Watch for hemlock woolly adelgid infestations

Parks commission looking at treatment for invasives.

The Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission is looking at increasing the fight against the hemlock woolly adelgid, adding $20,000 to its budget request for 2025-2026 to handle the invasive.

The hemlock woolly adelgid infests eastern hemlock trees in moist forest environments along streams and bodies of water, according to Michigan Invasive Species Program, a joint effort of the departments of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, Natural Resources, and Agriculture and Rural Development.

The hemlock woolly adelgid pulls sap from hemlock needles, killing needles, shoots and branches. Infested trees become less vigorous and may turn grayish-green. The invasive can cause tree death in 4 to 10 years, according to the state website.

The Michigan State University Extension office offers tips of identifying and treating the invasive. Click here.

In Allegan County, a May 2, 2024, study shows 2,058 acres of infestation including Saugatuck Dunes State Park, and Laketown Township sites in Sanctuary Woods, 4750 66th St., Wolters Woods, 6281 147th Ave., and Huyser Farm, 4188 64th St.

The parks commission on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, heard a presentation about identification and treatment from Alex Miller, president of the West Michigan Wildlife Conservancy, a group formed in 2024 in response to the spread of invasives.

After the presentation, the commission added $20,000 to the $10,500 it already budgeted for invasive treatment by the Outdoor Discovery Center for a total request of $30,500. The $20,000 is not earmarked to any group.

The township has treated some parks for the infestation in the past, according to Supervisor and Interim Manager Steven Ringelberg.

Budget request

The total parks budget request of $250,000 also includes $44,000 for structural repairs to the steps at Laketown Beach, 6710 142nd St., $35,000 for dune grass planting at the beach and $28,000 for trail projects aimed at a paved path around the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road.

The request is about $125,000 more than the current budget.

The proposed 2025-2026 proposed parks budget goes to the township board for approval or modification.

Free invasive program

The parks commission is sponsoring a free program at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 29, at the Carriage House at the Felt Mansion, about invasives.

Representatives from the Allegan Conservation District will discuss how to identify and manage common woody invasive species and explore the impacts of the forest pest hemlock woolly adelgid on West Michigan. Read more about the program here.