Invasive Species Committee

Onekama Township maintains an Invasive Species Committee to advise the Township on matters involving invasive plants in Portage Lake.  The Township Board appoints committee members.  If you are interested in serving, please contact the Township Clerk to see if there are any openings.

The Invasive Species Committee is separate and distinct from the non-profit Portage Lake Watershed Forever, although the two groups operate cooperatively as the need arises.

Purpose, Objectives & Duties of the Committee

The general purpose of the Committee is to assist and advise the Onekama Township Board on the eradication and control of aquatic weeds and plants in and around Portage Lake, as funded by a special assessment district established under PA 188 of 1954 - Public Improvements.

The Committee’s responsibilities and duties shall be:

• Recommend a selection process and advise on the final selection of a Lake Manager; and review of the contract to provide services.
• Recommend as selection process and advise on the final selection of an invasive species control applicator; and review of the contract to provide services.
• Review of annual Lake Management Plan.
• Recommend annual treatment regimen based on the Lake Management Plan and the funds available in the special assessment district.
• Assist Township Board in oversight of the work and evaluation of the performance of the Lake Manager and Applicator.
• Review of other reports, studies, and sampling of Portage Lake.
• Monitor Portage Lake and identify areas of concern regarding invasive species.
• Research, recommend, foster, and evaluate new and existing invasive species partnerships.
• Maintain an active, cooperative and non-redundant relationship with the Invasive Species Committee and the independent Portage Lake Watershed Forever Committee.
• Research, recommend and evaluate new and existing invasive species control practices.
• Research and recommend grant funding opportunities to support the invasive species control and eradication initiative. Write, submit and\or review grants on the Township’s behalf with prior Onekama Township Board approval.
• Review, create and recommend invasive species content for the Township website
• Educate the public as to the goals, objectives and outcomes of the Invasive Species Committee, and the health of Portage Lake.