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CAROLYN PETHERBRIDGE MABLE McCULLOUGH 248.360.6397 / 248.360.7355 7196 Cooley Lake Road Waterford, Michigan 48327 P.O. Box 14 Union Lake, MI, 48387-0014
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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June 2011 • Volume 20 • Number 3
contents Search for tiny beasties
8
Oakland County Health Division interns will be collecting water samples from 44 public beaches in the county this summer to look for unhealthy levels of bacteria that could make people sick.
17A waiting game
State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials still expect to close on the purchase of property to develop a new Union Lake boating access site in Commerce Township.
20
Thundering fun
39Allocation issues
Summer sounds of revving engines and rock 'n' roll favorites will serve as a backdrop to BBQ grilling, people milling up and down the beach and familyfriendly activities as Walled Lake presents the Walled Lake Thunder hydroplane races June 11-12.
New legislation under consideration in Lansing would draw down the state’s Natural Resources Trust Fund in order to make payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) to local governments where DNR managed lands are located.
28Join together 32 Two or more municipalities could create a water quality alliance to monitor water quality or impairments to beneficial uses that are a mutual concern, under legislation recently introduced in the state House.
in every issue
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Patrolling the lakes
Oakland County communities are again entering contracts with the Sheriff’s Department Marine Division to provide patrols this year, as budget restrictions prevent the department from continuing complimentary patrol services.
19 – Snapshot: Chris Bunch 45 – Snapshot: Dan Keifer
46 Making waves
Oakland County’s own Matt Campbell, a former professional snowboarder and veteran of the coatings industry, is on a mission to expose people to the sport of stand up paddleboarding through his custom-made boards.
36 – Port of Call: Elkhorn Lake 54 – Waterway Levels
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JUNE 2011
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index of advertisers June 2011 • Volume 20 • Number 3 21st Century Building Company . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Landscape Magic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Aggressive Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Livingston Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
American Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12, 38
Marine Automated Dock Systems . . . . . . . . . . .52
Anderson Boat Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Michigan Rockscapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
American Soft Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Midwest Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Anne’s Canvas & J & D Marine Services . . . . . .38
Native Landscapes LLC/Lowrie’s Landscape . . .42
Aqua Weed Control, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Nick Page Landscaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Aquacide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Oakland County Water Resource Commission .18
Bev’s Canvas Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Oak Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Blackbox Surf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
The Pond Guy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Boating Supply Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Roll-n-Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Clear Water Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Rose Auction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Colony Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Scotty Lee’s Landscaing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
DSL Marine Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
ShoreDocker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Dave’s Mobile Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Skier’s Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Diversified Docks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Spark’s Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Dock Squad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Spider Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Eco Chic Landscape Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Stanz Custom Upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Farm Bureau Insurance – Doug Browne . . . . . .38
Sunset Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Freeway Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
TT&C Beaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Goddard Talmay Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Walt’s Point Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Goodbye Geese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Weed Razer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Great Oaks Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Wildfire Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Lake Ponemah Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Wilson Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
lakefront real estate Coldwell Banker/Weir Manuel/Birmingham . .58, 59
Real Estate One – Milford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Kendra McConnell Hurd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Cyndi Robinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Coldwell Banker/Weir Manuel/Commerce . . . . .68
Real Estate One – Ortonville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Karen Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Keller Williams – Commerce . . . . . . . . .60, 61, 62 Steve/Janet Stockton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60, 61 Max Broock – Birmingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Kathy Broock Ballard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Rich Mahoney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Real Estate One – Rochester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Paula Reese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Rose Auction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Morgan & Milzow Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty . . . . . . . . . .56
Prudential HWWB Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Lee Embrey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
John & Gayle Hannett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Sterling Home Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
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A
s summer approaches, many Oakland County residents will take advantage of the numerous lakes in the area to have some fun in the sun. Yet, that good time frolicking in the sand and splashing through the waves can be tarnished by subsequent gastrointestinal problems caused by exposure to certain pathogenic microorganisms. Most people have probably heard of beaches closing throughout the summer due to high levels of E. coli bacteria, and yet it's not E. coli that most beach-goers have to fear. In fact, most strains of E. coli are harmless — with a few exceptions, such as the infamous O157:H7 strain, which is the strain most related to E. coli outbreaks in foods. However, while most strains of E. coli are harmless, they can serve as a useful tool for water quality monitoring. Since E. coli lives in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, including birds and people, it's often excreted in feces. This makes it a useful indicator of fecal pollution, which can contain other harmful pathogens — including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa — according to Dr. Joanna Pope, a post-doctoral fellow at Michigan State University working in the lab of Dr. Joan Rose. Rose is the Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research at Michigan State University and an international expert in water microbiology, water quality and public health safety. "In human fecal material, pathogens can include norovirus, salmonella and pathogenic strains of E. coli, such as O157:H7. It may also be possible to detect other pathogens such as Cryptosporidium or Giardia. These pathogens can cause acute symptoms such as gastrointestinal illness (vomiting and/or diarrhea) and in some people, more chronic conditions such as kidney disease, skin rashes or longer-term fatigue," Pope explained. She added that the types of pathogens found in fecal matter can be "highly variable, both in type and abundance" depending on the source of the fecal material. E. coli can come from a number of sources, such as wastewater treatment plants, leaking septic tanks, farms, wildlife, and storm water. Pope explained that sometimes E. coli can come from a mixture of multiple sources. "We usually describe these sources as being 'pointsource,' which is something readily identifiable such as a waste pipe discharging to a beach, or 'nonpoint,' which is something more diffuse, such as surface water that runs off the ground to the beach www.oaklandlakefront.com
when heavy rain occurs." And if E. coli is present in high levels, it's most likely that other pathogens may be in the water and sand, as well. Yet, Pope said it's very difficult to determine "a general risk frequency" with regards to beaches because of the multiple factors involved. These factors include behavior, such as swimming vs. playing in the sand; susceptibility of the person, such as the difference between children and adults; and the weather conditions, like onshore vs. offshore winds. "All of these factors can influence the possibility of health risks for a particular beach," Pope said. "EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) studies along Lake Michigan where wastewater influences the shoreline suggests that 10 percent of the people over the swim season may get sick." However, determining water quality by monitoring E. coli can help in determining the possibility of people getting sick. "E. coli monitoring is important because it helps local health departments, state and federal agencies advise beach-goers about the quality of the water. It can also help identify areas where the water quality is impaired and put into place strategies that can improve the water quality by reducing pollution," Pope said.
