Nestled in Northern Michigan, the stunningly cerulean Torch Lake is definitely something to behold. Born of the glacial carving of the land long ago, this body of water is fed by rivers and streams from the north, playing an important role as a tributary to the larger Lake Michigan. The questions begs, why is Torch Lake so special, and why is the water such a brilliant blue?
Globally, the phenomenon of blueness in bodies of water is called Iridescence. In lakes, the phenomenon is related to the water’s clarity, with the greatest illumination shown on those with the least murky surfaces. Torch Lake is so blue and crisp because its depth doesn’t exceed 180 feet and its clarity is between 22 and 25 feet. This results in a strong absorption of certain wavelengths in the light spectrum caused by tiny bits of silica at the bottom of the lake, according to a study published in the Limnology and Oceanography journal.
In the words of Andrew Shaffer, a professor at Michigan State University and the study’s lead author, “It’s pretty remarkable that a lake so much smaller than Lake Michigan can appear so blue…. But its geometry works in its favor, it’s just the right size and shape to create the optical effect.”
The study Shaffer refers to went into further detail about how these optical effects were caused in Torch Lake. For starters, the lake has an unusual concentration of silica particles in its sediment, which amplifies light when it falls on its surface. The geometry of Torch Lake also amplifies the light, as its long sides of the lake are unbroken by coves, contributing to Torches’ captivatingly blue color. Furthermore, being that the lake is a tributary of the larger Lake Michigan, Torch Lake’s water is cool, even in the hottest months, resulting in conditions suitable for algal growth and production of the organic molecules that are known to produce the iridescent effect.
The good news for those dedicated enough to make their way to the north of Michigan is that Torch Lake’s beauty is not in danger. The study also ruled out other contributing factors to the lake’s blue shade, such as widespread phosphorus that could be ejected from the surface of the water. This means that the aquatic life in Torch Lake is in relatively good condition, and one can relax and enjoy the unparalleled beauty in comfort.
Visitors to this glacial lake will certainly find their breaths taken away by the water’s perfectly intense shade of blue. In summertime, the lake bustles with tourists, kayakers, and sailors, providing ample opportunity to marvel at Torch Lake’s deep blue shoreline, lined by an evergreen forest.
Biodiversity of Torch Lake
In addition to its exceptionally clear water, Torch Lake boasts an incredible variety of fish and wildlife. A variety of fish common to Lake Michigan inhabit the lake, including Chinook Salmon, Lake Trout, Steelhead, Perch, and Smallmouth Bass. These fish make Torch Lake a popular spot for sport fishing. Locals and tourists alike also can regularly spot the lake’s inhabitants such as bald eagles, beavers, otters, and great blue herons.
It’s not just fish and birds that make Torch Lake special, though. On the shoreline of Torch Lake, humans can find two nature preserves: Sand Dunes and Gallery. Gallery, in particular, presents a special opportunity for visitors to take a look at a group of endangered wildflowers, including the Michigan Monkeyflower, Heart-leaved Plantain, Prairie Four-o-clock, and Climbing Prickly-Pear.
Torch Lake provides a unique terrain that serves both as an inspiring recreational spot and as a crucial habitat that preserves our natural environment. This makes it precious to locals, who flock to the picturesque coastlines during the summer.
Protection of Torch Lake
The region is doing its absolute best to keep this gem of a lake pristine and safe for generations to come. In 1996, The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, a non-profit whose mission is to preserve and sustain natural areas and resources in Northern Michigan, purchased the site and located it within the Torch Lake Natural Area.
The Conservancy is responsible for the protection and management of Torch Lake and its adjacent 32 acres, performing tasks such as property patrols and maintaining the delicate ecology of the area. They also offer an educational program for visitors, emphasizing the importance of conservation and preservation when visiting the lake, including how to properly dispose of litter and put out campfires.
The Torch Lake protection effort has been backed by local and state legislatures alike, who have dedicated considerable resources to its maintenance. The lake’s depth is measured on a regular basis, and additional monitoring is done in the summertime to keep an eye on the lake’s famed clarity.
Local Economy of Torch Lake
The vibrant, captivating atmosphere of Torch Lake has managed to inspire not only countless visitors but also the local economy. It has become a hotspot for vacationers in the summer, with plenty of recreational activities to offer, from campgrounds and boat trips to hiking trails and sightseeing. Consequently, real estate in the communities running along the lake has skyrocketed. This, in turn, has pushed many local companies to capitalize on the lake’s popularity.
As a result, Torch Lake has become an excellent opportunity for local entrepreneurs, crafting businesses that cater to the ever-growing influx of vacationers every season. From marinas, to beaches, to restaurants, locals have spun quite the lively web of commerce in the area, both pleasing the locals providing the service and the eager folks in search of an unforgettable experience.
Environmental Impact of Torch Lake
It is part of the human nature to seek out natural beauty, and Torch Lake is no stranger to the wanderlust. However, it goes without saying that this splendid site must be kept in fantastic condition for future generations to come, requiring rigorous local and federal standards for visitors to observe when partaking in the lake’s activities.
Many rules exist regarding watercraft and littering in the area. Campfires are only allowed in designated spots and should be treated with extreme caution. It is also important to keep in mind that access to the lake is heavily regulated, and visitors should be sure to bring the required permits if they wish to make use of the lake’s activities.
Torch Lake is an evocative example of the beauty of nature, and it is our collective responsibility to do our best to take care of it.
Climate Change and Torch Lake
The effects of climate change have become painfully obvious in recent years, and we can expect further harm to the environment to come if we do not take immediate action. With respect to Torch Lake, Shaffer points out that its unusual clarity could be compromised if temperatures continue to increase as much as expected. He explains that were the temperatures to become too hot for the fish and other organisms inhabiting the lake, that could lead to an accumulation of nutrients in the water. This, in turn, could compromise Torch Lake’s clarity and throw off the balance that has kept the lake so blue and lovely for all this time.
It is surely within our power to prevent this from happening however. Shaffer calls for “land-based changes” to help reduce the temperature of Torch Lake, such as restoring its northern streams and planting more trees around it.
These steps forward are absolutely essential if we are to guarantee the safety of Torch Lake and, ultimately, our environment as a whole.
