Walled Lake

Walled Lake. . , What is a watershed? , A watershed is an area of land that drains into a common body of water such as a stream, river, lake, or groundwater, in this case, the Detroit River. Walled Lake drains 4 square miles and is situated in the headwaters in the Middle One Branch of the Rouge River Watershed. , , The Rouge River drains 438 square miles in 48 municipalities and three counties and is home to 1.5 million people. The Rouge River ultimately discharges to the Detroit River near the Rouge Assembly Plant in Detroit. The major threat to the Rouge River Watershed is nonpoint source pollution caused by stormwater runoff. , , Where's the wall? , , The "wall" that gave Walled Lake its name was originally described by the first settler to the area, Walter Hewitt, in 1826. It consisted of a long stone wall, approximately 150 fett by 4 feet high by 5 feet wide along the west shore of the lake. It is not known how the wall originated. , , Theories and legends include: , , . the wall was built by Native Americans to trap fish , , . the wall was a memorial to a fisherman who drowned in the lake , , . the wall was caused by drift deposits due to water and ice action , , . the wall was caused by glacial activity , , Is the lake clean? , , Nonpoint source pollution is caused by runoff from rainfall or snowmelt that moves across the landscape, picks up natural and human contaminants, and washes them into waterways. Such contaminants may include: fertilizer, oil, grease, toxic chemicals, sediment, salt, and bacteria. Walled Lake has 36 stormwater outfalls that deliver stormwater runoff directly to the lake. Both Walled Lake and Novi are currently under a Phase II Stormwater Permit from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, which requires communities to take action to reduce and mitigate the impacts of stormwater runoff. , , Where's the beach? , , Walled Lake is a natural kettle lake that was probably formed about 12,000 years ago. The ice formed a depression in the glacial outwash and filled the depression with water as it melted. Walled Lake is primarily spring-fed, though several small creeks also contribute. An outlet drains to the Middle Branch of the Rouge River. , , Lake Statistics , Volume: 2,627,000,000 Gallons , Legal Elevation: 932.8 Feet , Average Depth: 12 Feet , Maximum Depth: 53 Feet , Perimeter: 4.58 Miles , Surface Area: 652 Acres , Flushing Rate: 6.67 Years , Trophic Status: Oligotrophic , River Basin: Rouge , Fish Species: Large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, perch, and northern pike , , How can I help? , , . Don't feed wildlige near the shoreline. Waste produced by wildlife can add a significant source of nutrients to the water. , , . Use fertilizers that don't contain phosphorous. , , . Don't mow to the edge! Maintain a buffer of deep rooted plants, trees, or shrubs adjacent to wetlands and open water. , , Support local businesses. Shop "Where the shores meet the stores" in Downtown Walled Lake! , , Milestones in Walled Lake , , Pre-1824 , Potawatomi camp along the western shore of Walled Lake near the Grand Indian Trail , , 1825 , The first European settler, Walter Hewitt, builds a log cabin near the present-day cemetery , , 1830 , "White Rock" Indian Trading Post is established , , 1836 , Village of Walled Lake is platted , , 1840 , Dr. James M. Hoyt arrives in Walled Lake and serves as Village doctor for 40 years , , 1860 , "Stonecrest" Schoolhouse is built (and remains today) , , 1883 , Michigan Airline Railroad begins to run through the Village of Walled Lake , , 1929 , Walled Lake Park opens featuring roller coasters, bath house, water slides, and boardwalks , , 1965 , Casino Shores Pavilion is destroyed by fire , , 1979 , The cities of Walled Lake and Novi install sewers around Walled Lake and within five years, water quality in the lake improves , , 2000 , Walled Lake joins the Main Street Oakland County Program and commences to build and promote its unique downtown , , Top images: , Left: 1896 Plat Map of Walled Lake , Middle: Walled Lake Train Station , Right: Casino Shores Pavillion Fire , , Bottom images , Far left: Potawatomi Dancers at an Exhibition , Near left: Historic Stonecrest Schoolhouse , Near right: Ad for Walled Lake Park , Far right: Downtown