Serving 15+ states with regional hubs near you. Find Your Local Service Location

Free Water Assessment

Does my pond require a permit? in Michigan

Request a Free Water Assessment

Do I need a permit?

Do I need a permit to control aquatic vegetation on my property with chemical control methods?

Chemical control of nuisance aquatic species is typically a regulated activity and requires a permit from EGLE’s ANC Program, particularly when targeting species in inland lakes, ponds, streams, wetlands, road-side ditches, etc., where water is visibly present in the area of impact at the time of treatment.

 

No permit is required if your pond fits all requirements below:

  • No outlet (i.e., tributary; overflow pipe, dam with spillway, etc.).
  • No record of state or federal endangered or threatened species, pursuant to Part 365, Endangered Species Protection, of the NREPA.
  • Surface area less than 10 acres.
  • Bottomlands are owned by either one person

Do I need a permit to control aquatic vegetation on my property with Physical or Mechanical control methods?

A permit is generally not required from EGLE to control aquatic submerged vegetation in inland lakes by mechanical harvesting (i.e., cutting plants above the lake bottom with no soil disturbance). Inconsequential or insignificant (“de minimis”) vegetation removal done by hand (e.g., hand pulling, raking a few plants) does not require a permit. Small-scale removal of plants that are an aquatic nuisance as defined in Part 33 does not require a permit, if the removal is accomplished by hand-pulling (i.e., without the use of a powered or mechanized tool) and all plant fragments are removed from the water and properly disposed of on land above the ordinary high-water mark. A permit is not required for hand-raking (i.e., without the use of a powered or mechanized tool) of lake bottomlands where vegetation is not present before raking, and where bottomlands are predominantly composed of sand or pebbles.

 

Larger-scale removal of plants requires a Page 5 of 19 permit from EGLE’s Water Resources Division (WRD) if the project can be authorized under Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the NREPA. A use permit or authorization may be necessary from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to use a state-operated access site for physical/mechanical control. In addition, cutting vegetation, including mechanical harvesting and mowing, on Great Lakes bottomlands in the St. Clair Flats requires a permit from the WRD. Disposal of harvested material within inland lakes, on Great Lakes bottomlands, or in wetlands is not allowed without prior written approval from the WRD.

 

Other physical control measures, such as benthic barriers, weed rollers, or lake drawdown, require a permit from the WRD. Contact the Environmental Assistance Center by e-mail at EGLE-Assist@Michigan.gov or by telephone at 1-800-662-9278 for more information regarding WRD permit requirements.

Do I need a permit to control aquatic vegetation on my property with Bacteria Augmentation methods?

EGLE has regulatory jurisdiction over application of bacterial augmentation products to surface waters of the state. Authorization to use bacterial augmentation products requires review and approval from EGLE’s Water Resources Division, and coverage under Rule 97 of the Water Quality Standards, promulgated under Part 31, Water Resources Protection, of the NREPA prior to usage. The process for obtaining authorization and a list of approved products are available on EGLE’s website at Bacterial Augmentation.

Do I need other permits to control aquatic vegetation on my property in my local area?

Please contact your local units of government, including counties and townships, as they may have additional requirements or restrictions covering these activities. A permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is required for most activities that alter Great Lakes coastal areas. Contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District at 1-888-694-8313.
Scroll to Top

Jen Biancalana

N/A
N/A
A middle-aged man with a trimmed beard and short hair, dressed in a dark collared shirt, poses confidently in front of a plain gray background, embodying the professionalism of pond management.

Darin Higgins

Director of Sales, Southeast
Darin Higgins is a visionary leader with over 18 years of expertise driving growth in sales, business development, and talent management across the pest control, aquatics, and green industries. As Director of Southeast Sales at TIGRIS, he leads strategic expansion efforts, cultivates impactful partnerships, and empowers a top-tier team of Business Development Managers to consistently exceed sales goals. Known for his ability to elevate performance, build entrepreneurial cultures, and reduce turnover, Darin has held key roles such as Director of Business Development and Regional Business Development Manager at Aquagenix, a 30-year-old Florida based company, now part of the TIGRIS family.

A Certified Pest Control Operator and Green Industries BMP Instructor, he combines 22 years of hands-on green industry experience with mastery in needs-based sales, strategic planning, and digital marketing. Darin’s results-driven approach blends innovative leadership with practical expertise, delivering exceptional outcomes in fast-paced, deadline-oriented environments. His track record of fostering collaboration and executing high-impact initiatives solidifies his reputation as a transformative force in the industries he serves.

Aaron Powery

Vice President of Operations, Florida
With over 25 years of leadership in the environmental sector, Aaron Powery combines operational excellence, strategic vision, and a passion for sustainability to drive growth and innovation. As VP of Operations in Florida, he spearheads initiatives that expand service territories, enhance market presence, and deliver measurable environmental and financial outcomes.

