You Make All the Difference
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Please consider a donation to the Long Lake Foundation. With your help, we can preserve the beauty of Long Lake and protect its watershed for years to come.
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Core Values
CommunityWe believe that coming together as a community to ensure a healthy watershed is critical to keeping our land and lakes pristine for generations to come. |
ScienceWe believe that you manage what you measure. One way we do this is by supporting the Northwestern Michigan College Water Study program. Our interns come out every summer and fall to measure and track various key indicators on lake health. |
EducationWe believe that whether you live on the water or near the water, it is important to understand the environmental impacts and strains we can put on the watershed. The Foundation funds educational outreach programs so we can all learn to be better stewards of our watershed. |
PartnershipWe understand that we can't go this alone. The Foundation works closely with the Long Lake Association, Oleson Foundation and Long Lake Township to ensure that we all work together to achieve the same end results: a beautiful watershed that is well cared for and protected - now and into the future. |
Empowering Impact: Your Donation Dollars at Work!
Current Foundation Projects/Initiatives
Boat Wash Demonstrations 2023
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Dedicated to protecting the pristine waters of our community, the Long Lake Foundation took proactive steps this year by hosting two boat wash demonstrations. These events were designed to educate the public on proper boat cleaning techniques, crucial in preventing invasive species from entering our cherished lakes. In collaboration with the Benzie County Conservation District, the Long Lake Foundation has made a steadfast commitment to this cause. We are proud to announce our collaboration with the district to bring a portable boat wash, enabling community volunteers to actively participate in these essential boat wash events. Together, we're safeguarding the ecological integrity of our lakes for generations to come. |
Signage/Kiosks 2023
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Discover the beauty of Long Lake Islands with The Long Lake Foundation (LLF). Our newly installed information and education signs, strategically placed across the islands, provide a seamless and insightful experience for both riparian and lake visitors. Proudly developed in collaboration with Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Oleson Foundation, and Long Lake Township, these professionally branded and user-friendly signs are a testament to our joint commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural wonders of Long Lake. Explore the islands with a newfound understanding of how we can collectively cherish and care for these treasured landscapes.
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Public Boatwash 2022/2023
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Exciting news for Long Lake enthusiasts! The Long Lake Foundation (LLF) and Long Lake Township (LLT) have inaugurated a new boat wash station at the Long Lake Township office. This milestone marks the initial phase of a comprehensive effort to encourage visitors to cleanse their boats before entering Long Lake and venturing into Micky and Ruth lakes, as well as the numerous other lakes within Long Lake Township.
The establishment of this centralized station ensures that everyone can easily and freely wash their boats before introducing them to Long Lake. Embracing a simple yet impactful rule of thumb, we recommend washing your boat after leaving the lake, allowing it to dry. This practice significantly reduces the likelihood of transporting invasive hitchhikers to subsequent lakes. LLF and LLT emphasize the cost-effective nature of prevention, highlighting that it is far more economical than attempting to solve an invasive species problem after the fact. Join us in safeguarding the pristine beauty of our lakes for generations to come! |
NMC Freshwater Studies - Ongoing
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The Long Lake Foundation, in collaboration with the Long Lake Association, Long Lake Township, and the Oleson Foundation, proudly upholds its commitment to fostering environmental stewardship. Together, we continue to fund interns from the NMC Fresh Water Studies program who play a crucial role in the preservation of our beloved Long Lake, Mickey Lake, and Ruth Lake.
These dedicated interns collect and analyze biological, physical, and chemical samples, providing invaluable insights into the overall ecological health of our lakes. Their findings are meticulously reported, and conclusions are shared with lakefront property owners and the broader community. Through this transparent dissemination of data, we aim to empower our community to make informed decisions about how best to enhance and sustain the water quality of Long Lake. Join us in our collective efforts to protect and improve the ecological integrity of our lakes, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for Long Lake and its surrounding community. |
LakeCams
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Exciting news, lake enthusiasts! Our beloved lake cameras are set to make a comeback, thanks to the incredible support of generous donors from the Long Lake Foundation. The original technology faced a hiccup, but with the rallying support of our community, we've secured funds for new cameras and advanced technology.
The board has given the green light for this exciting endeavor, and soon you'll be able to enjoy a live stream feed on our website under the LAKECAMS menu. However, we have a small request – we're on the lookout for riparian hosts willing to share their wifi and provide a bit of electricity for the cameras. If you or someone you know is up for this, our wintering riparians would be immensely grateful. Imagine the joy of checking in on the lake, witnessing nature at its finest throughout the seasons. From eagles soaring to otters playing, ice fishermen braving the frozen lake, to the unique sights of big tire bikes and snowmobiles, and even cross-country skiers gracefully gliding over the winter landscape. It's a refreshing break from the news of the day. Stay tuned for the return of our lake cameras and the mesmerizing scenes they capture! |
Benthic Barrier Long Lake 2023
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In a collaborative effort, the Long Lake Association and the Long Lake Foundation joined forces to implement a groundbreaking benthic mat pilot project on Long Lake, successfully deployed on Saturday, September 2. The Long Lake Foundation provided full funding for the project, while the Long Lake Association oversaw the project's execution.
This innovative approach involves the use of benthic mats, constructed from materials like biodegradable burlap, strategically placed on the lake bottom and weighted down with sandbags. This method aims to obstruct sunlight from reaching invasive aquatic plants, specifically targeting Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM). Notably, native plants, including pondweed, slender naiad, and wild celery, were affixed to the benthic mat to facilitate the reestablishment of native aquatic vegetation. To our knowledge, this restoration technique is a unique endeavor undertaken exclusively on Long Lake. This initiative is aligned with the Long Lake Association's mission to manage Eurasian Watermilfoil levels and continually enhance the treatment program. The goal is to incorporate various control measures, such as benthic barriers and other innovative treatment types, into a hybrid approach. As a reminder, we encourage all lake users to be vigilant in preventing the spread of invasive species. Please ensure your boat and trailer are free of any attached plants before entering the lake. Additionally, inform fellow boaters about the newly established boat wash station at the former fire hall on 8870 N. Long Lake Road—a valuable resource in our collective efforts to preserve the ecological integrity of Long Lake. |
We Need Your Support
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Your support is vital to the mission of Long Lake Foundation. You can support our efforts by becoming a member or making a donation.
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LLF Invasive Species Defense Fund
LLF has created an Invasive Species Defense Fund to study and remediate both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species in and around Long, Mickey and Ruth Lakes. Your donation to this critical fund will provide for the effective management of these dangerous species and ensure the health our lakes far into the future.
Zebra Mussels
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Purple Loosestrife
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Phragmites
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