president`s message missaukee lake improvement boar ke

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
We formed Missaukee Lake Association (MLA) in 1997,
out of a threat of potentially significant environmental
damage to our lake if property owners did not unite and
take action. Now, here we are in our 16th year of
existence, still united in protecting the environme
environmental
integrity of our beloved lake, among our other
initiatives…and the beat goes on.
MLA is a member of Michigan Lake & Stream
Associations (ML&SA),, Region 9, which includes Antrim,
Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee,
Missaukee and Wexford counties. Their focus continues
to look at the global issues that impact most of our
Michigan lakes. Likewise, they are focused on the
detection and prevention of exotic invasive species into
our Michigan lakes. One of their initiatives this year iis to
survey their membership lakes for their respective
exotic infestations, compile the data and share it with
us upon completion. There will be more to follow on
this issue if any potential preventative measures surface
from this study. We pointed out ourr efforts at educating
the public and our state legislatures on the significant
role our Great Lakes play in this environmental
dilemma. Ultimately, it is the source for all of our
individual lake infestations.
ML&SA will conduct its 52nd Annual Conferenc
Conference in Bay
City at the end of April. This year’s annual conference
will provide a close look at the important issues that are
affecting our inland lakes and streams, our Great Lakes,
your riparian rights as well as the latest scientific and
technological advances
ances in managing invasive species.
There will also be a session entitled “Hydraulic
Fracturing: An Exploratory Forum”,, with all sides of the
issue presenting. For more information visit
visit,
www.mymlsa.org.
MLA support Lake City’s “The Greatest Forth in the
North” activities as a “Sparklers Sponsor” for the
fireworks display. And, look for our float in the Fourth
of July Parade.
One of our most important and expensive initiatives
every year is the cost of Water Quality Testing.
Testing Since
our formation in 1997 we have had the lake water
tested. The real significance of this data is that it
affords us the opportunity to watch for changes that
may be harmful to our lake. This gives us the
th necessary
time to implement counter protective measures aimed
at eradicating or diminishing the threat. This is a
relatively small price to pay for maintaining the integrity
of our lake water.
Please
lease mark your calendar for our Annual Membership
meeting on Saturday, July 20, at 9:00 AM in the Lake
Township Hall on Kelly Road. In addition, please ask
your neighbors to join you; we would really like to have
them attend. Perhaps we can educate them on what we
are doing to protect their investment as well as the lake
and persuade them to become members. Hopefully, we
will see all of you there! Thank you,
you
Richard A. Morrow, President
MISSAUKEE LAKE IMPROVEMENT BOARD (MLIB)
Our association is sometimes confused with the Lake
Improvement Board. The MLIB was
formed at the end of 2004 to assess
lake users in order to treat the
Eurasian Milfoil that had taken hold
in the lake. The treatment is
helping to keep the milfoil in check.
che
Most inland lakes have had to deal
with this problem. The Lake
Improvement Board will meet on
August 24, at 10 am at the Lake Township Hall. You are
encouraged to attend and let them know how well you
think the treatment is working.
Page 2
SHORELINES
WINTER/SPRING 2013
MLA ANNUAL MEETING 2012 SUMMARY – Dave Smith, Secretary
The Missaukee Lake Association held its 2012 annual meeting on July 12. It was again well attended despite the
competing attractions of another great Saturday on Lake Missaukee.
The water testing program shows that the lake remains in a reasonably healthy mesotrophic state. The lake has a rather
slow flush rate of eight or nine years. By comparison, Houghton Lake flushes in less than a year. We can help to
maintain
ain water quality by a few simple measures. Keep fallen leaves and debris cleaned up along the shoreline and
avoid the use of any fertilizer where runoff could reach the water. Use only phosphorus free fertilizer anywhere else in
the vicinity of the lake.
Other issues included water level, reported at about normal, and the continuing infestation of milfoil, and now zebra
mussels. It seems that with limited hard bottom to attach to, the zebra mussels are now growing on the milfoil as well
as on bits of driftwood.
riftwood. The Lake Improvement Board continues with its job of containing the milfoil infestation, and is
now taking note of threats presented by other invasive species as well.
