In the spring of 2024, Lonnie Rademacher commissioned a team to look at developing a volunteer program for the Stewardship Committee. Thanks to the efforts of Kate Appel, Sue Downs, Lori Oberson, Tom Payne, Annalise Povolo, Lonnie Rademacher, Laurie Wilkins and Stuart Winston, we were able to develop a program to recruit and train 58 volunteers who have spent a cumulative 598 hours volunteering so far this year.
Volunteers were recruited for seven primary programs: Boat Wash Stations, Pea Gravel Bag Filling, Invasive Species Early Detection Surveys, EWM Surveys, Shoreline Ambassadors, Zoning for Water Quality, and Membership. The contributions of these volunteers have been extraordinary!
Boat Wash Stations
To supplement our employees who worked several of the LLLA boat wash stations on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, volunteers contributed over 300 hours of their personal time to be trained and staff the four boat wash stations throughout the summer. The combined efforts of staff and 27 volunteers made contact with 2,015 boaters and washed 399 boats. What a great start to developing a culture of washing boats to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species between lakes and within Lake Leelanau!
Pea Gravel Bag Filling
Volunteers attended 7 different events and filled 3,050 pea gravel bags used by the EWM Crew to weigh down benthic barriers to kill Eurasian watermilfoil. Not only did this increase the time divers were available to be in the lake, but it was a great way to meet new people with common interests.
Shoreline Ambassadors
LLLA now has 4 fully trained Shoreline Ambassadors and 5 “Ambassadors in Training” who will continue to shadow our certified Shoreline Ambassadors and plan to finish their training in time to be ready for next year’s Shoreline Consultations. This year so far, our team provided 32 shoreline consultations, a record for any given year and it's not over yet!
During these Shoreline Consultations, our Ambassadors come to Lake Leelanau lakefront properties and advise on how to naturalize shorelines to prevent erosion, and stormwater discharge, improve the native shoreline ecosystem, and promote lake health. If you are interested in learning more and signing up for a consultation, click here.
Aquatic Invasive Species Early Detection Survey
This was a new initiative this year. Our Aquatic Invasive Species Early Detection volunteers helped to record underwater videos at key locations where aquatic invasive species are most likely to be found, i.e., in front of boat launches. Our volunteers went out in teams and followed a new protocol using GoPro cameras attached to extendable paint poles and set at different angles. They lowered the poles into the water and rotated them 360 degrees to capture high-quality videos of the lake bottom. This work has already helped to detect and control Eurasian watermilfoil in an area previously not identified!
EWM Survey
Volunteers have regularly gone out to assist our lake biologists with surveying for Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM). These volunteers helped to drive the boat, freeing up our other staff, so our lake biologists could climb up on the “crow's nest” and spot EWM from a higher vantage point. This helps our crew identify sites that need EWM control and have a better understanding of how much EWM is in Lake Leelanau.
Zoning for Water Quality
LLLA works with our local townships to help maintain and improve the quality of Lake Leelanau for all users. This activity focuses on ensuring that water quality considerations are part of planning and zoning decisions. Our volunteers regularly attend township meetings, provide input on decisions that impact Lake Leelanau, keep our members informed about local planning activities, and help educate planning officials on ways they can use zoning regulations to protect and preserve the quality and beauty of the lake. This is incredibly important work, as Leelanau County continues to grow and expand.
Membership
The switch to an Annual July Renewal Period required some extra hands to help during the transition. While not necessarily the most exciting volunteer work, this behind-the-scenes assistance is crucial for keeping our membership management running smoothly and allows us to fund all of the important work done on the lake by our volunteers and staff.
In addition to all the programs above that we specifically recruited for, volunteers were used throughout the year for activities such as the following: distributing posters, kids coloring placemats and coasters to area businesses to promote our Clean, Drain, Dry program; planned and staffed our social, annual meeting, farmer's market booth and other events; marched in the Leland 4th of July parade; and distributed educational materials to new riparians.
Thank You
On behalf of the LLLA board and membership, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our volunteers for your tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to our beautiful lake. Your volunteer work has been instrumental in preserving the health and beauty of our shared environment.
Your dedication to protecting our lake has not only improved its ecological health but has also enhanced the quality of life for all who live and visit here. Your time, energy, and expertise are invaluable. We are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated group of volunteers who are passionate about our lake.
Thank you again, volunteers, for everything you do. Because of you, we are sure to have a bright future for Lake Leelanau.