James Stone

Operations Manager, Peachtree City, GA
James is expanding the TIGRIS brand in the Southeast, with just over five years in the aquatics industry, including a position at Aquascape Environmental. James holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from The University of West Georgia and is a licensed pesticide applicator in Georgia.

Matt Troxler

Operations Manager, Woodstock, GA

Linkedin
Matt leads a team of specialists and service technicians, ensuring they are provided with the best training, equipment and leading-edge products and technologies to maintain our customers’ lakes and ponds while ensuring fast response times to clients’ needs. In fisheries, Matt develops sustainable, balanced fish populations and implements natural aquatic vegetation control. Matt has over 14 years of professional experience in lake and pond management, aquatic vegetation control, fisheries management, customer relations and sales. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Tennessee Tech University.

Wade Weikart

Operations Manager, Carol Stream, IL
At TIGRIS, Wade is focused on building the industry’s most experienced operations team and aeration service center. Wade has over ten years of experience in the aquatics industry. Before TIGRIS, Wade worked for Clarke Aquatic Services, serving as the fountain and aeration supervisor. Wade is a veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served as an aerospace ground equipment and generator mechanic. Wade is certified in electrical, hydraulic, mechanical and pneumatic systems.

Joe Haufle

Vice President of Sales, Midwest
Linkedin
Joe balances a top-tier sales and service operation at TIGRIS, delivering an exceptional customer experience while creating organic growth strategies. With over 25 years of experience in leadership positions within the environmental services and public health sectors, Joe brings a vast knowledge of corporate strategy, operations management and business development to our team. Prior to joining TIGRIS, Joe held several leadership positions in operations management, sales and business development for Clarke Aquatic Services and NSMAD. Joe has been a certified applicator since 1998 and is a published author on HAB management, aeration system design and watershed management. Joe holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois Chicago and a certificate in sustainable business management from Case Western Reserve University.

Sonja Wixom, CLM

Business Development Manager NE
Linkedin
Sonja Wixom is an accomplished Certified Lake Manager (CLM), the highest designation in lake management recognized by the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS). With a Master of Science in Lake Management from the State University of New York, Sonja combines her extensive knowledge with hands-on experience in aquatics and conservation biology. As a Lake Manager and Limnology Educator, Sonja is committed to advancing the industry through her involvement in professional presentations and environmental initiatives. At TIGRIS, she plays a vital role in the Great Lakes Region, providing invaluable expertise to address Minnesota and Wisconsin’s unique aquatic vegetation management and water quality improvement needs.
A man with short brown hair, a mustache, and blue eyes smiles at the camera. He is wearing a blue collared shirt, perfect for a day of pond management. The background is softly blurred.

Paul Slovisky

Director of Operations, Atlanta, GA
Linkedin
Paul oversees the day-to-day activities of both our Lake and Pond Management department and our Stormwater Infrastructure Maintenance and Repair department. Paul coordinates with various regional department heads and supervisors to ensure all aspects of our team have what they need to function as an industry-leading, nationwide stormwater service provider. Paul has over 25 years of leadership experience in the surface water and stormwater management and restoration industries, including serving as VP of Operations at Aquascape Environmental. Paul holds a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science from Mercer University.
A man with short brown hair smiles at the camera, wearing a gray collared shirt with an "Aquascape" logo, outdoors with greenery and water in the background, reflecting his expertise in pond management.

Evan Carpenter

Director of Operations, Coastal Southeast Region
Linkedin
Evan is focused on increasing customer density and brand awareness throughout the region while elevating TIGRIS as the foremost provider of aquatic services. Before joining TIGRIS, Evan led the Lake Management Division for Aquascape Environmental (AE), an Atlanta-based environmental services company. Evan holds four Certified Commercial Applicator licenses across the southeast and a level 1 certification from the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission. He also serves on the Advisory Committee for the Environmental Technology Department at Chattahoochee Technical College. Evan earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Valdosta State University.

Marty Miesko

Director of Business Development, Northeast Region
Marty Miesko is the Director of Business Development for the Northeast Region at TIGRIS, bringing over 30 years of expertise in lake and pond management. As the founder and former president of Natureworks Clearwater Associates, Inc., he established the company as a premier service provider and one of the largest fountain distributors in the Northeast. Marty is committed to strengthening our presence in the Northeast and enhancing our industry expertise. His dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction aligns seamlessly with TIGRIS’s values, making him an integral part of our team.

David Pullins

Chief Executive Officer Member, Board of Directors
Linkedin
David is propelling TIGRIS into an industry-leading, nationwide stormwater service provider, steering its rapid growth while fostering a high-impact culture. He has over 25 years of leadership experience in the water and environmental industries, spanning blue-chip global conglomerates, private equity portfolio companies, start-up ventures and mid-market companies. Before joining Plexus, David was the VP/GM at Clarke Aquatics and also spent 15 years at Pentair. David holds a Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Vanderbilt University.