Michigan Chapter North American Lake Management Society
The purpose of McNALMS is to promote understanding and comprehensive management of Michigan's inland lake ecosystems
Award-winning Introduction to Lakes Online to be Offered in 2026
The Introduction to Lakes Online course from the Michigan State University Extension Center for Lakes and Streams has opened registration for 2026. This popular six-week, self-paced class is offered just once a year and is perfect for anyone passionate about Michigan’s inland lakes—whether you're a lakefront property owner, a concerned community member, or a local leader making decisions that impact our waters. Don’t miss your chance to explore the science, stewardship, and strategies behind healthy lake ecosystems all from the comfort of home! Since its launch in 2014, more than 2,500 people have participated in the class and 98% would recommend it to a friend or colleague.
Topics for the 6-week course include: • Lake ecology• Watershed management• Shoreline protection• Aquatic plants• Michigan water law• Community engagement
These topics are covered through engaging video lectures, interactive activities, and live Ask-an-Expert webinars featuring guests from Michigan State University, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. For many, Introduction to Lakes Online is their first experience with an online course—and it’s designed specifically to be user-friendly.
Course Details• The course website opens on Jan. 20. • Sign up by Jan. 6 for an early bird cost of $95/person. After Jan. 6, the cost is $115/person. Registration closes on Jan. 28.• Scholarships are available.• Individual Michigan Lakes and Streams Association members qualify for a $95 reimbursement upon successful completion of the class.
The course has been approved for 16 Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development Pesticide recertification credits (8 Commercial Core & 8 category 5 [aquatic]). Continuing education hours are also offered in the following MSU Extension courses: Master Citizen Planner, Master Gardener, and Master Naturalist.
Learn more and register today at www.canr.msu.edu/lakesonline.
Topics for the 6-week course include: • Lake ecology• Watershed management• Shoreline protection• Aquatic plants• Michigan water law• Community engagement
These topics are covered through engaging video lectures, interactive activities, and live Ask-an-Expert webinars featuring guests from Michigan State University, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. For many, Introduction to Lakes Online is their first experience with an online course—and it’s designed specifically to be user-friendly.
Course Details• The course website opens on Jan. 20. • Sign up by Jan. 6 for an early bird cost of $95/person. After Jan. 6, the cost is $115/person. Registration closes on Jan. 28.• Scholarships are available.• Individual Michigan Lakes and Streams Association members qualify for a $95 reimbursement upon successful completion of the class.
The course has been approved for 16 Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development Pesticide recertification credits (8 Commercial Core & 8 category 5 [aquatic]). Continuing education hours are also offered in the following MSU Extension courses: Master Citizen Planner, Master Gardener, and Master Naturalist.
Learn more and register today at www.canr.msu.edu/lakesonline.
Request for proposals: 2026 Lake Conservation Grant
The Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership (MGLP) is seeking project proposals for funding from their 2026 Lake Conservation Grant program. The MGLP is one of twenty partnerships that span the nation under the umbrella of the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP). The MGLP area of focus is glacial lakes and their watersheds (see figure). Nine Midwestern states, numerous federal agencies, tribal governments, and private natural resource entities have been integral partners in the development and operation of the MGLP.
Projects should benefit glacial lake fish habitats, which include the chemical, physical, and biological components of the habitats that fishes found in glacial lakes use throughout their lives. There is directed funding toward a wide range of aquatic conservation projects that benefit imperiled, endangered, and recreational fish species and their habitats. The program typically funds 3-5 projects annually between $30,000 and $100,000, but larger projects will be considered for funding up to a maximum of the approximately $300,000 expected for distribution. Previous projects have been successfully implemented because the contributions and capabilities of many partners have enabled accomplishment of project goals that none of the partnering entities could complete on their own.
Learn more and download application materials at the Lake Conservation Grant page of the MGLP website <https://midwestglaciallakes.org/grant/>. You can submit your application by emailing it to MGLP. If you have any questions, please contact Joe Nohner at nohnerj@michigan.gov or 517-599-6825.
Learn more and download application materials at the Lake Conservation Grant page of the MGLP website <https://midwestglaciallakes.org/grant/>. You can submit your application by emailing it to MGLP. If you have any questions, please contact Joe Nohner at nohnerj@michigan.gov or 517-599-6825.
Wake Boat Operations, Impacts Reviewed
A review of wake boats and their operations and impacts has been written by William Scott Brown, board member of McNALMS. If you are interested in the full text copy, click on the link at the end of this excerpt.
