WLA News
White Lake Health Status
Thanks to generous grants from the White Lake Area Women and the White Lake Area Fund, we have conducted comprehensive testing of White Lake—marking ten years since its delisting.
» Download the Full Report (PDF)
Overall, White Lake remains in good health. However, a few areas warrant closer attention. In October, nitrate levels spiked near the river mouth, possibly due to farm runoff, and elevated levels of phosphorus, chlorophyll-a, and TKN were detected at Dowie’s Point. Further testing may be pursued, depending on available funding.
Ongoing monitoring is essential to safeguarding White Lake’s future. More than just a scenic waterway, White Lake is the heart of our community—supporting our economy, offering recreation, and carrying cultural and historical significance. Protecting its vitality is a responsibility we all share.
We are grateful for the continued support of our donors and community partners, which allows us to expand our efforts in monitoring and protecting White Lake. With your help, we can ensure that future testing and preservation initiatives remain a priority for generations to come.
Seeking Volunteers!
The White Lake Association, in collaboration with Grand Valley State University’s Applied Computing Institute, is developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) applications to monitor invasive plant species in White Lake and its surrounding watershed. To support this effort, we are seeking volunteers to help collect underwater images using a submersible camera, such as a GoPro. These images will be used to train our monitoring tool.
Additionally, we are exploring the use of AI/ML to track shoreline changes as part of the MiCorp Score-the-Shore program. If you have a drone and the appropriate licensure, we’d love to collaborate with you to capture aerial images of White Lake’s shoreline in both the spring and late summer.
Your support is invaluable in advancing these innovative conservation efforts. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact us!
Letter from Robert Smart, President WLA
October 22, 2024
Dear White Lake Advocates,
It is hard to believe it is already October! The White Lake Association has had a very busy and successful year. We received a grant from the Muskegon Community Foundation in the amount of $15,000 for “Ensuring White Lake Health and Community Prosperity.” We have contracted with the Annis Water Resource Institute to perform in-depth testing of White Lake 10 years after it has been delisted as an Area of Concern. We do not yet have the results of that testing but will share them on the website and through email when it is completed.
White Lake water testing including clarity, dissolved oxygen and temperature as well as Chlorophyll A has been performed regularly again this summer. Earlier in the year, we received a grant through EGLE to fund a continuous monitoring buoy. They thought our innovative approach, using a continuous monitoring buoy will augment our regular manual testing of the lake. This information will be uploaded via satellite and should allow for our community members and others to access the data.
We have received another grant from the Sea Tow Foundation for our Life Jacket Loaner program as we needed more life jackets. There are stands at the Montague Boat Launch and the Scenic Drive Boat Launch that have a variety of sizes of lifejackets for any lake users to borrow for the day.
The camera at the light house had been replaced this year and the internet at the White River Lighthouse updated. We have had issues with live broadcast from the camera, however. The Sable Light Keepers Association in conjunction with Fruitland Township will be taking over operations of the lighthouse camera to maintain consistent signal and viewing of the lake.
We have many other projects that we are pursuing at this time. We are working with Jeff Auch at Montague City hall to incorporate an accessible kayak launch in their plans for Maple Park Renovations. We have met with White River Watershed and would like to do some testing of the watershed as that directly influences the health of the lake. We are actively seeking to connect with the schools to educate our youth about our valuable natural resource. We are planning to reinstate our program to identify invasive species and will seek community members to help in this endeavor next summer.
Please consider joining the White Lake Association to show your commitment to the future of White Lake and our community. Your membership dues and involvement will directly support our initiatives, ensuring that our lake remains a vibrant and thriving part of our lives for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Robert Smart, President WLA
Summer 2024 News
The White Lake Association is pleased to announce that we have received a grant from the Muskegon Community Foundation in the amount of $15,000 for “Ensuring White Lake Health and Community Prosperity.” This money will be used to partially fund the in-depth testing of White Lake 10 years after it has been delisted as an Area of Concern.
White Lake water testing is being performed by our board on a regular schedule. We are currently testing clarity, dissolved oxygen and temperature as well as Chlorophyll A. If anyone would like to participate in the process, we welcome new volunteers.
We have received another grant from the Sea Tow Foundation for our Life Jacket Loaner program. There are stands at the Montague Boat Launch and the Scenic Drive Boat Launch that have a variety of sizes of lifejackets for any lake users to borrow for the day.
About our Organization
The White Lake Association (WLA) is comprised of hundreds of area residents who care deeply about White Lake. Our members support WLA activities and actions that preserve the natural amenities of the lake, as well as the public trust.
White Lake is defined geologically as a “drowned river mouth.” The lake extends 5.1 miles from the mouth of White River to the point at which it flows into Lake Michigan. It covers 4 square miles and encompasses 2571 acres. White Lake is known for its scenic beauty, sailing, boating, wildlife and year around fishing. It is a popular tourist destination and summer residence for many.
The White Lake Association is dedicated to maintaining and improving the quality of White Lake for the health of its residents and its fish and wildlife through monitoring and education.