Fletcher Pond is an 8,500 acre impoundment located in Alpena and Montmorency Counties in northeast Lower Michigan. Widely known for bass, pike, and pan fish, Fletcher Pond is also home to the second largest Osprey population in the Midwest. On average 17-19 osprey pairs nest on the lake. It is also home to nesting eagles, loons, and serves as a waterfowl resting area. Because the pond is only twelve feet at its deepest, it is an ideal location for aquatic plants to grow. In recent years, the invasive exotic Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) has taken hold and is beginning to disrupt the aquatic ecosystem. Currently, 75 percent of the pond is covered with Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM), which chokes out native vegetation and diminishes natural habitat for fish, osprey, eagles, and waterfowl.
Fletcher Pond is widely known for pike and bass fishing. According to a 1997 survey conducted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, over 19 angler hours per acre were spent on Fletcher Pond. This is one of the highest rates for inland lakes in Michigan. The intensity of use and high quality fishing is possible because of the numerous pike marshes in the lake and the woody debris found throughout. Even though the fishery has remained stable, many anglers express concern about navigating the lake. Boat propellers get tangled in the milfoil and in some cases have burned the motors. Fletcher Pond is a high quality fishing and birding lake however, Eurasian watermilfoil has the ability to significantly disrupt the aquatic ecosystem. Eurasian watermilfoil, if left unchecked, has the potential to establish a monoculture completely out-competing native vegetation necessary for fish and wildlife survival. Predator fish and birds can have a difficult time locating prey in the dense mats of EWM, and the amount of angler hours will decrease as navigation across the lake becomes increasingly difficult. Because the lake is so shallow, control measures need to be implemented before the whole lake becomes inundated by milfoil.
It is estimated that over one million dollars is brought to the surrounding communities by Fletcher Pond. Anglers and bird watchers stay at the resorts surrounding Fletcher Pond; eat at local restaurants; and purchase gas and other products from area businesses, all of which greatly contribute to the area’s economy. If Eurasian watermilfoil is not managed, both the ecological systems and economy of the area will suffer.
What's Being Done?
The Fletcher Pond Improvement Association (FPIA), with members comprised of resort owners; county and township government officials; Department of Natural Resources-Fishery Division; US Fish & Wildlife Service; businesses; conservation organizations; and community members, was formed specifically to address Eurasian watermilfoil. The Association researched various treatment options and invited representatives from chemical and biological control companies to address the group. The FPIA unanimously decided to treat with native weevils and has been organizing an invasive species awareness program targeted at recreational boaters. The association asked Huron Pines RC&D to administer the project and fundraising efforts.
In addition to stocking milfoil eating weevils into the lake the FPIA will also begin a boater education program. An informational kiosk will be erected and recreational user information will be distributed discussing ways people can reduce the spread of invasive aquatic species. "It is our hope to reduce the amount of EWM entering the lake and also prevent it from being transported to other area lakes" stated Huron Pines RC&D Watershed Coordinator Lisha Ramsdell. Once recreational users become more aware of invasive species control, they can help protect their waters by removing and properly disposing of invasive species.
