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Benzie County backs MDNR merganser relocations to address Crystal Lake swimmer's itch
Summary
The Benzie County Board adopted Resolution 2023-011 supporting the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ trapping and relocation program for mergansers after an update from the Crystal Lake Watershed Association. The vote was unanimous.
BEULAH, Mich. — The Benzie County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 26 unanimously adopted Resolution 2023-011 supporting the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ trapping and relocation program for mergansers as part of ongoing efforts to address swimmer's itch in Crystal Lake.
Dave Wynn of the Crystal Lake Watershed Association provided the board with an update on swimmer’s itch concerns and ongoing mitigation work. Commissioner Gary Sauer moved adoption of the resolution and Commissioner Cunningham seconded; the board approved the measure by roll call vote.
The resolution expresses county support for the Department of Natural Resources’ trapping and relocation approach to reduce the merganser population in areas where the birds are linked to swimmer’s itch outbreaks. The minutes do not reproduce the full text of the resolution; implementation specifics and any required interagency coordination will be handled by the county and watershed partners in cooperation with the MDNR.
Commissioners recorded no opposing votes. The board directed follow-up coordination with MDNR and the Crystal Lake Watershed Association to advance the program.
The item was one of multiple environmental and administrative matters taken up during the regular session. The meeting adjourned at 11:26 a.m.
