Winter Newsletter - January 2025

 

From the President - Tim Piccard

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It has been an extremely busy fall, and I can’t believe that the holiday season is already behind us. For you snowbirds, we have experienced a fairly mild start to the winter and have a small amount of snow on the ground and very little ice on the lakes. I saw a couple of snowmobilers yesterday anxious to get out, but definitely no ice fishing happening yet.  

The association elections in August welcomed Carol Ward, Laura Pacifici, Jeff Parks and myself to the board. Along with elections came new officers. I accepted the position of the president, while Kevin Self agreed to be the vice president. Dan Patrick and Sandra Morse graciously agreed to remain the secretary and treasurer respectively.  Our nine board members are eager to voluntarily serve our association community. We look forward to continuing to make positive changes in support of the health of our lakes and the community around them.

There are a lot of exciting projects ongoing around the lakes from both a personal and association perspective. Several property owners are in the process of completing home improvements including a couple of complete rebuilds. It is exciting to see the investments being made around our lakes. In addition, we have the bridge project continuing, and you can read a detailed update on the progress later in this newsletter. Appreciation is extended to all who are supporting this important project which benefits our lake community. When considering a new project, please make sure that you reach out to the zoning official at your township office, either Brooks or Everett, so they can help guide you through the requirements to successfully plan and execute your project.

Finally, I hope that this newsletter finds each and every one of you safe and feeling blessed as we start the new year. If you have any suggestions for articles to include in the next newsletter, please provide me or any of the board members with your feedback. Be safe in all your travels this winter whether to/from the south or on our roads here in the north. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

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Best Regards,

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Tim Piccard

President ESL Association

Cell: (616) 516-3609

 

Bridge Committee Update

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The current bridge between Emerald and Sylvan Lakes is well over 100 years old, and has supported our community well for all those years.  Unfortunately, time has taken its toll, and the bridge is in dire need of an extensive refurbishment. Therefore, a Bridge Committee was formed this past summer. We have been working diligently ever since, developing a suitable plan to address the many problems that the bridge is currently experiencing.

 

As communicated through monthly updates, the ESL Bridge Project is well on

its way to successfully refurbishing the bridge. The plans include replacing the

failing deck, guard rail, and the handrail, while also shoring up the approaches

and the abutments on both sides.

 

The Bridge Committee would like to take this time to provide you with

additional updates on progress made so far, while also recapping the prior

updates. See below for additional details on actions taken to date.

 

1. We successfully obtained an adequate number of pledges from our community members to meet the budget needs of $104K to complete this work.

2. Based on the pledged commitment, the Bridge Committee proceeded with “firm” planning and implementation of the proposed bridge replacements.

3. We contacted the ESLA Insurance agency, and validated that the bridge project is covered under the current ESLA policy.

4. We sought advice from legal experts and no concerns were raised by proceeding with the bridge project.

5. We contacted area emergency responders and verified the load limit required to support their equipment.

6. We reviewed the bridge project with the local bridge advisor for MDOT. He reassured us that our plan is on the right track.

7. Brooks Township issued written confirmation that no permitting is required from the township.

8. Newaygo County has stated that no permit will be required from the county regarding the bridge work, pending EGLE review. However, we will need to obtain a Soil Erosion permit from the county for earth work that is planned.

9. We met with EGLE representatives at the bridge site. They reviewed our plans without any initial concerns. Upon completion of their review, EGLE advised us that we would need to obtain a permit for this project given that we intend to widen the bridge, which will create additional coverage over the water.  We will submit paperwork for the final permit once firm engineering is complete.

10. A PO Box was established at the Newaygo Post Office. This PO Box address will be the official mailing address for the ESLA: PO Box 166, Newaygo, MI 49337.

11. A separate banking account was established under the ESLA existing account at Independence Bank. This account is dedicated to the bridge project.

12. We have been collecting payment on your pledges and our community has already responded with $73,241 in donations for support of this project. We extend a big round of applause to all the supporters.

13. We solicited bids from three engineering firms to complete the design of the new bridge. Two of the three firms declined to bid stating that they were too busy and/or the project was too small.  Soils & Structures Inc. provided a bid of $3500 which is within our budget to complete the certified firm engineering.  We decided to move forward with Soils & Structures Inc. and they are now in the process of engineering the bridge structural design.

 

As previously stated, we will continue to provide you monthly updates as we progress forward.  As it currently stands, the Bridge Committee believes that it is very possible to have the Bridge Project completed before Memorial Weekend.  It would be awesome to have the new bridge in place for the 2025 summer season.

 

A sincere Thank You to all who are supporting this project.  It is exciting that we are heading in the right direction on this important project.

