks in the fall, the nutrients will mix uniformly within the water
column .
Total Kjeldahl Nitr ogen {TKN) measures the total organic and inorganic amounts of nitrogen in the
water. Nitrogen is the plant nutrient {i.e., fertilizer) most likely to control the amount of rooted plant
growth in lakes and ponds. Most Midwestern lakes have more nitrogen and more rooted plant growth
than is desirable, so lower values are generally considered better. Similar to Total Phosphorus, TKN
also increased throughout the season in the deeper cool water. The major sources of nitrogen to lakes
are from agriculture (animal waste, fertilizer) and atmospheric emissions (fossil fuel). Based on the
urban/developed location of Reeds Lake, values observed during 2012 are predictable.
Chloride & Sodium contamination typically comes from road salts, de-icers and brines. Elevated levels
within a lake that is surrounded by urban development will experience fluctuations in chloride &
sodium concentrations throughout a given year. However, concentrations above 1000 mg/L will result
in considerable damage (death) to aquatic plants and invertebrates. Considerable efforts are being
made by public works departments and transportation departments to improve the management of
road salts. Some departments are sophisticated with the introduction of technologies such as electronic
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Reeds Lake - Water Quality Monitoring/Analysis ~-012
spreader controllers, anti-icing, pre-wetting, and road weather information systems, whereas others
are just beginning to investigate best management practices.
Iron, Magnesium & Potassium are inorganic minerals typically found in ground water that leach into
surrounding waterbodies. Slightly elevated concentrations may be the result of non-point sources such
.. as run-off from nearby parking lots, rooftops, streets, lawns etc., after a heavy rain event. Also,
elevated levels of minerals can be attributed to the breakdown of leaf matter within the lake. Levels
observed in Reeds Lake are only slightly elevated and have remained relatively stable over the past
several years.
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll measures the amount of algae in the water. Some algal growth is essential to support the
growth of other organisms (e.g., fish) in the lake, but human activities and natural eutrophication
often lead to excessive algal growth; thus, lower concentrations of chlorophyll are usually considered
desirable. Chlorophyll concentrations in Reeds Lake in March (4.70 µg/L) indicate moderate algal
populations. Chlorophyll concentrations increased in August to 5.34 µg/L at the Deep Hole Site, which
also indicates moderate algal populations. Overall, chlorophyll levels were moderate but similar to
past years on Reeds Lake.
E. Coli Monitoring Program
(£. coli) measurements count the number of live fecal indicator bacteria in the
sample.
These bacteria are considered reliable indicators of fecal
contamination-when they are found in a lake, it is very likely that the water is
being contaminated by animal feces.
Contamination can potentially be
derived from a number of sources, including failed septic systems, agricultural
runoff, or waterfowl or wildlife droppings. Three equally spaced locations
were tested along the shoreline of the lake in March & August for E.Coli
contamination. None of the three sites sampled were at elevated levels of
E.Coli and contamination of these bacteria was not found.
E. Coli Bacteria
Table 5: £.Coli and Total Coliform Concentrations
Site
Date Collected
Coliform (cfu/lOOmL)
E. Coli (cfu/lOOmL)
1
2
3/15/12
3/15/12
39
o.0
24
0.0
'3
3/l5/12
102
1
2
8/15/12
8/15/12
gji5/12
550·
620
510
3
48.0
I
20.0
. 8.0 ·
Sediment Sampling Program
Three composite sediment samples were collected at two locations (City Hall & John Collins Park)
during the month of August and tested for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus and Total Solids.
Sediment was collected using an Ekman Dredge and locations were marked with GPS equipment to
ensure accurate site sampling in the future. Total Solids and Total Phosphorus were within expected
natural ranges for these physical parameters. However, TKN was moderate to highly elevated, which
coincides with the elevated water levels observed in the deep water under anoxic conditions. TKN
levels were substantially higher than those observed during the 2008 sampling of the lake. Different
collection equipment was used which could have influenced the prior or current findings.
