Inland Lakes
What attracts people to Northern Michigan? In general, it may be said that the natural beauty of the area's pristine ecosystems is largely responsible, but if asked for one specific landscape feature, most would probably say "lakes". Lakes define the landscape of Northern Michigan and sustain local economies, providing stunning views, abundant fisheries, and tremendous recreational opportunities.
In the Watershed Council service area there are more than 240 lakes greater than 10 acres in size and an additional 1600 lakes and ponds less than 10 acres. Of the largest lakes, 59 are greater than 100 acres and 14 of these are among the State's largest with over 1000 acres of surface area. The region also boasts some of the State's deepest lakes with five lakes having maximum depths of 100 feet or more. Some of the largest and most well-known include Torch Lake, Elk & Skegemog Lakes, Lake Charlevoix, Walloon Lake, Burt Lake, Mullett Lake and Black Lake.
Since its inception, the Watershed Council has striven to protect and improve the region's invaluable lakes. Lake water quality has been monitored by staff and volunteers alike for over two decades. Shoreline surveys documenting nutrient-pollution, erosion and other water quality projects have been continually performed by Watershed Council staff on lakes throughout the area. Miles of lake shoreline have been restored using the Watershed Council's bio-erosion control methods. Nonpoint source pollution to lakes has been addressed through watershed management plans that we have developed for every major watershed in our service area. Examples and further information about our work on inland lakes is available through the following links.