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Best Regards,

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The Bridge Committee

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Jay Graham, Jeff Parks, Kevin Self, Paul Dressel,  Rich Witte, Steve Kiekintveld, Tom Fleming, Tim Piccard

 

Treasurer Report - Sandra Morse

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We began the 2024 year with approximately $19,000 combined total in the checking and money market accounts. Our proposed budget for the year was $39,500, but we only spent $27,436 primarily due to coming in significantly under budget in Lake Treatment and Road Repair.  Our 2024 end of year balance, once outstanding checks that are expected to clear soon, will be approximately $25,675. This year we had 78.5% participation in payment of lake dues, for a total of $32,265 in dues, plus an additional $2,250 in gifts. Many thanks to all who gave so generously!

 

Click here to view end of year cash flow and budget to actual reports. 

               

                          

OakLeaf Club Report - Louisa Self

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DJ Krum and the OakLeaf Board would like to thank everyone for participating in the OakLeaf Club events and helping make 2024 another fun year on the lakes! Louisa Self is taking on the role of President this year and you can reach out to her with any questions at louisaself@gmail.com.

 

Click here to see the 2025 calendar of events on the updated website.  We hope to see you and your family soon!

Safety Report - Jay Graham

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• Please keep the road clear of debris for the snowplow contractor to remove snow.

• Use caution when walking or driving on hills and in low areas, as they are often covered with slippery compacted snow and ice.

• Report any leaning trees or branches that hang over the road to a board member.

• Stay away from downed power lines and report them to Great Lakes Energy (1-888-485-2537)

• Keep an eye out for suspicious looking people on your neighbors’ properties while they are away, any concerns should be directed to the Newaygo County Sheriff 231-689-7303 (non-emergency)

 

Lake Committee Weeds & Water Quality - Beth Kiekintveld

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Lake level amendment - Important date information

On September 26, 2024, a hearing was held in Newaygo County Circuit Court to amend the lake level orders for our lakes. Under Part 307 of the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Agency (NREPA), circuit courts can establish lake levels for Michigan’s inland lakes. Over 300 lakes in Michigan are affected by Part 307, and maintaining lake levels is the responsibility of the local County Drain Commissioner. 

Our lake levels are controlled by a weir (a low-head dam across a river used to

control the flow of water for outlets of lakes, ponds, and reservoirs) located on

Penoyer Creek (see photos). In a typical year, the level is lowered between

5 - 6 inches in the winter. The level that the court had established for our lakes

did not match our actual level. The amendment did not change the lake levels

that we are accustomed to, but it did lower the court record levels to match

our actual levels. If the amendment had not passed, our lake levels would have

to be increased to match the court established limits, and we would experience

a rise of several inches in our lake levels. 

A second aspect of the amendment are the dates of the water level change

proposed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and

Energy (EGLE). Lake levels are varied by boards in the weir that are either added or taken out. A board is added

in the spring around March 15, or when the ice is off the lakes, and taken out in late fall, around November 15.

The amendment changed the fall date to October 1. The amendment was passed by Judge Springstead and

will take effect in 2025. If the amendment had not passed, we would need to apply to EGLE for a yearly permit

to keep the fall date in November.

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What does this mean for you?

Be aware that the lake levels will drop October 1, or shortly thereafter. This is 6 weeks earlier than what we are

used to. 

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What does this mean for wildlife?  

Turtles will benefit from the earlier date change in the fall. They go into brumation, which is a dormant state

that reptiles and amphibians enter during cold months involving reduced metabolism, activity, and food intake.

During this brumation, they seek out soft, muddy soil for the winter.  (Thanks Laura Pacifici for the information posted on Facebook!) If the water levels lower after turtles start brumation, they could freeze with negative consequences.​​

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​​Lake Treatment Reports

Please look over the attached reports from PLM, our lake management group. Our lakes look very good and are healthy. Questions regarding these reports should be sent to Beth Kiekintveld at b.kiekintveld@gmail.com. 

 

PLM lakes evaluation report can be found here.

• This report gives us an overview of the health of our lakes.

 

PLM Aquatic Vegetation Assessment Survey (AVAS) can be found here.

• AVAS reports tells us what type of aquatic vegetation our lakes have, and maps out where they are located on each lake.

 

PLM water quality report can be found here.

• PLM completes a water quality study on our lakes every few years. They check for dissolved oxygen, chemicals, Secchi depth and PLM draws conclusions for the health of our lakes from their studies. 

 

Lake Committee Carp & Geese - Laura Pacifici

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Carp Update

Common carp are one of the most damaging aquatic invasive species due to its wide distribution and severe impacts in lakes and wetlands. Their feeding disrupts shallowly rooted plants which muddies the water. They release phosphorus that increases algae abundance which leads to increase of algae blooms, lowers water quality, and are competitive with native species that rely on plankton for food.  This destroys the habitat for waterfowl, fish and amphibians. They are voracious feeders that forage primarily on plant seeds, fish eggs and insect larvae that live in lake sediments. 