A
ccording to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), epidemiological studies of fresh water bathing beaches have established a direct relationship between the density of E. coli in water and the occurrence of swimmingassociated gastroenteritis, and the recognition of this relationship has thus led to the development of criteria that can be used to establish recreational water quality standards. These standards specify that water samples from monitored beaches must meet a one-day standard of no more than 300 bacteria colonies per 100 milliliters (ml) of water, and a 30-day geometric average standard of no more than 130 bacteria colonies per 100 ml. If a water sample exceeds either of those standards, a beach is closed until bacteria levels drop. Typically, bacteria levels will drop within 48 hours as wind and wave action, as well as ultraviolet light from the sun, help reduce bacteria levels. However, there is an exception to every rule, and sometimes it may take longer for bacteria to die in a freshwater environment, especially if the water is stagnant. OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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Because illness can occur from swallowing water that contains minuscule amounts of fecal matter, it's important to determine as soon as possible if a local beach is contaminated — which is why many county health departments routinely collect water samples at beaches to make sure the water is safe for swimming. Oakland County is no exception.
T
his year the Oakland County Health Division will be testing water samples collected at 44 public beaches on 37 county lakes with the help of four summer college interns. "These interns are students usually studying environmental health sciences who need internships for a completion of a degree," said Mark Hansell, the Environmental Health Services Unit supervisor for the Oakland County Health Division. The monitoring program will start on June 6 this year and continue for eight weeks until the end of July. Hansell said that eight weeks is usually the standard for the beach monitoring program, which is primarily based on the interns' school schedules. "We typically monitor through the last week of July. However, if there were beaches that were still having water quality problems, then we would continue to sample until problems clear up. In that case, we might monitor for 10 weeks occasionally, but only for the beaches having those issues," he said. Each of the 44 beaches will be sampled at least once a week for those eight weeks. "The interns do an initial survey of the beach, looking for environmental concerns," Hansell said. They then wade out into the lake and start collecting samples from three areas of the bathing area — the center of the beach, the right side of the beach, and the left side of the beach. And then the samples are brought back to the lab for analysis." "E. coli laboratory methods typically involve collecting water samples, sometimes filtering the water and culturing — growing — the bacteria to give a number of E. coli colonies, a group of cells that have grown up into one large visible number of www.oaklandlakefront.com
cells," Pope said. "We typically report E. coli as colony forming units (CFU) per 100 ml, which allows comparisons in the water quality at different beaches." According to Pope, E. coli is relatively easy and inexpensive to grow in a laboratory, which along with its presence in water makes it a "good microbial candidate" for frequent water quality testing. If the lab results from beach water testing exceed the state standards previously mentioned, then the Health Division will close a beach by sending an intern to post a sign at the beach and by notifying the beach contact person. The beach closings are then also posted online at the Oakland County website, oakgov.com. The beach will reopen once E. coli levels are once again below the state-set standards. Although Oakland County has 279 active beaches that are public or semi-public, budget shortfalls have forced the Health Division to reduce the size of its summer staff. This means that the county's beach monitoring program has dwindled since 2007, when 120 beaches were tested during the summer.
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urthermore, while the county used to have a five-year rotation for monitoring water quality at semi-public beaches — those operated by property owner associations and located in neighborhoods — the county now has the resources to only collect and analyze water samples from public beaches. "We limit sampling to public beaches because these are beaches designed for public swimming," Hansell said. "With semi-public beaches, the original intent of the beach wasn't a bathing beach. So the grooming and upkeep of the beach isn't as good as it is at a public beach that is specifically designed for swimming." However, the Health Division is still encouraging the managers of privately-owned beaches to have water samples collected and analyzed at the county's lab, free of charge. "We have all the materials at the offices to get them started," he said. "They can pick up the materials and directions on how to collect samples OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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2011 OAKL AND COUNTY BEACH TESTING SITES LAKE
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Adams Big Peat
Addison Oaks County Park Haas Lake Park #2
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Seven Lakes State Park Holly Village Beach Dodge Park #4 Keego Harbor City Beach Pontiac Yacht Club Independence Oaks County Park Independence Township Village Beach Camp Ohlyesa - North Camp Wathana Clear Water Resort Bay Court Park Haas Lake Park #1 Haas Lake Park #3 Camp Oakland - summer Holly Recreation Area - Heron Beach Kensington - Maple Beach Kensington - Martindale Beach Christ the King Church Camp Bald Mountain Recreation Area Davisburg village beach (Hart Comm. Ctr.) Thelma Spencer Park Country Club (5000 W. Shore Dr.) Greens Park village beach Camp Dearborn - Lake #1 Camp Dearborn - Lake #5 Camp Maas - Rodecker Camp Maas - Sobell Beach Pontiac Recreation Area Upland Hills Farm Proud Lake Recreation Area campground Scripter Village Park township beach Seven Lakes State Park - campground Groveland Oaks County Park - Paradise Beach Stony Lake Park Finnish Day Camp Ferndale Teeple Lake Recreation Area - Highland State Park Brown’s Landing Mobile Home Park Camp Agawam Boy Scout Camp E.V. Mercer City Beach Lakeshore Park Bloomfield Parks & Rec/West Hills High School
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and then return the bottles to the lab, which will do the analysis for free and mail the results out."
