Calling them an invasive species, the DNR has been determined to eradicate these beautiful creatures from all Michgan waters for some time. The DNR will begin by doing an "informative" meeting, at which all manner of information about these swans will be presented... all of it negative. The meeting will soon be followed by the "disappearance" of most, if not all, of the swans from the lake. If you doubt what I say, ask a few folks down in Pentwater. Ask them what happened to all of their swans. The DNR denied knowledge of what happened, yet an officer I knew back then came right out and told me he had a permit to destroy a minimum of 40 swans and intended to do so over the weekend. Within days, the swans disappeared. Ask the main office in Lansing what its plans are for the swans. It is the policy of the DNR to eliminate them. It IS true that these magnificent creatures did not orniginate in Michigan. They were imported from England well over 100 years ago. I would think that would give them citizenship status by now. The DNR thinks differently, however. I encourage ALL to do your own research. These animals are only aggressive when protecting thier young and they do not drive away other species. Each species finds it's own place in the pecking order. I feel extremely confident that if you allow the DNR to remove "some" you will find MOST have disappeared. Is that what you really want?

I am a long time visitor (tourist) of the area. One of the most memorable things to me was the presence of these birds (idigenous species or not). I am always excited to get down to the waterfront and see them. To me, they are a symbol of the area and add value to my visits. I noticed the absence of the swans in Pentwater a few years ago, and was saddened by their disappearance. As an area dependent on tourism, is this really the way you want to go.

Swans have wings, and they like inland lakes. More will come.

Yes, these birds are beautiful, but they are also very destructive and a nuisance. They are also very aggressive fowl. Next time you are there take notice that there are very few if any other birds/fowl around. The ducks and geese are not there anymore. The marshes are being destroyed by the swans. With that many swans in such a relatively small area the eco-system is taking a huge hit. The population of swans on Hamlin Lake needs to be brought under control...whether that is by culling or by oiling the eggs. It will be up to the townships to decide the next step.

I live in the Chicago suburbs and we have a big Canadian Geese problem here. Some places have resorted to putting mute swans on the ponds to dispalce the Canadian Geese. Maybe those who oversee this activity could set up an exchange with the Michigan DNR. I'm sure we could spare 10 geese for 1 swan. :) Seriously though, I understand the issue of overpopulation, but believe the best approach is proactive rather than reactive. If it has to be done then I'd rather see the egg oiling practice than killing off the adults. And if there are too many adults now, then why not consider relocating some of them.