Munro Lake shoreline survey 2014.

Abstract

In the following study, a shoreline survey of Munro Lake was conducted on behalf of The Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, an organization working to preserve and restore the quality of northern Michigan waterways through community education and outreach. A shallow, inland lake, Munro Lake is located in Cheboygan County, Michigan. Half of the lake's shoreline consists of state forest land operated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), with the remaining south end of the lake dominated primarily by private development. This survey consists of individual assessment of every property along the shoreline following parameters outlined by the Tip of the Mitt, with the goal of determining greenbelt health ratings for each riparian parcel. After initial assessment of all criteria outlined in Tip of the Mitt's survey, four indicators of relative greenbelt effectiveness and health were chosen to be discussed in further detail: overall greenbelt score, relative amount of noted shoreline erosion, the presence of Cladophora algae and available Cladophora habitat. Cladophora, a type of filamentous green algae, is often an indicator of excessive nutrient runoff from fertilizer or sewage drainage. Combined with observable erosion along the shoreline, the presence of Cladophora gives surveyors a better sense of greenbelt quality per parcel. In the end, the greenbelt score of each property will provide Tip of the Mitt with necessary information regarding whether or not to contact certain property owners in attempt to encourage private shoreline restoration and preservation.