U
nfortunately, he said, "not as many (private and semi-public beaches) as we would like take advantage of it," which can be seen when comparing the Oakland County beach closings over the past five years. In 2010, 11 beaches were closed for a total of 16 days. This is vastly different from 2006, when 22 beaches were closed for a total of more than 90 days. Back in 2006, more semi-public and private beaches were being monitored by the Health Division, which Hansell said most likely accounts for the difference in results. This is one of the reasons why Hansell strongly encourages lake associations to take advantage of the free lab analysis by collecting their own beach water samples. Others may want to take advantage of the free lab analysis, as well, to test water from their favorite swimming holes that may not be part of the main beach. According to the DEQ, it's a popular misconception that if one area of a lake is contaminated, then the whole lake is contaminated. Bacteria contamination originates from conditions or factors present on or near the shore in the immediate vicinity of the contamination. Two beaches on opposite ends of a lake that have different onshore conditions will not have the same bacteria levels. This is why it's important for private homeowners who swim near their house to periodically collect water samples where they swim and not rely on results from a beach down the road. Since contamination originates on-shore, it's generally considered safer to swim in deeper areas away from the shoreline, because wind direction and wave action could trap bacteria against the shoreline. The DEQ provides administrative and technical support for beach monitoring programs like Oakland County's. The DEQ also administers federal and state funds allocated to the local health departments for their beach monitoring programs. When selecting which counties will receive the grants, the DEQ considers all of the following: • Location and frequency of beach use; • History of beach monitoring and bacterial contamination; • Ability to communicate results to the public in an efficient manner; www.oaklandlakefront.com
• Ability to respond and take appropriate action in the event of beach contamination; • Proximity of beach to a known bacterial contamination source; • Innovativeness and feasibility of a proposed project; and • Ability to reduce time delays between sampling and results. In 2009, for the 2009 and 2010 beach testing program, the DEQ awarded $187,424 in grants to 14 health departments across the state testing 149 beaches. Oakland County didn't receive any state grant money for beach water monitoring in 2009 or 2010. The funding for those grants was made available through the Clean Michigan Initiative-Clean Water Fund. Hansell said Oakland County applied for a grant from the state this year to help fund its beach monitoring program, but he's yet to hear whether the county will receive a grant. Meanwhile, beach testing will continue to occur on the 44 designated Oakland County public beaches to monitor for potentially harmful levels of bacteria. However, there are a few things residents can do to ensure that E. coli levels remain low.
I
ndividuals can help prevent beach water pollution by conserving water; redirecting runoff; using natural fertilizers and compost in gardens; maintaining their septic systems properly; and properly disposing of animal waste, litter, toxic household products and used motor oil. People who use a beach also shouldn't feed the waterfowl or leave their trash behind, as both continuously attract animals that may leave behind fecal matter. As for remaining healthy while enjoying the beach, it's always recommended to wash your hands after swimming or playing in the sand to avoid any invisible fecal matter from entering your system. Pope also recommends searching the state of Michigan's beach database to see which beaches are tested regularly for E. coli and to get better informed about the quality of the water. "If a beach closure or advisory is issued, then it is recommended that people do not enter the water," she said. "It is also a good idea not to swim near discharge pipes, especially after heavy rain. If the water is very turbid (murky) it could mean that the microbial quality is reduced and going into the water is not recommended. Finally, the public can learn about how wastewater and storm water is handled in their watersheds that might affect key beaches and support efforts to remediate the problems." ❏ OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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WAITING GAME While not a done deal, the DNR expects property owners to OK Union Lake access site proposal By Angela Niemi
A
lthough the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was given the green light to make an offer on property adjacent to the former Aggressive Marine site on Union Lake in Commerce Township, a deal between the DNR and the property owners has yet to be finalized. Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said he's optimistic that the deal will eventually go through. "It's up to (the property owners) to get the pieces together, but we're anticipating that the deal will be consummated," Olson said. "We haven't heard anything from them that they don't want to sell the land." The 2.41-acre property, along with the adjacent Aggressive Marine property — which was purchased by the DNR back in 2008 — would be used to develop a new public boating access site at Union Lake and Wise roads in Commerce Township. The DNR hopes to develop this new access site because the current Union Lake access site poses traffic and safety concerns. Union Lake Road separates the DNR'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 DNR is currently offering $656,000 for the property adjacent to the former Aggressive Marine site, which includes 12.68 acres — 2.41 acres of upland and 10.27 acres
The DNR’s existing Union Lake access site (above) is located just north of the site where a new boat ramp will be developed. Department officials still expect to close on a parcel (inset) next to a former marina to pull off the new access site project.
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 DNR plans to remove. he money to develop this and other state-sponsored boating access sites comes from the 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 acquisition and developing and maintaining waterway facilities and operations. "From our understanding, (the property owners) still desire and are willing to sell the land. Our offer is still on the table, and we're just waiting for them to accept it. We have reason to believe that the terms are agreeable to them," Olson said. "But then again it's not over until it's over." The DNR 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
T
Remember, it’s not just toxic to you
held by state officials at the Commerce Township Township Hall last December. 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 at the new access site. They believe there is already enough boat traffic on Union Lake. Although local DNR 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 a quality recreational experience; we do not want to make it worse." lthough not all were satisfied by this answer, some residents decided they just had to accept change and put their trust in the DNR. "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 DNR 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. â??
