Upper Straits Clean Lake Association

Upper Straits Clean Lake Association We're a community organization dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of Upper Straits Lake.

We wanted to clear up some confusion about previous aquatic plant treatments, so we had a conversation with our lake con...
08/07/2026

We wanted to clear up some confusion about previous aquatic plant treatments, so we had a conversation with our lake consultant, Progressive AE. They helped us clarify a few important facts about the use of diquat to control invasive Eurasian watermilfoil in Upper Straits Lake:

One of the biggest points of confusion involves swimming restrictions:

The temporary recommendation to avoid swimming in a treated area is not related to toxicity. Diquat does not have a swimming restriction on its EPA-approved product label.

So why recommend staying out temporarily? To help the treatment work.

Diquat is a contact herbicide that binds readily to plants and sediment. Swimmers can stir up bottom sediment within a treatment area, causing some of the herbicide to bind to that sediment instead of the targeted invasive plants. That can make the treatment less effective.

A few other important facts:

• Only 15 of Upper Straits Lake’s 371 acres—about 4% of the lake— were targeted for treatment.

• Diquat is applied by licensed aquatic professionals under Michigan EGLE permits and is used to target specific invasive plant beds rather than treating the entire lake.

• Only areas that are actually treated are posted. Nearby areas that are not part of the treatment zone would not be posted and are not subject to the temporary treatment-area recommendations simply because treatment occurred elsewhere on the lake.

Progressive AE also noted that EPA reviews of diquat have not identified a documented history of illness associated with recreational swimming in diquat-treated water when the product is used according to its approved label.

Our goal is to control invasive Eurasian watermilfoil while treating as little of the lake as necessary and keeping Upper Straits Lake healthy and enjoyable for everyone.

07/30/2026

AUGMENTATION WELL UPDATE:

On May 26, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) met with attorneys and witnesses representing both EGLE and the Upper Straits Clean Lakes Association (USCLA). During the hearing, the ALJ expressed significant concerns about EGLE's proposed alternatives to an augmentation well—specifically dredging and dock extensions—noting that both would conflict with local ordinances. The ALJ also recognized that EGLE has historically opposed permitting these types of projects for many years.
The ALJ requested additional information regarding the potential impact of an augmentation well on fishery habitat and adjourned the case until September to allow that information to be gathered.

Since then, the Oakland County Water Resources Commission has completed a study examining several lakes in its jurisdiction that utilize augmentation wells. The study found no adverse impacts on fishery habitat. We look forward to seeing how EGLE and the ALJ consider this information during the rescheduled September hearing.

Our legal team continues to remind us of an encouraging fact: in every previous case where EGLE has challenged an augmentation well, the riparian property owners have ultimately prevailed.

We appreciate everyone's continued support and patience as this process moves forward. We remain committed to protecting Upper Straits Lake and will continue to keep you informed as new developments occur.

Edit: timing can change based on weather issues. We anticipated to begin within the next two days. Yard signs will be po...
07/27/2026

Edit: timing can change based on weather issues. We anticipated to begin within the next two days. Yard signs will be posted before treatment begins.

Aquatic Herbicide Treatment Notice

On Tuesday July 28th or Wednesday, July 29, an aquatic herbicide treatment will be performed on portions of Upper Straits Lake as part of our ongoing efforts to manage invasive aquatic vegetation.

The orange areas on the attached map will be treated for Eurasian milfoil, an invasive plant that has become well established in these areas of the lake. Controlling its spread is important to help preserve the health and recreational use of the lake.

The light green areas will be treated for starry stonewort and/or Chara. These plants are growing in shallow, low-water areas that our mechanical harvester was unable to reach this season.

Important irrigation notice:
Please do not use lake water to irrigate ornamental plants, flowers, shrubs, or landscaping for five (5) days following the treatment. There is a one day restriction on swimming or other normal recreational activities unless otherwise noted by the treatment contractor (which will be posted in yards, as appropriate).

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to protect and improve the health of Upper Straits Lake.

Canada Goose Program UpdateThe City of Orchard Lake recently shared an update on its goose control efforts.The state end...
07/22/2026

Canada Goose Program Update

The City of Orchard Lake recently shared an update on its goose control efforts.

The state ended goose relocation in 2022 and has suspended the capture and removal program, with no permits being issued in 2026. This means local communities are now mostly limited to managing nests and eggs and encouraging homeowners to make their yards less attractive to geese.
These changes come from the Michigan DNR, not from the city or USCLA.

More information:
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/wildlife/nuisance-wildlife/canada-geese

TREATMENT UPDATEEurasian watermilfoil has shown aggressive growth in several areas of the lake this summer. To help keep...
07/20/2026

TREATMENT UPDATE

Eurasian watermilfoil has shown aggressive growth in several areas of the lake this summer. To help keep it under control, an additional treatment is planned for the end of July.
Please see the attached map for the areas scheduled to be treated.
A placard will also be posted in lakeside yards the day before treatment with the specific herbicide being used and all applicable restrictions.
​
Important restrictions:
🏊 Swimming: Avoid swimming in treated areas for 1 day.
💧 Irrigation: Do not use lake water for lawn or landscape irrigation for 5 days after treatment.

Thank you for your cooperation as we continue working to protect the health and long-term quality of Upper Straits Lake.

See you out there this Saturday!
07/07/2026

See you out there this Saturday!

Upcoming Lake Harvesting NoticeThe next mechanical harvesting on Upper Straits Lake is planned for the week of July 12, ...
06/29/2026

Upcoming Lake Harvesting Notice

The next mechanical harvesting on Upper Straits Lake is planned for the week of July 12, weather and conditions permitting.

The current plan includes:
20.50 acres of mechanical harvesting
8.75 acres of targeted starry stonewort harvesting

Some harvesting areas are contingent on water levels and may be adjusted as needed.

Please refer to the attached map for the planned harvesting locations.

As always, the schedule may be adjusted based on weather, equipment availability, and lake conditions. Thank you for your patience as we continue our efforts to improve navigation and manage invasive aquatic vegetation.

Don't forget: the Kids' Fishing Contest is this weekend!
06/23/2026

Don't forget: the Kids' Fishing Contest is this weekend!

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Orchard Lake, MI

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