Also Inside: Latest frog, toad survey stats Muskie production change Natural shoreline workshop www.oaklandlakefront.com
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LAKEFRONT www.oaklandlakefront.com Publisher
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Subscriptions: Paid subscriptions are available for $15 for 6 issues. Subscriptions can be placed by phoning the SCN Communications Group at 248.360.6397 or mailing payment to P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387-0014. Editorial: All editorial matter fully protected. All rights reserved. No portion, whole or part, may be reproduced without prior written permission. The name Oakland Lakefront is protected property. Advertising: Copy closing/space reservation deadline generally three weeks in advance of publication. Specific issue closing dates/editorial calendar available by phoning 248.360.6397.
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY OAKLAND LAKEFRONT • OAKLAND HOMES MONTHLYADVERTISER • WEST OAKLAND DIRECTORY
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May 2011 • Volume 20 • Number 2
contents Making a comeback Lakefront real estate hasn’t been immune to the housing crisis, but experts are seeing positive signs for those looking to snap up killer waterfront property in the current buyer’s market.
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17Stiffer regulations
State officials have signed a settlement agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to better regulate ballast water — which sometimes transports invasive aquatic species — from commercial vessels.
18Looking for Kermits
It’s not Miss Piggy searching for frogs, but instead Michigan residents as the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) — with the volunteers’ assistance — conducts the annual frog and toad survey.
57‘A key turning point’
The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has decided to raise Great Lakes muskies at its Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery this year as opposed to the northern muskies that have been raised there in the past.
31 Union Lake access 50The water’s a-risin’ 63 Helping your lake A Michigan official has signed a land transaction authorizing the state to purchase property adjacent to the former Aggressive Marine site on Union Lake, which will feature a new public boating access site.
in every issue
:
As Michigan residents bid adieu to the chilly months and say hello to summer, they’re being greeted by county lake levels that bode well for a problem-free 2011 boating season.
56 – Snapshot: Chris Nesbitt 61 – Snapshot: Pat McInnis
An upcoming workshop for lakefront property owners being presented by a coalition made up of the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the MSU Extension, and the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership will be held May 14.
66 – Port of Call: Sugden Lake 55 – Waterway Levels
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index of advertisers May 2011 • Volume 20 • Number 2 21st Century Building Company . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Action Watersports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Aerial Graphic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 American Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 American Soft Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Anns Canvas/ J & D’s Marine Services . . . . . . . . .68 Aquacide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Aqua Cleaner Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Aqua-Weed Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Bevs Canvas Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Bi-Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Blackbox Surf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Boating Supply Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 BoatLiftMotor.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Clarkston Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Colony Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2, 70 Commerce Ace Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Dave’s Mobile Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 DSL Marine Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Diversified Docks & Lifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Dock Squad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 ecoChic Landscape Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Farm Bureau Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Freeway Sports Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Goddard Talmay Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Goodbye Geese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Great Oaks Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Instant Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Lake Ponemah Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Lake WeedersDigest.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Landscape Magic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Livingston Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Marine Automated Dock System, Inc. . . . . . . . . .60 Michigan Rockscapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Michigan Solar Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Midwest Dock & Midwest Marine Services . . . . . .32 MotorCity Power Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Native Landscapes LLC/Lowrie’s Landscape . . . .68 Nick Page Landscaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Oak Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Oakland County Water Resources Commission .58 Pontoon Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Port of Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66, 67 Roll-n-Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Scott Aerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Scotty Lee Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 ShoreDocker.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Skiers Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Sparks Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Spider Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Stanz Custom Upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Summit Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Sunset Boats & Marine Services LLC . . . . . . . . . . .24 TT&C Beaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 The Pond Guy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Walts Point Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Weed Razer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Wildfire Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Wilson Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 X-Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
lakefront real estate Coldwell Banker/Weir Manuel . . . . . . . . . . . . .42, 43 Kendra McConnell Hurd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Karen Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Keller Williams - Commerce . . . . . . . . . .40, 41, 44 Steve/Janet Stockton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40, 41 Max Broock - Birmingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36, 37 Kathy Broock Ballard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36, 37 Morgan & Milzow Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Real Estate One - Clarkston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Barb McClure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Real Estate One - Milford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Cyndi Robinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 SKBK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55, 38 Lee Embrey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Prudential Great Lakes- Clarkston . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Brenda Brooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Prudential HWWB Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 John & Gayle Hannett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
WATERFRONT PROPERTIES C-21 Town & Country -Royal Oak . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Nancy Robinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Keller Williams - Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Jennifer Wrobelski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 SKBK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 David Busch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
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I
f you’ve always dreamed of living on a lake, now is the time to buy, according to real estate professionals who specialize in marketing lakefront properties around Oakland County. But while the current market conditions continue to favor buyers, the county’s lakefront market has become more competitive among buyers when it comes to move-inready homes; so, if you’re serious about buying, you’ll probably need to strike a deal fast. While inventory still remains high overall, there were 26.2 percent fewer residential listings on the market in March 2011 compared to March of last year, according to Realcomp in Farmington Hills, a provider of multiple listing services and real property data for Realtors. In March 2010, there were 11,041 total listings in the county, while in March of this year there were 8,149 residential and condominium properties up for sale in Oakland County. The average amount of time a property remained on the market as of March of this year was 107 days, according to Realcomp. This is four days longer, on average, compared to those properties listed as of March of last year. Lakefront properties listed as of March 2011 had remained on the market slightly longer at an average of 170 days. owever, many of those houses that are staying on the market longer are what would be considered “fixer-uppers.” And according to Lee Embry of SKBK Sotheby’s in Birmingham, most buyers in the market are looking for houses that are ready to be immediately occupied. “The market has changed considerably in the last three or four years,” he said. “(In the past,) people wanted to buy a house and fix it up — or buy it, tear it down, and rebuild. But right now people are buying homes that have already been fixed up and are ready to move into because banks are not making building loans and are not financing vacant property. Therefore, there are very few good homes on the market. There are still a lot of homes that need to be fixed up and those are just sitting there.” Cheryl Yeager of Real Estate One in Commerce Township agrees. “Price-wise it’s (still a buyer’s market), but trying to find the nice (homes) is a little harder,” she said. “There is a lot of competition for the good ones. There is a shortage of clean, ready-to-move-in houses, and if they are out there, typically there is more than one buyer for it out there.” “We’re seeing prices down on everything, so if there ever was a time for someone who ever wanted to be on the water, this is the time,” she added. “There are houses that are in good condition and still have good value for the buyer, but you have to sift through so many houses that aren’t so good. If it’s good, you have
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to move quickly because other people recognize it.” According to Cyndi Robinson of Real Estate One in Milford, she’s seeing the same thing. “We are getting multiple offers on lakefront properties,” she said. “Prices are low enough that it becomes a bidding war for a good one.” Bradley Jernigan of Century 21 Town & Country said he has also noticed that, with fewer houses of good quality on the lakefront market, people are quicker to make an offer on a nice house. “Inventory is much lower than in the past,” he said. “There’s less choice. It’s the time to make a move because when property comes on the market that represents good value, it goes quickly.” or example, Jernigan cited a lakefront property in Springfield Township that has a sale pending at $38,000. “Obviously it needs work, but to even buy a lot on an all-sports lake (for that price) is a great deal for someone looking to move onto a lake,” he said. And people recognized its value because the property sale was pending just 20 hours after it became available on the market, according to Jernigan. But it’s not just move-inready and “low-end property” that’s selling fast in northern Oakland County, Jernigan said. “There’s currently a home sale pending on Middle Straits Lake (in West Bloomfield Township),” he said. “It was originally listed at $1.2 million and sold for $875,000 — which is a great deal for a prestigious lake like Middle Straits. The price was lowered on March 25, and we had an offer four days later.” However, most buyers today aren’t as concerned with the “prestige” of a lake as they were in the past. Instead, it’s more about just being on a lake. “Lakefronts are more desirable, and there are a limited number of lakefronts as each lake can only have so many properties available,” said SKBK Sotheby’s Embry. “It’s not like you can go out and tear something down and erect another subdivision.” s for what county lakes are “most desirable” to live on, it all depends on what the buyer is looking for, according to area real estate professionals. “Obviously, people buying lakefront have to consider what they are using the lake for,” Jernigan said. “Do they want a larger, all-sports lake? A private lake? If they like to fish, they want something with less traffic. So we are seeing deals basically on all the lakes.” Real Estate One’s Yeager agrees. “It’s all in the eyes of the buyer,” she said. “Some want private, no-motors-allowed lakes, and some want bigger ones. It’s whatever suits their needs.” For some people, that depends on what school district the property is situated in.
