Reporting on Swimmer's Itch Localized strategies will now be employed to reduce the effects of swimmer's itch at your shore. Swimmer's itch, also known as cercarial dermatitis, is a common skin condition that occurs after swimming in certain freshwater lakes and ponds. It is caused by microscopic parasites called schistosomes, which are found in snails and released into the water. When these parasites come into contact with the skin, they can cause an itchy rash or small, raised bumps. Minimize Your Chance of Getting Swimmer's Itch With all that we have learned in recent years, we know a paradigm shift must occur from lake wide control to individual prevention. The parasite that causes swimmers itch is released from the snail host in the morning and is largely concentrated in the upper layer of shallow water. Hence the strategy recommendations to swim in the afternoons, with offshore winds, in deeper water, or wear a ‘rashie’. Localized Prevention Strategies Cover your skin with full body swimwear. Swimmer's itch rarely affects hands, feet and face. Swim in the afternoon or early evening rather than the morning. Swimmer’s itch risk is greatest before noon. Swim in deeper water. Use a parasite skimmer net to remove swimmer's itch from surface water. Avoid swimming during an onshore wind. Use a ‘kiddie pool’ filled with well water for small children instead of shoreline lake swimming. Towel off very well immediately after swimming.

Shoreline Preservation Create a Greenbelt Schedule Greenbelt Consultation Education - Not Enforcement Tips for Your Shoreline Rate Your Shore Shoreline Preservation Shorelines are Critical Transition Areas from Land to Water A natural shoreline protects the lake and provides habitat for fish and wildlife. However, intense shoreli ne development, the proliferation of turf lawns, and an increase in waves from boat activity create erosion problems and allow fertilizers and pesticides to enter the water. You can restore your shoreline to a more natural state which will support wildlife habitat and prevent run-off. Create a Greenbelt A greenbelt is a natural shoreline of diverse and native vegetation including trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers that grow naturally or are planted. The most important benefits of greenbelts are erosion control and pollution filtering. By keeping sediments and excess nutrients from washing into the water, greenbelts keep the water clear and cool. An added benefit is deterring geese who prefer well-manicured lawns with unrestricted access to the water. Recent surveys, revealed a concerning deficiency in natural shorelines and greenbelts surrounding Lime Lake. The good news is that this is within our control. Schedule Your Free Lake On-Site Consultations To encourage establishing and enhancing greenbelts on the lake, the LLA is supporting on-site consultations by our Lake Biologist, Kelsey Froelich. During the half-hour consultation, you will gain a deeper understanding of the natural process and science that a natural shoreline plays in the health of the lake ecosystem. Site specific opportunities will be discussed so you can create a greenbelt plan for your shore. Free Greenbelt Consultation Registration Next Education - Not Enforcement Greenbelt consultations are focused on providing an understanding of the natural processes and their effect on lake health. In other words, education. We are giving riparians the information to make the changes they deem appropriate to improve lake health while providing space for water accessibility and recreation. The decisions are left to the property owner - and the LLA has no interest in ‘enforcement’! Tips for Your Shoreline Maintain a greenbelt - a 20 to 35’ natural buffer along 70% of your shoreline to help provide filtration to trap pollutants, prevent overgrowth of aquatic plants and algae, reduce erosion and discourage geese. Use native plants - shrubs, trees and grasses to stabilize shorelines which provides habitat for wildlife (more). Plant native trees to help offset storm damage and replace die-off of diseased ash, birch, beech and oaks. Use a mulching mower, compost leaves and yard trimmings at least 100 ft from surface water. Excess leaves in the lakes and creeks degrades water quality. Rate Your Shore The Michigan Shoreland Stewardship Program has created an online survey for you to ‘rate your shoreland’. In the process, you will receive customized advice on how to make improvements to your property and its management. The Survey asks questions related to management practices in each of the four zones of your shoreland property: Upland, Buffer, Shoreline and Lake. You will need the basic dimensions of your property and you should plan for approximately 30 minutes to complete the form. Please select the Lime Lake Association when taking the survey; this will help us track participation rates. The survey can be taken anonymously, but we encourage you to register. By registering, your data will be saved so you can return to the survey as you make changes on your property. Thank you for being a good steward of Lime Lake. RATE YOUR SHORE

