Local communities taking stand against invasive species

Residents and community leaders are pitching in to take a stand against phragmites, an invasive wetland weed that is blocking lake views and endangering native plants and wildlife. Spring Lake Township Supervisor John Nash, who is also spokesman for the Spring Lake Lake Board, said if $17,000 can be raised by the end of next week, treatment will begin this fall and continue in 2012. "What makes sense is to treat the whole lake, and do it for two years and do it right,' he said. "We're still looking for people to contribute.'

Marie Havenga

Spring Lake

Aug 10, 2011

Members of the local environmental group Wetland Watch have hosted several public meetings to educate residents about the dangers of the invasive plant, which can grow up to 15 feet tall and block views of the water.

The plan is for Caledonia-based Professional Lake Management — the same company that treats Spring Lake for weeds and algae throughout the summer — to spray the phragmites stands this fall, likely in September.

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