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NATURAL RESOURCES AND TEE ENVIRONMENT D R A THE (LEELANAU GENERAL PLAN Policy Guidelines for AUnaging Growth on the Leelanau Peninsula Working Paper Number 9 August6,1992 4% This Document is Printed on Recycled Paper LEELANAU COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS John D. Stanek Philip E. Deering Chairman Vice Chairman Donald W. Mitchell Rochelle Steimel Gerald N. Henshaw Joseph F. Brzezinski LEELANAU COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Daniel Heinz Chairman Merle Bredehoeft Margot Power Barbara Cruden Lois Cole Steve Kalchik Daniel Heinz Richard (Rick) N. Stein Lawrence Verdier John-Dozier Philip E. Deering LEELANAU GENERAL PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE John D. Stanek Chairman John April Max Hart Karen Nielsen John Avis Carl Headland Glen Noonan Gary Bardenhagen Beverly Heinz Richard Pleva Joanne Beare Dan Hubbell Margot Power Sargent Begeman Richard Hufford Robert Price Jack Burton Kalin Johnson Larry Price Stephen Chambers Linda Johnson Ed Reinsch Ross Childs Colleen Kaichik George Rosinski Lois Cole Edward Kazenko Richard Sander Thomas Colernan Ray Kimple Charlene Schlueter Barbara Collins Kay Kingery Kimberly Schopieray Shirley Cucchi Stu Kogge Chris Shafer Catherine J. Cunningham Stan Kouchnerkavich Ruth Shaffran Walter Daniels Frea Lanham Jr. Thomas Shimek Phil Deering Elizabeth Lafferty-Esch Derith Smith Judy Egeler Don Lewis Dennis Stavros Randy Emmeot Dana Hoyle MacLellan Harry Stryker Kathy Feys Douglas Manning Mitsume Takayama Kathleen B. Firestone Larry Mawby John VanRaalte Mary Frank John McGettrick Tom VanZoeren Gary Fredrickson Jack Mobley David Viskochil James Frey James Modrall Midge Werner Paul Gardner Dave Monstrey Ben Whitfield Alex Garvin John Naymick Ruth Wilber John Hardy Mary Newman Dick Wilson DRAFT Working Paper #9 NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE LEELANAU PENINSULA Prepared by Tim McCauley Planning & Zoning center, Inc. 302 S. Waverly Rd. Lansing, MI 48917 with data assistance from Leelanau County Planning Department Tim Dolehanty, Director 113 Grand Ave. Leland, MI 49654 616/256-9812 July 1992 DRAFT LEELANAU GENERAL PLAN PROJECT STAFF Timothy J. Dolehanty Duane C. Beard County Planning Director County Administrator Trudy J. Galla Pat Stratton Assistant Planner Administrative Secretary Andrew Schmidt Planning Assistant Karen J. Gleason Planning Department Secretary LEELANAU GENERAL PLAN TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE STAFF Planning & Zoning Center Center, Inc. 302 S. Waverly Road Lansing, MI 48917 (517) 886-0555 (517) 886-0564 FAX Mark A. Wyckoff, AICP, President Tim McCauley, Community Planner (principal report author) Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface .............................................................................................................................. i Executive Summary ........................................................................................................... ii Chapter 1: Climate, Geology, Topography, And Drainage ............................................ 1-1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1-1 Climate .................................................................................................................... 1-1 Geology .................................................................................................................. 1-1 Topography and Slopes .......................................................................................... 1-3 Watercourses and Watersheds .............................................................................. 1-4 Lake Levels ............................................................................................................. 1-4 Emerging Issues ..................................................................................................... 1-6 Issues for Further Discussion ................................................................................. 1-7 Chapter 2: Natural Resources ....................................................................................... 2-1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 2-1 Soils ........................................................................................................................ 2-1 Limitations for Basements ...................................................................................... 2-2 Limitations for Septic Systems ................................................................................ 2-2 Hydric Soils .............................................................................................................. 2-4 Steep Slopes .......................................................................................................... 2-4 Soils Most Suitable for Urban Type Development .................................................. 2-4 Woodland Suitability ............................................................................................... 2-5 Orchard Suitability .................................................................................................. 2-5 Farmland Suitability ................................................................................................ 2-5 Farmlands ............................................................................................................... 2-5 Forestlands ............................................................................................................. 2-6 Sand and Gravel ..................................................................................................... 2-7 Emerging Issues ..................................................................................................... 2-7 Issues for Further Discussion ................................................................................. 2-8 Chapter 3: Environmentally Sensitive Areas Introduction ............................................................................................................. 3-1 Floodplains ............................................................................................................. 3-1 Wetlands ................................................................................................................. 3-2 High Risk Erosion Areas ......................................................................................... 3-3 Sand Dunes ............................................................................................................ 3-4 Unique Plants and Animals ..................................................................................... 3-5 Uniqueness of Natural Features ............................................................................. 3-5 Emerging Issues ..................................................................................................... 3-5 Issues for Further Discussion ................................................................................. 3-6 Chapter 4: Air & Water Quality ...................................................................................... 4-1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 4-1 Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment f DRAFT Air Quality ............................................................................................................... 4-1 Water Quality .......................................................................................................... 4-2 Mebert, Cedar Run, and Victoria Creeks ................................................................ 4-5 Crystal River ........................................................................................................... 4-6 Unnamed Stream (Brewery Creek), Greilickville .................................................... 4-6 Ennis and Belanger Creeks .................................................................................... 4-7 Houdek Creek ......................................................................................................... 4-7 Sources of the Problem .......................................................................................... 4-8 North Lake Leelanau .............................................................................................. 4-9 MDNR Report ....................................................................................................... 4-11 Groundwater .......................................................................................................... 4-13 Emerging Issues ................................................................................................... 4-15 Issues for Further Discussion ............................................................................... 4-16 Chapter 5: Summary ..................................................................................................... 5-1 Overview ................................................................................................................. 5-1 Future Development on the Peninsula ................................................................... 5-1 Key Issues for Further Discussion .......................................................................... 5-2 Recommendations .................................................................................................. 5-2 Appendix A: Literature Reviewed .................................................................................. A-1 Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment DRAFT PREFACE This working paper is the ninth in a series Chapter 3 - Environmentally Sensitive providing background information for the Areas; Floodplains, wetlands, high risk ero- preparation of the Leelanau General Plan: sion areas, shorelands, sand dunes, and Policy Guidelines for Managing Growth unique natural features are the topics ad- on the Leelanau Peninsula. The first four dressed in this chapter. Environmentally papers were generated to document public sensitive areas present both problems and input from county-wide growth management opportunities for development in the Penin- forums, the results of citizen and local offi- sula. Implications of ill-considered cials surveys and the activities of the Citizens development, special characteristics of Advisory Committee (CAC). This committee sensitive areas, and state legislation are studied the need for a new county plan and discussed for these parts of the County. various approaches that could be taken in Chapter 4 - Air and Water Quality; pro- the preparation of such a plan. They con- vides information on these abundant yet cluded that while a new plan was needed, it fragile resources. Subjects addressed are should not be simply another "County Com- sources, measured impacts, and future prehensive Plan" prepared by the County status of air and water quality in Leelanau Planning Commission. Instead, what is County. The chapter discusses regional and needed is a growth management plan for the local sources and impacts of pollution. Peninsula that involves the direct input and Chapter 5 - Summary; reviews the issues participation of all the local units of govern- raised from the first four chapters and identi- ment in the County. This led to the initiation fies problems and opportunities for Leelanau of the Leelanau General Plan. The fifth County. The chapter also relates the signifi- working paper presented a report on the cance of the information presented in the "Trend Future" facing Leelanau County. working paper to future development activity Working paper #6 presents goals and ob- in the County. jectives for the General Plan, working paper #7 provides an overview of the economy of Leelanau County, and working paper #8 discusses transportation, public facilities, and physical services. This working paper (#9) addresses Leelanau County's environment and natural resources through the following chapters: Chapter 1 - Climate, Geology, Topogra- phy, and Drainage; this chapter identifies and discusses the most fundamental, forma- tive natural processes affecting the County's natural setting and resources. Chapter 2 - Natural Resources; dis- cusses nature and location of soil types, farmlands, forest lands, woodlands, sand and gravel resources. For soils, there is informa- tion pertaining to building site development and limitations for septic systems and base- ments. Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page i DRAFT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this working paper is to potential, steep slopes, high water table, provide an information base that can be used or excessively fast or slow permeability. for addressing environmental issues and Large contiguous areas of the County concerns in -Leelanau County. The following have unique suitability for orchards, chapters should provide local officials and woodlands, or farmland. Prime forestland citizens with information needed to make soils cover approximately 70% of the sound decisions with respect to the natural Peninsula. environment. Information is presented in a Although a small portion of the Peninsula fashion which will promote understanding of contains wetlands, they exist in two very the environment; both at this time and in the large contiguous areas near Lake future. Leelanau and are a significant factor in This working paper provides information maintaining the water quality of that lake. on; surface and bedrock geology, tempera- The Great Lakes shoreline in Leelanau ture and precipitation, watercourses, water County contains many areas with highly quality, shoreline erosion, air quality, re- erodible shore types which could be source lands, pollution sources, and envi- adversely affected by unchecked ronmental problem areas. Geologic forma- development. tions, resource lands, environmentally sensi- - Air and water quality in the County is tive areas, and pollution sources are identi- affected by activities hundreds of miles fied and mapped. away in the Lake Michigan basin. The following are summary observations - Water quality in inland lakes on the from the working paper: Peninsula is very good, but the water � Leelanau County has a diverse and quality of some lakes is threatened by varied surficial geology resulting from septic systems and agricultural runoff. glaciation. Glacial landforms present in Continued residential development the county include moraines, drumlins, introduces additional impacts, including eskers, outwash plains, kettles, and sand stormwater runoff containing lawn and dunes. Glacial deposits are very thick in garden chemicals as well as other portions of the county. household chemicals (cleaners, � The County's climate is influenced by the detergents, etc.), and increased soil water bodies surrounding it. This makes erosion resulting in sedimentation. Creeks some portions of the Peninsula suitable and streams in the County are generally for growing fruit trees. high quality, but some problem areas Leelanau County has no major exist. watercourses subject to flooding or The high water quality of North Lake severe erosion, but has many small Leelanau is threatened by elevated levels creeks and streams. of nutrients entering the lake from Houdek Great Lakes water levels have varied as Creek. Much of the Houdek Creek much as 51/4 feet within a 30 year period watershed area contains agricultural land from the early 1960's to the present. The uses. Sources of the problem are effect of lake levels is magnified by wind agricultural runoff, cherry cooling pads, and wave action. soil erosion, road crossings, and Significant portions of the Peninsula have residential septic systems. Recent data soils which pose severe limitations on for other streams in the County do not development because of erosion Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page ii DRAFT indicate the existence of such problems elsewhere. All residents and visitors of the Peninsula are dependent on groundwater for potable water. This resource is threatened by agricultural practices, failing septic systems, and point sources of chemical contamination. Groundwater (and thus surface waters) in Leelanau County is extremely vulnerable to contamination due to a thick layer of highly permeable soils and the presence of many unconfined glacial drift aquifers. Many of the emerging issues identified within this report are natural resource-based, interrelated with recreation planning, land use planning, regulation of land use, and economic development. The natural resources of Leelanau County offer a bounty of recreational opportunities which can be of benefit to the local economy. If development for recreation or other uses is ill-conceived or insensitive to the environment, the quality of recreation and the local economy will suffer. The chances of this happening are greater with increased pressure for development experienced over the past ten years. Land use planning and regulation will be increasingly necessary to ensure sustainable use of the Peninsula's natural resources. From the information presented in this working paper, it is evident that the natural environment of the Leelanau Peninsula is composed of many unique and fragile resources that are easily impacted by man's activities. Several warning signs have been observed and documented within the past twenty years that prove this is true. If protected by adequate governmental policies and regulations with the support of informed citizens, the Peninsula's environment can be preserved for enjoyment by many people far into the future. Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page N DRAFT LIST OF TABLES Table 1-1 Climatic Information 1-2 Table 1-2 Watercourses in Leelanau County 1-5 Table 1-3 Inland Lakes 1-5 Table 2-1 Soils Associations 2-1 Table 2-2 Septic System Standards 2-3 Table 2-3 Woodland Suitability 2-5 Table 2-4 Suitability for Seed Crops 2-5 Table 2-5 Suitability for Orchards 2-5 Table 2-6 Commercial Forest Act Lands 2-7 Table 3-1 Flood Prone Creeks & Streams 3-1 Table 3-2 Wetland Land Cover/Use Codes 3-3 Table 4-1 Lake Trophic State Characteristics 4-3 Table 4-2 Inland Lake Water Quality 4-4 Table 4-3 NPIDES Permits 4-13 Table 4-4 Act 307 Sites, Fiscal Year 1992 4-14 Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page iv DRAFT LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1-1 Bedrock Geology 1-8 Figure 1-2 Elevation 1-9 Figure 1-3 Steep Slopes 1-10 Figure 1-4 Watersheds/Watercourses 1-11 Figure 1-5 Great Lakes Water Levels 1-6 Figure 2-1 Soil Associations 2-9 Figure 2-2 Soil Limitations for Basements 2-10 Figure 2-3 Soil Limitations for Septic Systems 2-11 Figure 2-4 Hydric Soils 2-12 Figure 2-5 Most Suitable Soils for Development 2-13 Figure 2-6 Soil Permeability 2-14 Figure 2-7 Farmland Suitability for Seed Crops 2-15 Figure 2-8 Orchard Suitability 2-16 Figure 2-9 Prime Farmlands 2-17 Figure 2-10 PA 116 Lands 2-18 Figure 2-11 Prime Forest Land 2-19 Figure 3-1 Floodplains 3-7 Figure 3-2 Wetlands 3-8 Figure 3-3 High Risk Erosion Areas 3-9 Figure 3-4 Critical Dunes 3-10 Figure 4-1 Ozone Pollution 4-17 Figure 4-2 Act 307 Sites 4-18 Figure 4-3 Aquifer Vulnerability 4-19 Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page v DRAFT Chapter 1 CLIMATE, GEOLOGY9 TOPOGRAPHY9 AND DRAINAGE INTRODUCTION milder in winter and somewhat cooler in Climate, geology, topography, and drain- summer than weather at Traverse City. This age are key factors in shaping the natural is due to the effect of surrounding water environment of Leelanau County. This chap- bodies. ter provides background information on past and existing conditions related to these im- Average Temperatures and Precipitation portant fundamental elements of the envi- Table 1-1 on the following page shows ronment. The purpose is to serve as a foun- climatic data for Traverse City that is gener- dation for further discussion natural re- ally representative for Leelanau County. The sources, environmentally sensitive areas, Peninsula's weather is only slightly different water quality, and land use planning. than that of Traverse City as a result of the Leelanau County is a unique place in lake effect. The highest daily temperatures Michigan with respect to climate and topog- occur in July, while the lowest daily raphy. The climate is influenced by the large temperatures occur in February. Precipitation water bodies surrounding the Peninsula, is highest during May and lowest during which have a moderating effect on tempera- February. tures. The surface geology of Leelanau County features large moraines, drumlins, Growing Season' sand dunes, eskers, outwash plains, and a Fruit growers are primarily concerned thick layer of glacial drift. Topography in the about the average frequency and severity of County is unique because of distinct glacial frost damage to fruit trees and the probability and sand dune features, with many areas of damaging frost during blossom time. In having steep slopes and rolling hills. Leelanau County, local variations in the frost Drainage is facilitated by steep slopes, nu- hazard to fruit growing range from slight to merous small creeks and streams, large in- severe, depending to a large extent on ele- land lakes, and sandy soils. vation above the lowlands and on effective natural air drainage. The length of the grow- CLIMATE ing season is about 150 days. It is somewhat Effects of Surrounding Water Bodies' shorter in the south-central part of the Leelanau County, surrounded on three Peninsula, and longer on the offshore is- sides by fresh water, has a climate that is lands. The average date of the last freezing Midwest continental but is influenced during temperature in the spring in Traverse City is critical parts of the growing season by the May 10, and the average date of the first heat-exchanging properties of Lake Michi- freezing temperature in the fall is October 7. gan. Prevailing winds are west-southwest off The latest freezing temperature ever re- Lake Michigan. The lake effect provides a corded in Traverse City is June 13, and the favorable environment for fruit trees, as the earliest on record is September 12. lower temperatures during spring generally retard the blooming time until the danger of GEOLOGY late killing frost has generally passed. Bedrock Geology Weather records taken from observations at Leelanau County is located above four Glen Arbor and Maple City show that major bedrock formations; the Detroit River weather in Leelanau County is somewhat Group, the Traverse Group, Antrim Shale" Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 1-1 DRAFT and Ellsworth Shale. Figure 1-1 shows the material from one place to another. Sand location of each major bedrock group within dunes occupy most areas adjacent to Lake the County. The shale and sandstone bed- Michigan on the mainland and on the islands. rock is overlaid by 50 to 900 feet of glacial The Sleeping Bear Dune reaches an eleva- drift surface material, which is thickest near tion of 1,044 feet and is the most pronounced the Sleeping Bear Dunes and becomes thin- of the open dune land. ner towards' Suttons Bay and Northport. Winds and water cause severe natural There are no outcroppings of bedrock in the geologic erosion on dune-land. Wave action Country. during periods when lake levels are high causes shore erosion, and by undercutting Physiography and Surface Geology' lake bluffs, induces slippage of large soil The surface of the Peninsula is covered masses. Large active gullies, some well over by ground-up rock material resulting from the 100 feet, occur where natural drainage-ways Wisconsin period of glaciation 10,000 to receive accelerated runoff from cultivated 20,000 years ago. This material ranges from fields and spill over steep escarpments. clay or loams to sand and gravel and con- The most distinct inland feature resulting tains boulders, stones, and limestone slabs. from glaciation is the hilly morainic landscape All of this earth mass was moved by ice from in the southern two-thirds of the Peninsula. the north during several glaciation periods. The Manistee Moraine occupies the central Erosion by wind and water has modified part of the County between Empire and the surface configuration, mainly by moving Suttons Bay. Loamy sand is more dominant soil material from higher to lower elevations, in the eastern part of this moraine, but toward sculpturing the hills, and cutting drainage- the west there is a change to a higher ways. Strong winds built the high dunes proportion of gravely material, and in the along Lake Michigan and moved surface soil western part there is sand. The moraines in Table 1-1 CLIMATIC INFORMATION Temperature Precipitation Average Average Average Days Average Month daily daily total with snow depth of maximum minimum (inches) cover of snow on (0 F) (0 F) 1 inch days with or more snow cover (inches) January 30 17 1.9 30 8 February 30 is 1.3 28 10 March 38 21 1.6 22 8 April 52 32 2.0 3 2 May 65 41 3.0 0 0 June 76 53 2.6 0 0 July 82 59 2.6 0 0 August 79 58 2.6 0 0 September 71 51 3.7 0 0 October 59 41 2.9 0 0 November 44 30 3.0 9 4 December 33 22 1.7 24 5 Year 55 37 29.1 116 6 Source: USDA Soil Survey of Leelanau CounV Michigan Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 1-2 DRAFT the northern part of the Peninsula and west TOPOGRAPHY AND SLOPES of Lake Leelanau contain a high proportion of Relative Elevations sandy loam. Also in the northern part of the The highest point in Leelanau County, County are numerous unusual elongated hills slightly over 1,100 feet above sea level, is known as drumlins. part of a large moraine located in the Lake levels varied greatly from time to southwest corner of Elmwood Township. The time, and as water levels dropped, former- next highest point is the Sleeping Bear Dune, lake bottoms were exposed as lake benches at 1,044 feet above sea level. Sugarloaf and lake terraces. These lake benches and Mountain is another prominent high point, at terraces occupy areas adjacent to the larger 1,040 feet. lakes and along the shores of Lake Michigan From the mean water level of Lake Michi- and Grand Traverse Bay. These are nearly gan, which is 580 feet, three of the more level to sharply sloping, and the soil material prominent pinnacles of Sleeping Bear Dune, of the lake deposits is stratified sand, gravel, Fouch Hill, and Sugarloaf Mountain rise loams, silts, and clays. about 460 feet. The large outwash plain in Glacial outwash plains occupy a large Kasson township is about 340 feet above area in the southwestern part of the Penin- Lake Michigan, and the moraines in the cen- sula. They are nearly level to gently sloping, tral part of the Peninsula rise approximately but have a number of deep pits, and are 200 to 400 feet above Lake Michigan.' deeply dissected in some places, especially Some relatively large expanses of flat ter- near their borders. The soil material is mostly rain are found in the Solon and Cedar either gravel or sand. Swamps south of Lake Leelanau, much of Each of the offshore islands differ greatly the southern portions of Empire and Kasson from one another in surface geology. South Townships, and much of Leelanau Township Manitou Island consists of crescent-shaped north of Northport. All of the offshore islands glacial deposits. These begin on the east have relatively flat terrain as well (see Figure side as nearly level lake benches. To the 1-2). west, and in higher elevations, are level gla- cial lake plains, which rise sharply to a steep Steep Slopes clayey moraine that is crowned by dune sand Approximately one third of the land area next to Lake Michigan. North Manitou Island of Leelanau County has slopes of 12% or has a narrow shelf of lake benches that rises greater (See Figure 1-3). These steep-sloped abruptly to a broad moraine. This broad mo- areas are not concentrated in one location raine is split in the middle by an outwash but are found throughout the county, and are plain that extends southward to the dunes generally interspersed with flat and moder- that occupy the southern and western areas ately sloped land. Virtually the entire Penin- along Lake Michigan. sula is hilly, except for the extreme south- , Nearly all of South Fox Island is one big central portion in southern Empire and Kas- dune reposing on a moraine and on an old son Townships, and the swamps south of lake plain, both of which are exposed only on Lake Leelanau. some narrow shelves. North Fox Island is Steep slopes place moderate to severe two-thirds lake plain swept clean of superfi- limitations on development, especially in cial lake deposits down to the sandy loam highly erodible soils such as those in Leela- glacial till. The southern one-fifth is a high nau County. Generally, slopes exceeding 7% dune deposited on the moraine, and the rest should not be developed intensively, while .lake benches. areas having a slope of 15% or greater 's should not be developed at all because oi in- creased soil erosion and surface water sedi- Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 1-3 DRAFT mentation. Careless hillside development can rectly into the Great Lakes, connect inland lead to increased costs for public services lakes, or run from inland lakes into Lake such as road and sewers, and results in Michigan or Grand Traverse Bay. Table 1-2 damage to surface water quality. contains location and drainage information The permeable unconsolidated glacial on these watercourses. deposits in Leelanau County permit percola- tion of absorbed water to a great depth. This Inland Lakes water moves laterally through the ground Inland lakes cover approximately 8% of until it appears again as springs or as under- Leelanau County. The largest of these lakes water discharge into streams and lakes. are Lake Leelanau and Glen Lake. Table 1-3 Many of the valleys and drainageways are contains information on eight of the largest dry during much of the year, but swamps re- lakes in the county main wet in low areas having a high ground- water level. Rapid runoff of water is slight LAKE LEVELS and occurs mostly during periods of rapid Lake Michigan snowmelt, particularly if the surface soil is Lake levels on Lakes Michigan and Huron frozen. Runoff from cultivated sloping fields is have varied considerably; as much as 51/4 rapid if they are not protected by appropriate feet; over the past thirty years, with record measures to conserve soil and water.2 low's recorded in 1964 and record high levels in 1986. Figure 1-5 shows Lake Michi- WATERCOURSES AND WATERSHEDS gan/Huron levels in 1964 and 1986, as well Watersheds and Drainage Patterns as the long-range trend and levels for the There are no major rivers or river systems years 1991 and 1992. in Leelanau County. Much of the land in the Great Lakes water levels are unpredict- Peninsula drains directly into either Lake able and vary over time in relation to precipi- Michigan or the west arm of Grand Traverse tation and evaporation, and to a lesser ex- Bay via small creeks. Two large inland lakes, tent, winds. Water levels are also affected by Glen Lake and Lake Leelanau, drain the such artificial factors as dredging, diversions, central portions of the Peninsula, but and regulation of flows. Following long peri- eventually empty themselves, into Lake ods of above average annual precipitation, Michigan. there is an accompanying rise in water lev- The Lake Leelanau watershed (drainage els. This rise is not immediately evident be- area) covers approximately one fourth of the cause there is a delay between the time pre- Peninsula and extends southward into Ben- cipitation falls within the Great Lakes drain- zie County. There are two other inland wa- age basin and the time all runoff waters fi- tersheds which drain the central part of the nally enter the lakes. The same relationship County. One is an area containing Lime, also holds true for periods of low precipita- Shetland, and Shalda Creeks, as well as tion; lower lake levels are not immediately Bass, Lime, School, Shell, and Little Traverse evident.3 Lakes, and occupying most of Cleveland In addition to precipitation and Township. The other contains Hatlem Creek, evaporation, strong winds can actually tilt the Glen Lake, and the Crystal River. Figure 1-4 surface of some of the Great Lakes, by shows watersheds and watercourses in pushing the water to one end, by as much as Leelanau County. eight feet on the receiving end. The other end of the lake is consequently lowered. This Watercourses effect of strong winds is common along the All of the rivers or streams in Leelanau eastern shore of Lake Michigan in areas County are short-run creeks which drain di- such as Leelanau County. Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 1-4 DRAFT Table 1-2 WATERCOURSES IN LEELANAU COUNTY Name of Watercourse Location Drainage Beaudwin Creek Leland Township Lake Leelanau Belangers Creek S. Leelanau and Suttons Bay Twps. From Bass Lake to Suttons Bay BeInap Creek Elmwood Township Lake Leelanau Bodus Creek Centerville Township To Victoria Creek to Lake Leelanau Brewery Creek" Elmwood Township, Greilickville Grand Traverse Bay Cedar Creek Elmwood Township Cedar Lake Cedar Run Solon Township Lake Leelanau Clearbrook Creek Solon Township To Victoria Creek to Lake Leelanau Crystal River Glen Arbor Township From Glen Lake to Lake Michigan Ennis Creek South Leelanau Township Grand Traverse Bay Gills Creek South Leelanau Township Lake Michigan Hatlem Creek Empire Township Glen Lake Hines Creek Elmwood Township Cedar Lake Houdek Creek South Leelanau, Leland Townships Lake Leelanau Lee Creek Bingham Township Grand Traverse Bay Leland River Leland Lake Leelanau to Lake Michigan Leo Creek Suttons Bay Suttons Bay Lime Creek Cleveland Township Lime Lake Mebert Creek Bingham Township Lake Leelanau Northport Creek Notthpod Northport Bay Rice Creek Centerville Township Grand Traverse Bay Shalda Creek Cleveland Township L. Traverse Lake to Lake Michigan Shetland Creek Cleveland Township Lime Lake to Little Traverse Lake Tager Creek Solon Township Ceciar Run to Lake Leelanau Victoria Creek Centerville, Solon Townships Lake Leelanau Weaver Crenl., k ISouth Leelanau Township Omena Bay Weisler Creek Solon Township Lake Leelanau Source: Various maps of Leelanau County Table 1-3 INLAND LAKES - 175 ACRES OR LARGER Name of Lake Surface Area (acres) Maximum Depth (feet) Lake Leelanau (North) 2,950 121 Lake Leelanau (South) 5,370 62 Glen Lake (Little) 1,400 13 Glen LaL-,m 4,865 , e 130 Little Traverse Lake 640 54 Lime Lake 670 67 Cedarl-ake 253 45 F SchoolLake 175 18 Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 1-5 DRAFT Figure 1-5 GREAT LAKES WATER LEVELS 1991 1992 1993 JAN FEB KAR APR MAY JUN JUL AW SEP OCT NOV DEC JAW FEB KM APR MAY JUN JUL ALIG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB UM APR KAY JUN fee +5 +4 1986 1 +3 ACTUAL WATER LEVEL PRaJECTION +2 -------- iART DATUM 577.5 (176.0 METERS) LONCrRANGE AVERAGE -- --------- 1964 Source: U. S, Army Cotps of Engineers During periods of high water levels on the Inland Lake Levels 0 Great Lakes, damage to shorelands is much There are two lakes in Leelanau County greater than in years of average or low water. which have legally established water levels. High water levels, combined with the forces Lake Leelanau's legally set level of 589.21 of strong wind and wave action, can destroy feet mean sea level datum was established beach and bluff areas, force evacuations of in October, 1978. The level, with a variance flood-prone areas, and damage bird nesting of plus zero inches, minus two inches, is in and fish spawning grounds. effect from April 15 (or when the ice breaks Many areas along the eastern shore of up, whichever is later) until November 15. As Lake Michigan are highly susceptible to ero- of November 15, the water level is to be re- sion, especially when lake levels are high. In duced to 585.21 feet until the following April 1972 and 1973, flooding along the eastern 15. shore of the Lake in Michigan affected Glen Lake's level was ordered to be 10,000 homes and cost 55 million dollars in 596.75 feet mean sea level datum at the damages. A storm that occurred on south pier of "the Narrows" bridge in Section December 1-2, 1985, described by the 3 of Empire Township as of July, 1945. The National Weather Service as a "typical fall level is maintained by the Glen Lake Asso- stormn caused an estimated $12-$14 million ciation. in damages to the six southern Michigan counties on Lake Michigan, mostly due to EMERGING ISSUES high water levels. The storm destroyed 16 Development on steep slopes 11186 cottages, damaged 46 others, and placed As areas most suitable for development another 108 in imminent danger.4 are built upon (those areas with good soils Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 1-6 DRAFT for construction and septic systems and with slight or moderate slope), then building on more marginal land is likely to occur. In Leelanau County, such "marginal" areas for building have steep slopes and highly erod- ible soils. If these areas are not protected from haphazard development, several impor- tant elements of the Peninsula's natural envi- ronment are at risk, including scenic beauty, high lake water quality, fragile dune lands, and unique vegetation. Impacts of High Lake Levels Shoreline development along Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan should oc- cur with potential high water levels taken into consideration. Property damage resulting from inundation and erosion also affects the local economy because of its dependence on tourists and tourist related facilities. Any sub- stantial damage to such facilities could have long-lasting negative effects. It is possible and feasible for future development to be protected from high Great Lakes water levels by setting minimum standards for the dis- tance of structures from the water's edge. ISSUES FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION To what extent should local governments or the County take over responsibility for de- velopment in high risk erosion areas? Cur- rently, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources administers permit programs de- signed to protect these sensitive areas. 