WHY WE NEED LAKE STEWARDS The Lime Lake Steward program is the result of a growing realization that while some homeowners may engage in activities which result in harmful impacts on our lake and watershed, most do so without understanding the consequences of such actions, and how they can easily be avoided or remediated. The Stewards Program educates and advocates protecting Lime Lake by engaging in best practices. Stewards voluntarily pledge to protect and share their advocacy with others. PROTECT LIME LAKE Central to the protection of the water quality is avoiding unnecessary chemicals, fertilizers, yard waste, storm water runoff and groundwater contamination, which will enter the lake and affect the water where we swim, boat and play. Nature has created green buffer zones to help filter water flowing into the lake and watershed. However, over the years, much of the greenbelt protection has been lost. The Lake Stewards program aims to promote proper approaches to landscaping and yard design and maintenance among homeowners. KEEP VIGILANT Despite success in protecting the overall water quality, the Lime Lake/Good Harbor Bay watershed faces considerable ‘stressors’. Excess nutrients & sediment, larger homes, more visitors, climate change and severe storms with greater runoff all factor as ‘stressors’ and can easily disrupt the lake's natural balance. We’re happy to report that our tests, overall, show that the quality of our water is at a high level, has remained relatively stable, and compares favorably to neighboring lakes. But there’s more to do. The challenge is to continue to be vigilant in protecting the watershed. Take the Pledge to Protect the Watershed Your support is needed to protect and preserve this beautiful area now and for future generations. By taking the Steward’s pledge, you agree to adopt some of the best practices to guide decisions you make that involve your property. The “Pledge to Protect” is for anyone — riparian, watershed resident, or regular visitor — who wants to advance the effort to protect and preserve Lime Lake and the surrounding watershed. As you read the pledge form, consider what you already do for the watershed and then pick items that will be new for you. The Stewards Program uses the honor system, and we know that what you check is what you will put into action. THANK YOU! PLEDGE

Pledge to Protect the Lime Lake, Good Harbor Bay Watershed I Pledge the following . . . . . On Shore (Riparians Only) Start a greenbelt on my shoreline or maintain existing one Stop mowing my lawn seven feet from the water’s edge to start a greenbelt Use lake or creek water irrigation (vs. well water irrigation) Contact the Lime Lake Association for advice when considering alterations near my shoreline Refrain from feeding waterfowl to protect the water from harmful E-coli bacteria Rake and remove leaves and grass clippings to keep them out of the water On Land Use only eco-friendly soaps and detergents Use only hazardous waste collection sites to dispose of harmful items Use only eco-friendly pesticides Properly store any fertilizers Invasive Species Prevention Clean, Drain & Dry watercraft before/after use to stop the introduction & spread of aquatic invasive species Dispose of bait, plants, aquatic animals and fish from aquariums & ponds in the garbage, never in the lake Septic System, Holding Tank, Well Have my septic system inspected regularly (every 3-5 yrs.) & pumped when indicated Avoid using bleach and commercial products that claim to ‘maintain’ my tank/ septic system Avoid use of garbage disposal Watercraft and Recreation Be mindful of your wake near shore to reduce erosion and excessive sedimentation in the lake Avoid use of soaps & shampoos in the lake or creek Inspect boats for fuel/oil leaks In Yard (Property Owners Only) Preserve wetlands on your property Construct driveways Keep storm drains free of anything except runoff PIant a tree and/or incorporate native plants on my property or lakeshore Pledge I (we) hereby pledge to protect the Lime Lake/Good Harbor Bay Watershed and implement the checked items above. Privacy Please Keep My Pledge Anonymous Submit Pledge Thank You!

Enteric Bacteria Monitoring Enteric bacteria, simply put, are bacteria found in the gut. These bacteria are commonly present and generally harmless, originating from various sources such as agriculture, birds, and human-related factors primarily malfunctioning septic systems. As individuals who live near rivers or bodies of water, it is important to avoid an excessive presence of enteric bacteria (according to EPA guidelines) to ensure the safety of swimming and fishing activities in our waters. LEARN MORE Sponsored Monitoring & Methodology In 2018 and 2019, LLA contracted Freshwater Solutions (FSA) for enteric bacteria water testing. Testing was done at 12 locations to assess the impact of a heavy rain event. Triplicate 50ml water samples were collected at lake inlet sites after a long dry period and again after the rain event. This sampling technique facilitated both overall testing and extraction of DNA samples for identifying the source of bacteria (human HF183, bovine, or goose enteric bacteria). Results Caution is advised when interpreting this research. Sampling occurred on only one dry day and one day after rainfall. While the data show a significant increase in enteric bacteria after rain, more extensive analysis is needed with repeated rain events for conclusive results. From this limited study, it is evident that enteric bacteria sharply increases after rain at lake inlets. These sites primarily measure input from streams, indicating that the measured values are influenced by streams rather than the lakes. Source tracking reveals low human contamination from these points, suggesting non-human sources as the main fecal contributors. Everyday Strategies to Improve Water Quality Take care of your septic system by conducting regular inspections to ensure proper functioning. Only pump it if necessary, as excessive pumping can disrupt the system's intended biological processes. Remember to clean up and properly dispose of your pet's waste to prevent it from entering the lake. Establish and maintain a shoreline buffer to discourage geese from congregating on the shore or lawn, as they can contribute to localized bacterial contamination. When swimming, avoid areas near inlets, especially after rain events, as they are associated with higher levels of enteric bacteria. Once again, embrace your role as a lake steward and actively contribute to its well-being.

