Permit & Treatment Requirements & Limitations

PLM is required to obtain a permit from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) for any treatments conducted on the Big Whitefish Lake. The permit outlines where treatments can take place within the lake as well as what type of herbicides can be used.  EGLE also has a set of general rules that are in place for all waterbodies across the state.  Some of these rules impact the way PLM treats and manages Big Whitefish Lake.  Some but not all of these rules and/or limitations are explained below.

• Native Plant Control: EGLE allows for treatments of native plants.  However, PLM can only treat a maximum of 100 feet per residential property.  Also, native plant control is limited to water less than 5 feet deep and no greater than 300 feet from shore for the 2020 season.
• Algae Treatments: EGLE allows for filamentous and macro-algae control.  However, treatments are limited to one time every 2 weeks.  Also, PLM is only allowed to treat in developed shorelines out to 5 feet of water depth or 300 feet offshore, whichever comes first for the 2020 season.
• Exotic Plant Control: EGLE is much more flexible when it comes to exotic plant control. Exotic plants can be treated essentially any place where found. However, there are some limitations when it comes to the types of herbicides that can be used (systemic and/or contact).  Contact herbicides for the control of Milfoil or Curlyleaf pondweed can be used one time only (offshore in areas greater than 5 feet of water) prior to June 15^th.  After June 15^th, only systemic herbicides can be used offshore.
• NEW 100-foot Rule: Beginning in 2021, treatments for native plants and algae will be limited to a maximum of 100 ft x 100 ft per residential property.  The old rule allowed for treatments out to 300 feet as long as the water depth was less than 5 feet.  This change will reduce the potential treatment area on several area of Big Whitefish Lake.