The 2013 annual meeting will be held on the Saturday, July 20, at 9:00 am at the Lake Township Hall.
GFWC - LAKE CITY WOMAN’S CLUB - “It’s a volunteer thing!”
Did you know that Lake City has a women’s club that is very active? After moving to Lake City full time in May last year I found
f
out
about and joined this great group of women. I asked the club to tell us a bit about what they do. Much thanks to Nancy Ingram for
putting this together for me. –Mimi Zwolak
We hope that you consider joining our club! Our membership has considerable diversity in age, interests and
experience, yet we are united by a dedication to community improvement through volunteer service.
GFWC International began more than 114 years ago with one woman – Jane Cunningham Croley
– a professional journalist from New York City, after being told twenty years earlier that women
were not welcome at an all
all-male
male press club that was honoring British novelist Charles Dickens.
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs was formed in 1889 with 19 other states.
Lake City Woman’s Club was organized in 1907 and federated in 1914 at which time the women
formed the first library. Our club motto – “mutual improvement-mutual
mutual enjoyment”; club flower
– the pink carnation; and club colors – pink and green provide unity to our international organization yet individuality to
Lake City.
By volunteering as a club member,, there is an opportunity to exchange ideas, form lifelong friendships, develop
leadership skills, and have fun! Club community service programs and partnerships major focus are to: promote
education, preserve natural resources,, encourage healthy lifestyles,, work on behalf of the elderly and people with
disabilities, advocate for issues of concern to women
women, children and families, and support
port participation in the arts.
Monthly club business meetings and social events bring our women together for a cause and friendship!
Our scheduled meetings are on the second Thursday of each month May through December at the local Emergency
Medical Services
ices Building or as indicated along with social events on a monthly basis. Annual dues are $ 25.00.
We also sponsor field trips and other state club activities throughout the year. If you like to volunteer, meet new people,
and give to others with yourr time, energy and occasional monetary donations, then this is a grand organization to join!
INTERESTED? We would love to have you!
Let us know by calling Co-Presidents – Susan Nees (517
(517-896-5531)/ Nancy Ingram (231-878
878-9719) or Membership
Chairman, Marcia Moore (231-839-8322)
Page 3
SHORELINES
WINTER/SPRING 2013
2012 WATER QUALITY TESTING and RECOMMENDATIONS
Missaukee Lake Association has contracted with PLM Lake & Land Mgmt. Corp
toperform water quality testing since the spring of 2001. The total cost for testing
in 2012 was $2,385. We added testing for E. Coli in 2007. To the right is a map
showing the three locations on the lake that are sampled each three times per
year. To see all the data, visit www.missaukeelake.org
RECOMMENDATIONS
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Keep
ep leaves and other plant materials out of the lake.
Do not use fertilizers where runoff could reach the lake.
Use no phosphorous and slow-release
release nitrogen.
Keep a greenbelt of vegetation between lawn and lake with plants that don’t drop
leaves.
Remove dog, goose, and duck droppings.
Do not feed the ducks and geese.
Prevent any soil erosion into the lake.
GOOD MORNING LAKE CITY
Good Morning Lake City is a forum for local businesses and citizens to share information and upcoming events.
Everyone is welcome.
come. Your first visit is free, after that there is a $2 charge for coffee and light breakfast. Good Morning
Lake City meets the 3rd Friday of EVERY month from 77-8 am at the Missaukee County EMS Building on First St.
Mark your calendars!!