Want to do your part? Adopt Best Practices. Follow a few simple ‘best management practices’ for protecting the Lime Lake / Good Harbor Bay Watershed… People who care can and will make the difference. Resources As you start your efforts to be a better Steward, you will no doubt have questions. What native plants to consider? How to bio-engineer back to a natural shore? Information is available. There are many resources available to help you be a good Lime Lake Steward. And, over time, as the Stewards program grows, we will be listing business partners and more. Leelanau Clean Water https://www.leelanaucleanwater.org/ Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership www.mishorelinepartnership.org Michigan Shoreland Stewards Program Guide Leelanau Conservancy www.leelanauconservancy.org The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay www.gtbay.org SEEDS Ecology & Education Centers www.ecoseeds.org Michigan State Extension MSU - Managing Your Septic System Failing Septic Systems: The Challenge Swimmer’s Itch Survey Tutorial The Fight for Lake Leelanau A series of educational videos produced by the Michigan Shoreline Stewards We are All Stewards The Stewards Program educates and advocates protecting Lime Lake/Good Harbor Bay Watershed by engaging in best practices. Stewards voluntarily pledge to protect, and share their advocacy with others. Act Now

Lost and Found Lose something on the lake? Has a paddle washed up on your shore? Send us an email and we will be happy to post it here. Items Lost SUP - July 2023 Items Found Jet Ski Cover - Washed up on shore fall 2022 Paddle Boat Contact Us First name Last name Email Lost or Found Item: Submit Thanks for submitting!

Lime Lake Geology Lime Lake is a 670-acre lake with a maximum depth of 65 feet, and extensive shoal areas with depths less than 15 feet. Substrate is predominately sand and marl, with some areas of cobble and gravel present. Vegetation is sparse, though there is some emergent vegetation near the shoreline and some small submerged weed beds in water from 5 to 20 feet deep. Environment The land in the Lime Lake watershed is characterized by a variety of soil types including Kalkaska series sands along the west and south sides of the lake, Leelanau-East Lake loamy sands along the east side of the lake, Eastport sands between Lime Lake and Little Traverse Lake, and Lupton-Markey muck soils along Lime Creek and Shetland Creek. Natural Connections: Lime Lake's Waterways and Migratory Fish Access Lime Lake is fed by several hillside seeps, springs, and small creeks, with the largest being Lime Creek which flows in at the southern end of the lake. Shetland Creek flows out of the north end of Lime Lake and into Little Traverse Lake, and from there Shalda Creek flows out of Little Traverse Lake and into Good Harbor Bay on Lake Michigan. Migratory fish from Lake Michigan have access to Lime Lake through this connection in years of high water or when there are no natural obstructions (beaver dams). Hiking Trails The Leelanau Conservancy actively manages two preserves on Lime Lake. Teichner Preserve is a 41-acre parcel of property located on the northeast shore of Lime Lake. This property includes 200-feet of lake frontage, uniquely forested lowland, and extensive wetlands. The property is open to the public for guided tours and hiking. Pat's Preserve protects 1,000 feet of lake shoreline and 26 acres of land including sensitive wetlands important to the preservation of the long-term water quality of Lime Lake. Pat's Preserve is a critical wildlife corridor and its wetlands support a broad diversity of species. Responsible Fishing Lime Lake is a Type C designated trout lake that is open to trout fishing for the entire year. All tackle types may be used and the lake has a possession limit of five trout per day, with no more than three trout 15" or greater. The lake is accessible via a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) public boat launch located on the southwestern shore of the lake. Management Direction Any remaining riparian wetlands adjacent to Lime Lake and its tributaries should be protected as they are critical to the continued health of the watershed. Future riparian development and wetland loss may result in deterioration of the water quality and aquatic habitat. Appropriate watershed management is necessary to sustain healthy biological communities, including fish, amphibians, and birds. Generally for lakes this includes maintenance of good water quality, preservation of natural shorelines; and preservation of bottom contours, vegetation, and woody structure within the lake. Conservation Measures Guidelines for protecting fisheries habitat in inland lakes can be found in Fisheries Division Special Report 38 (O'Neal and Soulliere 2006). Additionally, dredging of the littoral zone should be avoided if possible on Lime Lake, particularly where gravel and cobble substrates are located. Most of the nearshore properties that are developed on Lime Lake have gravel and cobble substrates present. This nearshore habitat is critical for a number of important Lime Lake fish species, as gravel and cobble substrates provide spawning habitat and also host many important aquatic invertebrates that help to sustain healthy fish populations.

