Preserving Healthy Lakes
The overall health of our lakes impacts swimming, fishing, boating, and property values. Monitoring the lake health includes taking water quality samples from spring to fall. Based on water samples, the CLPL POA board consults with professionals and takes appropriate actions to keep the lakes healthy. The report on the most recent scientific assessment of our lakes is available to all members. (The link can be found below.) Property owners can also take action to protect the health of the lakes, including becoming a steward. (See the Property Owner Resources below.)
Key Lake Preservation Activities
- Controlling harmful non-native species, like invasive plants and fish (e.g., common carp)
- Monitoring and treating algal blooms, including minimizing fertilizers
- Minimizing runoff that may contain phosphorus, oil or sediment entering the lakes from lawns, roadways, and adjacent properties
- Educating property owners about maintaining septic systems and reducing soil erosion
Property Owner Resources:
Protecting Our Future
The CLPL POA is dedicated to maintaining the health of our lakes. Healthy lakes have native plants, fish, turtles, birds that rely on good water quality. Monitoring and maintaining water quality is a key component of lake preservation. The report on the most recent scientific assessment of our lakes is available to all members, see links below.
Learn more about the Restorative Lake Sciences Report: Perch and Crystal Lake RLS - Executive Summary
Learn more about the Restorative Lake Sciences Report): Perch and Crystal Lake RLS - Full Report
Learn more about water quality - CLPL Article - Water Quality
Restrictions & Protections
Limiting gas, oil, or any chemical products from entering the lake is critically important to maintain water quality.
No Gas Motors: See Article VIII of the CLPL Association By-Laws. The use of any internal combustion engine on Crystal Lake or Perch Lake is prohibited, regardless of the season.
Electric motors: Property owners may use boats with electric motors. Pursuant to Somerset Township Ordinance (90.02) electric motors may be used on vessels but only at a slow, no-wake speed.
No-wake: All motorized boaters are expected to follow the no-wake policy to protect the safety of swimmers and non-motorized boaters, and to prevent shoreline erosion. Non-motorized boats include paddle boards and paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and sailboats.
Learn more: Fishing and Boating and see the FAQ for information on boating related items
Permit: A permit is required for the use of all chemicals in the lake. The POA Board contracts with a licensed vendor to apply weed control chemicals in the targeted areas of the lakes. The infestation of invasive weeds (e.g., watermilfoil, starry stonewort, etc.) can decrease the property values for homeowners. Left unchecked, invasive weeds can make swimming, fishing, and boating impossible. For an additional cost, property owners can request chemical treatment directly in front of your lakefront area to treat aquatic weeds.
Learn more: Additional Weed Treatment
Best Practice: Nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen can increase algae and invasive weeds. When excess nutrients enter the water, it reduces the amount of oxygen that fish and other aquatic life need to survive. Invasive watermilfoil can be seen just below the surface of the water. Algae are small aquatic plants that naturally grow in water and use light energy from the sun.
Algal blooms occur in shallow, warm water. Although most algae are harmless, some can be harmful to fish, pets, and humans. An algal bloom is the overgrowth of microscopic algae or algae-like bacteria in the lakes. Algal blooms are becoming more common in lakes, ponds, and rivers, and they are a problem in water bodies globally.