1. Substantial portions excerpted from the USDA Soil Survey of Leelanau County, Michigan. 2. USDA Soil Survey of Leelanau County, Michigan. 1973. 3. Great Lakes Water Levels, Michigan Department of Natural Re- sources, Division of Land Resource Programs. Date unknown. 4. Great Lakes Water Wreaks Shore Havoc, Natural Resources Register, Michigan Department of Natural Resources. March, 1986. Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 1-7 DRAFT Chapter 2 NATURAL RESOURCES INTRODUCTION misuse of valuable resource lands. Soils-based natural resources discussed in this chapter include farmlands, forest SOILS lands, sand and gravel. Leelanau County is Soil Types and Locations relatively plentiful with respect to all of these There are eight general soil associations natural resources, which lend substantially to present in Leelanau County. Each soil asso- its scenic beauty and are crucial to its ciation has unique characteristics which pose economic base. opportunities for some uses and limitations Approximately one third to one half of the for others. The soil associations consist of Peninsula is not suitable for urban type de- one or more major soil types and at least one velopment because of various soil related minor type, and are named for the major limitations. Many areas of the County have soils. Figure 2-1 shows general soil associa- soils which are on steep slopes, have tions in the county. This map is useful for lo- excessive wetness, or are excessively cating large tracts of land which may be suit- permeable. However, many of the areas able for a particular type of use, or for man- which are unsuitable for development have aging wildlife, watersheds, recreational facili- unique suitability as orchards, farmland, or ties, or forests. However it is not adequate for prime forest land. Land use policies should locating particular sites for roads, buildings, focus on guiding new development into areas etc. Detailed site-specific analysis is needed capable of supporting it, while discouraging for such purposes. Soil associations in development and possible inadvertent Leelanau County are described in Table 2-1. Table 2-1 SOILS ASSOCIATIONS Soil Association Characteristics Minor Soils Land Area Dear Park-Dune Land Well-drained, strongly sloping to very steep, Deer Park, Dune Land 13,402 acres sandy soils on dunes 6% of county East Lake-Eastport-Lup- Well-drained and moderately well-drained, Alpena, Au Gres, Edwards, 62,641 acres ton nearly level to gently sloping, sandy soils, Markey, Kalkaska, Roscom- 28% of county and very poorly drained, nearly level, mucky mon soils; on lake terraces and beach ridges Emmet-Omena Well-drained, nearly level to very steep, Alcona, Leelanau, Nester, 26,803 acres loamy soils on moraines Richter 12% of county Emmet-Leelanau Well-drained, nearly level to very steep, Alcona, East Lake, Kalkaska, 42,438 acres loamy and sandy soils on moraines and fill Mancelona, Richter 19% of county plains Kalkaska-East Lake Well-drained, moderately steep to very steep, Mancelona, Wallace 17,869 acres sandy soils on moraines 8% of county Kalkiska-Mancelona Well-drained, nearly level to strongly sloping, Adrian, East Lake, Houghton 24,570 acres sandy soils on outwash plains 11 % of county Kiva-Mancelona Well-drained, nearly level to strongly sloping, Kalkaska, East Lake 6,701 acres gravely, loamy and sandy soils on outwash 3% of county plains East Lake, Kalkaska, Kiva, 29,037 acres sandy soils on moraines T Nester 13% of county Leelanau-Mancelona Well-drained, strongly sloping to very steep, Source: USDA Soil Survey of Leelanau County, Michigan Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 2-1 DRAFT Soil Limitations for Urban Development B. Rapid permeability, wetness and high The degree of soil limitations reflects the water table practical feasibility, expense, and C. Wet, ponding, heavier (clay) soils, slow environmental hazards of developing land for permeability a particular use. Soils classified as severe D. Very wet soils, organics, floodplains, have varying degrees of development unable to support septic drainage potential based on the nature of their f ields limitation. Slight, moderate, and severe limitations are interpreted as follows: Soils in categories B, C, and D are not able to support septic fields because of ex- Sligh Relatively free of limitations or limi- treme wetness. Soils in category A and B po- tations are easily overcome. tentially allow unfiltered effluent to contami- Moderate- Limitations need to be consid- nate shallow groundwater supplies. ered, but can be overcome with good The Environmental Health Regulations for management or careful design. the Leelanau County Health Department Severe Limitations are severe enough to specify minimum sub-surface areas for sew- make use questionable or impossible. age disposal systems according to the size of dwelling and the type of soils naturally occur- LIMITATIONS FOR BASEMENTS ring at the site. These standards are shown Soil drainage, permeability, stability, f re- in Table 2-2. The regulations also indicate quency of flooding, slope, and erosion haz- that permits to install on-site sewage disposal ard are important considerations in determin- systems will be denied for any of the follow- ing the suitability of a site for buildings, es- ing reasons: pecially those with basements. Soils having severe limitations for dwellings with base- A. Where any impervious layer of hard ments are likely to have excessive wetness, pan is encountered at less than four slope, shrink-swell potential, or instability. feet from the natural ground surface. Figure 2-2 shows areas of Leelanau B. Where the known high groundwater County having severe limitations for dwell- table is encountered within four feet of ings with basements. Approximately one third the natural ground surface. of the land in the Peninsula has moderate to C. In heavy soils where the drop in water severe limitations, primarily due to steep level is over 45 minutes per inch by slopes, or wetness in low-lying areas. Areas standard percolation test. with severe limitations are concentrated in D. Where silts, mucks, or unstable soils extremely hilly portions of the Manistee Mo- are encountered. raine and in the Cedar and Solon swamps E. Where lot size does not provide ade- south of Lake Leelanau. quate area to maintain the minimum requirements of the Environmental LIMITA TIONS FOR SEP TIC S YS TEMS Health Regulations (i.e. there is Soils can pose limitations on septic tank insufficient land area to accommodate absorption fields for a wide variety of rea- a septic system). sons, including excessive permeability, slow F. Where it has been determined that the permeability, high water table, or combina- proposed site of the sewage disposal tions of rapid or slow permeability and high system is subject to recurring flooding water table. Soils with severe limitations for (50 year floodplain) or falls within a septic systems can generally be broken High Risk Erosion Area. down into the following categories. A. Sandy, moderate to rapid permeability Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 2-2 DRAFT Table 2-2 SEPTIC SYSTEM STANDARDS Soil Minimum dis posal area per single fa ily residence 2 bedrooms or less 3 bedroom 4 bedroom -Coarse sand or gravel 450 ft2 600 ft2 750 ft2 Medium sand 600 ft2 750 ft2 goo ft2 -Fine sand and loamy sand - 750 ft2 goo ft2 1050 ft2 -Sand loam goo ft2 1050 ft2 1200 ft2 -Loam and sand clay loam 1050 ft2 1200 ft2 1350 ft2 Clay, clay loam, and sift loam not suftable not suitable not suftable Source: Leelanau County Hea/M Department Environmental Health Regulations NEW BENZIE COUNTY REGULA T10 thereafter at their own risk. Those Class I The Health Department in Benzie County, property owners which fail to file a notice will Leelanau's neighbor to the south, amended lose the ten year right and that system must its health code in 1989 to include stringent be brought into conformance with Health requirements aimed at bringing older septic Department standards within 120 days if it is systems up to departmental standards. The not up to code. program evolved out of concern over the Upon sale or transfer, all properties must potential for sewage contamination of be brought into compliance with groundwater and lakes, especially Crystal departmental standards. Septic systems are Lake. inspected and wells are tested prior to sale. If Citizens were supportive of giving the the septic system is not up to code, the Health Department greater authority to owner or purchaser must submit a proposed require individual upgrades where necessary. corrective action within 30 days of notice of The Department expanded its authority by non-compliance by the Department. If the adding surface and ground water protection proposed action is approved, it must be to the purpose statement of the new code carried out within 120 days of approval. and citing the Michigan Environmental Before closing on the sale or transfer, the Protection Act, MCL 691.1201 et seq., for owner or purchaser must submit proof of authority to minimize environmental conformance to the Department or a written degradation. contract that the sewage system will be The new code requires inspection of brought into conformance. This contract must septic systems by the Health Department include a performance bond for one and one- prior to the sale or transfer of property and half times the estimated cost of the mandatory upgrades of substandard improvement and a covenant that the systems. It establishes two classes of performance called for will be completed property. Class I includes property with septic within 90 days of sale. systems installed prior to 1972 or at any other time without Health Department USDA SOIL SURVEY approval. Class 11 includes those with septic The USDA Soil Survey of Leelanau systems approved and operating after 1971. County rates soils according to their Class I properties are required to notify limitations for septic system absorption fields. the Health Department of their status in This information is shown on Figure 2-3, writing. Once this notice is filed with the which indicates that approximately one half Department, Class I properties have the right to one third of the Peninsula has severe to use the septic system for up to ten years limitations for septic systems. These areas Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 2-3 DRAFT are scattered throughout the County, but Leo Creek and Lee Creek south of Suttons concentrations exist in and around the Bay, along Mebert Creek and Lake Leelanau swamps southwest of Lake Leelanau and in in Bingham Township, and in a line from Suttons Bay, southern Leelanau, and Lake Leelanau to Cedar Lake to Grand Trav- northern Leland Townships. erse Bay in Elmwood Township. Health department sanitarians indicate that problem areas for septic systems are STEEP SLOPES scattered throughout the County, but tend to Erosion and accumulation of sediment be concentrated around lakes, particularly are serious problems in construction of areas the east and southwest shores of North Lake on sloping soils. As a result of vegetation re- Leelanau, and South Lake Leelanau. Areas moval, paving, and compaction of soils dur- with and approaching high nitrate concentra- ing and after construction, runoff from built- tions in water wells are located in the vicinity up areas is 2 to 10 times greater than from of Cedar, Lake Leelanau, and Leland. undeveloped land. This runoff travels at Large amounts of nitrate (greater than 10 higher velocities than on undeveloped land ppm) in drinking water can cause serious and soil is consequently eroded. The eroded illness in infants under six months of age. It sediment is ultimately deposited into inland may also cause illness in adults after lakes and waterways. Figure 1-3 shows ar- prolonged use. In infants, the ability of the eas of Leelanau County having slopes of red blood cells to carry oxygen is reduced. A 12% or greater. Most parts of the Peninsula link between nitrate exposure and cancer has are highly vulnerable to erosion and sedi- been suggested but not proven. Preliminary mentation because of sandy soils. studies linking nitrates to cancer provide no hard evidence of such, however they do SOILS MOST SUITABLE FOR URBAN suggest a need for further studies. TYPE DEVELOPMENT Areas most suitable for urban types of HYDRIC SOILS development are shown on Figure 2-5. Hydric soils are another limitation on de- Inthese areas, soil limitations on dwellings velopment. They are poorly drained, saturate with basements and on septic system easily, and retain large quantities of water. absorption fields are considered to be only They are generally unsuitable for structures, slight or moderate. Such soils, most of which roads, or sewage disposal systems. The are found in the western half of the USDA Soil Conservation Service defines hy- Peninsula, comprise approximately 30% of dric soils as: the county's land area. "A soil that is saturated, flooded, or Soil Permeability ponded long enough during the growing Leelanau County has many areas with season to develop anaerobic conditions in highly permeable soils, mostly in the western the upper part". I half of the Peninsula, between the Lake If artificially drained, hydric soils can be Michigan shore and Lake Leelanau, and very suitable for farmland use. Figure 2-4 shows few areas with slow permeability. These where hydric soils are located in Leelanau highly permeable soil areas serve to County. Most of these soils are found in recharge groundwater in unconfined glacial wetland areas near inland lakes and in drift aquifers. Some of these aquifers drain coastal marshes along Grand Traverse Bay into inland lakes, which are vulnerable to and Lake Michigan. Relatively large concen- contamination from the ground surface or trations of hydric soils are found in the from septic systems. Soil permeability is swamps southwest of Lake Leelanau, along depicted in Figure 2-6. Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 2-4 DRAFT Soils With Specific Suitability orchards. Figure 2-8 shows orchard suitabil- WOODLAND SUITABILITY ity more specifically by soil type. All of Leelanau County's soil associations are suitable for either coniferous or hardwood Table 2-4 trees. However, while some areas are well SUITABILITY FOR SEED CROPS suited for hardwoods, they may be poorly Soil Association Suitability suited for conifers, and vice versa. The suit- Deer Park-Dune not suitable ability of soil associations for woodlands is East Lake-Eastport- good summarized in Table 2-3. Lupton Refer to Figure 2-1 for locations of soil Emmet-Omena fair associations. Ernmet-Leelanau good Kalkaska-East Lake not suitable Table 2-3 Kalkaska-Mancelona poor WOODLAND SUITABILITY Kiva-Mancelona fair Leelanau-Mancelona poor Soil Association Conifer Hardwood Suftability Suitability Deer Park-Dune excellent poor Table 2-5 East Lake-Eastport- excellent poor SUITABILITY FOR ORCHARDS Lupton Emmet-Omena poor excellent Soil Association Suitability Emmet-Leelanau fair good Deer Park-Dune not suitable Kalkaska-East Lake good poor East Lake-Eastport- good Kalkaska-Mancelona good fair Lupton Kiva-Mancelona good Emmet-Omena excellent Leelanau-Mancelona poor good Emmet-Leelanau good Kalkaska-East Lake poor FARMLAND SUITABILITY Kalkaska-Mancelona poor Most of Leelanau County is either poorly Kiva-Mancelona fair suited or not suited for grain and seed crops. Leelanau-Mancelona poor Those areas which are most suitable for FARMLANDS grain and seed crops are concentrated north Types and Location of Valuable Farm- of Suttons Bay and Lake Leelanau. Other lands somewhat suitable areas are scattered There are three specific types of impor- throughout the southeastern part of the tant farmlands in Leelanau County. These Peninsula. Table 2-4 shows farmland are prime farmlands, unique farmlands, and suitability for the soil associations. Figure 2-7 lands enrolled in the Michigan Farmland and shows farmland suitability more specifically Open Space Preservation Program author- by soil type. ized by PA 116 of 1974, MCL 554.702 et ORCHARD SUITABILITY seq. The unique climate of Leelanau County, The USDA Soil Conservation Service in conjunction with soils, makes some areas defines prime farmlands as those best suited of the Peninsula ideal for orchards. There are for food production; they require minimal soil many complex and interacting climatic and enhancement measures such as irrigation soil factors which make a particular site suit- and fertilizer to produce a sustained high able for orchard use. Therefore the sites for yield of crops in an economical manner. orchards need to be carefully selected, even There are 17,627 acres of prime farmland in though soils may be suitable. Table 2-5 Leelanau County, mostly in the eastern half shows the suitability of soil associations for of the Peninsula and concentrated in Cen- Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 2-5 DRAFT terville, Leland, Suttons Bay, and Leelanau categories cover over 70% of the county. Townships (see Figure 2-9). Prime forestlands are those lands which Unique farmland is land other than prime are capable of producing sustained high farmland that is used for the production of yields of wood products. Capability is deter- specific high value crops such as vegetables mined by the physical and chemical charac- and tree, vine, and