Pat's Preserve Pat’s Preserve is on the south end of Lime Lake and protects 26 acres of land and over 1000 feet of lake shore. It is home to a meandering stream that conveys the largest source of surface water to Lime Lake, as well as a sensitive wetland that acts like a giant sponge, stemming erosion, trapping pollution, and slowly releasing clean water back into the lake. Land Safeguarded The first 5.9-acre parcel of the new Preserve, which was most at risk of being developed, was quickly purchased in May of 2020, thanks to our incredible supporters. The former owner had wanted to build a vehicle bridge over the stream, and install utility lines underneath it. That would have involved excavating 59 cubic yards of earth in a 400-foot long gash—threatening fragile stream bank habitat in the process. The owner had also applied to truck in nearly 500 yards of dirt to fill the wetland, and construct a road. Sanctuary The preserve is a haven for wildlife. Giant white pines, a rich conifer swamp and diverse wetland habitat nurture a plethora of wildlife and plants on this special land. Songbirds, red-shouldered hawks and eagles live in the forest. In the spring-fed stream, brook trout spawn and thrive. Snakes and toads, ducks and otter are also frequently spotted here. Gratitude The Lime Lake Association understands the importance of protecting these wetlands. An outpouring of support from people around the lake and from the Leelanau Community helped preserve this unique ecosystem. Funding for the Leelanau Conservancy’s purchase of some of the Pat’s Preserve acreage was made possible by many generous supporters of the conservancy, especially Ron Lovasz and his late wife, Pat, for whom the preserve is named.

Mission The Lime Lake Association Through scientific research, environmental education, community building, and collaboration with public and private entities dedicated to conservation, The Lime Lake Association is stewarding the environmental purity and beauty of Lime Lake and its watershed. BYLAWS Join the Lime Lake Association Whether you live on Lime Lake or love to visit, when you become a member, you support programs to ensure that Lime Lake remains beautiful and healthy. Our programs include research and testing, community education and outreach, collaborations with conservation organizations, and more. Our biggest expense is science. We’ve been conducting, for example, Swimmer’s Itch research for three years that also helps us monitor for Eurasian Milfoil, the biggest existential threat to inland lakes. Unlike some lakes in the area, we do not have Milfoil in Lime Lake. Our research means early detection and the ability to eradicate the invasive species immediately. Your contributions make it possible for us to contract with a lake biologist who monitors water quality, offers free greenbelt consults and educates our members on best practices to protect our water. All of our spending goes directly to our mission and Lime Lake would not be the pristine gem that it is without these efforts. Your support protects the incredible natural resources and quality of life we’ve all come to love here on Lime Lake. Thank you for your contribution! JOIN / DONATE Our Story The Lime Lake b oard m embers are volunteers committed to preserving and protecting Lime Lake and its watershed. We manage and oversee the implementation of many projects, reports, and collaborations. The original lake association was formed by a group of homeowners to build community and basic awareness. Our current Lime Lake Association became incorporated in 2015 with the 501C3 not-for-profit status and directed its attention toward the expanded mission of preservation and protection of the lake and the watershed. Board of Directors Board members provide direction and oversight to the Lime Lake Association. The Board is comprised of watershed riparians and meets at least three times annually. The association holds an annual meeting each July for the Lime Lake community and association members interested in learning more and becoming involved in the stewardship of Lime Lake and it's watershed. Volunteers are always welcome to serve on committees as the association grows. Opportunities, as they become available, will be posted on our blog. Lime Lake Association Board Dean Manikas - President Mark Fisher - Vice President Jeff Kane - Treasurer Molly O'Toole - Secretary Lisa Genesen - Fund Raising Mary Barss - Hospitality/Merchandise Ron Reimink - Volunteer Cathy Stocker - Communications Standing Committees 2022-23 Watershed Planning - Molly O'Toole, Dean Manikas, Mark Fisher Lake Biologist Kelsey Froelich Preserving the Lime Lake Ecosystem T he health of the overall lake ecosystem depends on the community that lives within the watershed and around the lakes that are part of it. Our choices matter. Your involvement and financial support matter. Please do your part through volunteering, taking advantage of our free greenbelt consultations and discovery boat tours, and becoming a member so we all may continue to enjoy this very special place and preserve it for future generations. JOIN / DONATE