The substantive findings of several peer reviewed scientific investigations that have been conducted in recent years clearly demonstrate that the upsurge in the number of wake enhanced boats operating on the inland lakes of the Laurentian Great Lakes region are likely responsible for rendering an array of adverse impacts on frequently exposed aquatic ecosystems. A dramatic upsurge in sales of recreational vessels that are designed and operated for the sole purpose of enabling enhanced wake dependent water sports by generating wakes that possess kinetic energy levels that greatly exceed those that occur naturally has helped gain the attention of state and local government officials, law enforcement agencies, lake managers, lake conservation advocacy groups, and the news media. In addition to their significant potential to have a negative impact on vulnerable aquatic ecosystems, regularly occurring, well publicized incidents involving high energy wake perpetrated over turned kayaks, swamped fishing boats, hazardous swimming conditions, and damage to moored boats, piers, and docks have served to help focus public attention on the frequently disruptive watercraft. Heated discussion regarding the difficult public policy question of whether operation of the increasingly popular though controversial water craft should somehow be restricted, or even banned in some cases, has now migrated from marinas to state capitols where legislators, and lobbyists representing the special interests of a powerful group of stakeholders remain deeply divided on the issue (Orenstein, 2020).
Wake boats, also referred to as wake enhanced boats, are designed to generate the high energy wakes that are required to enable wake surfing and wakeboarding (Ruprecht et al., 2015; Goudey and Girod, 2015). Wake surfing, the significantly more popular of the wake enabled water sports due to the fact that it is safer and much easier for most people to master than wake boarding (Ray, 2020), involves riders who surf the substantial wake that results from shifting ballast water to the aft (rear) corner on the side of the boat that is to be surfed (Mercier-Blais and Prairie, 2014; Ruprecht et al., 2015). Enabled by operating speeds ranging from 8 - 13 mph (13 - 21 km/h), wake surfers are not attached to their boards, and are not supported by tow ropes (Ruprecht et al., 2015). In contrast, wakeboarding, whose rise in popularity began in the late 1990’s, usually involves more athletically inclined participants who strive to perform acrobatics while airborne during high jumps that are achieved by using the enhanced wakes produced by their supporting water craft as transient ‘launch’ ramps (Ruprecht et al., 2015; Boyd, 2016). Engaged at speeds ranging from 18 - 30 mph (29 - 48 km/h) (Ruprecht et al., 2015), wakeboarders are attached to their board, and pulled along well behind their supporting boat by a tow rope of up to 85 feet (26 meters) in length (Allen et al., 2019). From: A Review of the Adverse Impacts Attributed to the Operation of Wake Enhanced Boats on Inland Lake Ecosystems
Wake boats, also referred to as wake enhanced boats, are designed to generate the high energy wakes that are required to enable wake surfing and wakeboarding (Ruprecht et al., 2015; Goudey and Girod, 2015). Wake surfing, the significantly more popular of the wake enabled water sports due to the fact that it is safer and much easier for most people to master than wake boarding (Ray, 2020), involves riders who surf the substantial wake that results from shifting ballast water to the aft (rear) corner on the side of the boat that is to be surfed (Mercier-Blais and Prairie, 2014; Ruprecht et al., 2015). Enabled by operating speeds ranging from 8 - 13 mph (13 - 21 km/h), wake surfers are not attached to their boards, and are not supported by tow ropes (Ruprecht et al., 2015). In contrast, wakeboarding, whose rise in popularity began in the late 1990’s, usually involves more athletically inclined participants who strive to perform acrobatics while airborne during high jumps that are achieved by using the enhanced wakes produced by their supporting water craft as transient ‘launch’ ramps (Ruprecht et al., 2015; Boyd, 2016). Engaged at speeds ranging from 18 - 30 mph (29 - 48 km/h) (Ruprecht et al., 2015), wakeboarders are attached to their board, and pulled along well behind their supporting boat by a tow rope of up to 85 feet (26 meters) in length (Allen et al., 2019). From: A Review of the Adverse Impacts Attributed to the Operation of Wake Enhanced Boats on Inland Lake Ecosystems
Wake Boat Recommendations Released by Michigan DNR
Fisheries Report #37 on A Literature Review of Wake Boat Effects on Aquatic Habitat has been officially released by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division. Wake boats are powerboats specially designed to increase wave height for watersports. There is concern that the waves produced by these boats can increase shoreline erosion; stir up bottom sediments and create hazards for humans and animals.The report recommends the following voluntary best operating practices in support of the continued use of wake boats while minimizing the effects on natural resources and near shore property:1. Boats operating in wake-surfing mode or wake-boarding mode, during which boat speed, wave shapers, and/or ballast are used to increase wave height, are recommended to operate at least 500 feet from docks or the shoreline, regardless of water depth.2. Boats operating in wake-surfing or wake-boarding modes are recommended to operate in water at least 15 feet deep.3. Ballast tanks should be completely drained prior to transporting the watercraft over land.The entire report, written by James Francis, Joel Nohner, John Bauman, and Brian Gunderman is available at this link.
