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Paradise (Carp) Lake

In the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council service area there are nearly 60 lakes greater than 100 acres in size, and 14 of these are among the State’s largest with over 1,000 acres of lake-surface area. The region also boasts some of the State’s deepest lakes with five lakes having maximum depths of 100 feet or more. Paradise Lake, in northern Emmet and Cheboygan Counties, stands among these lake “giants” with over 1,900 acres of surface area, though only 18 feet of depth at its maximum.

The waters of Paradise Lake are dark, obscured by tannins, yet exceptionally clean and pure. Within its mysterious waters you will find an enchanting and vibrant ecosystem; from the large predatory pike inhabiting its depths to the resplendent pond-lilies emerging from its surface. Over the last few decades, the Watershed Council has put forth great effort to preserve Paradise Lake and ensure it remains a high quality resource for the enjoyment of future generations.

Paradise Lake and Carp River Watershed Map

Volunteer Lake Monitoring Results - Paradise Lake

Additional Resources

Paradise Lake Profile - 2009

An indepth look at the health of Paradise Lake. The profile includes Volunteer Lake Monitoring program results and graphs highlighting our many years of research.

Paradise Lake Aquatic Plant Survey 2008 Report

Aquatic plants provide many benefits to aquatic ecosystems, but can become a recreational nuisance when growth is excessive. The introduction of non-native aquatic plant species often exacerbates the problem. To assist aquatic plant and lake management efforts, the Paradise Lake Association contracted with Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council to conduct an aquatic plant survey on Paradise Lake in Northern Emmet and Cheboygan Counties, Michigan. It was conducted during the fall of 2008.

Paradise Lake Aquatic Plant Survey 2008 Report.

Note: This report is 54 pages long and is 2.86 MB

Paradise Lake Shore Survey Report 2003

Nutrient pollution resulting from a variety of activities associated with shoreline development is considered the greatest threat to the water quality of Northern Michigan’s lakes. In particular, the nutrient phosphorus coming from septic systems, lawn fertilizers, wetland drainage, soil erosion, animal wastes, and stormwater runoff (in addition to natural sources such as springs, seepages, precipitation, and “dryfall”–leaves, pollen, etc.) can increase weed and algae growth and cause a lake to age prematurely.

A shoreline survey to identify locations of nutrient pollution and other types on nonpoint source pollution, as well as other environmentally important shoreline features was conducted on Paradise Lake by the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council in October and November, 2002. The survey was funded by the Paradise Lake Association.

Paradise Lake Shore Survey Report 2003

Note: This report is 9 pages long and 56 kb in file size.

Paradise Lake Aquatic Plant Survey Report 1996

The residents of Paradise Lake were concerned about the amount of aquatic plant growth in the lake. By late summer, rooted aquatic plants grow to the lake's surface in several large areas, greatly restricting boating, swimming, fishing, and other recreational activities. The Paradise Lake Association was considering methods to control the growth of aquatic plants. The Association contracted with the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council to assess the species composition, distribution, and relative abundance of the lake's vegetation. The purpose of the survey was to gather baseline information for use in determining which type of control methods may be effective or needed.

Paradise Lake Aquatic Plant Survey Report 1996

Note: This report is 7 pages long and is 42 kb in file size.

Press Release - May 6, 2009

Bugs = Results in Paradise Lake
Aquatic Plant Survey shows work of weevils good for invasive plant control
By Grenetta Thomassey, Program Director
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

From 1998 to 2000, aquatic weevils were released in Paradise Lake. For several years they effectively controlled the growth of an invasive plant called Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM). Little was heard about EWM or other problematic aquatic plant growth until 2006, when residents noted resurgence in dense aquatic plant growth. However, samples collected from dense-growth areas were found to be pondweed species. It was not until 2007 that a strong resurgence in EWM growth was reported, meaning that the weevil had a successful six to seven year run.

Click Here to download or read the complete press release.

Partner Organizations

Paradise Lake Association

PO Box 2
Carp Lake, MI 49718

Phone: 231-537-2182