A
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JUNE 2011
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hris Bunch's love of the outdoors is something that dates back to his childhood when he would spend hours fishing, swimming and playing outdoors on his family's property up north. That has continued into adulthood, as he spends his free time either hunting or fishing depending on the season. "If I'm not doing one, I'm doing the other," he said. His passion for nature led him to become in land conservation, and now he has been named the executive director for the Six Rivers Land Conservancy. A non-profit organization, Six Rivers was founded in 1990 as the Oakland Land Conservancy. In 2008, it changed its name as it began conservation in watersheds beyond the boundaries of Oakland County's Rouge, Clinton and Huron rivers to include the Flint, Shiawassee, and Belle rivers' watersheds. The mission of Six Rivers is to "conserve, sustain and connect natural areas, lands and waters that make the places we live special." Bunch has plenty of land conservancy leadership experience, particularly as the previous executive director
snapshot
of Ohio's Medina Summit Land Conservancy, the field director for the Western Reserve Land Conservancy's Medina Summit Chapter, and as a private consultant for land conservation, which included work as a land protection specialist for the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. "I'm really excited about this opportunity," Bunch said, adding that he hopes to protect sensitive environmental areas and put significant portions of land under conservation easements. "It means a lot to have a chance to expand the role of land conservation in the community and for the future. It's great to preserve the land around us for the future generations to see it." "The land conservancy accomplishes its mission through example and by helping people who act on their values," he added. "We're different than advocacy groups as we're not trying to change policies. Instead, we're helping people to leave a legacy of land for the future. We help people who want to leave a nice, clean, and inviting outdoors for the future." — Angela Niemi — Oakland Lakefront photo/Amy K. Lockard
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he summer sounds of revving engines and old rock 'n' roll favorites will serve as a backdrop to barbecue grilling, people milling up and down the beach and family-friendly activities as the city of Walled Lake presents its fourth Walled Lake Thunder hydroplane race June 11-12 at E. V. Mercer Beach, which is expected to trump last year's event. As in-board hydroplanes torpedo across the lake topping out at speeds of 160 mph, bystanders can watch from the stands, bask on the beach and soak in the sun, or sip lemonade. The outing promises to "Rock the Dock and Shake the Lake," as the event's theme implies. "We have a small committee that oversees the race that came up with this catch phrase, which is a reflection of Bayside (Sports Grille) that sponsors the event," said Bayside General Manager Todd Clickner. For the last three years, in-board hydroplanes have been jetting across the lake and riveting crowds. This year will be no different. "Every hydroplane in the U.S. will be putting their boats here in Michigan waters," said Todd McQuade, owner of T & D Enterprises and the event's co-chairman. "We have racers coming as far as Doha, Qatar and Australia." McQuade notes that "99.9 percent of the racers are repeat" contenders. This year will be hydroplane owner Debbie Welte's third run at the Walled Lake Thunder event. www.oaklandlakefront.com
She took first-place in her class in 2008. Welte, who resides in Heybron, Kent., a suburb just outside of Cincinnati, said one of the reasons she keeps coming back is the hospitality. "Bayside shows the racers such hospitality, and I've made lots of friends — we're like a huge extended family," she said. Welte's 2.5-liter modified boat is painted in bold yellow and plum. It has been endearingly christened, "Geezerboat," and was a parting gift from her brother, who passed away in 2007. "He left it to me with a note to go out and race and have fun," Welte said. "Little did I know I'd be racing five years later, which means I am having fun." elte enlists the help of veteran racer Joe Sovie, who joins her from New York to operate her boat. Sovie wife, Val, and 5-yearold son, Aydan, will be jumping onboard for support. "Joe is a racer, but wanted to help me out," Welte said. "Besides, my boat is faster than his." While Welte has completed her dunk test and physical requirements to compete as a racer, she said at some point you have to hand over the wheel to the younger generation. "If I was younger I might drive, but I'm older, wiser and more realistic," she said. The "Geezerboat" crew plans to enter a test race in Dayton, Ohio before competing at the first real race of the season, the Walled Lake Thunder event. OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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cQuade has coordinated and facilitated the Walled Lake Thunder race since its inception in one of the only historical lakefront communities in southeast Michigan. He is a member of both the American Power Boat Association (APBA) and Marine Prop Riders, and has lent his expertise to both the annual Quake on the Lake race held on Pontiac Lake and the Gold Cup, a Detroit River race. "I act as the race chairman and organizer/promoter while my co-chair, Jim Sechler, is one of the technical inspectors and on the inboard APBA Race Commission," McQuade said. On average, 40 boats compete at the Walled Lake race, but the event keeps growing and attracting more racers every year. "The event could possibly expand this year to 20 or 30 races, depending on how many boats show up. Over two days, there could be 70 races in all," McQuade said. As a lakefront property owner and Walled Lake City Council member, Casey Ambrose said he looks forward to the race each year. To celebrate it, he invites a slew of friends to join in the fun. "I thoroughly enjoy the hydroplane races along with all my guests," he said. "It's a tremendous event for our area and brings a lot of people to Walled Lake who wouldn't necessarily come to the lakefront." The Walled Lake Thunder race will feature seven different classes of in-board hydroplanes, which are classified according to length, size of engine, and type of engine. The watercraft vary from being powered by personal watercraft engines all the way up to V-8 Ford engines, and include: 1-liter stock; 1.5-liter stock; 2.5-liter stock; 2.5-liter modified; 5liter; national modified; and grand national hydro classes. This year there may be two Grand Prix boats appearing in an exhibition event, with the boats racing up to speeds of 200 mph, but that will be determined closer to the event date. "The race is top notch," Ambrose said. "Hopefully www.oaklandlakefront.com
