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Volunteers - 10/18/2011 - 5:08pm - Read more

Volunteers are the heart of our organization


The Pickerel Crooked Lakes Association would not exist without our dedicated volunteers including our board of directors and Invasive Species and Boat Launch Monitors. The invasive species and boat launch monitors are the unsung heroes in our fight to prevent invasive plants from invading our lakes. They give their time to check shore line and boat launches for evidence that existing invasive plants may be expanding their territory and checking to ensure that new species have not taken hold. We thank our dedicated volunteers and are providing some more information about their efforts in the lines below.

Zone Leaders/Boat Launch Monitors

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Boat flags, driveway reflectors, decals available - 01/31/2011 - 9:58am - Read more

S.O.S.
The Pickerel Crooked Lake Association needs your SUPPORT to help us with community OVERSIGHT in our attempt to provide SECURITY for our water quality, environment and lakefront property.


Be ready for the 2011 boating season! This distinctive red, white, and blue boat flag is available by pre-order. Show you belong, and spot other PCLA members as you enjoy the lakes. Pre-orders will be taken at $22.50 each, which includes shipping. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Our profit of $5 per flag has been designated for the Aquatic Plant Survey Fund. For more information contact...
Land Acquisition Fund - 01/31/2011 - 9:47am - Read more

LAND ACQUISITION:

Some of us have been exploring the lakes, streams and forests of northern Michigan since we were young. Others are more recent transplants, choosing this lovely area because of a shared love for its natural character. However, as with most things of beauty, the North has a fragile nature. As more homes are built and our lakeshore is further divided, it is possible that we could strip this area of the natural character we love so much. This is why PCLA established a land acquisition fund. After working for nearly a year with the Little Traverse Conservancy to preserve the eastern end of Oden Island, we realized that fiscal resources are critically important if we are to protect natural resources. This fund was critical in our effort to preserve the natural environment in the Black Hole, and also has been used to support purchase of 700 feet of shoreline south of the Oden Island Bridge, called Kingfisher Cove. We heartily...
Clean boating helps prevent spread of invasive species - 01/31/2011 - 1:22am - Read more

Wash your boat; don't transport invasive species

We've been working for three years now to control Purple Loosestrife, but it isn't the only alien stowaway to find the good life on our waterway. Eurasian milfoil and others are making their way here, often hitchhiking on boats being moved from lake to lake.

PCLA advocates washing of boats and trailers before and after use to remove the often tiny bits of plant material that can hide there, waiting to be moved to new territory. Once transplanted, invasives can grow into huge alien colonies that overcome our native aquatics. Non-native plants negatively impact the condition of our lakes for boating, swimming, fishing, and wildlife and can cost millions of dollars to control.

Invasive Species: prevention is the best defense

By Jan...
What's that foam on the lake? - 01/31/2011 - 9:28am - Read more

What's that Floating Lake Foam ?

By Jan Quaine

Have you ever been leisurely boating or walking along the lakeshore enjoying the day only to be greeted by a white soap like floating foam? What in the world is it and where did it come from?

You might be interested to know that there are two types of foam: natural foam and foam from some type of pollution.

Natural foam is created when the surface tension (attraction of water molecules or strong bonding) is reduced. Decomposing water plants release a variety of organic compounds in the water. These organic compounds are surfactants, which reduce the surface tension of the water. This allows the wind and wave action to mix air with the water creating foam, which frequently collects on the downwind shore. It is not very pleasing to look at but if it is natural foam it is harmless. Foam is often seen in the morning and may disappear in the afternoon. In the fall...
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