McNALMS to End Operations
The Michigan Chapter North American Lake Management Society (McNALMS) Board has decided to disband the organization prior to the end of 2025. The Board could no longer adequately continue the functions that made McNALMS a successful organization in promoting understanding and comprehensive management of Michigan's inland lake ecosystems. With its remaining funds, the Board will provide support to the Michigan Inland Lakes Partnership’s Michigan Inland Lakes Convention for both 2026 and 2028. It also contributed to the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership October 2025 Shoreline and Shallows conference. The remainder of the funds are being distributed to the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association (MLSA), a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission aligns well with that of McNALMS. MLSA has agreed to continue some of McNALMS’ vital programs, including the Student Grants program; the Niles R. Kevern Lifetime Achievement Award; and the Lunch and Learn meeting. MLSA will also be the official Michigan affiliate for the international organization, the North American Lake Management Society. The website, PO Box, and email address will remain until November of this year, and then they will be retired. An article focusing on McNALMS and its past achievements has been published in The Michigan Riparian Fall Magazine. Additionally, MLSA will extend a free membership for past McNALMS members to their organization for the next year, which includes a copy of The Michigan Riparian magazine. If you wish to opt in, follow this link: https://forms.gle/c6zBp1HxYhv4AmWCA and fill in the MLSA form for McNALMS members. The McNALMS Board thanks its members and affiliates for their support of McNALMS and the protection and management of Michigan’s inland lakes.
Student Grants Awarded for 2025
McNALMS and the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association (MLSA) have funded three student proposals for its 2025 Lake Research Student Grants Program. The selected students, each from a different University, and their research proposal topics are:
• How does PFAS migrate from groundwater into lakes? Investigating the groundwater-surface water interface by Jackson Moleski, Central Michigan University
• Advancing beach monitoring by investigating the relationship between Escherichia coli concentrations in sand and water by Josie Kuhlman, Grand Valley State University
• The effects of salinity on Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii invasion by Margaret Menso, Wayne State University
Congratulations to these students. Other past funded student proposals are listed toward the bottom of this column.
McNALMS Niles R. Kevern Lifetime Achievement Award Presented at Lake Convention
Dr. Alan D. Steinman, Allen and Helen Hunting Research Professor at the Annis Water Resources Institute at Grand Valley State University, and previous Director of the Annis Water Resources Institute for 22 years was named the 2024 recipient of the McNALMS Niles R. Kevern Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is periodically given to a Michigan limnologist or aquatic scientist who has significantly contributed to the advancement of the understanding of lakes, has provided leadership in addressing key lake issues, and has exhibited excellence in promoting lake ecology and/or management.
Dr. Alan Steinman (center) with members of the Kevern family and McNALMS co-president, Dr. Lois Wolfson (r), receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Steinman has done extensive research on aquatic ecosystem restoration, harmful algal blooms, phosphorus cycling, and water policy. He has published over 200 scientific articles, book chapters, and books; has been awarded over $60 million in grants for scientific and engineering projects. He is a Fellow of the Society for Freshwater Science and holds numerous awards including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Outstanding Planning Achievement Award and the Joan Hodges Queneau Palladium Medal from the National Audubon Society among many others. Dr. Steinman holds a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a Ph.D. in Botany/Aquatic Ecology from Oregon State University, and an M.S. in Botany from the University of Rhode Island.
The award included a commissioned painting of a beautiful lake by local UP artist Monica Miller-Mortel and a certificate recognizing Dr. Steinman as this year’s recipient.