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“Lakefronts in the Walled Lake and Huron Valley school districts sell more (in my area),” Real Estate One’s Robinson said. “I think school systems are a big draw because the people with lakefront (property) are typically people with kids — so they can boat, ski and Jet Ski. Lakes are family-oriented.” Yet, it essentially all boils down to the property itself. “I deal with lakes all day and all night long, and it looks like all the lakes are starting to sell again,” Embry said. “There’s no rhyme or reason to which lake is better. It’s what houses come up for sale on the lakes. If there is a good house that needs no work, has a good price, and has good value, the house will sell right away, no matter if it’s on Williams or Deer or Lake Angelus, Orchard or Pine (lakes). The buyers out there are savvy enough and looking at lakes enough that they know a good deal when they see one come on the market.” “It all has to do with the desirability of a property itself,” said Pam Ford Morgan of Morgan and Milzow in Clarkston. “It depends on now well it’s maintained and how well it’s priced.” nd prices right now are favoring the buyers in the market, due in part to a relatively large amount of inventory created by foreclosures and short sales. “There’s too much supply,” Robinson said. “There are a lot of distressed sellers, but there are also a lot of people who may not be in distress, but they lower their price just to compete. So it’s a good time to buy for people with money and a job.” Embry is on the same page as Robinson. “It looks like the homes that are selling are selling at record-low prices,” he said. Prices are also favoring buyers since many sellers have become more realistic in setting their asking prices. “Pricing is far more favorable now,” Ford Morgan said. “Sellers understand more where we are. I think a lot of lakefront owners were hoping for a quicker recovery. I think now they are more realistic.” owever, not every seller has made adequate price corrections. Ford Morgan said there are still lakefront homes on the market that are “grossly overpriced,” and Century 21 Town & Country’s Jernigan said he has seen the same thing. “I think more people are getting realistic about the value of their homes, although not all because some have that personal connection to the home,” he said. “So they won’t accept what a real estate agent says is a
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realistic price. They won’t accept what the market is telling them.” This can pose problems for some buyers, according to SKBK Sotheby’s Embry. “There’s still a lot of homes that need price corrections, but for the people who have already made corrections it’s a problem because in the market, buyers can’t differentiate between what’s already been corrected and what hasn’t,” he said. “So the buyer comes in with 30 percent below the asking price whether it has already been corrected or still needs to be corrected.” nd although there will always be people looking for a better, cheaper deal on a house, for the most part, Realtors agree today’s buyers are more educated. “I think buyers have a better understanding of where we are in the market,” Ford Morgan said. “I don’t see so many people looking for a real great deal because I think most people realize houses are priced well. Buyers are very educated.” Real Estate One’s Yeager agrees. “If it’s something they want, they need to step up to the plate and not hold out (for lower prices),” she said. “And when they see a good deal, they are stepping up because they are so educated.” While it seems that both sellers and buyers are now more educated, some Realtors say they believe that price corrections have almost gone too far, a symptom due in part to appraisals. “Banks make it a buyer’s market because they are artificially keeping prices of homes down because of appraisal issues,” Embry said. “In order for you to get a mortgage on a house, you have to have an appraisal on the property, and there aren’t enough comparable (home sales) out there to get appraisals on a house. And with foreclosures, banks are not appraising properties correctly.” “Banks have done an over-correction in the wrong direction,” Yeager said. “There are good houses out there, but they’re not appraising (correctly) because of the deflated prices from foreclosures and short sales.” evertheless, Realtors specializing in Oakland County lakefront properties remain optimistic about their prospects for the remainder of 2011. “In 2009, we had a minimum amount of houses sold on lakefronts, and in 2010 we doubled what we sold in 2009,” Embry said. “Now we’re on our way to double that again this year, which is still not getting us back to
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where we were but if we can double everything each year, we might get back eventually. And the upper-end lakefront homes seem to be coming back. They were virtually at a standstill in 2009. But they doubled (sales) in 2010, and it’s on line to more than double this year. And we are talking about $1 million-plus homes here.” A big part of that is because there have been such dramatic decreases in sales prices. Ford Morgan said she’s seen a slight increase in home sales because of slashed prices across the board. “Houses on the market were $500,000 and are now selling at $400,000,” she said. “The reason they are selling is because they are priced more favorably.” Century 21 Town & Country’s Jernigan and Real Estate One’s Yeager agree. “Sales have actually gone up a little from last year due to inventory levels,” Jernigan said. “That’s why people are seeing more sales, because people are realizing homes won’t be staying on the market as they have in prior years. If they are going to make a move this year, they need to be serious.” “If someone’s hanging on the fence, there is never going to be a better time (to buy), between prices and interest rates,” Yeager said. “If they wait, they may look back sometime in the future and ask themselves why.” lthough it will take a while for the county’s lakefront real estate market to favor sellers again, Realtors also say they feel the values for lakefront homes are showing signs of edging upward. “They are increasing because they already hit bottom,” Jernigan said. “The market got rid of people who had to sell. Now people might want to sell, but they don’t have to. They don’t have to sell unless they get their price. Before, they were forced to sell because they found a job elsewhere.” And while some agree with Jernigan, others remain cautious. “I hope they’re at a bottom now and stabilizing somewhat,” Yeager said. “But I think we really won’t know until get past the lakefront time this year, which is typically as the weather breaks — through the summer is when people get the bug for it.” According to several Oakland County assessors, lakefront property assessments continued to slide in most communities last year, just as non-lakefront residential property values did. In some communities, lakefront property values are falling at the same rate as non-lakefront residential properties in the same
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community. That’s a departure from recent history and tradition — lakefront residential real estate traditionally has increased in value at a greater rate than nonlakefront residential properties, or at least held its value more so than homes situated away from the water. But, not any more in some county communities. pringfield Township Assessor Vicki Sievers said she saw virtually no difference between the declining value rates among lakefront and non-lakefront residential properties in her community, based on 2010 sales prices. “(2010) wasn’t the first year we’ve experienced that,” she said. “It was about the same in 2009. It’s a trend we’ve been seeing for a few years. According to Sievers, both lakefront residential properties and non-lakefront residential properties in the community declined in value over the last year by an average of 7.5 percent. Waterford Township Assessor Don Wood said he also saw a parallel decline in values for lakefront and nonlakefront residential properties during 2010. “Both values are falling,” he said. “Both (lakefront and non-lakefront residential properties) fell about 14 percent. Now, some went down 20 percent, some just 8 percent — it’s been all over the place. But on average, (lakefront and non-lakefront homes) went down at the same rate last year.” Yet, Wood said lakefront residential property is still more valuable than non-lakefront residential property. “We’ve always had two levels of residential property — lakefront and non-lakefront,” he said. “Non-lakefront historically has a lower value. If you have a 2,500square-foot non-lakefront house, the same 2,500square-foot house on a lake still costs more. It’s just that they’re losing value at the same rate. They’re parallel.” n some cases, the drop in lakefront values wasn’t as great as it was for non-lakefront residential property values in the same community. West Bloomfield Township Assessor Lisa Hobart, who last year at this time reported that lakefront home values fell for the first time in that community based on 2009 sales comparisons, said lakefront property values fell 6.5 percent over the last year, while non-lakefront home values fell by an average of 7.9 percent. “This would be more representative of the traditional, historical wisdom (that lakefront property holds its value better than non-lakefront property),” she said. ❏
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2010 WATERFRONT SALES IN OAKLAND The following represents sales of waterfront improved property and homes during the calendar year 2010 in Oakland County. Waterfront improved property is an assessment category for tax purposes which includes both lakefront property and property with access to water. As recorded with the county of Oakland, and complied by the First American Real Estate Solutions, the list shows the community of filing, the address of the property, and the sales price. Under Michigan law, buyers have up to one year to record a purchase, therefore not all 2010 sales may be represented in this compilation. BLOOMFIELD HILLS 1845 Lakeview Ct $575,000 4124 Lakeridge Ln $215,000 CLARKSTON 144 N Holcomb Rd 3247 Mann Rd 3445 Mann Rd 4603 Ennismore Dr 4611 Ennismore Dr 4679 Ennismore Dr 4716 Clinton Dr 4743 Owasco Ct 4751 Owasco Ct 4824 Harding Ave 4833 Harding Ave 4889 Menominee Ln 4947 Ennismore Dr 5025 Forest Valley Dr 5052 Timber Lake Trl 5126 W Harvard Ave 5228 Bronco Dr 6043 N Bay 6051 Middle Lake Rd 6615 Wellesley Ter 71 N Main St 7199 Deer Lake Ct 7374 Deer Lake Rd 7755 Perry Lake Rd 7768 Phelan Dr 782 Shrewsbury Dr 7930 Dixie Hwy 8585 Waumegah Ct 8649 Sequoyah Ct 9039 Stonehause Ct 91 N Main St 9101 Bridge Lake Rd 9137 Evee Rd 9489 Cherrywood Rd 9494 Sashabaw Rd 9625 Norman Rd 9844 Dixie Hwy 9870 Dixie Hwy 9881 Marmora
1045 1076 1740 1836 1930 2030 2942 3260 3274 3326 3364 3392 3400
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$131,000 $210,000 $228,500 $174,000 $194,000 $365,000 $235,000 $319,000 $305,000 $55,000 $184,000 $200,000 $306,000 $1,000,000 $300,000 $171,000 $170,000 $36,000 $225,000 $205,000 $489,900 $530,000 $1,694,000 $250,000 $637,300 $303,409 $208,000 $180,000 $485,000 $540,000 $200,000 $88,000 $240,000 $473,403 $180,000 $218,000 $215,000 $79,900 $27,650
COMMERCE TOWNSHIP Vollmers St $70,000 Clara St $212,000 W Oakley Park Rd $129,900 Morgan Rd $85,000 Nacona $35,000 Meadow Ridge Dr $212,500 Ravinewood Dr $283,000 Edgewood Park Dr $205,017 Adele Ter $63,000 Union Lake Rd $82,900 Benstein Rd $245,000 Ledgewood Ct W $365,000 Sutton Ln $450,000
MAY 2011
COMMERCE TOWNSHIP 3425 Buss Dr $146,100 3467 Newton Rd $810,000 3518 Moberly Rd $245,000 3544 Ravinewood Ct $370,000 3559 Raftwood Dr $380,000 3838 Vanstone Dr $192,000 3927 Lakes Edge Dr $375,000 3931 N Vanstone Dr $223,000 3965 N Vanstone Dr $300,000 4032 N Vanstone Dr $210,000 4143 Caney $226,800 4349 Achilla St $188,900 4443 Ravinewood Dr $297,000 4476 Driftwood Dr $515,000 4688 Driftwood Dr $430,000 4792 Driftwood Dr $295,000 4830 Surfwood Dr $370,000 486 Charlevoix St $166,900 5035 Surfwood Dr $425,000 5125 Winewood Ln $405,000 5493 Leafwood Dr $230,000 5541 Leafwood Ct $375,000 567 Sherbrooke St $145,000 6010 Amadore St $114,900 6084 Brockway St $44,900 6127 Borowy Dr $75,846 6152 Borowy Dr $172,900 7905 Farrant St $350,000 8065 Locklin Ln $705,000 8091 Farrant St $238,000 8294 Lagoon St “$85,000 8306 Cascade St $142,500 8385 Tamarron Dr $291,000 8459 Arlis St $278,664 8575 Edgewood Park Dr $1,000,000 8603 Hibbing St $72,000 8690 Golfside Dr $106,900 8864 Orrick St $150,968 9373 Boncrest St $217,615 DAVISBURG 10118 King Rd 10362 King Rd 10470 King Rd 10505 Clark Rd 11310 Hillman 16150 Tindall Rd 5917 Claypool 7700 Dilley Rd 8251 Pine Lake Dr 8690 Shore Dr 8709 Sherwood Dr 9260 Osprey Bay Cir
$167,870 $201,156 $200,000 $175,000 $500,000 $200,000 $80,000 $225,000 $379,900 $230,000 $155,100 $17,000
FENTON 13480 Iroquois Woods Dr 13516 Iroquois Woods Dr 18399 Pellett Dr
$240,000 $180,000 $144,000
HIGHLAND 1030 Dunleavy Dr 1210 Craven Dr 1927 Grove 1943 Grove 1985 Oakland 2071 Lake Ct 2104 Elkhorn Dr 223 Peninsula Lake Dr 2274 N Duck Lake Rd 2334 N Duck Lake Rd 2959 Tes Dr 2960 Fry Rd 2960 Tes Dr 3043 Lakeview Blvd 3085 Lakeview Blvd 3191 Beaumont Dr 3191 Highland Blvd 3230 Ramada Dr 3281 Ramada Dr 3334 Ramada Dr 3340 Lakeview Dr 3449 S Woodland Dr 3483 Lakeview Blvd 3660 Lakeview Dr 3780 Chapin Dr 3978 Chanda Ct 4041 Flynn 4056 Araby Ct 4114 N Duck Lake Rd 4201 Hunters Dr 648 Tierney 810 Joshua Dr 910 Dunleavy Dr 961 Woodruff Lake Dr
$98,000 $152,111 $255,000 $235,000 $109,600 $117,500 $175,000 $48,926 $287,000 $95,885 $165,000 $490,000 $155,000 $108,625 $115,100 $500,000 $145,000 $112,800 $440,000 $369,500 $305,000 $177,000 $148,000 $80,000 $170,000 $220,000 $140,000 $128,000 $372,500 $120,000 $145,750 $226,000 $142,000 $129,000
