The Wallooner | Winter 2021 that volume down. And when considering an anchoring spot, think about the Mackinaw State Forest just east of Camp Michigania instead of a sandbar – it’s a public space with a shallow bottom and beautiful scenery. You might even catch a glimpse of the resident bald eagles! • Boat washing rules apply to ALL boats. The Michigan State law includes, “after trailering boats and before getting on the road, boaters must pull drain plugs, drain water and remove plants and debris.” The WLAC will be installing more signage and boat washing stations to prevent the spread of invasive species! • Another area of confusion is what homeowners may or may not do to their own shoreline or property. While we would like to publish a simple set of guidelines, there are five different townships encompassing our lake, all with their own zoning and permitting policies. Shoreline rocks? Sand pit for the kids? Relandscaping? A rule of thumb is that if you are moving earth within 100 feet of the lake, you will likely need a permit. Please see Connor Dennis’ article (page 12) in this issue for more info on this topic.
Keeping Walloon healthy and vibrant for enjoyment now and for generations to come is our mission, but also all our individual responsibilities. Make a renewed effort to refresh your knowledge of boating rules and ensure your children, guests or other boat users in your house are up to speed. If making landscaping changes, reach out to the WLAC or your Township office to learn what regulations pertain to your planned improvements. We are all incredibly thankful to be part of the Walloon Lake community, and I am honored to serve you as President of the WLAC. As our dearly departed volunteer Ernie Mainland would say, “that neighbor helping neighbor mentality is what this place is all about!” I look forward to seeing you out on the water and in the preserves! Best,
Michael Hatch WLAC PRESIDENT
3
OUR ANNUAL REPORT
I
A Note from the Executive Director, Josephine Roberts
t is with immense gratitude that I share this Annual Report, which highlights the work you made possible in 20202021 and reflects your commitment to conserving and caring for Walloon Lake and its watershed. In this strange era of navigating a global pandemic, political divisiveness and local and national workforce crises, I am proud to say that because of you the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy - rather than stepping back - stepped up in remarkable ways. Our staff, board and volunteers understand very clearly that clean water, protected natural areas and safe land and water recreation can not be put on the back burner until life returns to “normal.” By uniting around our love
for Walloon Lake, we are making sustainable progress towards the idyllic vision we share for our lands, waters and community. Affecting positive and permanent change for the protection of Walloon Lake today, tomorrow and 100 years from now, doesn’t happen overnight. Some initiatives do not even take root from one season to the next. Our challenges - some days feel colossal - but our commitment is enduring. Each generation of Wallooners since before the inception of the historical Walloon Lake Association in 1910 has taken extraordinary strides to conserve and protect the natural resources of our beautiful lake so it may be enjoyed by all of us today. Together and individually the responsibility to carry this legacy forward lies with us.
2020 STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES PROGRAM SERVICES
55.2%
FUNDRAISING
11.4% MANAGEMENT & GENERAL
33.3%
2020 SUPPORT & REVENUES Membership Dues
$80,292
Annual Guardian Fund Campaign
$119,631
Charitable Support from Individuals - Other Pledges to the Guardian Fund and Special Projects Charitable Support from Foundations Memorials and Honorariums Land Donations/Land Sales/Stewardship Bequests Advertising Income Net Investment Income Other Total Support and Revenues
$11,329 $150,375 $15,400 $19,732 $1,236,294 $532,562 $31,225 $339,435 $1,768 $2,538,043
