News Flash

Home

Posted on: July 3, 2018

European Frog-bit

European frog-bit Alert

As part of its ongoing effort to combat invasive species in East Grand Rapids, the City, in conjunction with West Michigan Conservation Network, PLM Lake & Land Management and the Michigan Departments of Environmental Quality and Natural Resources, has been actively managing the European frog-bit infestation found in Reeds and Fisk Lakes since 2016, with positive results and a goal of eradication from both lakes.

The invasive aquatic plant was first verified in Michigan in 1996 along Great Lakes waterways in the southeastern part of the state. The 2016 detections on Reeds and Fisk Lakes represent the westernmost known locations of this invasive plant in Michigan and the Midwest and one of only a few inland lake occurrences in Michigan. 

Mats of European frog-bit can grow so thick that they impede boat traffic and movement of large fish and diving ducks. Large mats prevent nutrients and light from reaching submerged vegetation. When the mats die off in the fall, the resulting decrease in oxygen can cause fish and other organisms to die. 


Known Invested Areas


European frog-bit Areas

What is European frog-bit?


A native of Europe and parts of Africa and Asia, European frog-bit is a free-floating aquatic plant with small (0.5-2.25 inch) heart-shaped leaves resembling miniature water lilies. Three-petaled white flowers with yellow centers may appear briefly sometime between mid-July and mid-August.

Why is it a problem?


European frog-bit can form dense colonies or mats in slow-moving waters, which can prevent native plant growth and make movement difficult for waterfowl and large fish. Dense mats of European frog-bit also cause problems for boaters, anglers and swimmers. European frog-bit plants or seeds can inadvertently become attached to boats, trailers, water toys and other gear, and then be spread further within Reeds and Fisk Lakes, as well as to other bodies of water. Once European frog-bit becomes established, it can be difficult and time-consuming to control.

What can you do?


We ask property owners around Reeds and Fisk Lakes to be on the lookout for European frog-bit in the water near their property. While many parts of both lakes have been surveyed to detect where European frog-bit is currently located, it is important for us to know about new locations and track any spread.

If you think you have European frog-bit near your shoreline, please contact Mr. Bill Keiper, Environmental Quality Specialist, Aquatic Invasive Species Program, Water Resources Division, at keiperw@michigan.gov and provide the location and a photograph.

We also ask you NOT remove any European frog-bit on your own since the timing and methods for removal impact the effectiveness. Instead, we are asking property owners to simply focus on reporting new occurrences.

Additionally, please be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry any boats, trailers, docks, and other gear that have been in Reeds or Fisk Lakes prior to use in another waterbody to help prevent the spread of European frog-bit.

  • Clean: Inspect boats, trailers, docks, and gear and remove all mud, debris, and plant material. Use a hose or power washer when available. Dispose of unwanted material in a trash can.
  • Drain: Remove water from live wells, bait buckets, bilges, and other compartments before leaving an access site.
  • Dry: Allow boats and gear to dry for at least five days, if possible, before use in other waterbodies.

Thank you for taking an active role in protecting your lake and helping to control European frog-bit. To learn more about European frog-bit and other aquatic invasive species in Michigan, please visit www.michigan.gov/invasives.

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in Home

Kayak kiosk

Kayak Kiosk Now Available

Posted on: September 21, 2023
Hands typing on a laptop

Online Service Fee Increase

Posted on: February 20, 2023
Reeds Lake winter

Ice Safety Tips

Posted on: February 16, 2023
Favale Katie Jan 2020

2023 State of the City

Posted on: February 6, 2023
Luminary street

Holiday Luminary Reminders

Posted on: November 29, 2023
City Commission chambers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

Posted on: January 23, 2023
Winter 2022 Property Taxes

Correction: Winter 2022 Tax Bills

Posted on: December 3, 2022
Snow shovel

Winter Weather Reminders

Posted on: November 16, 2022
Become-a-lifeguard crop

EGR Hiring Lifeguards

Posted on: February 28, 2022
VanPopering billboard

EGR Officer Recognized on Local Billboard

Posted on: February 11, 2022
Favale Katie Jan 2020

2022 State of the City

Posted on: February 3, 2022
blue e-bike icon with yellow background

Stay Safe While Riding E-Bikes in EGR

Posted on: January 4, 2022
Road Closed

2021 Construction Recap

Posted on: December 30, 2021
vote button

Election Results - November 2, 2021

Posted on: November 2, 2021
Leaf-Pickup-10-05

Fall Leaf Collection

Posted on: September 29, 2021
Newsflash - vote button sm

Election Results - November 2, 2021

Posted on: November 2, 2021
Newsflash - storm update

Consumers Energy Tree Trimming/Removal

Posted on: January 6, 2021
vote button

Submitting Your Absentee Ballot

Posted on: September 24, 2020
vote button

Election FAQs

Posted on: October 5, 2020
child in skeleton costume holding candy in jack-o lantern-bowl

Halloween

Posted on: September 27, 2021
Public Safety Open House

Public Safety Open House

Posted on: September 29, 2021
Prescription bottle

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Posted on: September 29, 2021
Bike