over time, we'll have an event comparable to Quake on the Lake." The city of Walled Lake was required to obtain a state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) permit and pay out sanction fees to the APBA prior to finalizing race plans. Once it sailed past that obstacle, designs for the race course took a year of planning. Pilots will tear across the 1-mile oval course. First-, second- and third-place victors will earn trophies or monetary prizes. "The points are combined for qualifying and finals during both days over the weekend," McQuade said. Like last year, a grandstand will accommodate seating for 150 spectators during the event. John Semma, owner of the Bayside Sports Grille, has ponied up $40,000 in event costs for prizes, cranes, equipment rentals, and insurance costs. This year Semma is trying to offset costs by offering advertising incentives. "Hats off to Johnny (Semma) for pulling off this fantastic event," Ambrose said. "While we recoup costs through food and beverage sales, this year we are selling advertising through programs," Clickner said. hile the two-day affair is a highly-attended event and attracts racing fans and boats from all over the country, weather is always a determining factor. "We race in anything except thunder, lightning or high winds," McQuade said. Weather is also a telltale sign of how well the local businesses make out. "Everything you do on the lake is contingent on the weather," Clickner said. "That said, if the weather is good, we believe we'll exceed last year's event. We really marketed it this year, so we expect a better turnout." Clickner estimates the crowd exceeded 10,000 at last year's race. "The event brings notoriety to the Walled Lake area and helps the whole community — not just Bayside, but merchants like the bakery and wine OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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store near us, for example," Clickner explained. "The event helps to jump start businesses because the roads are closed and you have all that foot traffic that walks by various businesses." Bayside's pair of patios overlook the blue waters of Walled Lake. pectator seating and viewing is free of charge, with food and drinks available for purchase at the viewing area or at Bayside. VIP seating is available at an additional cost (covered or open seating) on the Bayside deck. Semma has also reserved a VIP tent with food and beverage options for anyone affiliated with the race. About 16 vendor booths will line up along Walled Lake Drive with program sponsors to promote their goods and services. In addition there will be a throng of food stations with offerings such as lemonade, water, hot dogs, and cotton candy. "Bayside is partnering with food venders that will set up these carts for pedestrians," Clickner said. Entertainment is lined up during both evenings. On June 10, Under the Covers will begin performing renditions of songs from the 1990s up to contemporary tunes. Then on June 11, Boogie Dynamite takes to the stage and gets the crowd jamming with party hits. Both bands begin performing at 9:30 p.m. Security will be provided by the Walled Lake Police Department, which will be assigning four www.oaklandlakefront.com
officers to patrol the surrounding and event area. "There will be uniform officers on foot and in the area along with the DNR helping with security on the lake," said Walled Lake Police Chief Paul Shakinas. Roads impacted by the event include east Walled Lake Drive from Leon to Liberty Street; Witherall from East Walled Lake Drive to Market; Ferland Street from East Walled Lake Drive to Market Street; and Market Street from Liberty to Witherall. Walled Lake Drive from Liberty to Witherall, as well as Ferland and Market, will shut down at 2 a.m. on June 11. Barricades will be removed by 7 p.m. on June 12. Witherall and Walled Lake Drive from Witherall to Leon Road, will close only during event hours. ayside will provide free valet parking in front of its parking lot at the business' entrance off East Walled Lake Drive. The main parking lot will be partitioned off and reserved for mechanics to work on the boats. "This year people can buy a $10 pit pass to see the different motors and talk to the drivers," Clickner said. Registration begins Friday, June 11 between 6 and 8 p.m. and again on Saturday, June 12 between 6 and 9 a.m. Boats will be launched around 10 a.m. â?? OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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New Lansing effort would allow two or more groups to team up on water issues By Angela Niemi
A
member of the state House of Representatives has introduced a bill that would allow local governments to collaborate on water quality issues. House Bill (HB) 4133, introduced by state Rep. Kurt Heise (R-Plymouth), would allow for "two or more municipalities to create a water quality alliance to monitor water quality as well as to act to address water quality or the impairments of beneficial uses that are of mutual concern to participating jurisdictions," according to the House Legislative Analysis Section. According to Heise, officials in Macomb County asked him to address the issue because of a situation stemming from Lake St. Clair. Because local municipalities aren't currently allowed to join together to conduct water testing, each one on Lake St. Clair has to do their own testing. Staff in Heise's office explained HB 4133 would allow municipalities "to pool resources and test together to share money if they so choose." Under the bill, water quality alliances would be able to monitor and sample waterways, and analyze data to look for any contamination or contamination threats. They would also be able to conduct public surveys, as well as prepare and distribute informational and educational materials. Organizing
An alliance would have to prepare and deliver to its members an annual report detailing the revenue received and expenditures made, according to the legislative analysis. and conducting activities or projects involving the public to help protect water quality would also be allowed. In order for an alliance to established, a resolution — including the bylaws identifying the structure of the organization and the decision-making process — would have to be approved by the participating municipalities. The resolution would also have to outline the waterways and/or water intakes within the alliance's jurisdiction; the municipalities, counties, county agencies, public school districts, and other public agencies eligible for membership; the basis of assessing costs to members; and the mechanism to be used to adopt an annual budget. According to the legislative analysis of the bill, an alliance would be required to provide an "equitable basis" for entities to join voluntarily and could authorize the voluntary membership of any local public school district, public college or university, or any other local or regional public agency. Once an alliance was
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hhhhhhhhhhhh established, an eligible public entity could join by resolution of its governing body. An alliance could employ personnel; enter into agreements and contracts; assess and collect membership fees with approval of the governing bodies of its members; solicit grants, gifts, and contributions from public and private sources; expend funds; and represent members of the alliance before other bodies, including obtaining local, state, or federal permits or authorizations required to carry out its activities, as authorized by members. An alliance would have to prepare and deliver to its members an annual report detailing the revenue received and expenditures made, according to the legislative analysis. The report would cover the calendar year and be due April 1 each year. In addition, an alliance would not have independent authority to collect fees or taxes directly from individuals or property owners. A member could allocate public funds from fees, taxes, or assessments for use by an alliance.
