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Quarton Lake Lily Pad Treatment Updates
A lily pad treatment will be scheduled this upcoming season, summer of 2023.
A permit is required and obtained by the City from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for performing aquatic nuisance plant control at Quarton Lake using the following approved aquatic herbicides - Tribune (diquat DiBromide) and Clipper (Flumioxazin).
Since 2016, Tri-County Aquatics, Inc. has been performing treatments on a seasonal basis, contingent upon the weather. Postcards are mailed to lake-area residents and notices will be posted at and around the lake near the treatment areas before the work begins. A 24 hour water use restriction (swimming, drinking, fishing, etc.) is recommended after the lake is treated. A 48 hour restriction for irrigation of lawns will be in effect for 48 hours after the treatment. For more information, contact the Department of Public Services 248.530.1700.
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The map to the right shows the typical treatment area . The area usually begins just north of the pier and proceeds south to the aerator located in the center of the lake.
Please note it can take several weeks to notice the full effects of the lily pad treatment.
Since a permit is required from the EGLE for this work, the area approved for treatment is restricted based on the permit and cannot be modified in the field to get closer to the shoreline. As much as we would like to address the lily pads nestled against the shore, it is not allowed. However, the lake is looking much better over time, with the reduction of the lily pad population.
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Native Plants & Flowers at Quarton Lake Park
Over the past decade, the City has installed native plants and flowers along Quarton Lake to provide natural beauty, prevent streambank erosion, and deter water fowl.
Native plants, by definition, are plants that existed in the Great Lakes region prior to the arrival of European settlers. They contribute to the rich and productive relationships among plants, animals, insects and microorganisms in natural ecosystems such as woodlands, prairies, and wetlands.
Native trees and shrubs contribute to the natural environment in important ways:
- Erosion control: Native plants have extensive root systems that help control bank erosion.
- Nutrient filtration: These extensive root systems help filter phosphorus, nitrogen, and other pollutants.
- Natural vigor: When properly planted, they adapt well to the variable weather conditions of Southeast Michigan.
- Resistance to pests and diseases: Once established, natives are often resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides.
- Habitat for birds, insects, and other beneficial wildlife: Native plant communities provide food, shelter and hiding places for birds, butterflies, insects and other beneficial wildlife.
The city is working to properly manage these native plants and flowers. Over the upcoming several months, we will be removing upland dead trees and invasive shrubs throughout the park, to help improve visibility to the lake, biodiversity, and aesthetics. We are working on a multi-year vegetation management program, to install additional native plantings and trees, and provide weed control.
For more information on native trees or shrubs, contact SOCWA at (248) 546-5818 or visit Michigan State University's Native Plants webpage.
How Can You Help?
We can all play a part on the water quality of the Rouge River and Quarton Lake. Storm sewer runoff from adjacent streets, parking lots, and driveways flows directly to the lake – untreated. Therefore, we need to pay close attention to the amount of sediment, yard waste, and chemicals from vehicles that enter into these storm drains.
Sweep it. Do you have extra fertilizer, grass clippings, or dirt on your driveway? Sweep it back onto your lawn. Hosing your driveway sends these pollutants into storm drains that lead to our lakes and streams.
Keep it clean. Whether in the street or in your yard, remember to keep leaves, grass clippings, trash, and fertilizers out of storm drains.
Only rain in the drain. Never dump motor oil, chemicals, pet waste, dirty or soapy water, or anything else down the storm drain. All of these materials pollute our lakes and streams.
Leave a buffer. If you live along the lake or river, maintain a 15’ no-mow, chemical-free vegetative buffer along the waterway. This will prevent excess fertilizers, herbicides, and other pollutants from entering the waterway, thus creating potential nuisance vegetation to grow. We recommend installing flowers and plants that are native to Michigan, which have in-depth root systems to filter nutrients and require less maintenance. Do not place yard wastes, fertilizers, or composting sites near the water.
Hire an earth-friendly contractor. If you hire a lawncare contractor, consider utilizing a provider registered in the Michigan Green Industry Association (MGIA) ‘Healthy Lawn Care Program for Watershed Protection’. There are several lawncare providers in the local area that provide no-mow buffers, earth-friendly fertilizers, and soil testing.
Helpful Links:
- Waterfront Wisdom Booklet: http://www.oaklandtownship.org/community_info/environmental_information/waterfront_property_(riparian)_education.php
- Help Keep Pollution Out of Storm Drains: https://semcog.org/protect-our-waterways
- Earth-Friendly Landscaping: https://semcog.org/protect-our-waterways
- Fertilize Caringly: https://semcog.org/protect-our-waterways
Helpful Brochures:
Riparian Corridor Management
Healthy Lawn Care Program for Watershed Protection
Additional brochures are available at the Dept. of Public Services office, located at 851 S. Eton.
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