 

I have applied for a carp removal permit from the Department of Natural Resources and it was approved for 2025.  This gives us the opportunity to capture carp with the possible use of cages, bow hunting, netting, and electrical shock procedures from a private company. I am in the early stages of the right methods to use and the disposal of the captured carp. 

 

Geese Update

I will be applying for a 2025 permit for the handling of goose eggs, when the permit becomes available.  The 2024 permit allowed us to treat approximately 26 eggs within 4 nests.  Hopefully you noticed a significant decrease in geese this past summer.  I personally only noticed one goose family with 3 goslings on our lakes. Once we have the approved 2025 permit we will make it a mission to treat the eggs again this Spring. 

 

Wake Awareness

Almost every motorboat can create a wake, which is why boaters must be aware of the danger wakes present and the damage they can do. While common courtesy dictates boaters should control their wakes, there are consequences beyond how wakes may affect people. So, what do boaters really need to know when it comes to owning their wake?

Under Michigan law, the damage your wake causes to the shoreline, docks, and watercraft is treated the same as damage caused by an actual collision. Personal watercraft (PWC) must stay at least 100 feet from the shoreline, moored and anchored watercraft, docks/pier, rafts, swimming areas, and swimmers. By staying at least 200 feet from shore and other structures, boaters can reduce the likelihood their wakes will cause damage. Boats such as wake boats that create a powerful artificial wake may require more distance to lower the impact.

Be aware of your environment and what’s going on around you – this applies to everyone on and around the water.

• Have a designated lookout to keep an eye out for other boats, objects, and swimmers.

• If crossing a wake, cross at low speeds and keep a close lookout for skiers and towables.

• Comply with all signs and respect barriers. This includes speed limits, no-wake zones, and underwater obstructions.

Stay away from shorelines, docks, or other structures. Backing a boat up to a riverbank or lakeshore can damage the area and lead to erosion. Travel slowly in shallow waters.

• Travel slowly in shallow waters and avoid boating in water less than 2½ feet deep. High speeds near shorelines lead to large wakes that cause shoreline erosion.

• Check local ordinances, restrictions, closures, and permit requirements for the body of water you are on.

• Ask permission from the landowner(s) before crossing private property.

Minimize repetitive passes. Once you’ve run a line, move on to another area. Comply with all signs and respect barriers.

Respect the rights of others so everyone can enjoy their time on the water – keep the noise down, be courteous to other boaters, and show consideration to all recreationalists on and around the water.

Environmental impacts of wakes. Large wakes produced by watercraft can result in a variety of negative environmental consequences, including:

• Shoreline erosion;

• Impaired water quality resulting from increased sediment in the water.

• Loss of shoreline vegetation, which helps stabilize the shore and provides important

       habitat for fish and wildlife.

These impacts are greater when water levels are high and shorelines are saturated.

Boaters must be aware that their actions directly impact the environment. They should

take steps to reduce their wake when operating near shore or when water levels are high.

 

​Boat wake is a very hot topic currently and your Board sincerely thanks each

of you, for doing what you can to minimize the impacts. 

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Secretary - Dan Patrick

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Consider Enrolling in the 2025 MSU Introduction to Lakes Online Course

Registration Ends January 28, 2025

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Michigan State University is offering an Introduction to Lakes Online Course designed for lake property owners.  The course provides participants with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions and foster sustainable lake management practices – at the individual and collective level. Emerald and Sylvan Lake residents who have taken this course have found it both interesting and practical. 

Course participants explore 6 key topics:

• Lake Ecology

• Watersheds

• Shorelines

• Aquatic Plant Management

• Michigan Water Law

• Community Involvement

Content is delivered entirely online, allowing participants to learn at

their own pace and at their own convenience. Course materials are

interactive and include a mix of video lectures, readings, and practical

exercises.

The course is offered once annually. The next session begins in

January 2025. This timing allows participants to apply their new

knowledge during the upcoming lake season.

Registration is now open. The cost is quite reasonable:

• Discounted early bird (before January 6) registration costs  $95/person

• Regular cost (after Jan. 6) is $115/person. 

Current individual members of the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association (MLSA) are eligible to receive a $95 reimbursement upon successfully completing the course.

Your ELSE Board urges all Emerald and Sylvan Lakes residents to enroll in the 2025 Introduction to Lakes Online Course. This is an excellent opportunity to deepen your knowledge of our lakes, enhance your skills, and contribute to the sustainable management of our unique and cherished lakes.

For more information and to register, visit the course website: Introduction to Lakes Online - Natural Resources. You can also direct questions to me, a proud course alumnus, at dpatrickdvm@gmail.com. 

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Road Report - Jeff Parks

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The roads are still in pretty good shape, thanks to all of Kevin’s hard work grading them.  I went around on 31st of December to fill and grade out all of the potholes before the ground freezes again.  If anyone is thinking of asphalt this spring, please let Tim Piccard or myself know.  Please also let me know if you have any road-related concerns or road sections that need attention.  Have a great Winter!

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