Student Research Projects Funded through McNALMS and MLSA
The Michigan Chapter North American Lake Management Society (McNALMS) and the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association (MLSA) fund student proposals on lake ecology and management and other lake related issues each year. Past projects that have been funded include:
2024
Using Remote Sensing to Quantify Methane Emissions from Lake Michigan’s Estuaries by Jillian Green, Grand Valley State; Advisor: Sean Woznicki;
Cyanobacterial Community Responses to Treatment Interventions and Species Composition Dynamics Along Inland Public Beaches in Muskegon County by Renee Tardani, Grand Valley State University Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute; Advisor/Coordinator: Charlyn Partridge
2023
Differences in attraction to artificial light between larval and adult life stages of mayflies by Melanie Bruno; Advisor: Dr. Scott Tiegs
Impact of climate change and restoration on phosphorus loading in impaired wetlands by Katherine Lucas, Grand Valley State University; Advisor: Dr. Alan Steinman
2022Under-ice photosynthetic primary production and dark carbon fixation in Lake Superior’s Keweenaw Waterway by Vanessa Cubillos Tellez, Michigan Technological University; Advisor: Dr. Trista Vick-MajorsUse of an Aquatic Remotely Operated Vehicle to Assess Relative Abundance of Fish and their Relations to Water Quality Variables by Elizabeth Belanger, Lake Superior State University; Advisor: Dr. Kevin Kapuscinski2021Lake Response to Elevated Levels of Phosphorus and Chloride by Ellen Foley, Grand Valley State University; Advisor: Dr. Alan SteinmanImpacts of Climate Change on Gene Expression in Stocked Walleye Populations by Scott Jackson, University of Michigan; Advisor: Dr. Karen Alofs2020Star Wars: Phenology of Nitellopsis obtusa (Starry Stonewort) in two Michigan drowned river mouth lakes, Michigan by Emily Neuman, Grand Valley State University Invasive Mystery Snail Detection and Characteristics of lnvaded Inland Lakes in Mid-Michigan by Emmet Smrcka, Central Michigan University; Advisor: Dr. David Zanatta2019Bloom or bust: Search for phytoplankton community drivers using long-term time-series observations and field measurements in a model Great Lakes estuary by Jasmine Mancuso, Grand Valley State University; Advisor: Dr. Bopaiah Biddanda 2018Shoreline Restoration and Source of Nutrient Enrichment Impacts on Macrophyte and Epiphytic Algal Communities by Paige Kleindl, Grand Valley State University, Advisor: Dr. Alan Steinman
2017
Littoral Primary Production and Effects of Invasive Macrophytes in Michigan Lakes by Ryan Van Goethem, Michigan Technological University, Advisor: Dr. Amy Marcarelli
Young of the Year Fish Mortality along a Lakeshore Development Gradient by Jacob Ziegler, Carey Institute and McGill University, Advisor: Dr. C. Solomon
2016
Assessment of Cyanobacteria to Suppress Growth and Development of Dreissenid Larvae by Anna Boegehold, Wayne State University; Advisor: Dr. Donna Kashian
Phosphorus Retention in West Michigan Two Stage Agricultural Ditches by Emily Kindevater, Grand Valley State University, Advisor: Dr. Alan Steinman
2015
Phosphorus Loss via Tile Drains in the Macatawa Watershed by Delilah Clement, Grand Valley State University, Advisor: Dr. Alan Steinman
Shoreline Habitat Change in Michigan Lakes: Understanding Property Owner Decisions and Impacts to Largemouth Bass Fisheries by Joe Nohner, Michigan State University, Advisor: Dr. William Taylor
Shoreland Stewards Program Releases Videos
Five videos have been released by the the Shoreland Stewards Program, a part of the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership. The videos explore the four zones of lakefront property and teach lakefront property residents how to be a "Shoreland Steward." The Shoreland Stewards program was created to recognize inland lake property owners who are maintaining their property in a way that reduces negative impacts that development can have on inland lakes to ensure healthy lakes for future generations for both people and fish and wildlife. The videos can be accessed on The Partnership's YouTube channel. Find out more information at: www.mishorelandstewards.org
Conservation Planner Tool Provides Lake Data for Great Lakes Region
The Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership (MGLP) has released its new MGLP Conservation Planner, which provides lake data to inform communicators, managers, and researchers about lakes throughout the Great Lakes region. Specifically, the MGLP Conservation Planner provides data on likely suitability for fishes, land cover along the shoreline and in the lake’s watershed, and conservation recommendations to supplement existing information for each lake. Its recommended uses include provision of data to inform single-lake management, establishment of a framework for conservation strategies in each lake, identification of patterns in fish habitat due to climate and land use change, and as a supplement during potential prioritization of limited resources among lakes.
Great Lakes Conference 2022 and 2023 Presentations Available
The Great Lakes are one of Michigan’s greatest resources, providing recreational opportunities, a premier fisheries resource, water for agriculture, manufacturing, and other industries and multiple other uses. They are also subject to major problems such as invasive species, climate change, and harmful algal blooms. To view the recordings and presentations of the 2022 and 2023 Great Lakes conferences, visit the Great Lakes website.