“What attracts people to Northern Michigan? In general, people come north to enjoy the natural beauty of the area pristine’s ecosystems, but if asked for one specific landscape feature, most would undoubtedly say our ‘lakes.’ Lakes define the landscape in Northern Michigan and sustain local economies providing stunning views, abundant fisheries, and tremendous recreational opportunities. 

“Many words come to mind to describe Mullett Lake: immense, fantastic, deep, enchanting, beautiful, vibrant, and diverse.”

–Excerpt from Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council 2009 Report 

Mullett Lake is the 4th largest of 5 ‘Giant’ Lakes in Northern Michigan with over 17,000 acres of surface area and a depth of 144 feet.

With over 1000 homes on its shoreline and approximately 39 species of fish (according to 2017 Survey), this lake is a massive ecosystem that requires balancing nature with human enjoyment.

That is where the Mullett Lake Area Preservation Society (MAPS) plays a role along with a number of other agencies who assist us in translating the science of water quality and shoreline integrity into senseless application by property owners.

An ecosystem of this size is NOT an island. It requires monitoring of the interaction between tributaries and rivers that Mullett Lake flows into: Cheboygan River, Pidgeon River, to name a few.

Where Science Meets Application

MAPS teams with organizations that offer monitoring of the water quality of Mullett Lake’s ecosystem in order to balance human activity with nature’s needs.

Water Quality is based on 3 forms of measurement:

1. PH Balance – State Law mandates between 6.5-9.
2. Dissolved Oxygen – State Law mandates 5-7 parts per million
3. Conductivity – indicator of water pollution

Since MAPS formation in 1985, Mullett Lake has consistently stayed within range on PH Balance. However, the dissolved oxygen levels have risen steadily from 9.5 in 1998 to 12.5 ppm in 2004 in line with many new properties being developed or enhanced. Conductivity increased in the period from 1987 to 2004, but has been decreasing since 2007.

These stats show us we have work to do and routine monitoring is required.

Shoreline integrity and composition determines the viability of many of aquatic lifeforms.

From the Mullett Lake Shoreline Survey of 2008 conducted by Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council:

“Data collected during the shoreline survey indicate that human activity along the shoreline of Mullett Lake is negatively impacting the lake ecosystem and water quality.”

• Nutrient Pollution (as indicated by presence of Cladophora algae) was noted at 59% of properties.
• Erosion was documented at 12% of properties
• Of the Greenbelts found, 64% were in poor condition
• Shoreline alterations were found at 58% of the properties

Informing property owners and offering suitable and affordable solutions is a big part of what we do.

Many property owners are seasonable residents with less time to dedicate to being informed. We are challenged to find ways to meet our residents where they can be found so they have a chance to understand the role we all play.

Identifying and assisting contractors who can implement the solutions is another part of the necessary human/nature ecosystems balance.

The purpose of MAPS is to represent the best interests of its members toward the pursuit of practical lake management to protect and preserve the material character and water quality of Mullett Lake and its surrounding watershed.

MAPS will accomplish this through:

• Educating the surrounding population relative to activities and actions that will positively affect lake quality.
• Monitoring the water quality for trends both positive and negative.
• Supporting appropriate legislation and law enforcement.
• Working with and supporting organizations with similar goals such as: Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, Little Traverse Conservancy, Burt Lake Preservation Association and others that share our goals.