By Gari Voss
Concerned residents around Swan Lake gathered on Monday, February 17, 2025, to examine taking the next steps in improving the water quality of their lake. Over the years, blue-green algae had increased, especially during hot weather. Algae exist in all bodies of water, but the conditions were turning the algae toxic plus e-coli was detected in different locations.
In the summer of 2023, the Allegan Health Department became involved and through a grant, did constant monitoring of the algae and e-coli. Specific areas were identified, and weekly reports were produced. The reports were sent to all those interested and demonstrated the amount of toxins, if any. Numerous conversations began with the Cheshire Township trustees and supervisor to determine what could be done.
In the beginning, there was a bit of panic, but residents soon learned that the lake could be used for recreation and fishing. They just needed to follow the reminders: 1. Avoid areas with oily, scummy water that look like spilled paint or pea soup or has green scum. 2. Do not swallow this water, but if it touches the skin, wash it off as soon as possible. 3. Keep pets away from the scummy water because they are the most susceptible to becoming ill. 4. Do not eat fish organs if caught in areas where blue-green algae are present.
Bottom line, no person was known to have died from blue-green algae, but they had become ill if ingesting it. Always, people and pets must shower immediately after being in areas that may have the algae. Report suspicious-looking algae to EGLE and/or the county health department.
Because the blooms seemed to increase from summer to summer, the question really became, “Why?” That led from more intense testing by the health department to working with the Allegan Conservation District and involving Dr. Jennifer Jones, a lake restoration specialist.
Through the spring, summer and fall of 2024, two projects were undertaken. A grant was obtained that would enable the Allegan Conservation District to do a study of the Swan Lake Watershed. This watershed included a large swath of acreage in southern Allegan County and a bit of northern Van Buren County. Duck Lake, Eagle Lake and Swan Lake and the tributaries and drain systems that feed the lakes, along with agricultural areas determine the demographics of the area. Strategic locations were identified at which samples were taken on a regular basis in different weather conditions.
Simultaneously, money was collected from residents around Swan Lake for Dr. Jones to begin her study of the lake to determine where nutrients and conditions were found that encouraged the growth of algae and other unwanted elements.
In the fall of 2024, the first findings were shared with interested residents of the three lakes. Again, in January of 2025, Brian Talsma of the Allegan Conservation District invited the group to reassemble and review updated information.
During this time, the Cheshire Township board under the guidance of Supervisor Steve Revor was deciding how the township might assist. Duck and Eagle Lakes both had lake associations. Through the work of the associations, special assessment districts (SADs) had been set to address the weed control on their lakes. The SAD amount was included with the tax rolls so all property owners around the lake would share in the cost of maintaining the lake quality.
Swan Lake’s research turned attention beyond weed control which some residents were already doing privately. A SAD must reduce nutrients that encourage the growth of blue-green algae. During the meeting on Feb. 17th, those in attendance in person and through Zoom were able to take a closer look at what a SAD for Swan Lake should include.
The list looked like this:
- $25,000/yr. – Township costs plus Restorative Lake Science oversight and reporting.
- $19,000/yr. 1; $15,500 yrs. 2&3 – Systemic herbicide spot treatment for invasive plants.
- $10,000/yr. – MiCorp testing fees & equipment and contingency fee beginning the summer of 2026.
- $10,000 – TimberChar Biochar drain filters for 3 years.
- NOTE: $55,000/yr – IF implemented, a Hyperlimnetic Oxygenation (PrO2) system for oxygen.
The Cheshire Township board and supervisor were willing to move forward on developing the SAD, but a decision would still be needed as to how to charge the property owners. According to PA 188, the township could begin the SAD process, but would the SAD be charged per parcel unit or land mass? Would the SAD include the whole watershed or just people around the lake? Would the SAD need a grant writer and someone to monitor those funds?
What was decided on Feb. 17th was the timeline and that those in attendance would need to meet with their neighbors around the lake to review what a SAD is, and what it can accomplish for the lake and the property owners around it.
February 2025: The Township will get back with their lawyers to draft the Swan Lake SAD.
March 2025: The Township will share the draft of the SAD proposal at a meeting.
April 2025: The Township will announce and publish the exact dates of two Public Meetings to review the SAD.
Mid-May 2025: The 1st Public Meeting will be held.
End of June 2025: The 2nd Public Meeting will be held.
Oct./Nov. 2025: Adjustments to the SAD can be made at the public’s request.
Dec. 2025: New tax bills will be sent that include the new SAD fee if approved.
The process takes time, but those in attendance are interested in making Swan Lake a healthy body of water where property owners can enjoy recreational activities.