“Why wouldn't you let municipalities get together and do something? We're trying to consolidate things.” The bill states a water quality alliance would have to obtain an audit of its financial records, accounts, and procedures at least every other year and submit the results to the state treasurer and to the governing bodies of the members. The audit would have to satisfy all requirements under the Uniform Budget and Accounting Act. At least three lawmakers representing Oakland County communities say they feel the idea has merit, especially since it encourages collaboration and consolidation. "At first glance it looks like pretty good legislation," said state Rep. Eileen Kowall (R-White Lake). "It's not mandatory for local governments to join one." She added, "I hope that it's another way for local units of government to share and collaborate services." State Rep. Hugh Crawford (R-Novi) agreed. "Without knowing all the particulars of the bill, it sounds reasonable," he said. "Why wouldn't you let municipalities get together and do something? We're trying to consolidate things. As I haven't seen it all yet, I can't say for sure, but it sounds reasonable judging from the title of the bill. If it encourages consolidation and saves municipalities money, it's absolutely the thing to do." State Rep. Bill Rogers (R-Brighton) said he is also in favor of the bill. "In regards to regional cooperation and all these water systems that feed left and right into different municipalities, from what I understand (of the bill), it is an excellent idea — to allow local organizations that share common issues to get together and make sure drinking water is safe for everybody. (Waterways) don't necessarily stop at borders. So I think this is excellent," he said. HB 4133 was reported out of the House Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Committee in late April. The full House floor had yet to take vote on the bill prior to press time. ❏
BUDGET CASU
Marine patrols scarcer because of an economy that could also use a life vest By Angela Niemi
SUALTY
B
oaters and personal watercraft riders, ducks and swans, and people splashing through the sandbar all are common sights on lakes every summer. And yet, last summer, there was one mainstay missing on many lakes — Oakland County Sheriff's Department marine patrol boats. Due to budget constraints and the economic decline, the Marine Division no longer had the funds to keep patrol boats stationed on specific lakes after the 2009 boating season. Before facing $13.3 million in budget cuts, the Marine Division regularly patrolled more than two dozen county lakes for the duration of the summer — and without charge.
akland County has 450 lakes and approximately 90,000 registered boats — more than any other county in the state. In previous years, the county has spent $1.2 million to $1.4 million on Marine Division patrols on various county lakes. At its height, the Marine Division and Water Rescue Unit was equipped with 27 boats, two jump boats, a hovercraft, four all-terrain vehicles and four snowmobiles for use by full- and part-time deputies. Last year the sheriff's department was compelled to stop providing regular patrols on specific lakes free of charge, and municipalities had to enter into contracts with the Marine Division if they wanted lakes patrolled. That continues to be the case again this year. "We call them 'mini-contracts,'" explained Marine Division Sergeant Patrick Hatfield. The going rate for patrol services is $31.18 an hour, which is slightly less than the $32 per hour rate charged last summer. This covers a patrol boat, gas, maintenance, and the deputy's wages. According to Hatfield, the sheriff's department enters into a contract with the local governing bodies, which in turn enter into contracts with lake or subdivision associations that want the marine patrols on their lakes. Highland Township Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski explained that individual lake improvement boards and lakes associations can't enter into a contract with the sheriff's department independently. Instead, they must go through the local governing body. Both Highland Township and White Lake Township had to contract with the sheriff's department for marine patrols on White Lake because it's located in both townships. Commerce Township has requested to have patrols on Commerce Lake, Long Lake, Lake Sherwood, and Lower Straits Lake this season. Commerce Township Clerk Dan Munro explained how the contracts are settled. "Generally, we enter into an agreement with the (sheriff's department) to provide services. At that point, there are individual agreements between the township and the lake associations to enter into individual agreements that comply to the overall agreement with the (sheriff's department)," he said. "The ones paying for the contract are the subdivision associations that have requested (marine patrols)." One such scenario involves the association for Lake Sherwood. "We have a focus here on lake safety and want all our residents to enjoy safe, responsible and fun boating throughout the season," said Robert Kondoff of the Lake Sherwood Homeowners Association. "We are a fairly large lake community, so having regular patrols on the water serves as a visible reminder to both help educate our boaters and enforce safe
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boating and general lake safety practices. It helps make the entire lake experience more enjoyable for our members." According to Kondoff, the funds to pay for the marine patrols come from the annual association dues paid by association members. The funds paying for marine patrols on White Lake, on the other hand, are being provided through a special assessment district (SAD) being collected through White Lake's lake improvement board. "The lake improvement board exists to help maintain the quality of the lake," said Pilchowski, a member of the lake improvement board. "And the White Lake Citizens League came to the lake improvement board and requested the (marine patrol) contract. So we had a public hearing last year to redirect funds (coming from the SAD) in the lake improvement board's budget to go towards marine safety." White Lake Citizens League members have decided to once more have the sheriff's department patrol White Lake this summer. "Last year, they were very pleased and very satisfied with the arrangement. So they met with us so they could once again do this