Government > Departments > Planning & Environment > Whitmore Lake
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Whitmore Lake Improvement Project

Publications & Reports

  • 2007 Whitmore Lake Management Plan Annual Report
  • 2006 Whitmore Lake Management Plan Annual Report
  • 2006 Fishery Habitat Assessment Report: Washtenaw County Division of Public Works as part of the Whitmore Lake improvement Project contracted with Aquest Corporation and Superior Environmental & Aquatic Services LLC (SEAS) to conduct assessments of aquatic vegetation and fishery habitat. The information included in this report pertains to fishery habitat assessment conducted by SEAS on 27 June 2006.
  • March 15, 2006 - The Northfield Courant Newspaper: "Project Update": The Whitmore Lake Water Quality Advisory Board met to discuss the results of the 2005 lake management activities as well as the plans for 2006 and the renewal of the Whitmore Lake Improvement Project. The 2006 outlook for boating, swimming and fishing this summer is outstanding due to the efforts of the past and the continuing efforts to combat the spread of invasive hybrids and other nuisance species.
  • June 25, 2005 - The Northfield Courant Newspaper: "Whitmore Lake Quality Shows Marked Improvement": The Whitmore Lake Improvement Project is a three year lake management project coordinated by the Washtenaw County Board of Public Works on behalf of Northfield and Green Oak Townships.  The project involves yearly fishery, vegetation and water quality studies.  The data obtained from the studies is utilized to determine the types of control measures applied to stop the proliferation invasive species and improve the overall health of the lake.
  • 2005 Lake Management Report

  • 2004 Lake Management Report: This is a complete copy of the report. A summary of findings is listed below:

    2004 Findings

    1. Most major plant and fishery assessment indices for Whitmore Lake are considered to very good relative to other Michigan lakes. Biodiversity, “c” value, and species richness values are all high. The 2004 milfoil management program was very effective. Most plant indices were lower in the late summer of 2004, but are expected to recover completely in 2005.
    2. The distribution and density patterns of plants in Whitmore Lake are considered to be good. The proliferation of preferred plant species is expected in 2005.
    3. Total plantonic primary production appears to be low relative to other lakes. This limits the total production of the fishery; however, Whitmore Lake still supports an excellent fishery. There is an abundance of suitable habitat to support a vibrant warm water fishery.
    4. Whitmore Lake is occasionally subject to blue green algae blooms. Recent studies and anecdotal evidence indicate that the domination of plankton communities by blue green algae may be a result of filter feeding zebra mussel.
    5. Whitmore Lake is unusual for a southeastern Michigan Lake because water column essential plant nutrient levels are very low and water clarity is very high. Excessive nutrient loading does not appear to be a significant problem in Whitmore Lake at this time. Total phosphorus levels were determined to be below detection levels <6 ppb when sampled in June and September. Acceptable levels are considered to range as high as 30 ppb for southeastern Michigan Lakes. These low nutrient levels certainly limit phytoplankton growth and contribute to excellent water clarity, but they also may limit fisheries production. Never-the-less, the presence of zebra mussel demands that the lake continue to be protected from any culturally derived nutrient inputs (runoff from construction sites, hard surfaces such as roofs, roads and driveways, or lawn fertilization) because any plant nutrients could be channeled into the production of blue green algae by the feeding activities of the mussel.

Special Assessment District Information

  • 1st Public Hearing Notice and Project Description (pdf): Includes map of the Special Assessment District, Frequently Asked Questions, Project Costs and time and location of the first Public Hearing.
  • 2nd Public Hearing Notice: Official notice of March 5, 2007 hearing. 
  • Property Listing (pdf): View the complete Special Assessment District by property tax identification number. Listing includes:
    • Total Amount Assessed against property over five years
    • Exemption Status (A property containg a yellow highlight is exempt.)

Contact Information

Jeff Krcmarik
Environmental Supervisor
Phone: (734) 222-6865
Fax: (734) 222-3930