2022 Aquatic Weed Management Program

At the recommendation of the Thornapple River SAD Ad-Hoc Committee, the Township solicited bids for a multi-year aquatic weed management program. Through that process, PLM Lake and Land Management Corp was selected to develop and implement a three-year program.

August 24, 2022 – The contract has secured an access point for mechanical harvesting south of the railroad bridge. Harvesting is scheduled to take place on either Thursday August 25 or Friday August 26 depending on the availability of the harvesting equipment. Spoils from the harvest will be hauled off-site to be disposed.

August 22, 2022 – PLM Lake and Land Management Corp has completed their August survey of the river, and while the treatments from earlier in the summer remain effective, they have identified a few areas for further treatment (please see the map for treatment areas). The application has been scheduled for Wednesday August 24th. There will be a 1-day swimming restriction associated with this treatment for any properties within 100 feet of an application area. Restriction details will also be posted on the properties the day of application. For more details, please check out the schedule notice.
 
In addition, PLM is exploring options for mechanical harvesting by identifying an access/offload site south or the railroad bridge. Should a site be secured, the contractor will potential be conducting mechanical harvesting south of the railroad bridge later this week. Details will be posted when they are available.

June 21, 2022 – The first treatment has been scheduled for Thursday, June 23, please see the map for treatment areas. Properties within 100 feet of the treatment areas will be under a 1-day swimming restriction and a 3-day irrigation restriction (…if you pull irrigation water from the river). Restriction details will also be posted on the properties the day of the application. For more details, please check out the schedule notice. 

6/14/22 - Thornapple River Cascade Twp has been scheduled for the WEEK OF:

5/16/2022 - Spring Water Quality Testing
6/6/2022 - Pre-Treatment Vegetation Survey
6/20/2022 - Weed & Algae Treatment (pending EGLE permit)
7/18/2022 - Weed & Algae Treatment, E.coli Testing
EARLY AUGUST - Mechanical Harvesting (if needed)
8/22/2022 - Weed & Algae Treatment, AVAS Survey, WQ Testing

Please click here for the schedule for the first year of that program, as well as important details on the treatments that will be done this summer and fall.
 
eNews Link - By signing up for the Thornapple River SAD eNewsletter, you will receive the latest information on aquatic weed management activities on the river.
 
Please feel free to share this information with your friends and neighbors that may have an interest in the activities taking place on the river but are not in the special assessment district.

If you have any questions about the program, you can reach out to me by email at bswayze@cascadetwp.com or by phone at 616-949-1500.