HOLLY 10585 Tamryn Blvd 10599 Tamryn Blvd 111 Clarence St 1115 Lambert Dr 1131 Old Leake Ct 11348 Martin Dr 301 E Maple St 3418 Belford Rd 4323 Moonlight Dr 4402 Grange Hall Rd 4418 Grange Hall Rd 4491 Impala Dr 521 Riviera Shores Dr 5481 Shields Rd 6093 S Shore Dr 6899 Big Trail Rd 6899 Big Trail Rd 701 S Broad St 704 Hartner Dr 818 Canyon Creek Dr 836 Holly Bush Dr 8535 Tipsico Trl
$137,000 $122,000 $52,000 $195,000 $130,410 $68,750 $58,194 $108,000 $62,000 $132,678 $102,500 $115,900 $120,000 $202,000 $130,000 $150,000 $150,000 $63,600 $80,000 $137,000 $121,480 $197,000
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HOLLY Tipsico Lake Rd Cole St Bloomhill Dr Cambridge Acres Ct
$460,000 $134,900 $76,000 $138,000
INDEPENDENCE 9088 Sashabaw Rd
$220,000
KEEGO HARBOR Maddy Ln Cass Lake Front Rd Cass Lake Front Rd Willow Beach St Kenrick St
$254,500 $130,000 $350,000 $192,500 $144,900
8750 8915 9792 9950
1661 1738 1762 2066 3175
LAKE ORION 1064 Inca Trl 1074 Abseguami Trl 1123 Beach Dr 1125 Elkhorn Lake Rd 1242 Heights Rd 1275 Lake Shore Blvd 1285 Lake Shore Blvd 1324 Maple Pt 1356 Marina Pointe Blvd 1373 Signal Ln 1399 Paul Blvd 141 Franklin Wright Blvd 1410 Heights Rd 1427 Beach Dr 1545 Nancy G Ln 164 Overlake Dr 1664 S Newman Rd 2480 S Baldwin Rd 2560 Browning Dr 2730 Judah Rd 2826 Keats Ln 295 Bunny Run Blvd 300 Pine Tree Rd 319 Willow Ln 330 Pine Tree Rd 3409 Mahopac Dr 369 Franklin Wright Blvd 3725 Mount Vernon Dr 3733 Mount Vernon Dr 374 Gan Eden Dr 3753 Mount Vernon Dr 3765 Mount Vernon Dr 384 Shorewood Ct 415 Shady Oaks St 429 Franklin Wright Blvd 458 Shorewood Ct 4613 Dora Ln 4640 Dora Ln 47 Sheron St 484 Indian Lake Rd 636 Lawson Dr 670 Fernhurst Dr 790 Tonkawa Trl 90 Shorewood Ct 903 S Long Lake Blvd 975 Manitou Ln
$227,000 $159,000 $65,000 $155,000 $262,000 $286,000 $370,000 $131,000 $289,900 $365,000 $82,000 $375,000 $230,000 $83,600 $143,400 $269,000 $105,000 $351,000 $390,000 $50,000 $253,323 $79,000 $195,000 $153,900 $155,000 $146,700 $401,000 $265,000 $285,000 $100,000 $275,000 $180,000 $113,000 $270,000 $396,000 $147,000 $130,000 $310,000 $335,000 $265,000 $27,000 $141,000 $370,000 $124,000 $132,500 $345,000
LEONARD 1661 Rochester Rd 1845 Rochester Rd 621 Gravel Ridge Rd
$221,900 $130,000 $175,000
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MILFORD 2922 Hampikian Dr 2954 Hampikian Dr 3093 Granda Vista Dr 3872 S Shoreline Dr 901 Pearson Dr 907 Pearson Dr 952 Hillside Dr 983 Pearson Dr
$175,000 $110,000 $135,000 $590,000 $50,000 $100,000 $187,800 $104,000
ORCHARD LAKE 1 Walnut Ln $700,000 3151 W Shore Dr $2,600,000 3238 Erie Dr $880,000 3699 Wards Point Dr $550,000 3707 Wards Point Dr $465,000 3781 Indian Trl $1,000,000 4780 Old Orchard Trl $2,210,000 5523 Shore Dr $370,000 ORION TOWNSHIP 923 Pine Tree Rd W $182,000 ORTONVILLE 1625 Inner Dr 1635 Woodfield St 1700 Inner Dr 1709 Woodfield St 1712 Woodfield St 1744 Patterson St 1785 Viola Dr 1833 Manorhaven St 1855 Ardsley Dr 1859 Glenfield Rd 1870 Dunwoodie St 1910 Lake Pointe Dr 1969 Viola Dr 2010 Palisades Dr 2087 Dunwoodie Ct 2120 Hardy Ln 2151 Dunwoodie St 2186 Dunwoodie St 2328 Allen Rd 3522 Lakeview Dr 3529 Lakeview Dr 358 E Glass Rd 4109 Hummer Lake Rd 650 Garland Rd
$85,000 $108,000 $50,000 $79,900 $40,000 $30,000 $100,000 $44,900 $74,900 $180,000 $119,000 $150,000 $124,000 $132,000 $134,000 $180,000 $158,400 $139,900 $185,000 $78,000 $68,000 $146,000 $32,996 $181,000
OXFORD 1193 Seymour Lake Rd 1209 Seymour Lake Rd 1236 Beemer Ct 1410 Glass Lake Cir 15 Oakwood Dr 1550 Glass Lake Cir 1563 Deer Path Trl 1577 Wood Trl 1607 Deer Path Trl 1721 Wood Trl 1756 Driftwood Ct 1835 Seymour Lake Rd 1835 Squaw Lagoon Dr 1980 Lakesview Dr 269 Spezia Dr 318 Franklin Lake Cir 341 Ridgemont Rd 355 Lakes Edge Dr
$163,000 $285,000 $136,000 $295,000 $135,000 $315,000 $375,000 $400,000 $483,600 $355,000 $193,500 $154,500 $375,000 $145,000 $116,324 $225,000 $280,000 $180,000
440 462 480 493 525 580 582 599 606 610 660 730 820 947
OXFORD Lakes Edge Dr Harwood Ct Lakes Edge Dr Tanview Dr Lakes Edge Dr Maloney St Southshore Dr Tanview Dr Bay Pointe Dr Southshore Dr Maloney St Lakes Edge Dr Island Lake Dr W Peninsula Ct
$169,900 $312,000 $135,000 $210,000 $137,000 $110,000 $310,000 $155,000 $350,000 $321,200 $39,000 $177,000 $211,000 $246,000
PONTIAC 40 54 72 74
Myra Myra Myra Myra
Ave Ave Ave Ave
$41,000 $29,900 $37,800 $42,000
SYLVAN LAKE 2469 Pontiac Dr 2520 Garland St
$550,000 $545,000
WATERFORD 1137 Oregon Blvd 1227 Bamford Dr 1253 Bamford Dr 1274 S Cass Lake Rd 1292 Brambles Dr 1324 Labrosse Dr 1373 Kessler Ave 1397 Oklahoma St 1444 Otter Ave 1478 Otter Ave 1661 Ladue 1739 Eason 1750 Eason 1751 Eason 1807 Watkins Lake Rd 2115 Watkins Lake Rd 2589 Sylvan Shores Dr 2641 Sylvan Shores Dr 2653 Silverside Rd 2668 Silverside Rd 3118 Lexington Rd 3235 Mccormick Dr 3538 Lexington Rd 3622 Covert Rd 3638 Covert Rd 365 Cove View Dr 3760 Cottage Grove Ave 3774 Covert Rd 402 Beverly Island Dr 415 S Cass Lake Rd 4260 S Shore St 4415 Motorway Dr 4430 S Shore St 4837 Motorway Dr 4855 Elizabeth Lake Rd 5023 Coshocton Dr 5105 Reymont Rd 6590 Hatchery Rd 2516 Desmond 2706 N Lake Dr 2820 Sunderland
$337,000 $45,000 $129,000 $107,000 $245,000 $430,000 $800,000 $250,000 $140,000 $64,000 $175,000 $290,000 $149,000 $175,000 $315,000 $380,000 $250,000 $370,229 $175,000 $225,000 $165,000 $144,900 $112,000 $212,000 $400,000 $227,500 $265,000 $235,000 $280,000 $230,000 $148,000 $800,000 $270,000 $450,000 $82,500 $152,500 $67,000 $427,000 $340,000 $237,000 $180,000
OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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2987 3089 3119 3164 3189 3209 3221 3231 3255 3489 3495 3647 3795 3834 3845 3870 3883 4007 4071 4131 4132 4150 4181 4185 4205 4431 4620 4684 4768 4777 5039 5067 5836 5854 5938 5942 5975 6001 6072 6657 6664 6761 6777 6780 6837 7044 7080 7122 7182 7328
WATERFORD Stephanie Ct Saint Jude Dr Sleaford Dr Loon Lake Shores Rd Mann Rd Shawnee Ln Shawnee Ln Whitfield Dr Wormer Dr Whitfield Dr Clintonville Rd Dill Dr Lakewood Dr Island Park Dr Dorothy Ln Embarcadero St Iris Dr Lotus Dr Lotus Dr Windiate Park Dr Meyers Rd Aquarina St Meyers Rd Aquarina St Lakewood Dr Major Ave Midland Ave Midland Ave Sylvester Ave Shoreline Blvd Shoreline Blvd Shoreline Blvd Andersonville Rd Pleasant Dr Pleasant Dr Andersonville Rd Rolton Ct Rowley Blvd Waterfront Dr Lanman Dr Longworth Dr Williams Lake Rd Desmond Rd Desmond Rd Williams Lake Rd Desmond Rd Williams Lake Rd Terrell St Terrell St Maceday Lake Rd
$280,000 $380,000 $193,000 $295,000 $187,500 $175,000 $200,000 $137,000 $255,000 $250,000 $180,000 $95,000 $275,000 $265,000 $395,000 $193,000 $175,000 $242,000 $475,000 $435,000 $156,500 $243,000 $299,750 $185,100 $280,000 $247,850 $194,500 $201,000 $210,000 $165,700 $167,000 $190,000 $7,500 $192,000 $158,000 $154,000 $240,000 $109,000 $154,000 $273,000 $299,900 $275,000 $326,500 $350,000 $200,100 $99,000 $125,000 $200,000 $362,000 $307,555
2052 2100 2185 2204 2362 2407 2609
WEST BLOOMFIELD S Hammond Lake Rd Cross Lake Dr Locklin Ln Locklin Ln N Pine Center St Circle Dr Warner Dr
$260,000 $84,184 $850,000 $625,000 $305,243 $455,000 $166,500
MAY 2011
2670 3742 4766 4781 4850 4915 5386 5720 5751 5900 5905 6165 6506 6606 6636 6655 6740 6755 6969 7080 7441 7529 7686 7910 7920 7931 7950
WEST BLOOMFIELD Comfort St $1,065,000 Elder Rd S $831,500 Lockhart St $148,000 Linwood St $800,000 Lockhart St $183,000 Grand Ct $289,000 Putnam Dr $390,000 Glen Eagles Dr $170,000 Euclid Dr $600,000 Glen Eagles Dr $180,000 Upper Straits Blvd $1,034,000 Upper Straits Blvd $566,000 Leytonstone Blvd $263,000 Leytonstone Blvd $150,000 Leytonstone Blvd $60,000 Pinnock $312,000 Commerce Rd $800,000 Alden Dr $350,000 Dandison Ct $450,000 Colony Dr $750,000 Locklin $270,000 Locklin $425,000 Barnsbury Dr $300,000 Barnsbury Ave $365,000 Barnsbury Ave $240,000 Eldora $380,000 Barnsbury Ave $259,663
WHITE LAKE 10082 Cedar Shrs 10199 Lakeside Dr 1025 Pawgrove Ct 1056 Round Lake Rd 10700 Bogie Lake Rd 1078 Lake Lane Dr 10934 Hillway St 1100 Clearwater St 11225 Sugden Lake Rd 1160 Maple Heights Dr 1160 Sugden Lake Rd 1194 Castlewood St 1194 Clearwater St 1233 Grove Point Dr 1345 Cooley Approach St 1371 Sugden Lake Rd 1385 Sugden Lake Rd 1700 Teggerdine Rd 2094 Kingston St 2204 Wiggen Ln 2205 Wiggen Ln 2248 Kingston St 2260 Kingston St 2401 Orchard Ln 2531 Ridge Rd 2615 Tackles Dr 2901 Ripple Way 3267 Ripple Way 3638 Jackson Blvd 3690 Jackson Blvd
$220,000 $170,000 $170,000 $166,000 $521,363 $180,000 $87,000 $450,000 $95,000 $145,000 $44,000 $205,000 $146,000 $79,900 $27,000 $100,000 $292,500 $187,500 $57,000 $60,000 $115,000 $125,000 $229,900 $48,711 $385,000 $163,000 $115,000 $205,000 $94,500 $135,000
WHITE LAKE 4141 Lake Stison Dr 420 Lakeview Dr 4354 Leroy Ct 450 Coledale Dr 515 Woodstone Ct 531 N Ponchartrain St 624 Oakcrest Ln 650 Ranveen St 6605 Ellinwood Dr 6984 Biscayne Ave 7209 Ellingrove Dr 7233 Ellingrove Dr 7298 Capri Dr 7416 Capri Dr 7514 Capri Dr 76 Croutty St 785 Hilltop Dr 7885 Biscayne Ave 805 Cedar Bay Ct 8840 Charbane St 8851 Lakeview Dr 8866 Arlington St 8875 Lakeview Dr 8882 Arlington St 8890 Arlington St 8941 Tackles Dr 8991 Tackles Dr 9011 Gale Rd 9016 Pontiac Lake Rd 9359 Gale Rd 9366 Bonnie Briar St 9403 Cedar Island Rd 9441 Bonnie Briar St 9452 Beechcrest St 9463 Bonnie Briar St 9489 Cooks Ct 9500 Bonnie Briar St 9510 Beechcrest St 9510 Garforth St 9651 Steephollow Dr 9914 Highland Rd 9933 Burgess Ct
$198,000 $120,100 $38,250 $239,900 $250,000 $342,900 $165,000 $180,000 $139,000 $133,000 $235,000 $125,000 $150,000 $155,250 $125,000 $220,000 $513,480 $250,000 $235,000 $527,000 $220,000 $184,500 $149,000 $196,000 $180,000 $129,000 $180,000 $158,000 $200,900 $140,000 $150,000 $92,500 $150,113 $190,000 $135,000 $181,264 $235,000 $215,000 $114,900 $297,800 $190,000 $235,000
WOLVERINE LAKE 1080 Lakeview Dr $382,500 1216 Lakeview Dr $130,000 1245 Delmonte St $355,000 160 Wolverine Dr $180,000 1837 Shankin Dr $662,500 1861 Ladd Rd $160,000 210 Oak Island Dr $325,000 2125 Helmsford Dr $169,000 2160 Newport Ct $139,000 258 Angola St $175,000 282 Oak Island Dr $240,000 284 Angola St $355,000 696 Wolverine Dr $178,000 776 Wolverine Dr $205,000 798 Wolverine Dr $250,000 801 Laguna Dr $135,000 841 Laguna Dr $405,000
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tate officials have the ballast water of Great signed a settlement Lakes freighters and agreement with the trans-Atlantic ships U.S. Environmental include the round goby, Protection Agency (EPA) spiny water flea, ruffe, to better regulate ballast and zebra mussel, among water from commercial many others. Millions of vessels. dollars have been spent Although the EPA in attempts to curb the issued its first “Vessel ecological and General Permit” (VGP) in commercial damage 2009 to help regulate these invasive species invasive species can wreak on native transported in ballast species and the water, Michigan — along environment. The current with other Great Lakes settlement agreement states and environmental outlines a process for organizations — felt it the EPA to establish was inadequate to common protective protect the Great Lakes, standards for ballast as the EPA only required water discharges in U.S. ships to use the waters. A few key antiquated “swish and measures include spit” saltwater flushing facilitating regional process as opposed to communication for more modern ballast ballast water regulation, water treatment arranging for scientific technologies. reports to speed up “The Great Lakes the time line for the define the state of From top to bottom: Round Goby, Quagga Mussels and Spiny Water Flea next VGP issuance, Michigan,” said Gov. Rick and providing Snyder in press release. information on the development of the next VGP “But our waters are now home to more than 180 requirements. aquatic invaders, introduced and spread by The EPA’s current VGP expires on Dec. 19, unregulated ballast water. I urge the EPA to move 2013, but the current settlement calls for the EPA swiftly on plans to offer a long-term protection to draft the next VGP by Nov. 30, 2011, with a strategy for the Great Lakes.” new final VGP due by Nov. 30, 2012. ❏ Some of the invasive species introduced through www.oaklandlakefront.com
OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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wetland sites. These sites are visited three times ith the warming of temperatures, many during spring when frogs and toads are actively frogs and toads are rising from their breeding. Observers listen for calling frogs and toads winter slumbers and thawing out from the at each site, identify the species present, and make chilly months — some of them quite literally. an estimate on species abundance. The North American wood frog’s heart actually Sargent said the bulk of these sites are within stops beating, its organs shut down, and its body Oakland and Kalamazoo counties. remains frozen during the cold winter months. Yet, In order to identify the frog and toad calls, each as soon as the temperature rises above freezing, it volunteer receives a CD with recordings of native comes back to life and joins its fellow anurans — frog and toad calls. frogs and toads — in song. “There are only 13 species in the state, so its However, they are not singing for the joy of nothing like learning bird calls. The frog calls are as spring. They are singing to get lucky. distinct as bird calls,” Sargent said. Like male songbirds, male frogs and toads call James Harding, an outreach wildlife specialist at out to attract females in the hopes of extending the Michigan State University and co-author of family line. They will also call out to defend their “Michigan Frogs, Toads and territories. Salamanders,” agrees that As most frogs and toads the calls of frogs and toads begin actively breeding in are recognizable, making it the spring, this makes it an easier to conduct a listening ideal time for the Michigan survey. Department of Natural “Frogs are very vocal in the Resources (DNR) to start spring and are predictable in conducting its annual frog their breeding habitats,” he and toad survey, a listening said. “Since they breed at survey conducted by certain times and have volunteers all over the recognizable calls, you are state. able to survey by their This annual survey — voices by simply going out now in its 16th year — to the edge of a pond and helps biologists keep track listening for sounds. It of the frog and toad makes it very easy to survey, population and distribution and it can detect the ups in Michigan. and downs in a population Since the 1980s, very quickly.” declining populations of Michigan has 11 native frogs, toads, and other species of frogs and two amphibians have been native toad species. documented worldwide. American Bullfrog The native frogs are the According to studies, Blanchard’s cricket frog, habitat loss, pollution, bullfrog, gray treefrog, disease, and collection have Cope’s treefrog, green frog, all contributed to the decreasing mink frog, northern leopard frog, northern spring amphibian numbers. peeper, pickerel frog, western chorus frog, and the “It’s important to have long-term monitoring wood frog — the one that remains a popsicle in the programs,” said Lori Sargent, the DNR’s frog and winter months. toad survey coordinator. “There’s only one other The native toads include the Fowler’s toad and statewide volunteer frog survey in the country that’s the eastern American toad. older than Michigan’s, and that’s Wisconsin’s. The The eastern American toad is a short, stocky longer you can keep a monitoring program going, amphibian with dry, warty skin and short legs. the more you will know about the species and their Unlike most frogs, these toads make short hops as population cycles, if any. (Through this survey), we opposed to long leaps. American toads can be gray, have collected a large, valuable data set to help us brown, reddish brown, tan or olive and usually have evaluate the condition of Michigan’s frog and toad dark spots on their back which encircle one or two populations.” of the larger warts. The toads usually have dark According to Sargent, the survey is conducted by spotting on their whitish or yellowish throat or belly. volunteer observers along a statewide system of American toads are usually found in open permanent survey routes, each consisting of 10
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woodlands and wood edges but have also been found in meadows, marshes, lakeshores and suburban gardens. They are often found moving about on rainy or humid nights. During hot, dry periods or the winter months, they bury themselves in moist soil or plant debris using their hind feet as shovels. Their call is a long, high-pitched trill that lasts up to 30 seconds. The Fowler’s toad is found in southern Michigan, but not in Oakland County. Fowler’s toads are brown, gray, olive green or tan with large irregular dark spots on their backs. Most of the large spots contain three or more warts. The belly is typically white with a few dark spots. These toads prefer open woods and fields with sandy soils. Like the American toad, during certain times of the year they burrow into the ground but they are more likely to be active during the day. Their call is a low-pitched, nasal “waaaa” which can carry for a considerable distance and lasts one to four seconds. The Blanchard’s cricket frog is a tiny frog with moist, warty skin and a pointed snout. Their hind legs are long with a dark stripe on their inner leg. Cricket frogs are brown, tan or olive green on the upper part of their body and most have a dark, triangle-shaped mark between their eyes. Some may also have a green, brown or reddish stripe down the back. Gray Treefrog Blanchard’s cricket frogs live on the edges of permanent ponds, lakes, floodings and streams. They prefer habitats that are open, muddy and partly vegetated. Their call sounds like pebbles being clicked together with an increasing tempo. They are listed by the state as a threatened species. The western chorus frog is a very small, striped frog with a light line along its upper lip. Another dark stripe runs from the snout through the eye and along the side to the groin. Three other dark brown or gray stripes run down the back, but the stripes can be broken into rows of spots. These frogs are usually brown, tan, gray, olive or a rare rusty orange. They have bellies that are white and their toes expand into small discs. Chorus frogs live in numerous habitats, including marshes, meadows, fallow farm fields and damp
woodlands. These frogs are rarely seen during breeding season but can sometimes be found under logs or boards in moist places. Their call is a short, rising, squeaking trill that sounds like someone running their fingernail across the teeth of a pocket comb. The northern spring peeper is the most common frog in Michigan. They are very small and usually brown or tan. They have adhesive pads on the tips of their toes. Most have an X-shaped mark on their back, but it isn’t always intact. A dark line is usually found between the eyes, and their bellies are white or cream colored. Peepers live in swamps, woodlands and overgrown meadows. Their calls sound like a highpitched “peep” and a large chorus can be very loud. Males also emit a lowerpitched trill to warn other males that intrude in their calling territories. Gray treefrogs are another common species in Oakland County. These treefrogs have moist, warty skin and large adhesive toe pads. They range in color from gray to green or brown, and can also change between shades of those colors. Most gray treefrogs have irregular dark blotches on their backs and legs, with a white spot beneath each eye. Their bellies are white and the undersides of their hind legs and groin are bright golden yellow. Gray treefrogs like to live in damp woods and wooded swamps but they can adapt to live in suburb and farmland areas. They make a trill call usually when perched on high vegetation or over water. The green frog is another species likely to be found in Oakland County. They are green, yellowish green, olive or brown. They often have some dark spots on their backs and sides with dark bands across the legs. They have a ridge of skin that starts at the top of each ear drum and extends down the back. Their bellies are white with grayish molting. Green frogs like inland waters, ponds, lakes, marshes, wooded swamps and the banks of streams and rivers. Their calls are a single note and sound like a plucked banjo string, or a “clung.” The bullfrog, also commonly found in Oakland County, is perhaps the frog most affected by the
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FROG AND TOAD SURVEY RESULTS FOR ZONE 1 (Includes Oaklzand County) 2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
Bullfrog
1.30
2.88
1.20
1.25
1.25
1.12
1.20
1.13
1.28
1.22
1.17
1.21
1.21
1.25
Fowler’s Toad
0
0
1.50
1.00
1.33
1.20
1.60
1.35
1.14
1.45
1.39
1.38
1.23
1.49
Woodfrog
2.10
1.82
1.92
1.99
1.69
1.94
1.71
1.83
1.86
1.82
1.58
1.90
1.74
1.73
Western Chorus Frog
1.60
1.65
1.72
1.69
1.60
1.73
1.70
1.70
1.64
1.72
1.59
1.64
1.65
1.62
Spring Peeper
2.10
2.15
2.16
2.25
2.21
2.15
2.23
2.23
2.24
2.28
2.25
2.23
2.24
2.21
Northern Leopard Frog
1.20
1.27
1.26
1.38
1.20
1.37
1.21
1.30
1.25
1.22
1.12
1.29
1.27
1.21
Pickerel Frog
1.20
1.25
1.00
1.00
1.58
1.25
1.45
1.20
1.64
1.00
1.00
1.36
1.32
1.17
American Toad
1.60
1.66
1.60
1.61
1.62
1.55
1.55
1.57
1.52
1.51
1.56
1.53
1.46
1.60
Gray Treefrog
2.00
1.90
2.04
1.97
2.00
1.86
2.06
2.00
2.07
2.06
1.97
1.93
1.85
1.99
Cope’s Treefrog
2.20
1.10
1.28
1.67
1.71
2.16
1.17
1.17
1.71
1.22
1.14
1.56
–
1.43
Blanchard’s Cricket Frog
1.58
1.71
1.73
2.18
2.09
1.94
1.88
1.91
1.96
2.17
2.20
2.11
1.43
1.68
Green Frog
1.40
1.40
1.35
1.40
1.39
1.34
1.32
1.25
1.43
1.37
1.25
1.29
1.30
1.34
0= No Call • 1= Individual Call • 2= A few amphibians • 3= A full chorus / Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
loss of wetlands and the use of seawalls around lakes. They are also Michigan’s largest frog. They can be green, olive or brown with occasional scattered dark brown spots on their backs. The skin of this frog is slightly bumpy. They have dark bars on the upper Fowler’s Toad surfaces of their legs and their bellies are white and gray. In male bullfrogs, the eardrum is much larger than the eye and their throats are yellow. Female bullfrogs have smaller eardrums — about the size of their eyes — and white throats. Bullfrogs live in permanent ponds, lakes, marshes, sloughs and impoundments. They are found to be most common in warm waters that have an abundance of plant growth. This species is usually the last species of frog to become active in the spring due to their penchant for warm water. Their call sounds like a “brrr-rr-rr-rum.” Males often sit upright with their yellow throats inflated above the water when calling. The northern leopard frog is a medium-sized frog, green or brown in color with rounded dark spots on
the back and sides. These spots are usually outlined with lighter colors. They have dorsolateral folds and a light line along the upper jaw that extends from the nose to the shoulder. Their bellies are white or cream in color, and they sometimes have a yellowish tint in the groin area. These frogs like to live in marshes, meadows and the grassy edges of ponds, lakes and streams. In the summer, they sometimes wander far from the water. Their calls sound like a low snore punctuated by several hoarse clucks and croaks. The males have two vocal sacs, one on each side, and both inflate when they are calling. Pickerel frogs are brown or green with two irregular rows of square-like dark spots down the back and additional spots on the sides and legs. These frogs have light colored, distinct dorsolateral folds with a light line along the jaw. Their bellies are white and the groin or undersides of the hind legs are bright yellow or orange. Pickerel frogs like to live in grassy or marshy edges of bogs, lakes, springs and streams. They like
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cooler waters and don’t like to move far away from water. These frogs’ calls sound like a low-pitched snore — similar to the leopard frog but shorter and softer. Their calls also don’t carry as far as the leopard frog’s. Mink frogs are only found in the Upper Peninsula. They are green, olive or brown in color with either scattered, dark rounded spots or a heavier pattern of irregular blotches. The upper surfaces of their legs have spots or stripes and the upper lips are plain green. They also have dorsolateral folds. Their bellies are white and sometimes grade to yellow on both the chin and their sides. When handled, these frogs give off an odor that resembles the smell of a mink or rotten onions. Mink frogs live in ponds, bogs and lakes along slowmoving streams or backwaters. Their call is a low-pitched “tok, tok, tok, tok” that can sound like distant hammering. The wood frog is another species found in Oakland County. They are brown, reddish brown or tan in color and have a dark “mask” behind each eye. They have dorsolateral folds that can be spotted with black, and a white line along their upper lip. Some also have a light stripe down the middle of their backs. Their bellies are white with gray molting and their hind legs have dark crossbands. As its name suggests, the wood frog lives in Gray Treefrog wooded habitats like forests, floodplain swamp woods and woodlots. They enjoy moist, shady environments. Their calls sound like clucking. From a distance, calling wood frogs can sound like quacking ducks. The DNR’s 2010 frog and toad survey results, the latest available, were recently released (see the chart for the zone that includes Oakland County for details). Sargent said the DNR remains concerned about a couple of species that continue to be very rare — the mink frog and the Fowler’s toad. According to the 2010 survey report, Fowler’s toads were again non-existent, which continues to be a concern. Therefore, greater efforts will be made to investigate the population during the upcoming survey.
Another concern was that mink frog observations continue to be low. The 2010 survey report states, “There is a concern that data is not representative of the actual population due to the difficulty of surveying for this species. They tend to call at very early hours of the morning. There are still thoughts among the scientific community that mink frogs are actually declining in Michigan.” Pickerel frog occurrences also remained low, which the report hypothesized was a result of confusion between this species’ calls and that of the northern leopard frog — which have had larger observation numbers than pickerel frogs in other Great Lakes states, as well. Meanwhile, northern leopard frog observations continue to increase. Occurrences of the Cope’s gray treefrog continued to be low, relative to the eastern gray treefrog. The report cites speculation that the continued decline in observations of Cope’s gray treefrogs may be due to the need to verify the observation as surveyors may not be able to verify the call or may just not want to bother doing it. According to the report, the data on wood frogs should be interpreted carefully because of their brief calling periods and the associated difficulty of conducting the first run when wood frogs are calling. Meanwhile, the green frogs observations continue to show larger annual increases and decreases than other species, although the reason for the bouncing pattern is unknown at this time. According to Sargent, data collected in Oakland County last year remained similar to that from other counties in the southern Lower Peninsula. Species typically found in Oakland County are gray treefrogs and Cope’s treefrogs. Also found in southeast Michigan are American toads, bullfrogs, green frogs, wood frogs, and leopard frogs. Analysis of the data collected statewide over the past 15 years has also remained relatively stable. “Basically, statewide, the common species have stayed common and the rarer species have stayed rare over the 15 years,” said Sargent, who feels the program has been beneficial.