2013 MLA Board of Directors
President: Richard (Dick) Morrow
7600 W. Forest Drive
Lake City, MI 49651
231-839-3219 – home
989-245-6486 - cell
[email protected]
Treasurer: Richard Levandowski
33811 Hunters Pointe
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
248-553-6927 - home
517-393-2477 –fax
[email protected]
Director: Mimi Zwolak
(MEMBERSHIP)
1723 S. Dickerson Rd.
Lake City, MI 49651
586-438
438-0603 - cell
[email protected]
V. President: William (Bill) Ardis
(ENVIRONMENTAL)
3065 Bannockburn Dr. SE
Ada, MI 49301
616-915-1923 - cell
[email protected]
Director: Gerard Winkle
7116 W. Lake Dr.
Lake City, MI 49651
231-839-7468 – home
[email protected]
Director: Marilyn Zondervan
2584 Railside Circle
Byron Center, MI 49315
616-878
878-1409 - home
231-839
839-2259 – Lake City
[email protected]
Secretary: David P. Smith
(EDITOR, NOMINATING)
13000 Green Fern
Belding, MI 48809
616-691-7786 -home
231-839-7650 - Lake City
[email protected]
Director: Dave Thompson
7548 Woodside Dr.
Hudsonville, MI 49426
616-669-6312 – home
231-839-7762 – Lake City
[email protected]
Director: Allen Jensen
1843 W. Ashbury Ct.
Inverness, IL 60067
847-934
934-1664 – Home
231-839
839-3596 – Lake City
[email protected]
Page 4
SHORELINES
WINTER/SPRING 2013
MUSKEGON RIVER WATERSHED AND LAKE MISSAUKEE -by Natalie Davis, Missaukee Paddle Sports
For generations, families have come to stay and play on the shores of Lake Missaukee. It is known as the area’s favorite
swimming hole; choice fishing spot; the heart of your beloved up-north get-away. Whatever term fits best for you, it is
undeniable, Lake Missaukee is a treasure worth preserving.
Lake Missaukee lies within the Muskegon River Watershed – the second largest watershed in
Michigan spanning over 2,700 square miles. All water, surface and ground, is under the
watchful eye of the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly (MRWA). Their mission is
dedicated to the “preservation, protection, restoration, and sustainable use of the Muskegon
River, the land it drains, and the life it supports…”
Recently, the MRWA was awarded a grant through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to create an
Upper Watershed Management Plan. The Upper Watershed consists of Missaukee County and Roscommon County.
Though the focus of the plan thus far has been to our east – Houghton Lake – its reach extends to the watershed’s
western edge which encompasses Lake Missaukee.
In a survey conducted as a stepping-off point for the Management Plan, nearly 1,000 homes were given the opportunity
to give input on their concerns with the watershed. Top of the list were healthy fish and wildlife habitat. Included were
non-motorized and motorized boating, scenic beauty, and swimming.
Identified as key potential threats to the waters were waterfowl droppings, excessive use of lawn fertilizers and/or
pesticides, and illegal dumping. Among the top of the list was the concern for unmitigated storm drain run off. Under
the category of “impairments”, invasive species were ranked as a severe problem.
The concerns of those surveyed echo those of us who hold Lake Missaukee so dear and the MRWA is listening.
Incorporated into the plan are strategies to address those concerns. According to
Terry Stilson, MRWA Program Director, the survey results will “help us with an
information and education strategy.” Planned Houghton Lake projects include water
sampling, installation of a rain garden, and the introduction of a boat wash station.
Stilson noted the portable boat washing station could be available for use at Lake
Missaukee.
The Missaukee Lake Association has proven its ability to make a positive impact on the
welfare of Lake Missaukee. Partnering with the MRWA presents a great opportunity
to further the mission of the Association – a mission which mirrors that of the MRWA.
For more information on the Upper Watershed Management Plan, you are invited to attend the next Steering
Committee meeting being held on May 14 at Roscommon’s Lake Township Hall. Or, go to MRWA.org
LAKE CITY DDA
The Downtown Development Authority reported at the last Good Morning Lake City meeting that
plans for the city dock are out for bids. Look for a new dock sometime this summer.
