We found a few possible explanations from the DNR: 

(1) Spring Kill:  Spring kill occurs in lakes and rivers when fish survive the winter but die as the water warms rapidly in May and June. It rarely claims many fish and is usually over in a couple of weeks. Spring kill is almost always due to natural causes beyond our influence. The usual victims are large bluegills and crappies, and other fish which spawn in the spring such as perch, bass, pike and suckers.  See full article here. 

(2) The Wisconsin DNR notes:  Some early fish kills are being reported due to outbreaks of a bacteria called Columnaris, which is known to only infect fish and is not a health risk to humans. The bacteria is most prevalent after water temperatures reach 65 to 70 degrees from late May to late June. Bluegill, crappies, and yellow perch are most affected by the disease. Although Columnaris can appear to produce large scale fish losses in a matter of several days, it usually does not have a catastrophic impact on overall fish populations. Fish in lakes are susceptible due to fatigue from chasing food, being chased, and spring spawning.  Boat traffic also stresses the fish in early spring.  It is a natural occurrence and usually does not need attention.  This cause may or may not be applicable to Runyan Lake.

          More information about fish deaths and disease can be found at the MDNR Fish Disease webpage.

Back to top

What causes the foam, or suds, I see along my shoreline periodically?
The simple answer:  The foam on the surface of our lakes is natural and harmless.  It is created by a combination of natural organic compounds (such as decomposing plants and animals) in the water and mixing air with these compounds.  The mixing of the water is caused by wind and wave actions.  The foam will often collect on the downwind shore.

The technical answer:  The foaming of surface waters on lakes is not a new phenomenon and is a natural process. Foam is created when the surface tension of water (attraction of surface molecules for each other) is reduced and the air is mixed in, forming bubbles.  Man-made agents can also reduce surface tension.  All lakes contain organic matter, such as algae and plants, and when these decompose they release cellular products (surfactant) into the water, which lessons the surface tension.  When the wind blows, the waves on the lake agitate this surface agent, thus transforming it into sudsy white foam. Currents and boats also mix air with the organic compounds present in the lake to produce foam.  Natural foam has a somewhat earthy fishy aroma and may have an off-white, tan, or brown color.  Detergent foam in contrast will have a noticeable perfume smell, and is usually whiter in color.
Back to top

How come I sometimes get itchy or develop a rash after swimming in the lake?
The itching or itchy rash is often referred to as swimmer's itch and is caused by a blood fluke (parasitic flatworm) that normally lives in freshwater snails and sometimes on waterfowl.  The itching is caused when the fluke, while in the immature stage of its life cycle (cercaria), mistakes you for its primary host–waterfowl–and burrows into your skin.  Aside from the itching, it is harmless to humans.  You can usually prevent the itching by not swimming or walking in shallow areas which contain weeds, snails, and where you see ducks congregate.  It is recommended you rinse off and dry the skin after coming out of the water.  More information can be found at www.swimmersitch.org.
Back to top

I need access to the boat ramp - who do I call?
For riparian members, please call a trustee with 24 hours (preferred) advance notice. There are no set hours for the boat ramp.  Appointments cannot be made online.  You may call any trustee, but please try to contact one of your area trustees first.  We ask for advance notice so we can coordinate several ramp use requests for similar times.  Please do not expect a trustee to drop what he/she is doing to immediately go to the boat ramp for you.  They have lives also!  Be courteous, be considerate, and plan ahead.  Of course we will work with you as best we can, especially under emergency situations.

To launch your boat the trustee will verify you are a riparian Member, your dues are current, you have signed the ramp liability waiver, your boat has valid Michigan registration, and you have a Runyan Lake Inc. boat sticker.  Your boat should be free of weeds, water, and bait fish from other lakes to prevent the introduction of invasive species into Runyan Lake. 

To remove your boat the trustee will verify you are a riparian Member, your dues are current, you have signed the ramp liability waiver, and you have a Runyan Lake Inc. boat sticker.  To minimize damage to the boat ramp, no power loading is permitted.  Please back your trailer into the water such that you can idle or float your boat onto the trailer.
Back to top

I need more information, or I have a question you have not covered - How do I contact you?

Please refer to our About Us! page to contact the association, or you may E-mail us.