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the tremendous growth experienced in the area over “It’s been a great program to keep an eye on the past three decades. what our frog populations are doing and how “Bodies of water that formerly were fairly pristine various things like weather, pollution, etc. affect are now surrounded by homes and businesses,” he populations over time,” she said. “It’s also been said. “In addition to the extra pollution, there is a used as a starting point for many more in-depth greater demand for water, which has lowered the studies of wetland communities and amphibian water table, which lowers the vernal ponds most ecology.” amphibians depend on.” Others besides the DNR have used the data Harding added, “The county was very rich in collected by the survey. Sargent said graduate natural habitats with all the lakes and wetlands, but students, as well as other state agencies, have it’s undergone some pretty drastic changes. I grew utilized the data, while the biannual governor’s up there in the 1950s. I saw all the changes — all report — called the State of Michigan’s Environment the ponds and swamps I used to haunt as child — uses frog populations as indicator species of were gradually drained off and built upon. The wetland health. woods are all gone. There’s no According to Harding, doubt that wildlife has amphibians are good declined simply because indicators of environmental they can’t live where equality because at some humans are dominating the point in their lifetime they environment. But with a occupy both terrestrial and little bit of sensitivity and aquatic habitats. sensibility to the habitat, we “The vast majority spend can keep animals around.” part of their life in an Harding said conducting aquatic larval stage where these surveys is beneficial in they breathe through gills, that it helps keep tabs on and then they undergo the frog and toad species — metamorphosis and become especially the rarer ones. part of the terrestrial realm. “They need to be surveyed “What makes them good just to know they are still environmental bellwethers is there,” he said. that they have highly And the DNR plans to permeable skin,” he said. continue these surveys as “Frogs don’t drink water. long as there is funding and They sit in it and absorb it. a coordinator to run them, Therefore, any contaminants according to Sargent. in the water would be liable Northern Leopard Frog The program is funded to affect them quicker than, through the state’s Nonsay, an animal with game Wildlife Fund, which gets impermeable skin — like a most of its money through sales snake with their scaly skin. A of wildlife conservation vehicle license plates and salamander or frog will sop up whatever is dissolved private donations. in the water around it. It’s an immediate effect.” Of the contaminants possibly harming anurans, Those interested in volunteering can contact Harding said some recent research indicates that Sargent at sargentl@michigan.gov or by phone at certain species of amphibians are more sensitive to 517-373-9418. certain levels of pesticides in the environment than And in addition to volunteering, observers may others, such as a common fungicide used in farm also receive a certain peace of mind. fields or glyphosphate, which is used to kill weeds. “It’s just a wonderful time of year to get out and Yet, these contaminants are not responsible for listen to them,” Harding said. “And just as not the overall decline in amphibian populations. having them sends out red flags, when you do have “There are quite a few species that have declined them, it can give you a sense of peace — that locally or regionally, and we still don’t have a reason things out there are not all that bad because they why in many cases,” Harding said. are a good symbol of environmental quality.” ❏ As for declines in Oakland County, Harding cites
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LAND PURCHASE FORMER RESTAURANT ACQUIRED FOR NEW UNION LAKE ACCESS SITE PROJECT By Angela Niemi
T
he director of the state Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) has signed a land transaction authorizing the department to purchase property adjacent to the former Aggressive Marine site on Union Lake. The go-ahead from DNRE Director Rebecca Humphries came on Thursday, Dec. 9 at a Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting. The 2.41-acre property is located adjacent to the Aggressive Marine site, which the department purchased in December 2008. Both properties, located at Union Lake and Wise roads in Commerce Township, will be used to develop a new public boating access site. “With the purchase of this additional adjoining property, there will be enough land to fulfill the size requirements for complete site replacement,” said Andrew Haapala, unit supervisor at the Proud Lake Recreation Area. “By developing both properties together, the facility would provide a safe vehicular entrance and exit, adequate parking, improved www.oaklandlakefront.com
vehicular circulation, a launch ramp with supporting amenities and vegetative buffers, all on the same side of Union Lake Road, thus eliminating the traffic hazard experienced at the current boating access site.” Union Lake Road separates the DNRE’s existing boat launch ramp and its parking area, which creates traffic safety challenges and congestion problems. The current access site is located near Union Lake and Cooley Lake roads, north of the former Aggressive Marine property. The property being purchased will cost $656,000 and includes 12.68 acres — 2.41 acres of upland and 10.27 acres of submerged land — and 400 feet of frontage on Union Lake. The property includes paved parking areas, public utilities, and a 3,521-square-foot brick and wood frame building shell that was formerly a restaurant, which the DNRE plans to remove. The money to develop this and other statesponsored boating access sites comes from the OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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Michigan State Waterways Fund, not the state’s general fund. The Waterways Fund revenue is derived from boat registrations, marine fuel taxes, and user fees. By law the fund is restricted to uses related to land The recently purchased acquisition and developing and maintaining waterway facilities and operations. The DNRE wanted to purchase the so-called Dunville parcel in addition to the Aggressive Marine site because there were concerns that 1.68 acres would be insufficient to provide an equivalent number of parking spaces at that site, especially considering the site’s configuration. The number of parking spaces was also the main concern of Union Lake residents at a public hearing the DNRE held at the Commerce Township Township Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 1. However, it’s not a lack of parking spaces that worries the residents so much as too many. Many residents wanted confirmation that 32 — and only 32 — parking spaces would be developed. They believed that there is already enough boat traffic on Union Lake.
Although local DNRE officials couldn’t confirm at the meeting that the site would only have 32 parking spaces, an official did say, “We are not interested in adding more than 32 parking spaces. We want boaters to have Union Lake parcel. a quality recreational experience; we do not want to make it worse.” Although not all were satisfied by this answer, some residents decided they just had to accept change and put their trust in the DNRE. “Change isn’t easy. The new plans are nice,” said Rosanne Picosine at the meeting. “With the marina gone, it eliminates 50-plus boats. We have to give the DNRE a little bit of trust that they will be replacing 32 with 32 spaces. They will replace 32 spaces with 32 spaces, and we got rid of 50 boats from the marina. The land will be developed properly and maintained.” For now, it seems as if the DNRE plans to keep the parking spaces the same. Mary Dettloff, a spokesperson for the DNRE, said, “The director wants the Recreation Division staff to continue working with the locals to make sure the new boat launch will not be any bigger than the old one.” ❏
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WATERFRONT PROPERTIES
STUNNING LAKEFRONT ome on Union Lake with all the amenities and upgrades you could ask for. Gorgeous hardwood floors throughout main level. Granite island kitchen, bar, SubZero/Wolf integrated appliances. Dining room with John Morgan built-in buffer. Living room with lake views, fireplace, wine cellar, and doorwall to new deck. First floor master suite with walk-in closet. Heated tile flooring. Second floor master with sitting area, doorwall to private deck with lake views, full bath with his/hers sinks and Jacuzzi. Visit www.MichiganHome MarketPlace.com.
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JENNIFER WROBLESKI Keller Williams Realty 2900 Union Lake Rd., Commerce Twp.
NANCY ROBINSON Century 21 Town & Country 32121 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak
248-854-3100
248-556-7407
LAKE OAKLAND
BEAUTIFUL HEATHER LAKE
pectacular East Coast home built in 2002 with nothing but the finest materials on Lake Oakland. Four bedrooms, 4.1 baths, great room with fireplace, family room, study, bonus room, workout room, 2 designer kitchens with high end appliances, custom baths, hand tooled maple floors, Sanjani slate, 1st and 2nd floor laundry, tiled veranda, patio, decks, screened porch, heated garage, generator, 5,704 sq. ft. expansive lakeviews. Asking $999,000.
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eaturing more than 6,800 sq. ft. inclusive of large great room with expansive views of the lake. Four bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths. Two-way fireplace between dining and great room, very attractive kitchen with granite counters, keeping room off kitchen with fireplace, all with lake views. First floor master. Finished walkout lower level, large lakeside deck. Spectacular private 1.5 acre lake lot. A very special home, opportunity knocks. Asking $599,000.
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DAVID A. BUSCH SKBK Sotherby’s International Realty 348 E. Maple Road, Birmingham
DAVID A. BUSCH SKBK Sotherby’s International Realty 348 E. Maple Road, Birmingham
248-505-7770
248-505-7770
Janet
Steve
Direct:
2900 Union Lake Rd., Suite 210 Commerce, MI 48382
Direct:
248-755-7600
248-755-7500
janet@TheStocktonTeam.com
steve@TheStocktonTeam.com
248-366-7200 Zillow - Preferred Agent
The Stockton’s are the Lakes Area’s #1 Team! DL AR CH R O
E AK
ALL-SPORTS ORCHARD LAKE FRONT - 1.73 TREED ACRE •Custom built sprawling ranch with full finished walkout •5 bedroom, 4.5 bath with over 5,500 living sq. ft. •3 car, decks, pavers, porches, 142 ft. shoreline, dock BEAUTIFUL @ $1,495,000 #211031628 • 1-800-396-5204 X223 P. TW LD FIE M O BLO W.
MILLION DOLLAR VIEWS - ALL-SPORTS UNION LAKEFRONT •Open and spacious, 4 bedroom, 2 bath+ incredible views •Huge cathedral master + fireplace and private deck •4 car garage + huge storage loft, deck, dock and more! BEST BUY @ $529,900 #211032676 • 1-800-396-5204 X211 RD FO TER A W
ALL-SPORTS WOODHULL/LAKE OAKLAND LAKEFRONT •Dramatic and open with 4 bedroom, 2 full/2 half baths •3,500 sq. ft. of living space with finished walkout •3 decks, bonus room, courtyard garage and dock A MUST SEE @ $374,900 #211031582 • 1-800-396-5204 X247
P. TW RD O F TER WA
CUSTOM BUILT - ALL-SPORTS MACEDAY LAKEFRONT! •4 bedroom, 4 bath, all brick + finished walkout •Boasting 5,200+ sq. ft. of pure luxury living sq. ft. •1st and 2nd floor masters, huge volume rooms + 3 car GORGEOUS @ $774,900 #211017553 • 1-800-396-5204 X296 . WP DT OR F TER WA
ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKEFRONT - 53 FT. SANDY SHORE •4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, fin. walkout, 3,100+ sq. ft. total •Granite, stainless appliances, hardwoods, new baths •Huge master + deck, bar/kitchenette, deck, patio, 3 car GREAT HOUSE @ $499,900 #210042706 • 1-800-396-5204 X216 . WP ET AK L ITE WH
125 FT. MAIN LAKEFRONT - ALL-SPORTS LAKE NEVA •2,820 sq. ft., 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 3 fireplaces •Beautifully remodeled throughout and full of extras •2nd floor laundry, multiple decks, seawall and dock MUST SEE @ $349,900 #211031581 • 1-800-396-5204 X205
. WP DT IEL F OM BLO W.
