Feeding the swans, geese and ducks on Watkins Lake seems like a fun, harmless, even helpful activity. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH.   According to the Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Humane Society, feeding waterfowl (or any wild animals for that matter) is extremely harmful to them and to us because: Feeding causes...

Fertilizer is the major cause of the proliferation of weeds and algae blooms in lakes.  Fish and aquatic insects are slowly smothered as the weeds take all the oxygen.  Of course, the biggest problem is the unpleasant water conditions created by the increased weed growth.  This undesirable condition tremendously impacts swimming, boating and...

2019 Watkins Lake Environmental Report by Dave Hansz  Invasive Species Update – Phragmites Phragmites is an invasive type of reed found in many lakes and roadside ditches throughout Michigan.  This aggressive plant once establish can grow very densely and up to 15’ tall.  Once it is established it is very hard and costly to control....

The WLOA is continuing projects to help keep Watkins Lake clean and trying to minimize chemicals entering the water. Both bio-swale projects are completed. Bio-swales are installed in storm drains and ditches.  They are designed to filter and disrupt and storm water so that sediment and pollutants drop into the ditch before entering the lake....

Back in 2012, phosphorus was banned in fertilizers in Michigan.  The following  products were recommended for lakefront properties by the Healthy Lawns and Gardens Technical Advisory Committee of the South Oakland County Water Authority.  Fertilizers should not be applied 10-15 feet from the shoreline….  Any closer, it leaches into the...

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has established a program to encourage riparians to develop natural shorelines.  This strategy is good for our inland lakes and once established, is low maintenance throughout the year.  The Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership has put together an internet site with video to give riparians...

Dave Hansz has been faithfully monitoring our lake quality.  Attached you will find his August report. 

Dave Hansz has been faithfully monitoring our lake quality.  Attached you will find his year-end report that was filed in November 2016.   wloa-phragmites-report

In 2015 the Watkins Lake Owners Association commissioned a study of our lake to best understand the condition of the lake and how we best manage it for the future. Initial report is shown below for your review. The report will be the subject of discussion at the 2016 Annual Meeting on January 19. This […]

Recently, the Board of Directors learned of another invasive plant species that has begun to develop in our Watkins Lake.  It is an aggressive, non-native variety of phragmites (phragmites australis) also known as common reed.  This plant takes up valuable shoreline and wetlands and affects the eco-system. Phragmites reproduce through wind...