berry fruits. The soil teristics of the soil. Some of the physical and qualities, landscape position, growing sea- chemical characteristics of the soil that are son, and moisture supply are those needed taken into account are topography or terrain for a well-managed soil to produce sustained (slope, aspect, geologic landform), water high yields of such crops in an economical availability (drainage, depth to water table, manner. Leelanau County has 15,168 acres water holding capacity), soil depth and of unique farmland, mostly in the eastern half rockiness, fertility (texture, soil structure, of the County (see Figure 2-9). mineralogy, banding), stability (stable enough The Michigan Farmland and Open Space to sustain intensive forest management prac- Preservation Program provides property tax tices), and vegetation (existing and poten- incentives for landowners to preserve land tial).2 for agricultural and open space use. The The three classes of prime forestlands in program allows landowners to enter into a Leelanau County, as defined by the U.S. De- voluntary agreement with the state whereby partment of Agriculture, are:2 the land will remain in agricultural use for ten years. In return, landowners get a credit on 1. OPrime timberlandsu - Lands which are their Michigan income tax, based on several capable of producing 85 cubic feet factors including the local property taxes. (about one standard cord) per acre Early withdrawal is penalized by required per year in fully stocked natural repayment of tax benefits, plus 6% interest. stands. These lands are nationally Landowners who do not renew the significant. agreement must repay the past seven years 2. *Unique timberlands* - Lands which are of tax benefits. There are over 15,500 acres not capable of producing 85 cubic feet of land in Leelanau County enrolled in the per acre per year but are growing program, scattered mostly throughout the substantial quantities of specific high eastern half of the Peninsula (see Figure 2- value species or species capable of 10). producing specialized wood products. Some examples of unique timberlands FORESTLANDS in other states are those which sup- Types and Location of Prime port black walnut plantations, pecan, Forest Lands and Atlantic white cedar. The Northwest Michigan Prime Forest- 3. OTimberlands of local importanceu - lands Identification Project completed a Lands which are not identified as prime forestlands report and map for Leela- having national or regional signifi- nau County in 1982 (see Figure 2-11). The cance but are important to local com- report identifies three different types of prime munities. These lands were identified forest land; prime timberlands, unique timber- by local resource groups. lands, and timberlands of regional impor- tance. The identification of these lands is Prime timberlands occupy most of the based primarily on soils; areas identified as eastern half of the Peninsula, while timber- uprime" may not actually be wooded but likely lands of regional importance mainly occupy have the capability of supporting timber pro- the western half of the Peninsula. There are duction. Prime forestlands in all of the three two clusters of unique timberlands. One is in Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 2-6 DRAFT Solon Township south of Victoria Creek, the tracts of conifers in southern Empire and other is in Bingham Township along Mebert Kasson Townships. Aspen and birch are Creek and Lake Leelanau. Both of these ar- scattered throughout the Peninsula, however eas are not prime timberland, but support a large contiguous tract covering over 750 highly productive tracts of northern white ce- acres is located in Sections 11, 12, 13, and dar. Leelanau County is the only county in a 14 of Glen Arbor Township. 13 county area of northwest Michigan to have any unique timberlands. Table 2-6 COMMERCIAL FOREST ACT LANDS Commercial Forest Act Township Acres Enrolled The Commercial Forest Reserve Act, PA Centerville 137 94 of 1925, MCL 320.301, et seq, was Cleveland 927 adopted to encourage reforestation and Empire 638 proper forest management on commercial Kasson 403 forest lands. Properties are enrolled in the Leelanau 50 commercial forest management program on Solon 59 a property tax incentive basis. The owner Suttons Bay 154 must in turn maintain the land as commercial forest, with some limited cutting allowed, and Woodlands are mostly scattered in the open the land to public hunting and fishing. eastern half on the County, with some large Land is enrolled in the program for a period tracts along Grand Traverse Bay and along of twenty years. Cathead Bay on Lake Michigan. Coniferous There are 2,368 acres of land in Leelanau and aspen/birch wooded areas tend to be County enrolled in this program. Most of it is less than 100 acres per tract in this portion of located in Cleveland, Kasson, and Empire the Peninsula, while contiguous hardwood Townships, with some large areas in Cen- tracts range in size from 20 to 800 acres. terville and Suttons Bay Townships (see Ta- ble 2-6). SAND AND GRAVEL Woodland Types Sandy soils, some containing gravel be- Woodlands cover approximately 45% of low the subsoil, are abundant in Leelanau Leelanau County, and consist predominantly County and have good potential for sand and of upland hardwoods (see Figure 2-11). gravel mining. Three of the eight soil asso- Wooded areas on moraines and outwash ciations in the County have calcareous plains are mostly maple, beech, elm, and as- (containing calcium or lime) sand and gravel pen, with some black cherry, ash, basswood, deposits at depths of 25 to 35 inches. Those birch, hemlock, white pine, and red pine are soil associations are Kalkaska-East Lake, intermixed. Wooded areas on dunes and Kiva-Mancelona, and Leelanau-Mancelona. sandy lake plains are mostly jack pine, white These soil associations are generally found pine, red pine, soft maple, aspen, and in areas of the Peninsula south of Glen Lake, juniper. Swampy lowland areas contain Lime Lake, and Lake Leelanau. Figure 2-1 white cedar, balsam fir, and black spruce, shows locations of soil associations in the intermixed with elm and soft maple. County. The western half of Leelanau County is EMERGING ISSUES covered by very large contiguous tracts of Fragmentation of Resource Lands upland hardwoods, especially surrounding Since the 1960's, non-resource based Glen Lake and the Sleeping Bear Dunes Na- residential development has been occurring tional Lakeshore. There are also some large Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 2-7 DRAFT at an increasing rate in Leelanau County, land division and growth, especially in areas threatening to replace resource based land valuable for farming, forestry, or sand and uses, such as farming, forestry, and gravel mining. sand/gravel extraction. The division of farm and forest lands into small tracts is the ISSUES FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION leading threat to resource lands, with Who has the responsibility of making sure irreversible results. valuable, non-replaceable resource lands do No uniformly accepted standards of eco- not become endangered? The state has nomically viable parcel sizes are available, some responsibilities, but local governments but timber buyers often enter into cutting are ultimately responsible for land use plan- contracts only on parcels 40 acres or larger, ning in their area. and 15 to 25 acres of prime agricultural land is often the minimum amount sufficient for l.Michigan Hydric Soils Ust, USDA Soil Conservation Service. growing high value crops such as vegeta- 2.Leelanau county Forest Soils Report, Northwest Michigan Prime bles, tree, vine, or berry fruits. Farming grain Forestlands Identification Project. 1982. crops requires much larger parcels often to- taling 1,000 acres or more. Dairy farms often require a minimum size of 300 acres. Woodlands which are not commercial for- est land are also a valuable resource. They reduce storm water runoff, prevent soil ero- sion, and lend substantially to the rural char- acter of the Peninsula. Yet as land is split for residential development and homes are built, contiguous tracts of woodland become smaller and more scattered. Many hardwood trees take fifty years or longer to mature and may be lost forever. Preserving large tracts of woodlands in Leelanau County is espe- cially important because of highly erodible soils and in significance of tourism in the lo- cal economy. Development regulations aimed at preventing the loss of natural resources can sometimes have unintended impacts. Such impacts may result in undesirable land use and resource patterns. For example, large minimum lot sizes intended to protect farmland and forestland in many parts of Michigan have, through an unintended process of f ragmentation, ultimately decreased the viability of such areas for resource-based uses. Leelanau County still has many resource lands intact and viable. Increasing pressure for new development threatens these areas and presents a challenge to local officials and citizens to devise effective techniques for controlling Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 2-8 DRAFT Chapter 3 ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS INTRODUCTION Glen Arbor, and Leelanau Townships, and Leelanau County has many environmen- the villages of Suttons Bay and Northport tally sensitive areas including critical sand (see Figure 3-1). dunes, high risk erosion areas, wetlands, floodplains, unique vegetation, and unique Flood Prone Locations landforms. Sand dunes, river and lake Flood prone areas in Leelanau County shores, and the Great Lakes shoreline are include all of the Grand Traverse Bay shore- attractive places for residential development. line, all of the Lake Michigan shoreline, However, they pose health and safety haz- shorelines of inland lakes, and locations ards and are very susceptible to damage. along several creeks and streams. The 100 Development in these highly sensitive areas year flood zone along Lake Michigan extends eventually causes damage to other compo- from 250 to 300 feet inland in most places. nents of the natural environment, including This is also the case along the shorelines of lakes and streams, farmlands, and forests. most of the inland lakes. The Grand Traverse Proper management of environmentally Bay shoreline has 100 year flood areas ex- sensitive areas is critical to maintaining the tending as much as 1000 feet inland, espe- natural environment and economic base of cially in the vicinity of Northport Point. The the Peninsula and protecting the public creeks and streams with small flood zones health, safety, and welfare. Identifying and (approximately 250 to 300 feet on each side) describing where these areas are located is are listed in Table 3-1 below.. the first step to protecting sensitive areas. This chapter provides background Table 3-1 information necessary to initiate or update FLOOD PRONE CREEKS AND STREAMS measures aimed at protecting envi- Name Location ronmentally sensitive areas. Belangers Creek & South Leelanau Twp. Bass Lake Suttons Bay Twp. FLOODPLAINS BeInap Creek Elmwood Twp. Overview Cedar Creek & Elmwood Twp. Areas adjacent to the Great Lakes, inland CedarLake lakes, creeks, streams, and rivers are sus- Brewery Creek Elmwood Twp. ceptible to periodic flooding that can cause Northport Creek Northport extensive damage to buildings and can pose Shalda Creek Cleveland Twp. a substantial threat to public health and Shetland Creek Cleveland Twp. safety. The flooding may occur frequently or Floodplains on inland areas of the Penin- only after major storms. The 100 year flood- sula are small because Leelanau County is plain is the area that would be inundated, or not traversed by any major rivers. Further- covered with water, during an Intermediate more, the Peninsula has hilly terrain which Regional Flood; one which occurs appro i x'_ facilitates runoff drainage, large lakes which mately once every 100 years. Maps of 100 can hold enormous amounts of water without year flood boundaries have been prepared flooding, and a thick layer of highly perme- for several communities in Leelanau County, able soils. including Centerville, Cleveland, Elmwood, Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 3-1 DRAFT Development in Floodplain Areas inventory). These wetland areas are primarily The Federal Flood Insurance Program associated with the creek channels and lakes has established guidelines for use and de- located within the Peninsula, as indicated on velopment of floodplain areas. Those regula- Figure 3-2. Most of the wetlands exist in a tions indicate that development in floodplains relatively large, contiguous area south and should be restricted to open space, recrea- west of South Lake Leelanau in Centerville, tional, or agricultural uses. Installation of Kasson, and Solon Townships, known as the public utilities and permanent construction for Cedar and Solon Swamps. Other residential, commercial, or industrial uses concentrations of wetlands are located along should not occur in floodplain areas. Mebert Creek and Lake Leelanau in Bingham Lack of planning and regulation has al- Township, and near Leo Creek south of ready led to considerable development in Suttons Bay. The remainder are scattered floodplain areas around Michigan (mostly in throughout the Peninsula. Some wetlands, large, older metroploitan areas), and the such as fens or meadows, do not look very costs incurred by governments and landown- wet and may not be wet a large part of the ers have been enormous. Floodplains. are year. Most of these areas are seasonally much more suitable for open space or wildlife flooded - usually in the spring and fall, and in habitat than for urban type residential, com- the summer they are often without standing mercial, or industrial land uses. Thus, platting water, although the organic soil usually stays or other land division should be discouraged near saturation. or prohibited in floodplains, and access roads should be constructed in upland areas. Wetlands Protection Act Because wetlands are a valuable natural WETLANDS resource, they are protected by PA 203 of Overview 1979, MCL 281.701 et seq. PA 203 requires Wetlands include marshes, swamps, and that permits be acquired from the Michigan usually other low-lying areas between dry Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land and open water. These areas are prior to altering or filling a regulated wetland. typified by poor drainage, standing water, The Wetland Protection Act defines wetlands and distinct types of vegetation. They are as: important community resources for several reasons. Wetlands provide a filter to keep "land characterized by the presence of inorganic materials out of the water supply, water at a frequency and duration suffi- filter sediments from entering lakes and cient to support and that under normal streams, act as a sort of "spongeu to retain circumstances does support wetland water during dry periods, and hold water vegetation or aquatic life and is com- during floods. One acre of marsh is capable monly referred to as a bog, swamp, or of absorbing 300,000 gallons of water. marsh and is contiguous to the Great Wetlands provide this holding capacity Lakes, an inland lake or pond, or a river inexpensively. If destroyed they can usually or stream. 01 be replaced only with expensive structural public improvements. Regulated wetlands include all wetland areas greater than 5 acres or those contigu- Lo cation ous to waterways. Wetlands which are hy- A small portion of Leelanau County can drologically connected (i.e. via groundwater) be characterized as wetlands (approximately to waterways are also regulated. Activities 18,500 acres according to a 1990 Leelanau exempted from the provisions of the Act in- County Planning Department land cover/use clude farming, grazing of animals, farm or Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 3-2 DRAFT stock ponds, lumbering, maintenance of ex- isting nonconforming structures, mainte- 1. Low erodible bluffs range in height nance or improvement of existing roads and from 9 to 30 feet and are mainly com- streets within existing rights-of-way, mainte- posed of glacially derived gravels, nance or operation of pipelines less than six sands, silts, and clays. They are inter- inches in diameter, and maintenance or op- spersed among the other shore types. eration of electric transmission and distribu- Drainage and slope stability are prob- tion power lines. lems commonly associated with this Permits will not be issued if a feasible or shore type. prudent alternative to developing a wetland exists. A map of wetlands based on Leelanau 2. High erodible bluffs are those greater County's land use/cover inventory are illus- than 30 feet in height and composed trated on Figure 3-2. Table 3-2 shows the of glacial materials. Drainage and land use/cover codes pertaining to regulated slope stability are problems commonly wetlands in the area. Most areas of hydric associated with this shore type. soils in Leelanau County correspond to wetlands. 3. Low erodible plains refers to those unconsolidated stretches of shoreline Table 3-2 less than 9 feet in height. They are WETLAND LAND COVER/USE CODES commonly associated with wetlands Code Description and are subject to erosion when ex- 414 Lowland Hardwood posed to wave attack. Flooding is a 423 Lowland Conifer common problem. 