contract," Pilchowski said. According to Hatfield, the sheriff's department expects to have at least 13 "mini-contracts" in place for marine patrols this summer. "They stretch from Addison Township all the way to Commerce Township," he said. Nine of these contracts appeared before the Oakland County Board of Commissioners for approval on May 19. Addison, Commerce, Highland, Orion, West Bloomfield, White Lake and Independence townships, as well as the city of Orchard Lake Village and the village of Wolverine Lake have all requested to enter into contracts with the marine division for the upcoming summer. ddison and Independence townships, as well as the village of Wolverine Lake have each requested one part-time marine deputy, an employee not eligible for benefits, for 125 hours per year at a total cost of $3,898. However, Wolverine Lake will apparently supplement Marine Division patrols with a return of the village's own law enforcement personnel on the water this summer. Last year, the village contracted with the sheriff's department for lake patrols, mainly due to an estimated $10,000 cost for the village to install a new engine in its marine patrol boat. Since that time, however, the projected cost to repair the village's patrol boat has decreased. The boat will not require a new engine and can be repaired at a fraction of the cost, at about $1,500. "It's cost-efficient to do it rather than
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relinquishing it to the sheriff's department, which did a fine job, but our citizens prefer us to handle it if we can do it," said Wolverine Lake Police Captain John Ellsworth. "Now we'll be able to provide the service less expensively ourselves and add a few more hours of coverage, too," said Village Council President John Magee. Now that Ellsworth is in charge of the police department, random lake patrols will be part of monitoring lake activity. "I'll be doing things a little different ... by utilizing part-time police officers," he said. "The union agreed to give us that ability so we can schedule random patrols, whether it be evenings or mornings. We will have the flexibility now to not pull officers off the road to do it." Both Commerce Township and Orchard Lake requested one part-time deputy for 250 hours per year at a cost of $7,795. The cost to patrol White Lake, which is contracted through both White Lake and Highland townships, by one part time deputy for 226 hours per year is $7,047. Orion Township has requested one part-time deputy to patrol 640 hours per year for a cost of $19, 955. West Bloomfield has requested two part-time marine deputies for 1,700 hours per year which will cost $106,012.However, Township Clerk Cathy Shaughnessy said that figure is way off-base, although that's what is included in the county's documentation. All contracts, with the exception of Independence Township's, were set to start May 20 and continue through Sept. 30. Independence Township's contract began May 23. In each contract, all requested patrol dates are specified — in particular holidays and weekends. However, these contracts provide only for marine patrols on specific lakes within the community that request the marine patrol service. Other lake associations and subdivisions have opted out of contracting with the sheriff's department for marine patrols. or example in Highland Township, Pilchowski noted that some lakes were taking an approach more along the lines of a "'let's see what happens' kind of thing." "The other lakes aren't as big or busy as White Lake, so they may not see marine patrols as a priority," she said. On the other hand, some municipalities may opt to take the path Walled Lake did last year and have their own police patrol the waters; or, they may simply decide to not do anything, leaving it up to riparian citizens to adhere to water safety rules.
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Meanwhile, the sheriff's department will still continue to patrol and offer marine assistance on Oakland County lakes; however, it will be a more reactive approach. "We still have jump boats that work throughout the week and weekends to take emergency calls," Hatfield said. "If people have an emergency, they still have the opportunity to call 911, and our Dive Team will respond," he Marine Division still maintains and operates its 12-member dive/rescue team, while still offering courses in boater, snowmobile, and hunter safety to train and educate the public. The division has two jump boats that patrol lakes around the county when an emergency arises. Each boat will be operated by two deputies and will most likely be out and about during "high peak times" such as Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. One group of deputies will patrol from about 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., while another will take over from 6 p.m. to around 11 p.m. While the jump boats are usually "quite busy" taking calls from around the county as they patrol from lake to lake, once in a while they may stop to conduct a more proactive patrol of a particular lake. "If they see a lot of boats on one lake, they might launch their boat where they're at and stay for an hour to patrol," Hatfield said. The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) also has some conservation officers available to patrol the county's lakes when requested, at no charge. DNR Spokesperson Mary Dettloff said the department will be providing these patrols again this year. Typically, conservation officers look at factors such as population, lake usage, and the number of complaints coming for a given lake to determine which lakes to patrol. To request a DNR conservation officer patrol during a busy weekend, municipalities or lake associations can call the DNR's Southeast Michigan Office at 248-359-9040. Despite having fewer patrols on the county's lakes these days, Hatfield said the Marine Division hasn't seen an increase in any reported accidents, problems, or complaints on the water so far. However, he noted that water safety should remain a priority for all boaters, even if there isn't anyone out there to enforce marine laws. "Boaters should make sure to have the proper life jackets on board, and if possible to be wearing them while you are out and in motion," Hatfield cautioned. For more information on contracting with the Oakland County Sheriff's Department for marine patrols, call the department's non-emergency telephone number at 248-858-4911. â??