2005 BUILT MAIN LAKEFRONT - GREEN LAKE •3 story Dutch colonial 3,230 sq. ft. + finished walkout •Custom quality 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath + lots of extras •Florida room, 2nd floor covered porch, 2 story garage A MUST SEE @ $519,000 #211031583 • 1-800-396-5204 X222 P. TW CE ER M M CO
ALL-SPORTS COMMERCE LAKEFRONT •Opportunity knock, 2 incredible future building sites •3 bedroom ranch summer retreat with enclosed porch •Huge master + deck, bar/kitchenette, patio, 3 car GREAT VALUE @ $399,900 #211031823 • 1-800-396-5204 X216
L ITE WH
. WP ET AK
GORGEOUS ALL-SPORTS NEVA/BRENDEL WATERFRONT •Spacious 3,700+ sq. ft., 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath •Custom fireplace, granite kitchen, lots of upgrades •2-story great room, jet tub, patio, deck HURRY @ $299,999 #210102601 • 1-800-396-5204 X232
www.TheStocktonTeam.com
Janet
Steve
Direct:
2900 Union Lake Rd., Suite 210 Commerce, MI 48382
Direct:
248-755-7600
248-755-7500
janet@TheStocktonTeam.com
steve@TheStocktonTeam.com
248-366-7200 Zillow - Preferred Agent
The Stockton’s are the Lakes Area’s #1 Team! P. TW RD O F TER WA
GORGEOUS HOME ON ALL-SPORTS PLEASANT LAKE •1,704 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, deck, gazebo •Great room with fireplace, granite kitchen •Master with bath, walkout basement, 2 car garage HURRY @ $299,900 #211031580 • 1-800-396-5204 X262 . WP DT OR F TER WA
CHARMING HOME ON ALL-SPORTS WATKINS LAKE •1,170 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, deep treed lot, fireplace •Newer kitchen and bath with ceramic floor •Basement, 2 car garage, huge storage loft HURRY @ $259,900 #210128982 • 1-800-396-5204 X251 . WP DT LAN H HIG
PANORAMIC ALL-SPORTS CHARLICK LAKEFRONT VIEWS •Spacious 2 story plus finish walkout, over 2,500 sq. ft. •3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, fireplace, ss appliances, updates •1st flr laundry, 2 decks, patio, sandy shoreline + beach A GREAT VALUE @ $214,900 #211043916 • 1-800-396-5204
. WP ET AK L ITE WH
70 FT. LAKEFRONT WHITE LAKE •3 bedroom, 3 bath ranch + finished lower level walkout •Lake views, brick fireplace, 2 enclosed porches •2 car garage, paver walks and stairs, tired decking, dock A BEST BUY @ $274,900 #211007248 • 1-800-396-5204 X268 . WP DT OR F TER WA
GERUNDEGUT BAY - ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKEFRONT •Beautifully remodeled ranch home, stonefront fireplace •Dining room, Corian counter kitchen with appliances •Wood laminate floor, ceramic tile, crown molding, deck HURRY @ $219,900 #211027050 • 1-800-396-5204 X280 P. TW CE R E MM CO
ALL-SPORTS COMMERCE LAKEFRONT BUILDING LOT •Private gated community - Island Club •Sub park, meeting gazebo and tennis courts •Rare opportunity to build your dream home A BEST BUY @ $89,900 #210036979 • 1-800-396-5204 X207
. WP ET RC E MM CO
PANORAMIC ALL-SPORTS LONG LAKEFRONT VIEWS •Updated 2,120 sq. ft. 2 story, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath •Hardwoods, stone fireplace, stainless steel appliances •Huge master - jet tub, 2 decks, 2 car., dock, more HURRY - WON’T LAST! @ $274,900 #211002164 • 1-800-396-5204 X274 . WP DT AN L H HIG
WHITE LAKE WATERFRONT RANCH WITH WALKOUT •1,661 living sq. ft., 3-4 bedrooms, 2 baths, great room •Snack-bar kitchen, family room with fireplace •Enclosed carport, shed, deck, patio, dock, beach UNBELIEVABLE @ $149,900 #211026322 • 1-800-396-5204 X260 P. TW RD FO R TE WA
ALL-SPORTS WILLIAMS LAKE CANAL FRONT •Finished walkout, newer granite kitchen •First floor master, jet tub bath, fireplace •Elevated deck, patio, waterside deck/dock SHORT SALE @ $89,900 #211004188 • 1-800-396-5204 X208
www.TheStocktonTeam.com
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MAY 2011
www.oaklandlakefront.com
2900 Union Lake Rd. Suite 210 Commerce Twp., MI 48382
248-360-2900
CANAL FRONT HOME To all-sports Williams Lake. Beautifully built by Paradigm Building in 1999. This 1,800 sq. ft. home with a full finished walkout basement is a must see at $166,000. Don’t miss this 3 bedroom, 2 bath on the water. Call Robert or email at rahitteger@comcast.net. MLS#210130039
MIDDLE STRAITS LAKE - $219,900 Charming newly remodeled 3 bedroom ranch with open floor plan, close to association clubhouse and beach. Lakeside Florida room surrounded by the best panoramic views of Middle Straits Lake. Bloomer Park and Bay Pointe Golf are nearby. Year around living or summer resort. Call Rick or email rick_reid@att.net. MLS#211013128
ELEVATED PANORAMIC VIEW WITH 62 FT. ON UNION LAKE! $325,000 Open floor plan with great room/dining room, marble fireplace, kitchen with Bosch appliances, recessed lighting and 2 car garage with pass-through for 3rd car/boat. Perfect house to add 2nd story!
SPECTACULAR ALL-SPORTS COMMERCE LAKEFRONT HOME - $450,000 With elevated panoramic and sunset views! 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 kitchens, 2 fireplaces, multilevel decking, 3 car heated garage and many updates. This house screams lake living without sacrificing sq. ft. for price.
LAKEFRONT LIVING DON’T MISS OUT!!! Completely remodeled, must see home. Nice open floor plan, fireplaces and finished basement with in-law quarters, this home could be lived in or a tear down. 86 ft. on all-sports Cass Lake with panoramic views. Bring all offers.
JIM HOEFT 248-882-7411
JIM HOEFT 248-882-7411
NICOLE MOSKAL 586-864-3344
WHITE LAKE LAKEFRONT Prime location. 103 ft. on the water. 2,321 sq. ft. home. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths. Great room and living room plus bonus room. Garage. Enjoy the summer. Call Kathy now or for 24 hour info 1-800-950-3464 code 032.
DUCK LAKE DOCKING… and beach privileges shared by 7 homes. Cape Cod with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, family room/fireplace. Basement and garage. Priced to sell. Call Kathy now or for 24 hour info 1-800-950-3464 code 012.
ACREAGE AND WATERFRONT Custom built 4,300 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 car side entry garage on 6.5 acres and 800 ft. of water frontage on Hickory Ridge Lake. Priced to sell at $500,000.
KATHY ROEHLING 248-672-1657
KATHY ROEHLING 248-672-1657
STEVE STULZ 248-887-2500
ROBERT HITTINGER 810-602-4128
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MAY 2011
RICK REID 248-981-8582
www.oaklandlakefront.com
CYNDI ROBINSON 20 Years of Successful Experience!
(248) 431-4571 cell www.cyndirobinson.com realestateone.com/crobinson
560 N. Milford Rd. Milford
TOP AGENT, REAL ESTATE ONE - MILFORD OFFICE FOR 15 YEARS IN A ROW! LAKEFRONT AND ACREAGE SPECIALIST!
LIVE ON THE LAKE IN 2011!
BEAUTIFUL SPOT ON WHITE LAKE Wonderful landscaping with 1,000 sq. ft. of paver patio and outdoor kitchen. Firepit and sandy beach. Tile floors in kitchen, dining and great room. Open with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, radiant heat in floor, heated garage. Lots of parking. Lakeside master with jetted tub. 2-story entry. $489,000 MLS#211028652 (3252L)
FOUR STAR CUSTOM DESIGNED Captures panoramic lakeviews, yet on quieter part of bay to White Lake. Built in ‘94 with attention to details. 2 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, Pella casement windows. Paver walks. 2-story entry with bridge. Spiral stairs, 2 side fireplace, granite kitchen, maple cabinets, heated drive. White Lake. $334,900 MLS#211028656 (3604L)
AWESOME DUCK LAKE RANCH Four bedrooms, 3 baths, huge expanded great room with cathedral ceilings. Finished walkout with second kitchen, bar, full bath and fourth bed or den. New stamped patio. Updated cabinets. Huge lower level family/rec room, sandy beach. A great place for lake living. Minutes to Milford. $344,900 MLS#211037456 (1786M3)
DUCK LAKEFRONT Two bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths. Turn the key and move in! Pottery Barn style cottage or year around. Main body of private all-sports 270 acre Duck Lake. Totally remoded in 1998 and 2008! Maple kitchen, snack bar island, tile floor, laminate wood in traffic and dining. New decking. New carpet ‘08. Glass panel/wood stairs. Awesome baths. Jetted corner tub, large shower. New appliances. $209,900 MLS#211034487 (3866H3)
SOUTH BAY SHORES ALL-SPORTS DUCK LAKE Private all-sports 270 acre lake with no public access. Large lot and area of all newer homes. Three bedrooms, 2.1 baths, loft is possible for 4th bedroom. Walkout for added sq. ft. when finished. Finished 3+car. Sandy beach. On bay with the best main lake views! Over 3,100 sq. ft. Huron Valley schools. Minutes to Milford. $559,000 MLS#210110813 (2916V3)
WHITE LAKEFRONT ALMOST 1 ACRE Three bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 2,155 sq. ft. with 115 ft. on lake. All redone. Beautiful custom maple/granite kitchen with stainless appliances. Sharp snack bar divider between breakfast and family dining or living room. All new windows, siding, doors and trim. New 3+ car (35’x24’) heated garage. Doorwall off master. Framed bath area lower level. Walkout from 3 levels. 2 large sheds. $338,500 MLS#211032862 (3670D3)
www.oaklandlakefront.com
OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
45
25 South Main St. Clarkston, MI
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LD SO
G TIN LIS
Kenice Schooley
MAY 2011
RE AC
NG MI CO
PRIVATE ISLAND Exquisite French chateau nestled upon a secluded 20-acre island and flaunting a mile of “all-sports” lake frontage, 300 ft. of sandy shoreline, and an indoor pool. $700,000 10-KNO
W NE
KE LA
SPLENDOR ON THE LAKE Delicious Big Lake retreat with unmatched charm throughout: hardwood and ceramic floors, three-season porch, stylish fixtures, built-ins and a sandy beach. $229,900 62-WER
Emily Ford
! ON SO
SURF AND SAND Dreamy Lake Oakland contemporary with 5 bedrooms, 4.1 baths, cathedral great room, kitchen with hearth, formal dining room, finished walkout, and a heated 3-car garage. $597,777 35-LAK
ON SO
WATERFRONT WONDERLAND Top-caliber amenities grace every facet of this 2,600 sq. ft. colonial poised on main body of all-sports Big Lake and featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, and Clarkston Schools. 11-HAY
G BI
CREAM OF THE CROP 3.5 timbered acre dotted with ponds encircle this engaging 2,300 sq. ft. Tudor with 3 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, 2-story atrium, granite kitchen, and a second garage. $225,000 69-HUB
46
Take a Virtual Tour Online:
NG MI CO
SOUTH BEACH STYLE 2,900 fashionable sq. ft. with 3-4 bedrooms, 3 baths, scrumptious kitchen with hearth, firelit loft, cathedral living room and dining with a wall of windows. $449,000 34-LEX
625-1010
www.mmrealtors.com
22
CROWN JEWEL 360° vistas of elite Lake Angelus illuminate this palatial 7,700 sq. ft. estate flooded with cherry, granite, limestone and travertine throughout. Constructed to precision. $2,250,000 23-LAK
W NE
(248)
G TIN LIS
DREAMS OF YESTERYEAR Voluminous 3,000 sq. ft. Victorian situated in the heart of downtown Clarkston on an oversized, wooded parcel with over 100 ft. of frontage on the serene Mill Pond. $370,000 91-MAI S RT T PO RON S F LAL AKE L
HEAVEN SENT Sprawling all-sports lakefront 3 bedroom, 2.1 bath ranch with a finished walkout, hardwood floors, fire lit living room, Florida room, and ample decking. $219,900 23-WAL
Ron Serafini
Cheryl Karrick
www.oaklandlakefront.com
Barb McClure 248.249.8097
31 S. Main St. Clarkston, MI 48346
W NE
CLARKSTON LAKEFRONT
Indulge yourself! Attention to detail abounds from custom brick and stonework to French doors and hardwood floors. The views will take your breath away. The light pours through the home and enhances the cottage like colors. Home boasts 2 masters, library, mud room, full finished walkout, built-in heated pool, dock, boat, even a workshop area. Boat, swim, entertain or just sit on the dock and fish. Call Barbara for an appointment today 248-249-8097. Offered at $499,500 www.oaklandlakefront.com
OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
47
Brenda Brooks, ABR, SFR 248-343-9956 248-625-5700, x 244 www.brendabrookshomes.com email: bbrooks@pglr.com
Prudential Great Lakes Realty 20 W. Washington Suite 5C Clarkston, MI 48346
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antalizing views to awaken the senses from 41 windows. This extensive use of glass beckons nature inside and affords magnificent lakefront views. Extraordinary home with expansive rooms. Gleaming hardwood floors under carpet. Extensive use of granite and porcelain. Stainless steel appliances. Unbelievable master suite makes you feel like floating in the clouds. Loft area created for many uses. Finished bonus room with plumbing for fifth bath. Overwhelming 6,600 square feet of living space. Brilliantly finished walkout level can be found amongst the spacious floor plan and surrounded by windows. Comfortable radiant heat porcelain floors and fourth bath. It is also plumbed for a bar and prepped for third fireplace. Make this space your own. An outdoor oasis complete with two canteleverd docking areas, sandy beach play area, RV parking and circular drive. Shaded yard for summer comfort. Lakefront living with out the lakefront taxes! So much to see and enjoy. Home warranty included. This is a beauty! Call for your private tour. NOT A SHORT SALE. MLS#210084675 SHORT SALE, FORECLOSURE, RESOURCE FOR SELLERS AND BUYERS - SFR Designation
Sellers: Free confidential consultation. Many are having financial difficulties. No need to be embarrassed. If you have questions about short sales and foreclosures, please give me a call. We can discuss some options. Buyer: Learn the ropes to buying short sales and foreclosures. What to look for as investment or principle residence.