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Reeds Lake - Water Quality Monitoring/Analysis 2012
Table 6: Sediment Results - August 2012
Analyt ical Paramet er
City Hall
John Collins
Interpret ation
Total Solids (% of weight)
Total Phosphorus (ug/ L)
Kjeldahl Nitrogen (ug/L)
20.4
140
13.3
60
Acceptable
Acceptable
6300
4000
Moderate/Hig~ly Elevated
Zooplankton Sampling Program
One sample was collected during August to determine the species and abundance of both zooplankton
and phytoplankton communities within Reeds Lake. The sample was collected using a plankton net at a
depth of three feet within the water column.
Table 7: Phytoplankton & Zooplankton
Species Phyt oplankton
Ceratium spp.'
=
Relative
Abundance
Most Common
=
Relative
Abundance
Most-Gomunon
=
Lea~i:
Species Zooplankton
Rotifers (Keratella)
Microcystis spp.
Copepods (Diatomus)
Mo~geot1a spp.
Cladocera (Diaphanosoma).
c0fnmoA
Closterium
0blarriyd~monas spp.
Ulothrix spp.
Least Common
Six (6) Phytoplankton species were found during the August collection. This was a slight reduction from
seven species that were evident in 2008. Ceratium were the most commonly found which is the same as
in 2008. Ceratium are most common in temperate areas and are found in
the upper regions of the water, where there is enough light for
photosynthesis. Unlike other dinoflagellate species Ceratium are
relatively harmless organisms. They are non-toxic, and are necessary for
the food web. They serve not just as nutrients for larger organisms, but
they keep smaller organisms in balance through predation. Microcystis
was also found in moderate abundance. Microcystis is a type of blue
green algae that releases a toxin when the plant dies. Very dense
Microcystis blooms can produce enough toxins that waterbodies require
Ceratium
"no contact" restrictions until it subsides.
Three (3) Zooplankton species were found during the August collection . The most abundant were
Rotifers, which are very common and found in almost any body of
- ·- -- - - - - ·--- water. Rotifers are considered to be microscopic animals and are
a vital part of the food chain. The only zooplankton that was not
observed in 2012 that was found in high densities in 2008 was
protozoan. Many zooplanktons species migrate throughout the
water column during the day and night. Therefore, sampling one
pre-determined depth can produce different results depending on
time of day, season, weather conditions and food source currently
Rot ifer
available.
Overall, both the phytoplankton and zooplankton communities observed in Reeds Lake are typical for
waterbodies in the temperate area of the United States.
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Reeds Lake - Water Quality Monitoring/Anal~sis 2012
2012 Water Quality Concerns/Recommendations
Current water quality problems in Reeds Lake result from two primary causes: (1) residual effects of
previous, high nutrient loading (TP, TKN), and (2) effects of continued loading of nutrients and
sediments. The most significant residual impacts of previous nutrient loading are the annual, rapid
·- deoxygenation of the hypolimnion (bottom waters) of the lake and the internal loading that result from
deoxygenation of bottom waters. Reductions in external nutrient loads may eventually reduce
internally generated water quality problems, though improvements will require that dramatic
reductions in external loading be sustained for long periods of time. Even if sufficient loading
reductions are achieved, many years will be required before improvement is evident. In order to
manage external nutrient inputs, it would be necessary to develop and implement an extensive
watershed management plan for the Reeds Lake watershed.
Lakeshore residents should be encouraged to manage their waterside landscapes according to the
recommendations outlined in publications on this topic available from the MSU Extension.
It is also important to remember that rooted plants derive most of their key nutrients from the
sediments; thus they respond slowly, if at all, to reductions in nutrient loading. In fact, if reductions
in nutrient loading lead to improved water clarity, the growth of rooted plants will probably increase.
Eurasian watermilfoil and curly leaf pondweed were possibly
introduced to Reeds Lake by plant fragments carried on boats and/or
boat trailers. A variety of other troublesome exotic plants and animals
that have been introduced to Reeds Lake are also transported this way.
