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All About Lakes

Michigan is truly a water wonderland. This page includes various facts and figures about Michigan’s lakes along with links to other sites and information sources.

How Old Are Michigan's Lakes?
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The Great Lakes and the inland lakes and streams of Michigan are a product of glacial activity that ended about 10,000 years ago. In geologic terms, Michigan's lakes are in their infancy.

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Sergey Gabdurakhmanov

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National Park Service

Lake Baikal in Russia is estimated to be 25 to 30 million years old.

The Grand Canyon is millions of years old—and counting.

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Chart prepared by Progressive AE. Data source: Michigan Geographic Data Library

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History's Impact on Michigan Lakes

History has had a profound impact on Michigan’s lakes. At the time of pre-settlement, the lakes and streams of Michigan were pristine. Since the time of the logging era and the developmental pressures that followed, Michigan’s lakes have undergone tremendous change. While it may not be possible to turn back the hands of time and restore lakes to their pre-development state, we can learn from history. Click here to find out more.

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Want to Know More?

Announcement

Pentwater Lake has been selected to host the 2023 Ensign National Championship! This will take place August 13-17, 2023. Click here or the image below for more information.

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Useful Links

The Pentwater Lake Association is a community organization for the Pentwater Lake area.

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MichiganLakeInfo.com was created as a resource for those interested in Michigan’s inland lakes.


Michigan Lakes and Streams Association (MLSA) Dedicated to the preservation and protection of Michigan's inland lakes and streams.


Michigan Chapter of the North American Lake Management Society (McNALMS) The purpose of McNALMS is to promote understanding and comprehensive management of Michigan's inland lake ecosystems.

 

Midwest Aquatic Plant Management Society (MAPMS) The purpose of MAPMS is to promote sound and appropriate technologies for the management of aquatic resources.

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Canada geese and how to deal with them.

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Find out more about fish kills.

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Foam? Why is there foam on the water?

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Information about algae growth.

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Information about harmful algal blooms (HABs).

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That stuff floating on the lake surface? It could be pollen

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Click the image to download a copy of the Shoreline Living booklet.

MichiganLakeInfo.com was created as a resource for those interested in Michigan’s inland lakes. On the site you can find information about lake water quality, lake and watershed management, aquatic biology, invasive species, emerging issues, links to other sites and more. Information posted on the site has been thoroughly researched and designed to provide pertinent facts and figures about Michigan’s lakes in a readily downloadable format. Please visit the site and learn more about Michigan’s lakes.

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