Bike Lanes vs. Sharrows

Posted on: September 15, 2021
EGR High School logo

High School Homecoming Parade

Posted on: September 29, 2021
lightning

Power Outage Information

Posted on: August 25, 2023
News flash - faucet

July Water Bill

Posted on: July 12, 2021
wifi signal transposed on John Collins Park

Public Wifi Available in EGR

Posted on: March 25, 2021
Gypsy Moth

Gypsy Moth Information & Resources

Posted on: April 29, 2021
Fireworks July 4

Fireworks Safety Tips

Posted on: July 3, 2019
Newsflash - clock tower

2020 City Manager Search

Posted on: November 17, 2020
Public Works Week poster

National Public Works Week Parade

Posted on: May 10, 2021
Road Closed

2021 Hall Street Project

Posted on: November 4, 2020
Fire Hydrant

Spring Water System Maintenance

Posted on: March 4, 2021
EGR COVID-19 VOLUNTEER TASK FORCE

EGR COVID-19 Volunteer Task Force

Posted on: April 8, 2020
safety cone

Upcoming Road Closures: Feb. 15-19

Posted on: February 12, 2021
Favale Katie Jan 2020

2021 State of the City

Posted on: February 3, 2021
Right of Way

Understanding Road Right-of-Way

Posted on: April 19, 2018
safety cone

2020 Construction Recap

Posted on: December 17, 2020
warning-27899_1280

Be Alert: Fraud Season is Upon Us

Posted on: November 18, 2020
EGR Christmas Tree

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony Update

Posted on: November 20, 2020
Turkey

Make Safety #1 this Holiday Season

Posted on: November 18, 2020
EGR Rec Logo-4cProc No Logo half inch diameter

COVID-19 Response and Resources

Posted on: March 11, 2020
Newsflash - city truck

EGR Infrastructure & Services

Posted on: October 14, 2020
pumpkins

Halloween in EGR

Posted on: September 25, 2020
Newsflash - vote button sm

Election Results - November 3, 2020

Posted on: November 3, 2020
Prescription bottle

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Posted on: October 22, 2020
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

Posted on: September 14, 2020
Bike

Mobility/Bike Action Plan Update

Posted on: July 22, 2020
Newsflash - vote button sm

Election Results - August 4, 2020

Posted on: August 4, 2020
vote button

August 4 Election Information

Posted on: July 15, 2020
American Flag

2020 Independence Day Parade

Posted on: June 23, 2020
EGR Rec Logo-4cProc No Logo half inch diameter

4th of July Celebration Update

Posted on: June 3, 2020
East GR Police logo

Upcoming Protest in EGR

Posted on: June 4, 2020
East GR Police logo

Public Safety COVID-19 Response

Posted on: April 9, 2020
Youtube Livestream

Livestream City Commission Meetings

Posted on: March 9, 2020
Favale Katie Jan 2020

2020 State of the City

Posted on: February 5, 2020
Road Closed

2019 Construction Recap

Posted on: January 7, 2020
Frozen-Pipes_reduced

Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing

Posted on: January 28, 2019
Precinct Map -Ward 1

2019 Ward One Commissioner Appointment

Posted on: December 2, 2019
Newsflash - vote button sm

Election Results - November 5, 2019

Posted on: November 6, 2019
Public Safey Open House

Public Safety Open House

Posted on: October 7, 2019
pumpkins

Halloween Safety in EGR

Posted on: October 7, 2019
Faucet

Updated Water-Sewer Rates

Posted on: March 29, 2019
Gaslight Village

Updated Gaslight Village Parking Map

Posted on: March 13, 2019
Mayor Amna Seibold

2019 State of the City

Posted on: February 7, 2019
EGR Rec Logo-4cProc No White Background 160x160px

City Commission - Special Meeting

Posted on: January 30, 2019
Amna SOTC 2017 Web

2018 State of the City

Posted on: February 7, 2018
Road Closed

2018 Construction Recap

Posted on: January 7, 2019
Trick-or-treat 2

Halloween Safety

Posted on: October 18, 2018
Gaslight Village

Pressing Pause on Marihuana Sales

Posted on: December 6, 2018
Breton 5

Breton Road Project Complete

Posted on: August 9, 2018
Gypsy Moth

Gypsy Moth

Posted on: July 3, 2018
Griggs Street Development

Proposed Griggs Street Development

Posted on: June 25, 2018
Cloud Invoice

New Online Bill Pay

Posted on: May 8, 2018
EGR Master Plan Graphic (Website)

Master Plan

Posted on: September 21, 2017
Yard Waste bags

Yard waste pickup resumes in April

Posted on: March 14, 2018
Garden Shed

Spring Zoning Tips

Posted on: February 27, 2018
Snowplow Week

Snow Plow Info

Posted on: February 8, 2018
Frozen-Pipes

Prevent your pipes from freezing

Posted on: February 15, 2018
Crosswalk Sign

Commuting Safety

Posted on: November 16, 2017
Mayor Amna Seibold

Statement from Mayor Amna Seibold

Posted on: November 5, 2017
Wealthy-Street

2017 Construction Recap

Posted on: November 2, 2017
Mosquito

West Nile Virus

Posted on: July 7, 2020
Winter Mailbox

Prep Your Mailbox for Winter

Posted on: October 19, 2017
DPW Plow Driver Doug

Snowplow Season Coming Soon

Posted on: December 1, 2016
sun

Spring Break Safety Tips & More

Posted on: March 24, 2022