Value and Conservation of Aquatic Plants (includes all 3 presentations below)

This session will review the functions and services of aquatic plants and their importance in maintaining ecological functions in addition to perpetuating peoples’ use and enjoyment of the water. We will also review the intrinsic functions and services different types of lakes provide with a specific focus on shallow lake ecology, aquatic plants, and common threats and stressors. We will close the session with a discussion of best management practices and permitting requirements for various types of aquatic plant control methods.

(0:00) What's so important about "weeds"? Ecosystem services provided by aquatic plants. Joe Nohner, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

(30:42) Shallow lakes: Unique features and perceptions. Erick Elgin, Michigan State University Extension, and Eric Calabro, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Shallow lakes are a ubiquitous freshwater habitat characterized by the lack of thermal stratification and having depths shallow enough to permit aquatic plant growth throughout the lake basin. Due to their unique features, shallow lakes commonly exist either in a clear water state dominated by aquatic plants, or in a turbid state lacking aquatic plants and dominated by suspended sediments and algae. Shallow lakes are important to many aquatic and terrestrial biota because they provide crucial habitat for waterfowl, amphibians, invertebrates, and various flora, particularly when the lake is in the clear water state. However, shallow lake characteristics (namely rich plant growth, shallow depth, and low volume) make them particularly sensitive to human degradation. Actions resulting in the reduction of aquatic plants (e.g. intensive plant management, lake level control structures, lake bottom disturbances, etc…) may move the lake into the less desirable turbid state. This presentation will cover shallow lake ecology and common threats and stressors. We will also discuss what to expect if you live on a shallow lake and how to best interact with their unique features and challenges.

(1:00:26) Permitting requirements for aquatic plant control. Eric Calabro and Ryan Crouch, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Presented as part of the 2020 Michigan Inland Lakes Convention.