Preventing their inadvertent introduction to Reeds Lake can
significantly lower the cost of future lake management. Education can
be an effective preventative measure. Newsletter articles should alert
lake residents to the threat from exotic nuisance plants and animals.
STOP AQUATIC
Warning signs should be erected at any public boat access sites, if
HITCHHIKERS!"'
applicable, that encourage boaters to clean boats and trailers when
launching or removing watercraft from the lake.
It is important to maintain a record of lake conditions and management activities. Vegetation surveys
monitor types and locations of plants in the lake, providing information that is essential to the
administration of efficient, cost-effective control measures. Vegetation surveys also document the
success or failure of management actions and the amount of native vegetation being maintained in the
lake. Water quality monitoring can identify trends in water quality before conditions deteriorate to
the point where remediation is prohibitively expensive or impossible. Records of past conditions and
management activities also help to keep management consistent despite changes in Public Works staff.
Records should include (at a minimum):
Temperature, dissolved oxygen and Secchi disk depth should be measured in the lake. Temperature
and dissolved oxygen profiles should be obtained in the deep hole, so as to monitor the timing and
extent of oxygen depletion in the hypolimnion (i.e., bottom water).
Total phosphorus and nitrates should be measured in the surface and bottom water at least two
times per season (spring and late summer) to monitor nutrient accumulation in the hypolimnion.
Lake vegetation should be surveyed on an annual basis (late-spring and/or late summer/early fall)
to document the results of plant management efforts and provide information necessary for
planning future management.
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Water Quality Sampling Map
w w
•
Deep Hole Site
A.
Sediment Sampling Sites
\ ( I
Public
Access
\
\ \
:
45
I \
\~
A
REEDS LAKE
265 Surface Acres
Kent County
East Grand Rapids Township
T11W R?N Sec 7
Professional Lake Managemenl, P.O. Box 132, Caledonia, Ml 49316 Phone (800) 382-4434
N
0
1000 feet
'•
.
·- Explanation of DEO-Format Lal<e Vegetation Maps and Summary Sheets
The maps are in a standard format as required by the Michigan
Department of Environment Quality (DEQ). The maps divide the parts
of the lake capable of growing aquatic plants into subareas and record
the cover of each aquatic plant species found in each area .
Vegetation summary sheets summarize the information from the maps
in a form that the DEQ uses to make decisions about permits.
Notations on the map are interpreted as follows:
Number (= plant species) Letter (=approximate cover of this plant)
For Example:
"1b" indicates plant species #1 at a density of b
Species are usually numbered according to a standardized numbering
system (at right). We often reproduce the species number key and
species name abbreviations on the map itself. The cover codes a, b, c
and d are used to describe the approximate coverage of each plant
within the map area, as described in the following table.
Cover
Code
a
b
c
d
Approximate
Cover Rani:ie
1-2%
3-20%
21-60%
61 -100%
Thus the example "1 b" refers to Eurasian watermilfoil covering
between 3 and 20 percent of the area of the lake in which this code
appears.
Shading on the map is used to identify areas of overall plant
coverage, locations of problem exotic species or areas requiring
management. A key on the map should indicate exactly what is
indicated by shading.
PLM lal<e & Land Managem e nt Corp.