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MAY 2011
www.oaklandlakefront.com
JOHN & GAYLE HANNETT John’s cell phone (248) 939.3191 www.thehannetts.com
“Homes of Quality Are Our Specialty”
800 S. Woodward Ave. • Birmingham, MI 48009
W NE
WELCOME HOME TO PRIVATE ESTATE LIVING
ICE PR
Beautiful spring fed 470+ acre Lake Angelus is located just 18 minutes north of Birmingham. Designed by Bill Baldner of Clifford Wright Architects, this one of a kind custom built 10,000 sq. ft. home is on an 8 acre lake front estate where horses are permitted. Spectacular views of private Lake Angelus from high ground with over 250 ft. of lake frontage. First floor master bedroom, family room open to kitchen, floor to ceiling windows, fieldstone fireplace, hardwood floors, 3rd story cupola, 2 story 40’x10’ foyer, walk-out lower level with 40’x25’ finished recreation room, and a 4 1/2 car garage. Boat house with 2 bedroom apartment above -much more -- fabulous! $2,975.000 - LAK2025
LOWER LONG LAKE FRONTAGE
130 ft. of frontage on this magnificent soft rustic contemporary with elevated wooded setting and southern exposure offering spectacular lake views. Open flow for entertaining. Beautiful newer $150,000 kitchen, master bedroom with large walk-in closet jacuzzi, skylights, lots of western cedar, stone and glass. Office 15’x12’ with sliding door to courtyard/could be 6th bedroom. $1,250,000 LOC155
133 FT. ON BEAUTIFUL LOWER LONG LAKE BEHIND “THE KIRK”
Renovated ranch with 9 ft. ceilings in great room, dining room, kitchen with great views of lake from most rooms. Custom features: hardwood floors, crown moldings, built-in custom shelves and cabinets in great room, dining room and lower level family room/library. Master with 12’x12’ closet. Great 2,000 sq. ft. walkout lower level entertainment area with walls of windows. Large bar, permanent dock, large deck. $825,000 INW1418
www.oaklandlakefront.com
OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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COUNTY’S LAKE LEVELS EXPECTED TO BE SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN LAST YEAR BY ANGELA NIEMI
W
ith the snow entirely melted, southeastern Michigan has entered into that ugly transition period between the last vestiges of winter and the beginning of spring. This also marks the time of year when lake levels begin to rise from their winter levels due to melting snow and spring showers, and thus begins the careful guessing game played by the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s (WRC) Office to maintain the legal lake levels currently established on 54 Oakland County lakes. In the fall, the WRC Office lowers the lake levels to those established for the winter, and then in the spring allows the water to rise to the summer legal limits. However, there is a certain amount of “guesstimation” involved since the lake levels primarily depend on the weather. And because Michigan is located in the Midwest, predicting the weather can
sometimes be as difficult as predicting which NCAA basketball teams are going to make it to the Final Four. “We try to maintain the legal level of lakes as best we can within several inches,” explained Chuck Lawhorn, drain maintenance and lake level engineer for the WRC Office. “We normally try to keep it within 2 inches above or below the legal level. We look at the weather report — which is not always correct — and try to forecast a plan to keep the legal level the best we can. It’s very weatherdependent.” He added, “Right now, most of the lakes are above or close to summer legal levels, and we haven’t had much rain recently (through early April) so we should be good going into the spring.” However, weather historian Bill Deedler with the National Weather Service Station in White Lake Township said he is expecting precipitation to be above normal this spring.
being used by growing plants instead. “We look for them to be above average for the That water won’t return to a lake unless there is months of March, April, and May,” he said of expected precipitation, which comes from evaporation of bodies precipitation levels. of water and transpiration of plants. If there is no Yet, Deedler said he also expects area lake levels to precipitation, the lake levels draw down, returning after be the same or only a bit higher than they were last a rain event. As the summer continues, the cycle summer, even with above-average snowfall this year repeats itself, resulting in fluctuating lake levels. and above-average precipitation levels in the Detroit “Rains make it easier to maintain the levels of lakes. area in February and March. During the dry season, it is much more difficult,” In the month of February, the precipitation level was Lawhorn said. “However, we have two lake technicians about 1.72 inches above normal in the metro Detroit who monitor the control structures, and they do an region at 3.60 inches. It continued to be “well over an excellent job of maintaining the legal levels.” inch” above normal in March at 3.61 inches. Because August is typically a pretty dry month, However, Deedler explained that the there was Lawhorn said the WRC Office usually less precipitation recorded in the starts shutting down control structures northern suburbs. White Lake, for before then to make sure they are not example, recorded only 1.99 inches A lake’s legal level letting out too much water. of precipitation in February and 3.17 A control structure is an artificial inches in represents a lake’s barrier used to regulate the level of the March. And although northern suburbs also surface water level lake, such as a dam, a weir, a pipe or any other similar type of barrier. The saw above average snowfall during the level of a lake can also be controlled by winter, Deedler said that the north as compared to using an augmentation well to put received a drier snow than Metro additional water into a lake, or a pump Detroit. sea level. can be used to lower a lake level. “Most of (the snow) was not heavy, The WRC operates and maintains 36 meaning it had less moisture,” he said. lake level control structures and eight As for the rest of the spring outlook, lake level augmentation well pumps in the county. In Deedler is expecting temperatures to hover around some cases, the level of more than one lake is average with perhaps a difference of a degree above or controlled by a single control structure. below, and for the precipitation to be pretty well mixed Lake level control structures are regularly inspected throughout the spring months. However, he said, May and maintenance repairs are indicated, which helps to has a tendency to be a very wet month. provide for properly functioning control devices and Without any kind of lake management device, regular maintenance and repairs. whether it’s a dam or augmentation well, lake levels are A lake’s legal level represents a lake’s surface water left to rise and fall at the mercy of weather conditions level as compared to sea level. Legal levels are — which can sometimes present concerns for lakefront established by Oakland County Circuit Court judges property owners during dry, hot summer periods that under state statute, but Part 307 of Public Act 59 of cause water loss through evaporation. 1995 delegates the responsibility of participating in the In fact, Lawhorn said that “evaporation and dry legal proceedings to establish and maintain normal lake weather spells” account for the two biggest difficulties levels to the county WRC Office. when trying to maintain lake levels in the summer, A normal level is considered by state law as the level which is all related to the hydrologic cycle. or levels of the water of an inland lake that provide the In the winter, the ground is frozen, so any most benefit to the public; that best protect the public precipitation that falls doesn’t enter into a lake. But health, safety and welfare; that best preserve the when the snow begins to melt, a lot of water is going natural resources of the state; and that best preserve into the water courses and lakes — resulting in rising and protect the value of the property around a lake, water levels, especially since in early spring, prior to the according to the WRC Office’s website. grass growing and tree leaves blooming, the water is In order to establish a legal lake level, at least twosucked out of the ground at a much slower pace. thirds of lakefront property owners who have property Yet, when the leaves and grass begin to grow, they which actually abuts the lake must submit a petition to take more water from the ground. That water is a county board of commissioners. Action is initiated to replenished by large sources of surface water, or lakes, determine the normal level of the lake. The resulting and put back into the ground. action is generally a feasibility study conducted by a Thus, lake levels have a tendency to drop all summer licensed professional engineer. long since the water that should be feeding the lake is
Schoolhouse Lake in Waterford was measured at 0.53 The feasibility study determines what the lake level feet above its summer legal level on April 15. should be, based on research culled from historical lake Union Lake in Commerce and West Bloomfield was levels and seasonal fluctuations; the location of septic listed at 0.13 feet above its summer legal level on April tanks, sea walls, docks and other physical features; 15, while Walled Lake and Shawood Lake in the cities of downstream impacts; fisheries and wildlife habitat Walled Lake and Novi were 0.50 feet above their protection; and watershed hydrology. summer legal level. White Lake was above its summer The board of commissioners has the authority to legal mark by 0.05 feet on April 1. require a payment from the property owners, Indianwood Lake in Orion Township was 0.66 feet collectively, of $10,000 or the total cost of the above its summer legal level on April 15, while Lakeville feasibility study, whichever is the lesser of the two Lake in Addison Township was 0.15 below its summer amounts. legal level. Once a legal lake level is set by the court, the WRC Waumegah Lake in Springfield Township was 0.42 Office takes responsibility for monitoring and feet above its winter legal level, and maintaining a lake’s legal level. Sylvan-Otter Lake was 1.05 above its According to Lawhorn, the WRC winter legal level. Office’s lake technicians visit sites twice “Rains make it If the level of the lake is lower than its a week to read and record easier to maintain legal level, the WRC Office has a few measurements of the lakes at their available, such as an control structures. The office also the levels of lakes. remedies augmentation well, which is sometimes employs SCADA — which stands for used to raise lake levels if they’re too Supervisory Control and Data During the dry low and circumstances call for it. Other Acquisition — a system that aggregates season, it is much than an augmentation well or a dam, data from meter readings while there isn’t much that can be done simultaneously checking the statuses of more difficult.” about low lake levels besides hoping for sensors that are communicated at precipitation and moderate air regular intervals. temperatures. According to the WRC Office’s However, not everybody believes maintaining specific measurements of area lakes with a court-established lake levels is to the benefit of the environment. legal level on Friday, April 1, most lakes were above their legal winter levels and near or even slightly above While limnologist Walley Fusilier, a specialist in the their summer levels. study of freshwater ponds and lakes, said he Most lakes’ have established winter levels that are understands that many owners property on lakes with lower than the summer legal levels to protect sea walls set legal levels enjoy having stable levels, he is “really a that would otherwise be damaged by ice, according to fan of fluctuating lake levels.” Lawhorn. “It exposes the sediment at the bottom to oxygen, Six bodies of water in the county with legal levels which in turn decomposes organic materials,” Fusilier monitored and maintained by the WRC Office don’t have said. “So, the organic materials in the sediment dies a winter level set by the Oakland County Circuit Court. which gets rid of them, allowing the water to be more Those bodies of water are the Huron River, Scott Lake oxygenated. Plus, it also reverses the aging process (of in Waterford Township, Lake Angelus, Bush Lake in the lake), which is something humans have been trying Holly Township, the Clinton River, and Upper Straits to do for themselves for years.” Lake in Orchard Lake Village and West Bloomfield Fusilier said he also believes that letting lake levels Township. drop — even so much as 6 to 8 feet over a period of As of April 15, Cass Lake in West Bloomfield, years — is better than maintaining certain levels. Waterford, Orchard Lake Village, and Keego Harbor For example, Fusilier explained, lakes that have too was 1.21 feet above its winter legal level, while Cedar much aquatic vegetation could be better controlled by Island Lake in White Lake Township was 0.40 feet dropping water levels so as to make the environment below its winter legal level. North and South Commerce hostile enough so the vegetation can’t survive — lakes in Commerce Township were listed at being 1.05 something which could result in a healthier, more feet above their legal level on April 15. oxygenated aquatic environment. Furthermore, a drop Loon Lake in Waterford was measured at 0.46 feet in water levels could also help maintain and clean up above its legal level on April 15. beaches. Orchard Lake was listed as at its summer legal level “But if you have a legal level, you’re not allowed to do on April 15, and Oxbow Lake in White Lake Township that unless the court agrees that you can,” he said. ❏ was 0.25 feet below its summer legal level.
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waterway levels
Following are the waterway level readings for lakes and rivers across Oakland County, as compiled by personnel in Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner John P. McCulloch’s office. Legal levels are denoted by elevation in feet from sea level. Current (one month prior to press time) levels are denoted both in elevation from sea level and as plus or minus the legal level in hundredths feet. Prior year elevation from sea level is provided as a comparison. River depths are measured from the river bottom, at the point of measurement.
LAKE
LEGAL LEVEL
PRIOR YEAR
4.15.11
+ OR -
Angelus
950.00
950.32
+.32
950.21
Bevins
909.90
911.20
+1.30
911.10
NOTES & REMARKS
Big
1017.30
1017.69
+.39
1017.63
Winter Lvl: 1016.70
Bunny Run
965.45
965.70
+.25
966.11
Winter Lvl: 965.45
Bush Lake
913.60
913.37
–.23
913.84
Cass
927.87
929.08
+1.21
929.27
Cedar Island
933.50
933.90
+.40
934.20
Cemetery-Dollar
Winter Lvl: 927.87
968.00
968.42
+.42
968.20
Clinton River
2.10
3.84
+1.74
3.42
Commerce
906.30
907.35
+1.05
907.22
Crystal
917.00
917.30
+.30
917.47
7) Winter Lvl: 917.00
Dawson Mill Pond
927.25
928.20
+.95
928.65
6) Winter Lvl: 927.25
Duck
1016.63
1016.68
+.05
1016.50
Fox
930.00
930.40
+.40
930.12
Huron River
1.08
1.62
+.54
1.30
Indianwood
992.12
992.78
+.66
992.79
Lakeville
952.30
952.15
–.15
952.32
Long (Commerce Twp.)
932.50
932.96
+.46
932.71
Loon
949.30
949.64
+.34
949.48
2), 3)
Louise-Huff
961.77
961.90
+.13
962.27
8)
Middle & Lower Straits
930.70
930.67
–.03
930.62
Mohawk
949.30
949.90
+.60
949.76
Oakland-Woodhull
957.50
957.62
+.12
957.65
Orchard
930.20
930.50
+.30
930.33
Oxbow
942.75
942.50
–.25
942.95
Oxford-Multi
1017.80
1017.85
+.05
1018.19
Pontiac
962.83
963.43
+.60
963.47
Schoolhouse
949.30
949.83
+.53
949.72
Scott
951.00
949.50
–1.50
949.41
Sylvan-Otter
927.25
928.30
+1.05
928.72
Tipsico
1015.25
1,015.55
+.30
1015.35
Union
927.07
927.80
+.13
927.27 931.15
2)
5) Winter Lvl: 992.12
2), 3)
1) 2), 3) 6) Winter Lvl: 927.25
Upper Straits
930.80
931.20
+.40
Van Norman
966.70
966.80
+.10
966.52
2), 4)
Walled & Shawood
932.80
933.30
+.50
932.91
Winter Lvl: 932.10
Watkins
950.00
949.68
–.32
949.85
Waumegah
1049.40
1049.82
+.42
1049.55
White
1019.10
1019.15
+.05
1018.92
Williams
965.42
965.54
+.12
965.33
NOTES: 1) Oxford-Multi includes: Cedar, Clear, Long, Squaw, Mickelson & Tan Lakes. 2) Waterford-Multi (WML) includes: Cemetery (Middle), Dollar, Greens, Maceday, Lotus, Lester, Van Norman, Williams, Mohawk, Wormer, Schoolhouse, Silver, Upper Silver and Loon Lakes. 3) The Loon Lake control structure also controls Mohawk, Wormer, Schoolhouse, Silver and Upper Silver Lakes. 4) The Van Norman control structure also controls Greens, Maceday, Lotus and Lester Lakes. 5) Lake Angelus, Huron River and Clinton River levels not under the jurisdiction of this office. 6) The Dawson Mill Pond and Sylvan-Otter Lakes are controlled by the Price Dam. 7) Crystal Lake is controlled by the Walter Moore Dam. 8) Lake Louise and Huff Lake are controlled by the Ruth Johnson Dam.