LOCAL WEB SITES
Lake City Chamber of Commerce – www.lakecitymich.com
Lake Township – www.laketownshipmissaukee.com
Missaukee Sentinel – www.missaukeesentinel.com
Page 5
SHORELINES
WINTER/SPRING 2013
WATER’S EDGE UPDATES - Chere Elenbaas – Missaukee Conservation District
Your land, your water……..your privilege, your responsibility. Are your spring and summer projects in
the planning stages yet? The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has made some changes
in the law in the past couple years. Before star
starting
ting your project, call Chere Elenbaas, Soil Erosion and
Sedimentation Control Agent, Missaukee Conservation District, 231.839.7193 or Susan Conradson,
DEQ Cadillac Office, 231.775.3960.
The Land and Water Division has been incorporated in Water Resources Division. Land & Water
Programs (LWM) are now referred to as Water Resource Programs.
Permit Consolidation Unit (PCU) in Lansing has been eliminated and all permit application processing is occurring
in the District Offices.
eral Permit (GP) categories created for Part 301 (Inland Lakes and Streams),
New Minor Project (MP) and General
Part 303 (Wetlands) and Part 325 (Great Lakes) projects.
New MP and GP categories, cover dredging and maintenance dredging activities.
With the new MP and GP categories, the appli
application
cation fees have changed for certain projects. For example: new
seawalls now require Public Noticing and a $500 application fee.
Any project planned within 500 feet of a body of water may require a Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Permit and/or a permit from DEQ. There are a few exemptions, so a quick call to Chere Elenbaas, 231.839.7193,
may be all you need to start your proj
project.
HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION – Missuakee County Residents Only
Saturday, June 1, 2013, from 9am – 1pm. Missaukee County Road Commission, 1199 N.
Morey Road. For more information or to view a list of accepted items visit The
Missaukee Conservation District web site: http://www.missaukeecd.org
RECYCLING
The Missaukee County Recycling Center, located at 6240 W. Sanborn Road, is open Wednesdays 9 – 5 pm and
Saturday 9am – 1pm. For more information and a full list of items accepted visit: http://www.missaukeecd.org
http://www.missauke
FREE - SHRED IT DAY
Saturday, April 20th, 9-12,
12, Firstbank Cadillac, Boon Road near Wal
Wal-Mart. NO LIMIT. Everything will be shredded
s
on site!!
MISSAUKEE COUNTY PARKS UPDATE AND PLANS FOR 2013 -Larry
Larry Richardson, Parks Manager
It was a great season for us here at the Missaukee County Parks IN 2012. Here are the items we are working on for this
2013 season.
Wee have removed the old bathroom from the north section of our Missaukee Lake Campground and are replacing it
with a brand new building that is up to date and will have a handicapped accessible shower room. It will have more
showers, covered entrance, better lighting, and more space! We will also be paving the upper area park roads for less
summer dust and smoother surfaces forr walking/biking and such.
We did add another section of playground here last summer as well. It was designed for kids in the 2 to 5 age groups.
The cabin at Crooked Lake we installed last year and it was received with positive reviews.
Once again, our boat slips have sold out already and we are just about packed for the summer with
reservations. It is great to have so many families coming in to use and see what we have here in
Missaukee County. It really helps with our local economy. I h
hope
ope everyone gets a chance to come in to
check out what we have been up to for the last few years and enjoy the summer. Stay safe and have fun.
http://www.missaukee.org/parkdept.htm
Page 6
SHORELINES
WINTER/SPRING 2013
1723 S. Dickerson Rd.
Lake City, MI 49651
Annual Meeting Notice
Missaukee Lake Association, Inc.
9:00 am Saturday, July 20, 2013
Lake Township Hall (Kelly Rd. west of Dickerson Rd.)
Anyone interested in Lake Missaukee is welcome to attend
JOIN MISSAUKEE LAKE ASSOCIATION TODAY
Our objective is simple: To maintain and/or improve the overall water quality of Lake Missaukee.
Fill out and mail today!
Name ___________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________ City_________________ State____ Zip_______
Phone________________________________________
Lake City Address if different ______________________________________________________
Association Suggested Dues: $50 - Individual, Corporate, Non-profit.
Please make checks payable to: Missaukee Lake Association, Inc.
Mail check and application to:
Missaukee Lake Association, 1723 S. Dickerson Rd., Lake City, MI 49651