PO Box 132 · Caledonia, Michigan 49316
phone 616.89 1. 1294 · fax 6 16.89 1.0371
www.plmcorp.net
No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
Plant Name
Eurasian watermilfoil
Curlv leaf pondweed
Chara
Thinleaf pondweed
Flatstem pondweed
Robbins pondweed
Variable pondweed
White stem pondweed
Richardsons pondweed
Illinois pondweed
Larae leaf pondweed
American pondweed
Floatinq leaf pondweed
Water starqrass
Wild celery
SaQittaria (submersed)
Northern watermilfoil
Green watermilfoil
Two-leaved watermilfoil
Coon tail
Elodea
Bladderwort
Mini Bladderwort
Buttercup
Naiad
Brittle naiad
Saqo Pondweed
Cabomba
Starry stonewort
Water Liiv
Spatterdock
Water shield
Lemna minor
Greater duckweed
Watermeal
Arrowhead
Pickerelweed
Arrow arum
Cattail
Bulrush
Iris
Swamp loosestrife
Purple loosestrife
PhraQmites
Reeds Lake
8/15/2012
Kent
Standard Aquatic Vegetation Summary Sheet
LOI ':J
Code
No Plant Name
1 turas1an waterm11ro11
2 Curly leaf pondweed
3 Chara
4 Thinleaf pondweed
!::>
r-1al!>Lem ponaweea
6 Robbins pondweed
7 Variable pondweed
8 White stem pondweed
9 Richardsons pondweed
lU 111mo1s ponciweed
11 ~arge !eat pondweed
12 American pondweed
13 Floating leaf pondweed
14 Water stargrass
l!:> vv11a ce1ery
16 1::iag1ttana lSUDmersedJ
17 Northern watermilfoil
18 Green watermilfoil
19 Two-leaved watermilfoil
20 1cooma11
21 Elodea
22 Bladderwort
23 Mini Bladderwort
24 Buttercup
Z!:> 1Na1ad
Z6 Brittle naiad
27 Sago Pondweed
28 Cabomba
29 Starry Stonewort
.lU water Liiy
31 Spatterdock
32 Water shield
33 Lemna minor
34 Greater duckweed
,j!;) vvatermea1
,j0 Arrowhead
37 Pickerelweed
38 Arrow arum
39 Cattail
4U Buirusn
41 Ins
42 Swamp loosestrife
43 Purple loosestrife
44 Phragmites
4!:>
Total cumulative cover
Total number of
AVAS's for each
Density catec orv
c D
A
B
3
4
1
2
Calculations
Axl Bx 10 Cx40 D x 80
5
6
7
8
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
4
0
5
7
29
27
0
16
2
0
0
0
4
0
5
70
290
270
0
640
80
0
0
0
u
0
u
u
u
u
u
0
0
0
0
u
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
u
u
u
Sum of Total divided
Columns No. of
by
5-8
AVAS Col 10
9
10
11
'ti
74
930
355
47
47
47
1.57
19.79
7.55
u
u
u
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
~u
120
0
21'1
47
4.55
0
0
0
0
0
962
47
20.47
u
u
LOI
'ti
5.0H
.lL
4/
U.{J!j
0
0
u
u
u
4
0
0
2
9
3
0
0
u
0
0
0
28
0
17
0
0
0
2
0
280
0
0
680
u
u
u
u
u
u
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
u
u
u
u
I
l.L.
l
u
I
0
0
0
'tU
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
z
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
LLU
0
0
0
0
30
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
u
u
u
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
LUU
160
0
0
0
0
0
0
u
L'f/
4/
!:>.LO
0
0
0
0
216
47
4.ou
10
47
0.21
u
u
u
u
70
47
1.49
510
47
't i
't i
10.85
l.UU
z
u
u
0
0
0
0
u
0
0
0
u
u
I
4
!::>
u
I
'tU
6
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
u
u
u
6
0
0
0
!:>U
u
5
0
1
0
u
u
0
0
0
10
0
3
0
10
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
4
u
0
0
0
10
40
0
80
0
0
320
I
't
u
u
I
u
u
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
c
0
6
0
30
0
100
'tU
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
0
10
0
0
6
47
0.13
83.83
_,.
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i\o.\l.Q_ ~\\QYU}
'8f l 5 fl ~
I
io. If-\\~ c:J ow:l ~ -ca., m
uTS
i
<iS. ·6b C\.)/V\
0
N
1000 feet
REEDS LAKE
265 Surface Acres
Kent County
East Grand Rapids Township
Tl 1W R7N Sec 7
Professional Lake Management, P.O. Box 132. Caledonia, Ml 49316 Phone (800) 382-4434