2)
Y EKL vel E W Le @ e Lak ates ont.com r d Up lakef nd kla oa
snapshot
hris Nesbitt, a 48-year-old network marketer, knows a lot of people in the lakes area of Oakland County. So many, in fact, that some have dubbed him the "Mayor of Cooley Lake." "People, including my friend Tom Hempel, used to tease me that I knew everybody in town and that I should run for mayor," said Nesbitt, who was the president of the Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce for three years and is heavily involved in the Rotary Club. The honorary title also stems from Nesbitt being an integral part of the Cooley Lake community, which he attributes partly to organizing an annual neighborhood Fourth of July golf outing and having an island on the lake that's situated just north of the border of White Lake and Commerce townships. In fact, hosting island volleyball games is how Nesbitt first met many of his neighbors 17 years ago. "The first project my wife, Elaine, and I did was build a sand volleyball court shortly after we moved in to get to know our neighbors. I simply made up some flyers and put
chris nesbitt
them in mailboxes inviting them to come over on Thursdays," Nesbitt explained. The island is also the spot where Nesbitt hosts a variety of social events, including the annual Cooley Lake Winter Fest; a School's Out Party complete with a food fight for his three kids ages 16, 14, and 12, and their friends; as well as "Island Vision" where he brings a TV out to the island to watch the Red Wings playoff games and barbecue with his neighbors. "The best part of (hosting these gatherings) is that it really helps us connect with our neighbors. It builds a nice family on Cooley Lake because there's nothing better than knowing your neighbor. Although it's funny how we know a lot of people just by their first name and what type of boat they drive," Nesbitt said with a laugh. "And it's nice that all the island events allow people to know each other, which just makes the sand bar on the lake more fun for everybody." — Angela Niemi — Oakland Lakefront photo/Amy K. Lockard
Better Fit For State Waters Hatchery producing Great Lakes muskies for stocking program By Angela Niemi
www.oaklandlakefront.com
T
he state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has decided to raise Great Lakes muskies at its Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery this year as opposed to the northern muskies that have been raised there in the past. “This is a key turning point in our muskellunge production program,” said DNR Fish Production Manager Gary Whelan. “This strain of muskellunge is native to most of Michigan; the northern muskellunge is native to only a small portion of the far western Upper Peninsula in the Wisconsin River drainage. The spotted muskellunge (also known as Great Lakes muskellunge) will be more at home in more waters than northern muskies.” This change will allow the DNR to stock Great Lakes muskies anywhere in the state, opening up options that, according to Whelan, were unavailable before. “Great Lakes muskies are adapted to our waters and are an appropriate fit. And while the northern muskies did well, they really aren’t native to most of the Great Lakes drainage,” he said. While the DNR did stock the northern
OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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muskies throughout the state, they were only placed in areas where they had minimum chances of escaping and meeting up with the more-native Great Lakes strain. lthough Great Lakes and northern muskies are physically and genetically different, they are able to interbreed. Whelan said that could cause genetic problems for the next generation of fish. “We don’t want the Great Lakes strain to introgress with the northern muskies because we don’t want them to reduce (the Great Lakes muskies’) fitness,” he explained. “Interbreeding one strain with another could result in a less desirable mixture. Each strain has unique traits from the bodies of water they came from. By breeding together, they pass along genes that would make it so they would not survive as well.” This threat of interbreeding was one of the reasons why the DNR was limited in where it could stock northern muskies. DNR Fisheries Division personnel plan to collect 1.5 million eggs from spotted muskies in Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River this spring, with a goal of producing 40,000 10- to 12-inch fall fingerlings. uskies of both strains provide a challenge for anglers. According to Whelan, they are “extremely large” fish that can reach up to 50 pounds — and they put up a fight. “They’re a challenge. You could spend a lot of hours before you catch a muskie,” he said. The muskellunge is the largest fish in the Esocidae family. According to the DNR’s muskellunge management plan, populations are widely distributed throughout Michigan but are very few in numbers. The authors of the plan speculate that this may be because the adults can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions but don’t spawn as successfully as other species like the pike. The plan states, “They typically enjoy only
A
M
www.oaklandlakefront.com
modest spawning success and are highly vulnerable to overexploitation and habitat deterioration. Muskellunge populations were native to most of the Great Lakes waters of Michigan, some inland waters of the Upper Peninsula, and relatively rare in Lower Peninsula inland waters. However, muskellunge have been widely stocked throughout the state, and many current populations are the results of such stocking, particularly populations in the Lower Peninsula.” ccording to the plan, the muskellunge are considered a single species even though there are three distinct color patterns — clear, barred and spotted (Great Lakes), all found throughout the state. Most muskellunge found in southern Michigan have a barred pattern. One of the many problems facing the muskellunge in Michigan is suitable habitat for spawning. The DNR’s management plan states, “Muskellunge spawn early in the spring, immediately after ice-out in many lakes. Their spawning habitat is somewhat similar to northern pike, but tends to be more offshore and in areas with less submergent and emergent vegetation. Muskellunge spawn over open substrate, often with woody debris from tree fall on the lake bottom.” hen muskellunge spawn the females broadcast their eggs in suitable areas. Those eggs settle onto the substrate and become embedded. Because the eggs are so sensitive to the surrounding environment, the overall survival of muskellunge eggs is very low. The muskellunge is a top predation that preys on other fish, but they’ve also been known to consume mammals, birds, amphibians and some reptiles found in aquatic environments. The average adult size is 28 to 48 inches long. In addition, muskellunge can live more than 20 years in the right habitat. ❏
A
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snapshot
pat mcinnis at McInnis, 45, has always been involved with sports. He played football, basketball, and baseball in high school before playing football at Eastern Michigan University. He had a dream of becoming a professional athlete, but when he realized his dream would not come to fruition, he decided to channel his energy, focus, and work ethic into a new direction. As a result, he became the president of Quicken Loans by the age of 35. With his continued drive and dedication, other doors of opportunity opened in front of him — including those related to the sports world. In 2005, when McInnis had the opportunity to become a minority owner of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, he didn't hesitate. "When that opportunity came up — and obviously that was the next best thing to being a professional athlete — and I was afforded the chance to be a part of it, I leaped at the chance," he said. A year later, McInnis had another opportunity to incorporate sports into his professional life as he became a
financial investor in Fathead, a company that specializes in sports and entertainment wall graphics. He became further involved in the company in 2009 when he was offered the position of CEO. As he has continued to achieve success, McInnis has not forgotten the people who helped him along the way and as such has given back to his native hometown of Flint, a "concrete city" vastly different than Union Lake where he has lived with his wife and four children the past 14 years. "Union Lake opened me up to a whole other world. Every day when I wake up and look out at the lake, I just think 'Wow, I'm very fortunate.' It's just such a beautiful, serene setting," McInnis said, adding that living on a lake "breaks down barriers." "When you live on the lake you meet so many different people, and it's that common bond of being on the lake that creates friends that you otherwise wouldn't create just on a daily basis." — Angela Niemi
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LANDSCAPING, THE AU NATUREL WAY Upcoming workshop will trumpet benefits of ‘natural shorelines’ By Tim Dmoch
A
sk not what your lake can do for you — ask what you can do for your lake. That’s the sentiment behind an upcoming workshop for lakefront property owners being presented by a coalition made up of the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the MSU Extension, and the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership. Creation, Restoration, and Management of Natural Shoreline Landscapes on Michigan Inland Lakes: An “Evenings in the Garden” Workshop for Property Owners, is a workshop scheduled for 1-5 p.m. on May 14 at the Tollgate Education Center in Novi. The focus is to provide property owners with a better understanding of the benefits of “natural shorelines” and how to go about planning and installing one along lakefront property. Michigan has over 11,000 inland lakes, which are essential habitat for fish and wildlife. The workshop will educate interested property owners on natural erosion control methods, and will discuss techniques for using natural materials and native vegetation along the shoreline to provide erosion control and habitat value while maintaining the aesthetic value of the lakefront. With the aid of an interactive educational display, workshop participants will become www.oaklandlakefront.com
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familiar with native plants, bioengineering techniques, growing in the water. You’ve got the lawn, the and design ideas used to create beautiful natural seawall, and then the lake water. If you’re a turtle, landscapes that protect inland lake shorelines. how do you get to shore to lay eggs?” State rules and regulations that apply to shoreline Shoreline areas are critical for many kinds of fish projects will also be discussed; and, property owners and wildlife, but tend to be altered frequently by who already have a rock wall or a seawall will learn people, according to Bhakta. how to enhance those structures for the benefit of “Removing that natural vegetation and destroying their lake. that part of the lake affects water quality,” she said. Workshop topics will include healthy lake “Now we have some really good alternatives to ecosystems; traditional seawalls designing natural using natural green landscapes along technology. We shorelines; want to get people problems with high to see some of the impact landscape options they have methods; and use for shoreline of native plants areas.” along shorelines. Native plants are In addition, the easier to establish, informative grow more publication, luxuriously and “Natural Shoreline require less Landscapes on maintenance, Michigan’s Inland according to Lakes Guidebook workshop for Property sponsors. Native Owners” will be plants have very available in limited deep roots that, supply. once established, Workshop topics will include healthy lake ecosystems; The workshop prevent soil erosion designing natural landscapes along shorelines; will be led by and are very problems with high impact landscape methods; and members of the drought resistant. use of native plants along shorelines. Michigan Natural According to the Shoreline Michigan Natural Partnership. Scheduled speakers include John Shoreline Partnership, a riparian buffer is an area Skubinna, a compliance assistance specialist with the adjacent to a water body that is fully or partially DEQ’s Environmental Assistance Program; Beth protected from human disturbances and thus is able Perris, an environmental quality analyst for the state to protect the waterway from pollution and habitat Department Natural Resources (DNR); Bindu Bhakta, degradation. A riparian area can perform natural a water quality educator with the MSU Extension protective functions such as filtering sediments, office based in Oakland County; and Jim Brueck, nutrients, and other contaminants; and providing owner of Native Lakescapes, LLC. woody debris, temperature control, and light control Contact Linda Smith at 248-585-0887 or for the adjacent aquatic habitat. smithlin@oakgov.com for workshop registration Benefits of buffers include: information. Seating is limited. • Reducing imperviousness; According to Brueck, a natural shoreline provides • Provide flood control; two key things. • Reducing pollution; “One is a buffer between the land and the lake so • Minimizing property damage; runoff doesn’t move fertilizers, and animal waste from • Creating a habitat for wildlife; ducks, geese, dogs, etc. into the lake,” he said. “It’s a • Reducing lawn cutting and lawnmower emission; riparian buffer separating the land use from the lake, and which protects the lake. • Discouraging geese from your yard. “On top of that, it creates probably one of the For more information on the Michigan Natural most biodiverse habitats,” he added. “It allows Shoreline Partnership, visit the website at natural lake habitat to grow on the edge and in the www.mishorelinepartnership.org. ❏ water, providing food and feeding areas for frogs, Selected photos courtesy of Jim Brueck, owner of ducks, fish, and other wildlife. Compare that to an Native Lakescapes, LLC and a scheduled workshop armored lakeshore, where there’s virtually nothing speaker. www.oaklandlakefront.com
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•30 years experience •Invented and Patented “Sand-Pro” Beach Sanding Process •DEQ Approved •DEQ Permit Assistance
SAND & WATER MIX
(517) 546-3035 WATER FROM LAKE
www.ttcbeaches.com
e-mail: ttcbeaches@yahoo.com
A Sandy Beach in One Day! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
GUARANTEED SANDY, STABLE LAKE BOTTOM REGARDLESS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
www.oaklandlakefront.com
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER NO SITE DISTURBANCE
ASK ABOUT: •Boulders/Seawalls OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
69
www.oaklandlakefront.com
OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
71
FULL SERVICE PARTS & ACCESSORIES
Fiberglass Shop • Service Department • Indoor & Outdoor Storage
HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m.
Flint
•
EXIT ❂ 84 Fenton US 23 M-59
(810) 629-2291
3241 Thompson Rd. • Fenton, MI 48430 (Exit 84 on US-23)
72
MAY 2011
• •
Pontiac
I-96
Ann Arbor
Detroit
*Plus freight & tax, after rebates
website: www.freeway-sports.com
www.oaklandlakefront.com