Invasive Species: prevention is the best defense
By Jan Quaine

Invasive species have threatened the Great Lakes since the 1800’s. Currently there are more than 140 types of plants, algae, fish and mollusks that have established themselves in the Great Lakes region. More that 87 of these non-native aquatic species have been accidentally introduced to the Great Lakes region in the 20th Century alone. Crooked and Pickerel Lakes have not escaped this invasion.

Once detected, invasive species are impossible to eradicate but must be managed and controlled so that they do not cause damage our ecosystems and endanger native species. PCLA has established a "hit list" of nine species that are either here, or poised to be here.

While our Association is working to develop early detection plans to better control and manage any invasive species, there are ten things that you can personally do to prevent the spread of any aquatic invaders

1. Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals from boats, trailers and equipment before transport.
2. Wash boats and trailers with a power washer if available.
3. Eliminate water from equipment before transport.
4. Clean and dry anything that comes in contact with water (boats, trailer, equipment, clothing, dogs etc.)
5. Drain water from the motor, livewell, bilge, and transom wells at the ramp or access before leaving.
6. Put a cap of detergent in the bilge of your boat and rinse it out on land.
7. Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came from that body of water.
8. Learn to recognize the appearance and characteristics of aquatic invasive species.
9. Destroy any aquatic nuisance species when caught and dispose in trash.
10. Report any unusual fish or plants to your local DNR or fisheries station.

Zone Leaders step up to control invasive species
We have divided our lakes into 10 zones so that we can monitor our invasive species in an easier way. These leaders agree to communicate with their neighbors, survey their local lake area and help with control projects as they occur. We have put together a notebook of nine species that are presently on or around our lake or threaten to invade in the future. Our zone leaders will be educated about these nine species and they in turn will educate their neighbors.

Maureen and Bob Kerton are leaders of zone 2 (the southwest shoreline of Crooked Lake approximately from the Pickerel River, along Channel Road to about Hency Rd.) If you live in this area and would like to help please contact them at rmkerton@parishonline.tv

Steve & Carol Degnen are leader of zone 7 (the northwest shoreline of Pickerel Lake from the Pickerel River to approximately Lakeview Road). If you live in this area and would like to help please contact them at sdegnen@degnen.com

Greg and Sue Warner are leaders of zone 8 (the northeast shoreline of Pickerel Lake from approximately Lakeview Road to the middle of Camp Petosega). If you live in this area and would like to help please contact them at mooselodge98@aol.com

Pat and Ken Wallace are leaders of zone 9 (the southeast shoreline of Pickerel Lake from approximately the middle of Camp Petosega to the point on Pickerel where Trails End and Ellsworth Road would meet) If you live in this area and would like to help please contact them at pk3wallace@hotmail.com

Paul Lowley is the leader of zone 10 (From the point on Pickerel where Trails End and Ellsworth Road would meet to the Pickerel River). If you live in this area and would like to help please contact him at plow@racc2000.com.

We still need leaders for:

• Zone 1 (the northeast arm of Crooked Lake approximately from the Pickerel River north to the Crooked River, on the east side, and South from the Crooked River to Lake Street on the west side)
• Zone 3 (the shoreline of Oden Island)
• Zone 4 (the west shoreline of Crooked Lake from approximately Hency Rd. to Conway Rd.-where the boat launch is)
• Zone 5 (the north shoreline of Crooked Lake from approximately Conway Rd.-where the boat launch is, to Lake Street-just past Ryde Marina)
• Zone 6 (the Pickerel River)
• Zone 10 (the southwest shoreline of Pickerel Lake from approximately the point where Ellsworth and Trails End meet to the Pickerel River)

If anyone is interested in being leaders for any of these zones please contact Karen Plasencia at karen@plabay.net. Remember that nurturing Pickerel and Crooked Lakes requires constant vigilance and care. To share these privileges, responsibilities, joys, etc. it takes a commitment by all of us.

References: Department of Environment Quality and Michigan Sea Grant