This page is focused on information of value to our members about the water quality of Crystal Lake. We welcome contributions, which can be emailed to webmaster(at)clyc.net.
1972 Harold Thomas Letter: This letter-to-the-editor by a CLYC member on the Harvard faculty was a wake-up call to Benzie County about the pollution risk to our lake. (Scan of original is here.)
1987 Crystal Lake - Life or Death: This booklet by the late Bill Decker is required reading for anybody interested in the science and politics of our water quality. Here is a paragraph from the introduction:
As a prototypical Lake Owners' Manual, Crystal Lake - Life or Death (CLLD) is a significant book. It resulted from discussions by local citizens who formed an Ad Hoc Committee to the Benzie County Public Works Department. This Committee raised concerns about two issues: (1) present and future water quality problems of the Crystal Lake Watershed, and (2) absence of an equitable and effective plan for watershed management. At the time of its original printing in 1987, CLLD was one of the first Lake Owners' Manuals developed for riparian owners and visitors in Northwest Lower Michigan. It specifically addressed environmental issues facing the Crystal Lake Watershed (Benzie County, MI). CLLD has served well as a model for other Lake Owners' Manuals throughout Michigan. Its basic messages remain timely and are shared by many other riparian communities. Written in plain, non-technical language, the original text touched upon many issues: the water quality of Crystal Lake and Cold Creek, the impact of nutrients on the Watershed, the often opposing forces of government and development, the requirements of good septic systems, and the need for continued public education.
The Crystal Lake & Watershed Association: The CLWA website contains useful information about a number of water quality issues at these links: