Swimmer's Itch Program

In 2018, we learned from Facebook posts that many of our Black Lake friends were impacted by Swimmer's Itch.  We conducted some research on solutions and initiated our program in 2019.  Treatment of Swimmer's Itch is an ongoing program and not a one time event, so this is a condition of our lake that we will have to stay on top of each year.

2019 Accomplishments

• Conducted an Educational Swimmer's Itch forum in July at the Onaway State Park with our partners, Dr. Blankespoor and Dr. Dejung of Swimmers Itch Solutions
  
• Secured grant with TOTM
  
• Secured fundraiser money for SI from BL home owners
  
• Conducted a study with our partner, Swimmers Itch Solutions to identify the precise species involved in the lifecycle of the parasite that causes Swimmer's Itch
  
• Secured approval from both counties to apply for Merganser relocation permit
  
• Applied to the DNR for the merganser relocation permit 

2020 Plans

• Contract with Curt for relocation
• ​Summer 2020 begin trap and relocation with SI Solutions.
• Encourage reporting of swimmer’s itch cases on Facebook and tracking on our website

Budget Needs

Volunteer Needs

Donate To The Swimmer's Itch Program