One item on the Watervliet Charter Township board meeting agenda held Oct. 21, 2024 concerns the invasive mute swans around Paw Paw Lake area. A representative from the Paw Paw Lake Association spoke with the board members regarding the removal of this nuisance.
There was a request last month for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to capture and relocate and release Canada geese from Paw Paw Lake. This action was approved by the board. Charlie Pater from the lake association informed the township board this month of a request for the DNR or their contractor to trap and remove the mute swans from the lake. These are swans with orange bills not the trumpeter swans with black bills. This would be an agreement for five years.
Mute swans are an invasive species, known for aggressive behavior and poor for the ecosystem. They are also a threat to trumpeter swans. The Paw Paw Lake Association has approved this action through email to residents. Coloma Township board was waiting on more information to approve the removal. After discussion the Watervliet Township board will post a notice in the Tri-City Record to have a public meeting at 6:30 p.m., prior to the township’s monthly meeting on Monday, Nov. 18.