611 Forested Wetland 612 Shrub Wetland 4. Sand dunes present special consid- 621 Aquatic Bed erations for development and protec- 622 Emergent Wetlands tion. Low dunes are found on all the Great Lakes, but high dunes reaching over 450 feet are found primarily HIGH RISK EROSION AREAS along the eastern Lake Michigan Erodibility of Great Lakes Shoreline shoreline, where human activity and Portions of the Lake Michigan and Grand wind erosion are the primary Traverse Bay shorelines in Leelanau County concerns. are very susceptible to wind and water ero- sion during storms and high lake levels due 5. Wetlands are primarily confined to to resultant wave action. These shorelines large bays such as Green Bay and are continuously changing, particularly in re- Saginaw Bay, and other shallow sponse to fluctuations in lake levels. What areas of the lakes such as Lake St. appears to be a recent problem to shoreline Clair and the western end of Lake property owners could be more accurately Erie. Dredging and filling operations regarded as a natural process which has have reduced wetlands and the shore been occurring for several thousand years, protection they provide. but which affects and is affected by the ac- tions of man '2 Shore Types 1 and 2 above are- the most The major shore types that have evolved likely areas of Leelanau County shoreline to within the erodible portion of the Great Lakes be highly erodible. shoreline, which includes all of Leelanau County, are asfolloWS:2 Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 3-3 DRAFT Locations and for instituting measures to minimize All of the five erodible shore types are property losses resulting from natural forces found in Leelanau County. Low erodible of erosion. High risk erosion areas are de- bluffs are located primarily along Grand fined as areas of the shore along which bluf- Traverse Bay, while high erodible bluffs (for fline recession has proceeded at a long term example, Empire Bluffs) exist mostly along average of 1 foot or more per year. Portions Lake Michigan shoreline. Sand dunes are lo- of the Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse cated exclusively along Lake Michigan. Ex- Bay shorelines in Leelanau County have amples of low erodible plains in the County been designated as high risk erosion areas. are Sleeping Bear Bay, Good Harbor Bay, Within the designated area, shown on Figure and Northport Point, as well as North Fox 3-3, alteration of the soil, natural drainage, and South Fox Islands. Coastal wetlands are vegetation, fish or wildlife habitat, and any scattered and only exist in very small tracts. placement of permanent structures, requires Some shore wetlands exist in the Lighthouse a Michigan DNR review and permit, unless Point area of Leelanau Township. the local unit of government has an approved Michigan DNR designated high risk ero- high risk erosion area ordinance. sion areas are shown on Figure 3-3. SAND DUNES Types of Shore Erosion Overview The erodible Great Lakes shore types in The sand dunes along Lake Michigan in Leelanau County are subject to four principal the Leelanau County represent a unique and types of degradation: wave action, fragile physiographic formation and ecosys- groundwater seepage and bluff slumping, tem that is very susceptible to wind and surface runoff, and wind erosion. These water erosion, and destruction due to care- types of shore erosion may occur individually less use or development. Wind is the force or in some combination. Surface runoff and responsible for building the dunes and like- wind erosion are the processes most easily wise, it is capable of shifting and/or removing controlled by vegetation. Bluff slumping the sand dunes when they are left unpro- occurs when groundwater, confined by an tected. In dune areas where natural vegeta- impervious layer such as clay, seeps from tion has been disturbed by development or underneath a sand bluff and erodes away the traffic, winds have eroded the unprotected foundation of the bluff. fine-grained sands and transported them The primary agents of slope surface ero- elsewhere. sion are rain, surface runoff, and wind. All of these are capable of removing sediment from Sand Dune Protection and unprotected slopes and, unless they are Management Act controlled, can result in large losses of mate- High relief sand dune areas in Leelanau rials over an extended period of time. These County are protected by the Sand Dune natural processes thus pose hazards to pub- Protection and Management Act, PA 222 pf lic health, safety, and welfare. 1976, MCL 281.651 et seq, as amended. Recent legislation (PA 147 & 148 of 1989) Shorellands Protection and provides for additional protection of critical Management Act dune areas. Under these Acts, all proposed The Shorelands Protection and. Manage- residential, commercial, or industrial uses, ment Act, PA 245 of 1970, MCL 281.632 et multifamily uses of more than 3 acres, and seq, was enacted in part to identify areas any use which the local planning commission where high risk erosion hazards exist. It es- or the DNR determines would damage or tablished a framework for designating them destroy features of archaeological or histork Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 3-4 DRAFT cal significance must ultimately be approved population in the state, located in the Glen by the State. The law prohibits surface drill- Lake watershed area. The Monkey Flower is ing operations that explore for or produce on the federal endangered species list, while hydrocarbons or natural brine as well as the Pitcher's Thistle, which is found along the mining activities (except in the case of permit entire Lake Michigan shoreline of the renewals). The legislation also imposes cer- Peninsula, is on the federal threatened tain standards on construction and site de- species list. Numerous other plant species sign in critical dune areas. The Michigan De- found in sand dunes or along Lake Michigan partment of Natural Resources administers a are listed as being of special concern, permit program which can be utaken overn by threatened, or endangered under the local governments which administer local Michigan Endangered Species Act. This is zoning patterned after the state law. yet another reason to protect sand dunes and Lake Michigan shorelands from Critical Dune Areas excessive and damaging development. Several areas in Leelanau County have been identified by the Michigan Department UNIQUENESS OF NATURAL FEATURES of Natural Resources as critical dune areas, Leelanau County contains a combination subject to protection under the Sand Dune of natural features not found in any other part Protection and Management Act. The desig- of Michigan, the United States, or even the nated critical dune areas are shown in the world. Some of these features include unique shaded region of Figure 3-4, and are all lo- suitability for producing orchard fruits, large cated along Lake Michigan. The largest of sand dunes, a unique coastal environment, these areas are the Sleeping Bear Dunes diverse topography, scenic vistas, and high and Empire Bluffs, located in Empire and quality inland lakes. Grand Traverse Bay is Glen Arbor Townships. Other large critical another natural feature that is likely not dupli- dune areas are located at Pyramid Point, cated anywhere else in the world. Yet all of Good Harbor Bay, Cathead Bay, and on the elements which make Leelanau County a South Manitou Island. unique place are fragile and susceptible to ir- reparable damage from misuse and careless UNIQUE PLANTS AND ANIMALS land development. The natural environment The Michigan Department of Natural Re- of the area cannot be replaced or duplicated, sources maintains an inventory of unique and if lost, it will be lost forever. natural features, and has compiled a map of natural features of Leelanau County (see EMERGING ISSUES Map 4-5). The information is not specific, due Federal, state, county, and local govern- to the need to protect species from depletion, ments all have a role on protecting environ- but it does provide general locations. The in- mentally sensitive areas. The federal role has ventory shows that the Peninsula has a vari- been to protect areas of national significance, ety of unique plants and animals, concen- in a consistent nation-wide manner, when trated primarily in the sand dune areas along states have failed to do so on their own. The Lake Michigan, with some located in and state role is to provide a minimum level of around Lake Leelanau and Glen Lake. Some protection to sensitive areas and enable of these plants and animals may be the only county and local governments to supplement ones found in Michigan. legislated protection of those areas with their Some plant species in - Leelanau County own policies or regulations. The county gov- are officially recognized as either threatened ernment role has been to assist and advise or endangered. The Michigan Monkey Flower local governments within the county and to exists in what is possibly the most significant regulate where and when local governments Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 3-5 DRAFT do not. Local governments are the most at ISSUES FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION stake when it comes to ensuring that envi- To what extent should local governments ronmentally sensitive areas are protected or the County regulate development in high consistent with local needs and local initia- risk erosion, sand dune, and wetland areas? tives to protect community character and re- The state currently administers programs for sources. each type of area, but local governments can Local governments typically have not pai 'd have the authority if they want to use it and much attention to degradation of their natural can develop ordinances which meet Michi- resources until a problem situation arises, or gan Department of Natural Resources ap- they have relied completely on the state and proval. federal systems to do it for them. Taking a reactive stance on environmental issues at 1 . michigan Shorelands Protection and Management Act, PA 203 the local level is usually inadequate to re- of 1979, MCL 281.701 at seq. verse such problems; indeed, most of them 2. Vegetation and Its Role In Reducing Great Lakes Shoreline cannot be physically changed. It is not in lo- Erolson: A Guide for Property Owners, Michigan Sea Grant cal government's interest to rely solely on College Program, 1988. state and federal policies to protect their en- vironmental interests. Instead of the tradi- tional hands-off approach, a proactive agenda is necessary for communities to en- sure that their natural resources will be there for future generations touse. Other emerging issues include but are not limited to: � Environmental protection versus development - or development which compliments and protects the environment. � The base of technical information and expertise for local administration of environmental and/or land use regulations (zoning) to protect environmentally sensitive areas. Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 3-6 DRAFT Chapter 4 AIR & WATER QUALITY INTRODUCTION permeable layer separating them from the Air and Great Lakes water quality in ground surface) for water. Leelanau County continues to decline due This chapter provides information on the largely to land use activities hundreds of existing and possible future conditions of air miles away within the Lake Michigan Basin. and water quality in Leelanau County. Much In addition, airborne pollutants arrive at the of the material is derived or excerpted from Great Lakes from thousands of miles away. scientific studies conducted by the Michigan Inland lakes throughout the Peninsula are Department of Natural Resources, the Leela- rated as having high water quality nau Conservancy, the US Environmental (oligotrophic). However, many of those lakes Protection Agency, and Michigan State Uni- are at borderline mesotrophic conditions and versity. Much of the source information is recent studies suggest that increased nutri- very technical. It is conveyed in as non-tech- ent loading from agricultural runoff, faulty nical a manner as possible in this chapter. septic systems, and lawn fertilizers will de- Some of the most significant information in grade surface water quality. Perhaps the the following sections is that which relates most alarming studies are those conducted land use and management practices to air for Houdek Creek and North Lake Leelanau, and water quality. Land use, if not appropri- which suggest the possibility of rapidly dete- ately controlled or managed, can have enor- riorating water quality in those areas. mous negative impacts on the area's air and Many streams and creeks in Leelanau water quality. County are designated trout streams, and provide high water quality and habitat for AIR QUALITY some species of fish. Recent golf course and Sources of Air Pollution resort developments have caused slight Preliminary results of a multi-state air damage to area streams, but this has been pollution study by the U.S. Environmental shown to be very limited due to the imple- Protection Agency suggest that major con- mentation of best management practices centrations of smog are crossing Lake Michi- (BMP's) at these new developments gan from the Greater Chicago area and sig- (according to recent studies by the Michigan nificantly heightening ozone levels along Department of Natural Resources referenced shoreline areas of Michigan. The preliminary on pages 5-7 of this chapter). Houdek Creek, results of a temporary ozone monitoring sta- north of N. Lake Leelanau, continues to be tion, established as part of the EPA study an area of concern due to high nutrient near Empire, suggest federal standards concentrations. were exceeded three times between June Groundwater is probably the most threat- and August of 1991. The Garden Peninsula, ened resource in the County. The depth of northwest of Leelanau Peninsula in the Up- glacial drift material, combined with highly per Peninsula exceeded federal ozone stan- permeable sandy soils and the continued dards during the summer of 1991 as well presence of agricultural activities which use a (see Figure 4-1). Federal sanctions can be variety of chemicals in day-to-day operations, levied upon communities which exceed holds high potential for future problems. In ozone standards in excess of one violation addition, nearly 60% of the County relies on per four year average. unconfined aquifers (those without an im- Ozone is a pollutant formed when certain Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 4-1 DRAFT vehicular and industrial organic pollutants industry, agriculture, motor vehicles or some react with nitrogen in the presence of heat other source. and sunlight. The ozone gas is an irritant and The EPA and its Canadian counterpart, causes respiratory problems in humans. In- Environment Canada, selected five sites for dustrial emissions from urban centers outside the first "master stations" - Eagle Harbor, of the region and Michigan pose the greatest Mich.; Sleeping Bear Dunes, Mich.; Burnt threat to air quality in Leelanau County. Island, Ont; Point Petre, Ont, and Stur- Industrial and vehicular emissions are the geon Point N.Y. (see Figure 4-1). Each sta- principal local causes of air pollution. Though tion includes a 10-by-20-foot platform for air the future extent of industrial development in and precipitation samplers and a 30-foot or near the County is unknown, vehicle tower for meteorological equipment. emissions can be expected to increase with The new air-monitoring network is in- population growth, tourism, and expansion of tended to provide more accurate information retail and commercial services (increasing that governments need to reduce contami- the number of vehicle trips, vehicle miles, nants in the lakes, in fish and, ultimately, in and congestion). Reductions in the permitted humans. After a year of fine-tuning the so- level of vehicular emissions which may be phisticated devices, the EPA and Environ- brought about by new federal standards ment Canada will begin reporting measure- (currently being developed) may be offset by ments of air contributions to Great. Lakes an increasing number of vehicles in the pollution. The agencies plan to build five or County. six more satellite stations on each of the The contributing factors which could Great Lakes, for a total of up to 35. negatively affect future air quality in Leelanau County thus come from three possible Michigan Department of Natural Re- sources: sources Monitoring Activity 1. Any new large heavy industrial com- The Air Quality Division of the MDNR plex or incinerator in or near the does not maintain a permanent monitoring County site for Leelanau County. As a result, no long 2. Many more vehicles using the roads term air quality statistics are available for the 3. Air pollutants which migrate long dis- Peninsula. Counties without a monitoring tances. station are presumed to be in compliance with air quality standards (except for ozone, U.S. Environmental Protection which is a regional pollutant). The nearest Agency Monitoring Activity' counties to Leelanau which have been moni- Five platforms and towers covered with tored, though not regularly nor for all pollu- sophisticated measuring equipment have tants, are Charlevoix and Grand Traverse. been set up by the U.S. Environmental Pro- Findings in both locations have always at- tection Agency and Environment Canada. tested to high air quality levels. This equipment forms the foundation for up to a 35-station network that will determine WATER QUALITY how air pollution affects the world's largest There are no health advisories against full freshwater basin. The towers are placed at body contact in Peninsula waters, nor any remote locations around the G ireat Lakes and advisories against eating fish caught in any represents the most extensive air-monitoring lake or stream within the County. There are system ever built. Equipment at the five health advisories against consumption of monitoring stations in the region will be able lake trout and salmon caught in Lake Michi- to determine how long a compound has been gan or Grand Traverse Bay, but these apply in the air and whether it was generated by to all Lake Michigan waters. Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 4-2 DRAFT Table 4-1 LAKE TROPHIC STATE CHARACTERISTICS Characteristic Oligotrophic Mesotrophic Eutrophic Nutrient Levels Low Medium High Organic Matter Content Low Medium High Biological Productivity Low Medium Hiah Lake Age Young Middle Old Water Transparency High Medium Low Oxygen Depletion in Hypolimnion No Yes Yes Average Depth I Deep Moderate Shallow MDNR Trophic State Index (TSI) 1 0-38 71-39-48 49-100 Source: Michigan Departmnt of Natural Resouroes2 Water bodies identified by the Michigan De- ency, chlorophyll & or total phosphorus val- partment of Natural Resources as having ues, and can range from zero to 100. The non-point source pollution impacts are the higher the number, the higher the lake pro- Crystal River, Glen Lake, Lake Michigan, Lit- ductivity. tle Traverse Lake, South Bar Lake, Beaudwin Eutrophication, or lake productivity, pro- Creek, Belanger Creek, BeInap Creek, Cedar gresses through a continuum with no abso- Run Creek, Grand Traverse Bay, Houdek lute separation between oligotrophic, Creek, Mebert Creek, North and South Lake mesotrophic and eutrophic conditions. In an Leelanau, Stricker Lake, Victoria Creek, and attempt to categorize lakes, however, indi- Northport Bay. Impacts of non-point source viduals generally assign a range of TSI val- pollution include excessive weed growth, ues for each classification category. For ex- sedimentation, turbidity, depleted fish com- ample, oligotrophic lakes generally have TSI munities, and odors. Typical non-point values less than 38 to 40, while eutrophic sources are urban runoff, irrigation, construc- lakes generally have TSI values greater than tion site erosion, agricultural practices, ani- 48 to 52. Mesotrophic lakes fall somewhere mal wastes, golf courses, mining and drilling, in between. and streambank erosion. Since 1982, re-evaluation of the literature and personal knowledge of Michigan lakes Inland LakeS2 prompted the MDNR, Inland Lakes Manage- Lakes are generally classified by their ment Unit, to modify TSI value classifications physical, chemical and biological characteris- somewhat to better reflect conditions of tics into one of three trophic categories Michigan lakes. Current TSI values associ- (oligotrophic, mesotrophic, eutrophic). The ated with the classification categories are the tropic state is a measure of a lake's biological following: oligotrophic - less than 39; productivity and includes such factors as nu- mesotrophic - between 39 and 4B; and eu- trient levels, organic matter content, and trophic - greater than 48. water transparency (see Table 4-1). Al- Although comprehensive programs of water though there are several methods used to quality testing have only recently been in- classify lakes, the Michigan Department of itiated, data generated over the past 15 years Natural Resources (MDNR) utilizes the Tro- document relatively high water quality levels phic State Index (TSI) developed by Carlson throughout Leelanau County. This is particu- (1977). The TSI numbers are derived from larly true for inland lakes. Of the eight major calculations based on Secchi disc transpar- inland lakes evaluated by the Michigan Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 4-3 DRAF7 Table 4-2 INLAND LAKE WATER QUALITY Lake Name TSI Rating Trophic State 1988 Lake Water Quality Assessment Cedar 37 Oligotrophic Threatened Glen 25 Oligotrophic OK Lime 31 Oligotrophic OK Little Glen 37 Oligotrophic OK Little Traverse 33 Oligotrophic Impaired North Lake Leelanau 36 Oligotrophic OK School 47 Mesotrophic OK South Lake Leelanau 37 Oligotrophic Impaired Source. Michigan DepwVnent of NaiurW Resources2 Department of Natural Resources, Surface likely close to groundwater elevations and Water Quality Division, since 1982, all but thus are likely to leach nutrients into the one have been classified as oligotrophic (see nearby water body. Even for septic systems Table 4-2). which are initially designed and installed cor- rectly, they must be maintained and cleaned Septic System Outflow Into Lakes out at appropriate intervals to function prop- A 1983 study by the Northwest Michigan erly. Studies (recently conducted locally by Regional Planning and Development Com- The Leelanau Conservancy and the U.S. mission estimated that a total of 106 lbs/yr of Department of Agriculture) have shown phosphorus were entering North Lake Leela- however, that many septic systems are noi nau from septic system outflow. This infor- maintained for long periods of time, and thus mation was based on examination of clado- are not operating properly, in effect acting as phora growths at 303 home sites on the lake. a sewage conduit to high quality surface Leland Township contracted with the Leela- waters. A recent study of Glen Lake indicated nau Conservancy to complete another clado- leaking septic systems not to be a major phora study in the summer of 1990. That source of pollution in that lake. survey showed a 5 percent increase in the number of houses on the lake, coupled with a Impacts of Agricultural Chemicals 111.3 percent increase in the number of sites A significant portion of the land with spe- with algal growths. A survey questionnaire, cific orchard and specialty crop/pesticide use done in conjunction with the algal survey, combinations within the County (over 90%) is also indicated that 66 percent of septic Sys- rated as having high probability for runoff tems along the lake are within 100 feet of the (high probability pesticides and other agricul- shoreline, while 38 percent of the systems tural chemicals will leave the site with runoff). are 30 years old or older. Most of these pesticides carry label state- The septic system and holding tank ments warning of toxicity to aquatic wildlife methods of sewage disposal are presently such as fish and aquatic invertebrates. the only means of sewage disposal utilized Therefore, runoff of such chemicals into sur- throughout most of the Peninsula. On-site face waters is a primary concern, especially if sewage disposal systems primarily rely on the waters are of high value for fishing and the upper layers of the soil to treat waste ma- recreational use - as are the Peninsula's terial. Many of these systems are also in lakes and streams. close proximity to shorelines and are very Working Paper #9 - Natural Pesources and the Environment Page 4-4 DRAFT Streams and Creeks were probably caused by the direct removal Current conditions of the Peninsula's of instream cover (logs and other stream streams and creeks do not uniformly suggest channel debris were observed along the the same high quality. Studies prepared dur- banks). It is likely that the removal of in- ing the past ten years and as recently as stream cover negatively affected the fish 1990 have identified streams of high quality, community, and the macroinvertebrates to a including the Crystal River, as well as lesser degree, downstream. streams of lower quality, such as Houdek Bottom deposition was similar at both Creek, which are carrying elevated levels of Mebert Creek stations. This suggests that nitrates and phosphorous. Relatively speak- the BMPs implemented in golf course con- ing, the water quality of rivers and streams in struction were effectively preventing sedi- Leelanau County is very high. Nearly all the mentation. streams and major tributaries are designated Cedar Run Creek was categorized as trout steams. good (slightly impaired) in fish community Trout require clean, cold, oxygenated wa- and habitat condition and fair (moderately ter to survive and are a good indicator spe- impaired) in macroinvertebrate community. cies of water quality. The only stream seg- In Cedar Run Creek, fish community and ments not designated as trout streams in- habitat metric scores were the highest, and clude Shalda or Sucker Creek at the Narada the macroinvertebrate metric score was the Lake outlet and the Crystal River between lowest of the four stations surveyed. Sand Fisher Dam and Glen Lake. No rivers or deposition, covering greater than 50% of the streams in the County have lost "trout bottom substrate, may account for the re- streaMn designation. duced macroinvertebrate metric score. The trout farm discharge was not causing any Recent MDNR Studies readily apparent effects at Cedar Run Creek. The following sections are edited sum- Victoria Creek was categorized as good mary portions (results) of staff reports by (slightly impaired) in fish community, fair Michigan Department of Natural Resources (moderately impaired) in macroinvertebrate Personnel. These are biological and water community and poor (severely impaired) in quality studies of area creeks and streams by habitat condition. In the vicinity of Gatzge the Surface Water Quality Division. The most Rd., Victoria Creek flows through wetlands recent one was for Mebert, Cedar Run, and surrounded by steep, sandy knolls. The Victoria Creeks in August, 1990. The least stream banks at this station were moderately recent is the Crystal River study, dated July, unstable with numerous signs of erosion. 1987. This suggests that seasonal high flows may add significantly to the stream's sediment MEBERT, CEDAR RUN, AND load. The bottom substrate was dominated VICTORIA CREEKS3 by shifting sand and the lack of suitable sub- Mebert Creek, upstream of the golf strate could explain the reduction in benthic course construction, was categorized as macroinvertebrates such as ephemeropter- good (slightly impaired) in fish community, ans, trichopterans, and plecopterans. macroinvertebrate community and physical Water chemistries indicate that phospho- habitat. Mebert Creek, downstream of the rus and nitrogen levels at all six stations were golf course, was categorized as fair not elevated and are typical of second and (moderately impaired) in fish community and third order northern temperate streams. A habitat and good in macroinvertebrate com- sample of the trout farm effluent discharged munity structure. The lower fish and habitat upstream of the test site on Cedar Run Creek metric scores at the downstream location contained higher concentrations of phospho- Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 4-5 DRAFT rus and ammonia nitrogen when compared to The Crystal River is categorized as a the data from other stations. However, the coldwater stream capable of supporting fish chemical data show that nutrient levels at species in the salmon family. There were no Cedar Run Creek were similar to those at the fish species from this family collected during other test sites. the survey. The fish communities were simi- Sand deposition (sedimentation) covered lar at all stations comprised primarily of sun- over 50% and 70% of the bottom substrate in fish, creek chubs, com and darters. The Cedar Run and Victoria Creeks, respectively. cover provided by the abundance of macro- Less than 30% of Mebert Creek was affected phtyes at Station 2 probably accounted for by sand deposition. Macroinvertebrate metric the increased number of fish species col- scores were lower at Cedar Run and Victoria lected at this location. Creeks than at Mebert Creek and this may The number of macro invertebrate taxs reflect deposition-related habitat losses. With were similar at all stations sampled, and in- water quality being similar at all stations, it dicative of good water quality as evidenced appears that sand deposition may be the by the type and diversity of organisms found. primary cause of the macroinvertebrate Representatives of the mayfly and caddisfly community and habitat impairment in these groups were absent from Station 2 due to the South Lake Leelanau tributaries (i.e. these lack of suitable substrate. streams are very susceptible loss of fish Nutrients in the water at all stations were habitat due to increased sedimentation). low. There were slight increases in nutrients at Station 3, possibly due to the change in CRYSTAL RIVER4 surrounding land use from forest to resort. Good stream quality was present in the Crystal River based upon the biota, habitat UNNAMED STREAM (BREWERY CREEK), and flow conditions found at the three sam- GREILICKVILLE5 pling sites. The substrate varied throughout A stream survey was conducted on an the sampling area with clean gravel in the unnamed tributary to West Grand Traverse higher velocity stretches, and sand and muck Bay in the vicinity of Greilickville in 1989. in low velocity areas. The estimated flow The objective was to determine if there were during this study was approximately 40 cfs. petroleum related compounds in the water or Fish collected from the Crystal River during sediments of the tributary. Petroleum related this study were primarily those from the sun- compounds were found in the sediments but fish, bass, and minnow families. The benthic not the water. Benzene, toluene, and xylene macroinvertebrate community was diverse, isomers were detected in sediment samples and included representatives of the mayfly, collected at Station 1 (where the stream stonefly and caddisfly families. crosses the railroad), and toluene was de- The Crystal River varied greatly in habitat tected in sediment samples collected at Sta- and substrate type from its origin at Glen tion 2 (where the stream empties into the Lake to the mouth at Lake Michigan. Station bay). No petroleum compounds were de- l (midway between Fisher Lake and Lake tected in water samples from either station. Michigan) was characterized by riffles and The chemical, physical and macroinverte- pools, with a primarily gravel substrate. brate data was not conclusive regarding the River velocity was slower at Station 2 (at M- effects on the stream from petroleum com- 22 and County Road 675) and water depth pounds. fairly uniform without riffle areas. Station 3, The groundwater in the vicinity of the near the mouth, was located within the study site is known to contain petroleum Homestead Resort. River velocity and sub- compounds. It was suspected that the strate conditions were similar to Station 2. groundwater was being vented to the surface 0 Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 4-6 DRAFT waters in the area. Analytical results of water spectively. The undercut banks and numer- samples taken at each station did not indi- ous deadfalls provided excellent habitat for cate any detectable concentrations of petro- fish. The estimated flow during this survey leum compounds. Sediment sample analyses was 9 cfs. The benthic macroinvertebrate detected benzene (21 ug/kg), toluene (33 and fish communities of Belanger Creek ug/kg), and xylene isomers (7.3 ug/kg) at were indicative of good stream quality. A total Station 1, and toluene (1.2 ug/kg) at Station of 15 macroinvertebrate taxs were identified, 2. No other petroleum compounds that were including six mayfly, caddisfly, and stonefly analyzed for were detected in the sediments taxa. The fish community included brook at either station. It should be noted that Sta- trout, with sizes ranging between 40' and 11", tion 2, which is downstream of the petroleum and bluegill. storage tanks, had only toluene in the sedi- Ennis Creek was characterized by much ments, and Station 1, which is upstream, had lower flows than Belanger Creek, with flows benzene, toluene, and xylene isomers in the ranging between 0.5 cfs and 0.8 cfs at sta- sediments. tions I and 2, respectively. The substrate at This study suggests that the sediments station 1 (upstream, near golf course) was were contaminated with petroleum com- primarily sand with low quantities of organic pounds, but the water analyses do not indi- material. The banks were only slightly un- cate that contaminated groundwater is being dercut and little cover was available for fish. vented into the tributary. The stream charac- Two brook trout, with sizes ranging between teristics and macroinvertebrate community 2" and 4", were collected at station 1. data were not indicative of effects due to pe- The substrate at station 2 (near Grand troleum compounds. However, these results Traverse Bay) was primarily silt. Undercut should not be considered conclusive regard- banks were present, but little overhanging ing the effects of petroleum compounds on cover for fish was available. A surprising total the stream. of 21 fish were collected from station 2, in- cluding brook trout ranging in size from 2" to ENNIS AND BELANGER CREEKS`6 10" and salmon smolt betwen 2" and 4". A biological survey of Ennis and Belanger The reduced habitat quality at stations I Creeks was performed in August, 1988. The and 2 of Ennis Creek as compared to primary objective was to document back- Belanger Creek (i.e. lower flow, less habitat ground conditions prior to development of a variety) was apparent in the results of the golf course in the vicinity of the two creeks. benthic macroinvertebrate sampling. Fewer Both creeks originate near the golf course caddisfly and mayfly taxa, and no stonefly development and flow to Grand Traverse taxa, were found in Ennis Creek. The overall Bay. Good stream quality was present in benthic macroinvertebrate abundance was both Belanger Creek and Ennis Creeks also lower at station 1 and 2 of Ennis Creek based on macroinvertebrate and fish sam- than station 1 of Belanger Creek. pling results, water and sediment chemistry The nutrients in the water at station I of results, and habitat conditions. Belanger and Ennis Creeks were very low. This survey was conducted just prior to Sediment analysis for mercury at both sta- the onset of development of a golf course in tions showed no detectable concentrations. the vicinity of Belanger and Ennis Creeks (Figure 1). Belanger and Ennis Creeks are Areas of Concern both designated as trout streams. HOUDEK CREEK7 Belanger Creek at station 1 (near Bass The Houdek Creek watershed is located Lake) was characterized by pools and riff les at the northeast corner of North Lake Leela- with primarily sand and gravel substrates, re- nau and covers approximately 5,110 acres. Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 4-7 DRAFT The watershed is also characterized by roll- Houdek Creek for the summer of 1990 show ing terrain and steep Islopes. There are two 1.55 mg/I (milligrams per liter or parts per main branches of the creek, one running million), compared to nitrate levels in the north through the northeast part of the water- outlet of Leland River averaging 0-.16 mg/I shed and the other running through the cen- over the same period. In this same sample tral part of the watershed. Both water period, total phosphorus levels averaged courses are 'characterized with many small 0.016 mg/I in Houdek Creek and 0.007 mg/I tributaries, which may or may not connect di- in Leland River. The level of nitrates entering rectly to the main branches, but will surface, the lake through Houdek Creek is thus nearly then move underground and surface again at 10 times the level leaving the lake at the Le- other locations. Both branches of the creek land River. Likewise, the phosphorus level eventually merge into the main branch, which entering the lake is averaging twice the level outlets into North Lake Leelanau through cul- leaving the lake. According to results of the verts on County Road 641. Use of the creek sampling that was done in the summer of is limited to a small amount of fishing; how- 1991, this scenario is being repeated for at ever, since it is a major inlet into North Lake least 2 other major inlet streams on North Leelanau, it directly influences the water Lake Leelanau. quality of that lake. There are about 10 homes in the Houdek About 2,865 acres, or 56 percent of the Creek outlet area, all on septic systems or Houdek Creek watershed, are in agriculture. holding tanks. High cladophora levels meas- Of that acreage, some 1,180 acres are in ured in this area were believed to be directly general crop, mostly corn, small grain and related to leaky septic systems and lawn fer- hay; and 1,665 acres are in orchard crops, tilization. mainly tart and sweet cherries and apples. Another 1,645 acres of the watershed are in SOURCES OF THE PROBLEM woodland types, with the majority of that be- ing northern hardwoods and lowland coni- Agricultural Chemicals fers. Land uses in the watershed are as fol- With 33 percent of the Houdek Creek wa- lows: tershed in orchard, the use of pesticides in Land Use Area % orchard operations is an important consid- Agriculture 2,865 acres 56 eration in surface and groundwater contami- Forestland 1,645 acres 32 nation. The problems with pesticides stem Idle Land 555 acres 11 from storage of chemicals, filling station loca- Residential 40 acres 0.8 tion, loading process, and disposal of the rin- Lakes and Streams 5 acres 0.01 sate materials. The pesticides most used in TOTAL 5,1110 acres 100 orchards are insecticides, fungicides and mi- In the summer of 1990, the Leelanau ticides. These chemicals are generally rated Conservancy and Leland Township began as having small-risk potential for leaching water quality sampling in North Lake Leela- and high-risk for runoff. Most of the chemi- nau, its major contributing streams, and its cals carry label statements warning of toxicity outlet. Results of these tests so far have to aquatic wildlife such as fish and aquatic shown a greatly elevated level of nitrates and invertebrates. phosphorus entering North Lake Leelanau Runoff of such chemicals into surface wa- from Houdek Creek and several other ters is a significant factor influencing surface streams, compared to levels measured at the water contamination. The actual spraying of outlet of the lake at Leland River. Average these chemicals does not pose a serious levels of nitrates from samples taken in threat to groundwater contamination, as most of the pesticides used are foliar applied. Fo- Working Paper #9 - Natural Pesources and the Environment Page 4-8 DRAFT liar applied pesticides can be dropped one sediment, they not only clog waterways and rating level, as the breakdown by sunlight of ditches but also carry nutrients and pesti- these chemicals is more rapid than microbial cides. Using GIS data developed for Houdek breakdown by soil microbes. However, if Creek Watershed, it is estimated that ap- these pesticides are washed off by rainfall proximately 13,000 tons of soil are eroded following an application, then another appli- annually from cropland within the watershed. cation may need to be made, which then in- Of that amount, 8,210 tons are attributed to creases the amount of pesticides being used, sheet and rill erosion, another 1,155 tons are the potential for spills and the chances of im- from ephemeral gully erosion and the proper disposal, along with leaching and remaining 3,640 tons are from wind erosion. runoff potential. Also using GIS data, it has been determined Another 23 percent of the creek water- that 5,400 tons of soil are eroded from lands shed is in general crops where ground ap- within one quarter mile of the streams within plied pesticides play a big role. Over 99 per- Houdek Creek. Actual amounts of this sedi- cent of all cropland soils in this area have a ment reaching the creek are estimated at 50 high potential for leaching of chemicals with a percent of the total, which equals 2,700 tons high rating. This is an important considera- of soil reaching the creek annually. tion because groundwater is hydrologically linked to Houdek Creek and North Lake Road Crossings Leelanau. There are approximately 20 locations within the Houdek Creek Watershed where Cherry Cooling Pads roads intersect the main creek or small tribu- When tart cherries are harvested, they taries of the creek. Many of these crossing are collected in on-farm tanks and trans- sites can at times contribute a great deal of ported to on-farm "cooling padsm. At the sediment to the creek from roadside erosion. cooling pads, cherries are flushed with cold A 1989 Michigan Department of Natural Re- water to reduce their temperature, which sources assessment of several of the maintains their quality until delivery to the road/stream crossings in the Houdek Creek processor. This process has two possible watershed indicated that a moving sand concerns associated with it: (1) soil erosion bedload in the creek was causing reduced from the runoff water leaving the site; and (2) biological activity. Without a stable bottom possible pesticide contamination if significant structure in the creek, fish and macro inver- levels of pesticides are on the fruit and tebrate propagation are being hindered. washed off. It is estimated that there are at least 25 cooling pad sites located within NORTH LAKE LEELANALP Houdek Creek Watershed. Any one of these The North Lake Leelanau watershed sites could be contributing 50 tons or more of area covers approximately 18,380 acres, pesticide-laden sediment per year to Houdek which includes Houdek Creek, the main inlet Creek, based on data from the Agricultural to North Lake Leelanau on the north end of Stabilization and Conservation Service. the lake. The Houdek Creek Watershed cov- ers 28% of the North Lake Leelanau water- Soil Erosion shed. The 3/4-mile long Leland River outlets Water and wind erosion on farmland re- the lake through a dam at Leland and into duces the productivity of the soil and makes Lake Michigan. South Lake Leelanau flows it harder to grow quality crops. It also erodes into North Lake Leelanau at the Unarrowsm, surface soil, which carries with it the highest which is located at the village of Lake Leela- amount of nutrients and pesticides. As these nau. The Onarrowso is the dividing point be- soils reach the surface waters in the form of tween North and South Lake Leelanau. Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 4-9 DRAFT About 58 percent of the land in the water- Using quantitative techniques for the as- shed is in agriculture. Of that, approximately sessment of lake quality, in-lake phosphorus 6,200 acres are in orchard crops consisting concentration is predicted to change by 1 ug/I generally of tart cherries, sweet cherries and for every 575-600 pound change in phospho- apples. There are another 4,400 acres in rus loading. According to the Land and Water general farm crops which are mainly corn, Management Division of MDNR, a 1 ug/1 small grains and hay. Woodland areas, which change in phosphorus would most likely re- include pine, northern hardwood, lowland sult in a visual and measurable change in the conifers and other minor forest types, make transparency of North Lake Leelanau. In high up about 35 percent of the watershed. There quality lakes such as North Lake Leelanau, a are over 300 houses along the North Lake 1 ug/I change is significant and every effort Leelanau shoreline, with the village of Lake should be made to reduce phosphorus load- Leelanau on the south end of the lake and ing. the village of Leland at the northwest end of With over 303 homes covering the shore- the lake. line of North Lake Leelanau and the propen- Houdek Creek Watershed, a sub-water- sity for owners to want dense, green, well shed of North Lake Leelanau, is representa- manicured lawns right up to the waters' edge, tive of the land use and topography in the lawn fertilization is considered to be a major North Lake Leelanau Watershed and thus it source of phosphorous entering the lake. In is assumed that the information gathered for the shoreline algae survey of North Lake Houdek Creek is valid for the entire North Leelanau, completed by the Northwest Lake Leelanau Watershed. Michigan Regional Planning and Develop- According to the Michigan Department of ment Commission in 1983, lawn fertilization Natural Resources (MDNR), North Lake was considered to be the possible cause of Leelanau is a high quality lake. Average cladophora growth in 32 of the 53 contami- measured in-lake phosphorus levels range nation sites identified. In a 1990 Cladophora from 5 ug/l in spring to 6 ug/l in summer. The survey of North Lake Leelanau, completed by lake has average summer transparency of Leelanau Conservancy and Leland Town- 11.5 feet and low algae density as measured ship, 121 contamination sites were identified, by chlorophyll a of approximately 2.0 ug/l. an increase from the 1983 survey of 111.3 North Lake Leelanau has a Trophic State In- percent. This is coupled with only a 5 per- dex (TSI) of 36. A TSI of up to 38 indicates cent increase in the number of houses on the an oligotrophic lake, 39-48 is mesotrophic. lake. Therefore, North Lake Leelanau is very close to degrading to a mesotrophic condition. Water Quality Study of North Lake The MDNR calculated a phosphorus Leelanau (1978), conducted by the Student budget to identify sources of phosphorus Water Publications Club at Michigan State loading to the lake. According to this nutrient University (MSU), was commissioned by the budget, 36 percent of phosphorus loading Summer Home Owners of Leland Township comes from the immediate watershed: and conducted by students under the supervision of Dr. Clifford Humphries (MSU). Source Phosphorus Percent This study collected water samples from 10 Immediate 1134 lbs. 36 locations in and around North Lake Leelanau Watershed on January 21, 1978. Lab tests conducted at Outlet to South 1065 lbs. 34 MSU included total bacteria, total coliform Lake Leelanau bacteria, fecal strep, chlorides, Septic Tanks 72 lbs 2 Precipitation 885 lbs. 28 orthophosphate, and nitrate. TOTALS 3156 lbs. 100 Results of analysis showed that none of Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 4-10 DRAFT the water samples had high enough counts elimination by the United States and Canada of bacteria to cause concern, which might be in the 1987 Great Lakes Water Quality expected in wintertime sampling. Chemical Agreement. Manufacture of PCB's, used as analysis for orthophosphate indicated ele- insulators and lubricants, has been banned in vated nutrient levels at several stations in the the United States since the 1970s, but the extreme north end of the lake, with Houdek toxic compound remains prevalent in sedi- Creek singled out as a potentially damaging ments, landfills and industrial sites through- source of excess nutrients. The report rec- out the region. Other chemicals considered ommended a program to convince lakeshore to cause serious problems in the lakes in- property owners that fertilizer should not be clude mercury, dioxin, lead and DDT, a pes- used on their lawns, and also that a survey of ticide that has been banned in the United upland land use in the Houdek's Creek area States but not in Canada or Mexico. Some be undertaken as immediately as short-range experts believe some of the DDT still enter- 'protective measures. ing Lake Superior may blow into the region from Mexico. According to U.S. Environ- Lake Leelanau Water Quality Study mental Protection Agency researchers, with (1988), was conducted in the fall of 1988 by the right prevailing meteorology, it could be a the Leelanau Conservancy. This study in- five or six-day transport time for air pollutants cluded 8 stations in the North Lake Leelanau to get from the Mexico/U.S. border to the Basin. General water quality conditions had Great Lakes. apparently changed little since the MSU Lake Michigan has a surface area of study of 1978. Houdek Creek remained a 22,300 square miles, which makes it the problem area, this time with nitrate concen- fourth largest lake in the world and the third trations at about 10 times the typical back- largest Great Lake. It drains eastward ground levels for the Lake Leelanau Basin. A through the Straits of Mackinac into Lake considerable effort was made to track down Huron. Lake Michigan is the second deepest the nutrient loading to Houdek's Creek, and Great Lake, after Lake Superior, with a upstream sampling determined that the north maximum depth of 923 feet. It contains 1,180 branch of the creek is carrying by far the cubic miles of water, which is 22% of the highest nitrate load. Further monitoring of nu- water volume in the Great Lakes. Lake trient levels in Houdek's Creek was urged, Michigan's flushing time is 69 years. Unfortu- especially in conjunction with the River Basin nately, Lake Michigan continues to serve as Study being conducted by the Soil Conserva- a dumping ground for a wide variety of tion Service. chemical pollutants which make their way into fish and other wildlife and humans far- Great Lakes Pollution ther up the food chain. Scientists have speculated for years that air pollutants could cause as much as 90 MDNR REPORT percent of the contamination in some of the The Michigan Department of Natural Re- five Great Lakes. Lake Superior, which has sources published a report in April, 1990, en- fewer industries discharging chemicals di- titled Water Quality and Pollution Control rectly into the water than the other lakes, is in Michigan. The report discusses each of believed to get most of its pollution from the the Great Lakes, including Lake Michigan. air, and estimates for the other lakes indicate The open waters of Lake Michigan are that air is a signif icant source of PCBs, mer- oligotrophic. Nearshore areas in Green Bay cury, lead and other toxic compounds. and along the southern portion of the lake PCBs, polychlorinated biphenyls, are just are more mesotrophic due to nutrient inputs one of 11 Ncritical pollutants" targeted for from industrial activities, urbanization and Working Paper #9 - Na ral Resources and the Environment Page 4-11 DRAFT agricultural production. The most recent phy- dane and PCB have occurred. General toplankton studies on Lake Michigan, made trends show that dieldrin concentrations in during 1983 and 1984, reflect oligotro- lake trout increased between 1970 and phic/mesotrophic conditions. 1979, followed by a decrease between 1979 Lake Michigan total phosphorus levels in and 1982. PCB levels in lake trout increased water were lower in 1987 (4.9-5.3 ugll) than between 1972 and 1974, then declined be- in 1983 (5.5-5.7 ug/1) and were significantly tween 1975 and 1984. DDT concentrations lower than 1976 levels (7.8-8.3 ug/1). Ni- have consistently declined since 1970. Lev- trates, on the other hand, have increased els of DDT and PCBs in Lake Michigan lake continually from 224 ug/I (southern basin) in trout are higher than in lake trout from either 1976 to 286 ug/I in 1987, increasing at a rate Lake Huron or Lake Superior. of 7 ug/l/year between 1983 and 1987. Dis- solved reactive silica concentrations in open Acid Rain waters have remained stable over the last Acid rain may also pose a future threat. five years at about 1.06-1.14 mg/l. Chloride Acid rain refers to rainwater which is acidic concentrations in the southern basin have because of air pollutants. It can damage for- remained stable since 1983 (mean 8.80 ests and decrease the pH (increased Hydro- mg/1), but have increased steadily in the gen ion concentration) in surface waters to northern basin during 1983 to 1987, rising the point that fish cannot survive. Little is from 8.68 mg/I to.8.83 mg/l. The 1987 sulfate presently documented about the extent of concentrations (20.4-21.4 mg/1) were not damage if any, caused by acid rain in the significantly different from levels in 1983. area. However, data gathered on Beaver Is- Open lake PCB concentrations in 1980 were land, 30 miles to the north, shows a nine year about 1.2 ng/l. average pH of 4.2 and a 1989 (most recent Of the Great Lakes surveyed under the year) average of 5.0. Turev rain water has a MDNR fish contaminant survey program, pH value of approximately 5.6, precipitation Lake Michigan has been the most heavily with a pH below that number is considered to impacted, particularly by organochlorine be acidic. The source of acid rain is sus- compounds. However, levels of most con- pected to be industrial activities, especially taminants in fish are declining. Mercury lev- those burning high sulfur coal, hundreds of els have been declining in the lake since miles away in the Ohio Valley, Chicago, De- 1972. Data from 1984 showed that contami- troit, and Cleveland areas. Examples of such nants in coho salmon, steelhead, and lake industries are coal burning electric generat- trout less than 20 inches in length, had de- ing plants and steel making. creased to the point where 90% or more of the fish tested did not exceed U.S. FDA ac- National Pollution Discharge tion levels. However, contaminant levels in Elimination System (NPDES) lake trout over 25 inches in length, and in There are only four entities presently dis- carp and brown trout, remained high. Levels charging treated liquid waste via approved of DDT, dieldrin and PCB's were consistently NPDES permits. They are listed in Table 4-3. higher in fish taken from the southern end of the lake. These higher levels in fish corre- spond closely with higher levels of these con- taminants in the sediments at the lake's south end. