Budd Lake (Michigan)
Encyclopedia
Budd Lake is a 175 acre (0.7082005 km²) lake
in Clare County
, in the central region of Michigan's lower peninsula. Wilson State Park borders the lake to the northwest.
A popular lake for anglers seeking muskies
, it offers two boat ramps.
The Michigan DNR
announced on May 17, 2007 that Budd became the first inland lake in the state of Michigan confirmed to be infected by a new strain of viral hemorrhagic septicemia
(VHS). The DNR analyzed fish specimens after a very large die-off that began on April 30, 2007 of muskies, bluegill
s, and black crappie. VHS is an infectious fish disease responsible for mass die-offs of many species, but not linked to any human health concerns. The disease can be spread between bodies of water through live or frozen bait fish
, roe, contaminated fishing equipment, live water wells in boats, and ballast water, among other ways. Boats and fishing equipment should be disinfected before transfer from Budd Lake to other destinations. The virus is not known to be a danger to humans or pets.
A local organization known as the Budd Lake Area Association (BLAA) with the special interest of promoting water quality and safe use and enjoyment of the lake has for several years requested that the DNR provide proof to the public that the virus actually did exist in this lake. Nearly, four years after the initial request, the DNR released its study indicating that the virus was not actually found, but that the fish inspected by the DNR displayed signs of the illness.
Budd Lake is well known to have an abundance of healthy fish including the elusive Muskie, a fisherman favorite that can reach sizes in excess of 40 inches. In addition, the water quality is rigorously managed and the lake is home to Wilson State Park
, a picturesque State Park noted for its beautiful trees and close vicinity to the city of Harrison and all of its amenities.
Lake
A lake is a body of relatively still fresh or salt water of considerable size, localized in a basin, that is surrounded by land. Lakes are inland and not part of the ocean and therefore are distinct from lagoons, and are larger and deeper than ponds. Lakes can be contrasted with rivers or streams,...
in Clare County
Clare County, Michigan
- Demographics :As of the census of 2000, there were 31,252 people, 12,686 households, and 8,753 families residing in the county. The population density was 55 people per square mile . There were 22,229 housing units at an average density of 39 per square mile...
, in the central region of Michigan's lower peninsula. Wilson State Park borders the lake to the northwest.
A popular lake for anglers seeking muskies
Muskellunge
A muskellunge , also known as a muskelunge, muscallonge, milliganong, or maskinonge , is a large, relatively uncommon freshwater fish of North America. Muskellunge are the largest member of the pike family, Esocidae...
, it offers two boat ramps.
The Michigan DNR
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the state of Michigan charged with maintaining natural resources such as state parks, state forests, and recreation areas. It is governed by a director appointed by the Governor and accepted by the Natural Resources Commission...
announced on May 17, 2007 that Budd became the first inland lake in the state of Michigan confirmed to be infected by a new strain of viral hemorrhagic septicemia
Viral hemorrhagic septicemia
Viral hemorrhagic septicemia is a deadly infectious fish disease caused by theViral hemorrhagic septicemia virus...
(VHS). The DNR analyzed fish specimens after a very large die-off that began on April 30, 2007 of muskies, bluegill
Bluegill
The Bluegill is a species of freshwater fish sometimes referred to as bream, brim, or copper nose. It is a member of the sunfish family Centrarchidae of the order Perciformes.-Range and distribution:...
s, and black crappie. VHS is an infectious fish disease responsible for mass die-offs of many species, but not linked to any human health concerns. The disease can be spread between bodies of water through live or frozen bait fish
Bait fish
Bait fish are small fish caught for use as bait to attract large predatory fish, particularly game fish. Species used are typically those that are common and breed rapidly, making them easy to catch and in regular supply. Examples of marine bait fish are anchovies, halfbeaks such as ballyhoo, and...
, roe, contaminated fishing equipment, live water wells in boats, and ballast water, among other ways. Boats and fishing equipment should be disinfected before transfer from Budd Lake to other destinations. The virus is not known to be a danger to humans or pets.
A local organization known as the Budd Lake Area Association (BLAA) with the special interest of promoting water quality and safe use and enjoyment of the lake has for several years requested that the DNR provide proof to the public that the virus actually did exist in this lake. Nearly, four years after the initial request, the DNR released its study indicating that the virus was not actually found, but that the fish inspected by the DNR displayed signs of the illness.
Budd Lake is well known to have an abundance of healthy fish including the elusive Muskie, a fisherman favorite that can reach sizes in excess of 40 inches. In addition, the water quality is rigorously managed and the lake is home to Wilson State Park
Wilson State Park
Wilson State Park is a state park in Harrison, Michigan, located on the shores of Budd Lake. The primary activities are camping, swimming, and fishing.The land for the park was donated to the city of Harrison in 1900 by a lumber company...
, a picturesque State Park noted for its beautiful trees and close vicinity to the city of Harrison and all of its amenities.