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service data from lake trout collected in Lake Michigan indicate that substantial declines in total DDT, chlor- Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 4-12 DRAFT Table 4-3 uninventoried and pose a substantial threat NPDES PERMITS for groundwater contamination. . With many areas of Leelanau County in Activity Location agricultural use, the use of fertilizer and pes- Frigid Food Products, Inc. Suttons Bay ticides is of great concern. Both groundwater (now closed) and surface water contamination result from J L Stowe Oil Co. Northport extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides in Bulk Plant agricultural enterprises. The high nitrate lev- Leelanau Memorial Northport els observed in groundwater in portions of Hospital the County are related to leaching of nitrates Suttons Bay Village Hall Suttons Bay on agricultural fields. Nearly 70 percent of the field crop area GROUNDWATER and pesticide combinations that are currently All residents and visitors of Leelanau being used are rated as having high potential Peninsula are dependent upon groundwater for leaching (high probability that pesticide resources for their potable water supply. The will leach below the root zone) at least one vast majority of the population reside in sin- year out of the rotation. gle family homes and each household de- rives its potable water by an on-site private Known Sites of Contamination well. Annually the Michigan Department of The Health Department has indicated that Natural Resources publishes a list of known several residential wells within the Houdek sites of surface soil and groundwater con- Creek Watershed have nitrate levels testing tamination in Michigan. Known as the Act as high as 16 ppm (the EPA established safe 307 list (from the Michigan Environmental limit for nitrate concentrations is 10 ppm). Response Act, PA 307 of 1982 as amended, Other sites with high nitrate levels are scat- MCL 691.1201, et seq, which requires com- tered throughout the County. With the nitrate piling the registry), it is the leading record of contamination that has been documented on surface and subsurface contamination. As of Old Mission Peninsula in Grand Traverse March 1991, there were 24 sites in Leelanau County, in similar agricultural enterprises, County on the Act 307 list (see Figure 4-2 and with similar soils, the potential for further and Table 4-1). While this is only 0.0085% of nitrate contamination of groundwater within all the sites statewide (2837), one of these Leelanau County is of great concern. Ap- sites is on the federal CERCLA (Superfund) proximately 97 percent of the soils within the list of the top 79 in Michigan (Grand Traverse watershed have a medium risk of leaching ni- Overall Supply, a dry cleaning establish- trates and other soluble nutrients below the ment). While many of these sites involve rooting zone. pollution from old industrial activities, gas Several sites in the County have also ex- stations, and facilities using hazardous perienced fuel leaks from underground stor- chemicals, new sites are still being discov- age tanks (USTs). These have been primarily ered daily in Michigan. Table 4-4 lists Act 307 at gasoline service stations to-date, but po- sites in Leelanau County. Figure 4-2 shows tential for leakage from farm and residential the geographic location of these sites. usTs is also of concern. A state-wide inven- tory of USTs was taken several years ago; however, this inventory excluded tanks smaller than 1,100 gallons. Since many on- farm and residential tanks are in the 500 to 1,000 gallon range, many USTs have gone Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 4-13 DRAFT Table 4-4 ACT 307 SITES, FISCAL YEAR 1992 Name of Site Location Pollutants Grand Traverse Overall Solon Twp. Phthalates, PCE Supply Vulcan Cincinnati, Inc. Leelanau Twp. Chromium, Zinc Frigid Foods Farms Suttons Bay Twp. Lead, Arsenic, Zinc Total Pet Inc., Marine Elmwood Twp. MTBE Terminal Residential Well maple City BTEX,MTBE Commercial Wells Cedar 1,2 DCA; BTEX; 1, 1 DCA; 1, 1, 1 TCA Residential Well Centerville Twp. Methyl-t-butyl ether Holiday Station Elmwood Twp. Gasoline, Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, Ethylbenzene Zephyr, Inc. Elmwood Twp. Ethanol, Benzene, Toluene, Xylene Stowe Oil Co. Leelanau Twp. Benzene, Toluene, Ethylben- zene, Xylene Speedway 2301 (M-22) Elmwood Twp. Gasoline Taqhons Service Empire Gasoline, Fuel Oil -Elmwood Twp. Dump Elmwood Twp. DDT Insecticides -Standard Gas Station Lake Leelanau Gasoline Glens Sanitary LF Inc. Kasson Twp. Toluene, 4 Methyl-Phenol, Benzoic Acid, Arsenic Leelanau County Landfill Kasson Twp. Toluene, Phenol, Arsenic, 4 Methyl-Phenol Sunoco Quik Mart Bingham Twp. Gasoline, BTEX Residential Well Elmwood Twp. Fuel Oil Groundwater Contamination Leland Twp. 12 Dichloroethane, Benzene, T30N R12W Section 9 Toluene, Ethylbenzene, Xy- lene Fuel Oil Spill Leelanau Twp. Fuel Oil PeplinskiFarm Centerville Twp. Benzene, Toluene, Ethylben- zene, Xylene Konieczka Cottage Centerville Twp. Fuel Oil Leelanau County Road Co- Maple City, Salt -mmission Leelanau County Road Co- Suttons Bay Salt I mmission Groundwater Vulnerability County lies over "protected" aquifers, which Approximately 60% of the mainland por- are located below layers of soil (clay) or rock tion of the County is on "sensitive" aquifers. which are not very permeable (See Figure 4- These are aquifers located below soils with 3). However, because the soil is saturated high permeability. Approximately 40% of thie below the surface, all groundwater is linked Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 4-14 DRAFT and contaminants can f low around Wetland Development "protected" layers. The only variables are Many of the undeveloped sites along time and volume of flow. lakes in the Peninsula are undeveloped due The highly permeable sandy soils in to the fact that they are wetland sites. With Leelanau County present a ready conduit for quality lake lots becoming more difficult to groundwater contamination, and it is unlikely find, a great deal of pressure is being put on that all existing sites of contamination have these wetland sites. An awareness of the po- as yet been discovered. The highly vulner- tential for surface and groundwater degrada- able soils of the Peninsula require the use of tion from wetland development has surfaced careful measures when establishing new fa- over the past few years and is a definite con- cilities using hazardous chemicals. Similarly, cern of many citizens in the County. In- other potential pollutant sources, such as creased development of wetland along lakes septic systems, need to be carefully sited and streams in the Peninsula will only in- and regularly serviced and inspected. crease the severity of degradation of the wa- Existing contamination sites should be ters within the watershed. New measures quickly cleaned up to prevent the spread of may be needed to assure that this large per- pollutants over a wider area and to prevent centage of the watershed is protected from the eventual contamination of surface water. development that would cause degradation Contamination of groundwater from septic of both ground and surface waters. systems is ideally stopped or prevented by installing public sewers. Unfortunately, low Shoreline Development density sprawl and linear development The shores of inland lakes have long patterns characteristic of the County make been popular places for residential develop- the costs of doing so prohibitive. ment because of the attractive and unique natural setting they offer. Because these ar- EMERGING ISSUES eas are relatively fragile components of the Surface waters are vulnerable to con- natural environment, they are easily de- tamination due to the lack of a coordinated graded by activities associated with develo- stormwater management program. The fu- pment. Many lakes become severely de- ture quality of Leelanau County's water re- graded in small increments and over long sources will also be impacted by pollutants periods of time; in some cases 30 to 50 discharged directly to surface waters. Con- years. Some of the most common problems cerns for and threats to these water re- associated with lakefront residential develo- sources will heighten as future residential pment which affect lake water quality are in- development escalates the use of lawn fertil- creased soil erosion and sedimentation, lack izers, pesticides, and household chemicals. of effective sewage treatment (mostly due to These pollutants and others from agricultural inadequate or failing septic tanks), and runoff operations could damage ecosystems, as from lawn fertilizers and household cleaning well as the continued marketability of products. Leelanau County as a tourist destination. All of these problems can be detected Pressure upon lake and stream shoreline early and corrected to protect the quality of areas for future development will lakes. The most obvious preventative meas- compromise area water quality unless very ure is to restrict development on lakes. For carefully designed and sited in accordance lakes that are already intensely developed, with coordinated stormwater management measures are needed to ensure that septic regulations. Water quality monitoring, if systems are working properly, homeowners uniform and cost-sustainable, could serve as are educated about the effects of lawn fertil- a basis for adopting new regulations. izers and household products on lakes, and Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 4-15 DRAFT erosion and runoff are controlled. ISSUES FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION What measures are necessary to main- tain the existing high quality of the Penin- sula's inland lakes and streams? How much of a role should local governments or the County play in improvement of existing con- ditions and prevention of future problems? To what extent can geographic information systems (GIS) be used in monitoring and evaluating land use impacts on the environment? What data sets are needed to use GIS technology in Leelanau County? 1. Now air monitoring network tracks contaminants in lakes, Kalamazoo Gazette. April 26,1992. 2. Water Quality and Pollution Control In Michigan, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Surface Water Quality Division. April, 1988. 3. Staff Report: A Biological Survey of the South Lake Leelanau Tributaries of Mebert Creek, Cedar Run Creek, and Victoria Creek, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Surface Water Quality Division. August, 1990. 4. Staff Report: A Biological Survey of the Crystal River, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Surface Water Quality Division. July, 1987. S. Staff Report: Biological Survey of an Unnamed Tributary to West Bay, In the Vicinity of Greilickville, Leelanau County, Michigan, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Surface Water Quality Division. May, 1989. 6. Staff Report: A Biological Survey of Ennis and Belanger Creeks, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Surface Water Quality Division. August, 1988. 7. Resource Plan: Houdek Creek Watershed, Leelanau County Local Coordinating Committee. February, 1991. Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 4-16 DRAFT Chapter 5 SUMMARY OVERVIEW ness of local governments and citizens to get Leelanau County has much to offer in involved in regulating and correcting land use terms of its attractive natural environment problems. This can be achieved through and abundance of forest and farmlands. The comprehensive land use planning and County produces a large quantity of tree through regulations tailored specifically to the fruits, has become a hub for tourism in unique situation of each community. Michigan, and continues to have relatively Even though some environmentally sen- high quality lakes and streams. Many of the sitive areas (wetlands, high risk erosion ar- Peninsula's natural resources are unspoiled, eas, critical sand dunes) in the County are and this presents citizens with unique oppor- subject to state regulation, there are still nu- tunities. The County is in this unique position merous sensitive environments of local im- because many areas of Michigan have seen portance which are not protected by state or their natural resources (especially inland federal laws. Some of these include inland lakes and streams) degraded and polluted, lakeshore areas, small wetlands, many valu- both visually and chemically. Once dimin- able resource lands such as unique farm- ished or lost, many natural resources and lands or unique forestlands, and scenic vis- environmental features cannot be reclaimed. tas. For example, state laws do not regulate Unfortunately, the same land use activi- the density of development on inland lakes - ties that take advantage of unique natural re- only local governments can limit lot sizes or source opportunities on the Peninsula - agri- use other planning and zoning tools to pre- 10 culture, tourism, and residential development serve their locally important resources. - threaten to create irreversible problems Unchecked development occurring in and degrade the lands they depend upon. small increments over time is probably the Some key land use problems have been most preventable cause of environmental identified and documented in this working destruction. Unfortunately, most local gov- paper. In addition to potential land degrada- ernments will not address the situation until a tion, high quality inland lakes are threatened problem presents itself. Then, it is usually too by agricultural runoff and sedimentation, and late to solve or prevent most environmental by old and malfunctioning sewage disposal problems. Leelanau County is unique in that systems along their shores. Groundwater is many of its natural resources are still intact. threatened by chemicals and sewage leach- However, the Peninsula is also very vulner- ing into the highly permeable soils from agri- able to environmental neglect because it is cultural activities and septic systems. one of a few areas in Michigan in such a These are problems that will not go away condition. New development and tourists will and cannot be ignored if the natural environ- thus flock to Leelanau County in increasing ment of the Peninsula is to continue to pre- numbers, placing bigger demands in its re- sent opportunities for profit and enjoyment. sources. FUTURE DEVELOPMENT Protection of Community Character ON THE PENINSULA Maintaining community character is al- Protection of Natural Resources most completely dependent on the actions of Protection of the Peninsula's natural re- local governments and citizens. Unlike some sources ultimately depends on the willing- natural resources of value to the state as a Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 5-1 whole, state government has relatively little interest in preserving the aesthetic, -,-iral, or social character of most communities. State regulations do not prohibit development from encroaching on elements of a community's character. However, statutes do provide local governments with the planning and regula- tory authority necessary to preserve that character. Much of the character of communities within Leelanau County is derived from their natural setting. Thus, local protection of the natural environment represents a significant step in preserving rural character. KEY ISSUES FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION � Endangerment of valuable resource lands � Local government role. in protecting natural resources � Development in environmentally sensi- tive areas � Local government role in protecting environmentally sensitive areas � Development on inland lakes � Protection of groundwater supplies � Provision of technical expertise. and base of information on the natural environment - for policy development and local government administration. RECOMMENDATIONS � Education of local officials and citizens on land use planning and environ- mental protection � Local government involvement in pro- tecting community character � Local government involvement in pro- tecting natural resources � Continued development of Leelanau County's geographic information system. Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page.5-2 DRAFT Appendix A REPORTS AND DOCUMENTS REVIEWED 1991 ACP Water Quality Special Project Request: North Lake Leelanau Watershed, United States Department of Agriculture, MSU Cooperative Extension Service, Leelanau Soil Conservation District, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Leelanau Conservancy, Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, and Northwest Michigan Resource Conservation and Development Council. June, 1990. Environmental Health Regulations for Leelanau County Health Department, Chapter 2; Sewage Disposal. First Annual Report of the Leelanau Conservancy Watershed Council Water Quality Monitoring Program, Tim Keilty, Ph.D. February, 1991. Goemaere-Anderson Wetland Protection Act, PA 203 of 1979, MCL 281.701 et seq. Great Lakes Water Levels, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Division of Land Resource Programs. Date unknown. Great Lakes Water Wreaks Shore Havoc, Natural Resources Register, Michigan Department of Natural Resources. March, 1986. Important Farmlands Map of Leelanau County, Michigan, USDA Soil Conservation Service. 1978. Leelanau County Forest Soils Report, Northwest Michigan Prime Forestlands Identification Project. 1982. Leelanau County Solid Waste Plan, Leelanau County Planning Department and Leelanau County Board of Commissioners. 1989. Michigan Hydric Soils List, USDA Soil Conservation Service. Michigan's 1988 Nonpoint Pollution Assessment Report, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Surface Water Quality Division. November, 1988. Michigan Shorelands Protection and Management Act, PA 203 of 1979, MCL 281.701 et seq. Michigan Sites of Environmental Contamination Act 307, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Response Division. March, 1991. New air monitoring network tracks contaminants in lakes, Kalamazoo Gazette. April 26, 1992. Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page A- 1 Resource Plan: Houdek Creek Watershed, Leelanau County Local Coordinating Committee. February, 1991. Sand Dune Protection and Management Act, PA 222 of 1976 as amended, MCL 281.651 et seq. Staff Report: A Biological Survey of Ennis and Belanger Creeks, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Surface Water Quality Division. August, 1988. Staff Report: A Biological Survey of the Crystal River, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Surface Water Quality Division. July, 1987. Staff Report: A Biological Survey of the South Lake Leelanau Tributaries of Mebert Creek, Cedar Run Creek, and Victoria Creek, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Surface Water Quality Division. August, 1990. Staff Report: Biological Survey of an Unnamed Tributary to West Bay, in the Vicinity of Greilickville, Leelanau County, Michigan, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Surface Water Quality Division. May, 1989. STORET data on North Lake Leelanau, South Lake Leelanau, Little Glan Lake, Glen Lake, Little Traverse Lake, Lime Lake, Cedar Lake, and School Lake, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Surface Water Quality Division. USDA Soil Survey of Leelanau County, Michigan. United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, 1973. Vegetation and its Role in Reducing Great Lakes Shoreline Erosion: A Guide for Property Owners, Michigan Sea Grant College Program. 1988. Water Quality and Pollution Control in Michigan: 1988 Report, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Surface Water Quality Division. April, 1988. Water Quality and Pollution Control in Michigan: 1990 Report, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Surface Water Quality Division. April, 1990. Working Paper #9 - Natural Resources and the Environment Page 1-2 NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CTR LIBRARY 1 11,11, 11 1111111111111 3 6668 14111904 2 0 0 0