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wo bills introduced in the full property taxes owed," Johnson "If the trust fund state House of wants to purchase said. Representatives would "It makes more sense," said require the Legislature to Johnson Legislative Aide Ben property, then it make appropriations from the Frederick. "If the trust fund wants to should be Michigan Natural Resources purchase property, then it should be Trust Fund (NRTF) each fiscal year to responsible for paying taxes on it as responsible for make full payments in lieu of taxes opposed to the General Fund or paying taxes on it as (PILT) on state-owned lands that had School Aid Fund." been purchased with NRTF funds. If Meanwhile, HB 4579, sponsored by opposed to the granted final approval and enacted, state Rep. Frank Foster (R-Pellston), General Fund or the legislation would draw down the is a complementary bill that specifies School Aid Fund." how the PILT will be paid after 2011. trust fund that provides funding to acquire land for new or expanded state It states that if a claimed property boating access sites and other facilities on the was purchased by the trust fund, the portion of the shores of Michigan's inland lakes. payment that represents an assessment by a local PILT are payments made by the state to local school district, intermediate school district, or units of government in lieu of property taxes for the community college district would be paid out of the land owned by the state and administered by the NRTF. The balance of any payment remaining would Department of Natural Resources (DNR). also be paid by the trust fund. If the claimed Under the current PILT program, the portion of property wasn't purchased by the trust fund, then the payment representing an assessment by a local payments would be made as the law requires now school district, intermediate school district, or for all payments. community college district must be paid from the State Reps. Bill Rogers (R-Brighton), Hugh School Aid Fund. For the balance of the payment, no Crawford (R-Novi), and Eileen Kowall (R-White Lake) more than 50 percent may be paid from the NRTF or are co-sponsors of that bill. other restricted revenue sources. The rest of the Crawford said he believes they're both "good funds are supposed to come from the state's General bills," as PILT dollars are supposed to replace the tax Fund through the state Department of Treasury. revenue local municipalities would've gotten from the For the past few years, there hasn't been enough state-owned property, and there isn't enough in the money in the state's General Fund to make these General Fund to pay the rest of the PILTs. PILT payments to local governments, which "The bill, if I'm not mistaken, says to pay the consequently suffer a loss in revenue. other half out of the NRTF, as well. And the bottom Therefore, state Rep. Joel Johnson (R-Clare) has line is that it ought to be paid — wherever it's sponsored House Bill (HB) 4577, requiring all PILT coming from," Crawford said. on NRTF-purchased land to be paid from the NRTF Kowall agreed. instead of half from the state's General Fund. "We have so many restricted funds in our budget "This is one more common sense change to make that it makes it hard to make adjustments sure the state is prudent on land purchase decisions sometimes," she said. "I don't think general funds and that, if they do make land purchase decisions, should be put into restricted funds. I'd much rather they're responsible and local governments receive see all of the PILT came out of the DNR trust fund."
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According to a legislative analysis to provide funding for the acquisition As of January 2010, and development of land for resource on the bills, the state's General Fund would realize savings of approximately over $800 million protection and outdoor recreation. $350,400 based on executive The funding is derived from royalties in MNRTF estimates for Fiscal Year (FY) 2011from the sale and lease of state12 payments. While there are no owned mineral rights. In 1985, appropriations specific data available to determine Michigan voters chose to make the have been made for NRTF part of the Michigan exactly how much of the current School Aid Fund payments are on more than 1,200 Constitution, ensuring the program's NRTF-purchased lands, the DNR future. state and local estimates it could be 26.8 percent by Under current provisions of the using the equivalent percentage out of recreation projects. state's Constitution, NRTF monies can current Natural Resources Trust only be spent on land acquisition for Fund/General Fund payments. Thus, recreational uses or protection of land the bill could create savings for the School Aid Fund because of its environmental importance or its of approximately $774,500 based on executive scenic beauty; the development of public recreation estimates for FY 2011-12 payments. The NRTF facilities; and the administration of the trust fund, would be required to increase payments by a total of which may include PILT on state-owned land approximately $1.12 million. purchased through the trust fund. According to DNR records, there are over 28,318 Not more than one-third of trust fund revenues acres in Oakland County owned by the state and received during each fiscal year can be spent during administered by the DNR. The parcels have a the subsequent fiscal year. collective taxable value of $45.29 million. As of January 2010, over $800 million in MNRTF The Michigan Department of Treasury's PILT appropriations have been made for more than 1,200 report for 2009, the latest available, states a total of state and local recreation projects, according to the $13.49 million in payments were distributed across DNR. NRTF-assisted project sites must be dedicated Michigan that year. Purchased land payments totaled to public outdoor recreation in perpetuity. $7.27 million. Applications for NRTF assistance are accepted The report states of 575,400 gross acres in annually. Applications are accepted from both local Oakland County, 29,131 acres were owned by the units of government and state agencies, including DNR in 2009. The payments in lieu of taxes made on the land managing divisions of the DNR. those lands came to $914,465 in 2009. Applications are reviewed and scored by Grants The Department of Treasury's 2008 PILT report Management of the DNR. Final grant states a total of $14.73 million in payments were recommendations are made by the MNRTF Board of spread out across the state that year. Purchased Trustees and submitted to the Legislature for land payments total $7.66 million. approval and appropriation of funds. The 2008 report indicates of Oakland County's HBs 4577 and 4579 were reported out of the gross acreage, 29,242 acres were owned by the House Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor DNR. Payments in lieu of taxes made on those lands Recreation Committee in early May. The full House added up to $968,237. floor had yet to take vote on the bills prior to press The NRTF is a restricted fund established in 1976 time. â?? www.oaklandlakefront.com
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FISH WHERE THE FISH ARE BITING Sounds simple enough. Place your advertising in the medium where you know potential customers are hungry to buy. So if you want to reach the largest number of lakefront homeowners in Oakland County, drop anchor in Oakland Lakefront magazine, delivered to over 19,000 lake homes county-wide seven times each year by direct mail. No wasted circulation. No guessing about who sees your ad. No wonder Oakland Lakefront – now in its 20th year of publication — carries more advertising lineage directed at those with the lakefront lifestyle than any other publication. And that’s no fish story. Call our advertising department (248.360.7355) now so the big ones don’t get away.
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dan keifer
t's only fitting that Dan Keifer's last day at the Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC) as its community outreach coordinator is June 11 — lining up with River Day, which the nine-year employee calls "the main annual event that we do to celebrate the lakes and rivers." "It will be a nice, fitting final day for me," he said. And it wasn't always a foregone conclusion that Keifer, who has lived in the Rochester area for over 25 years, would go into environmental stewardship and conservation. However, having virtually grown up with a fishing pole in his hand, the Tufts University and University of Michigan graduate seems pleased with where he ended up after earning degrees in economics and business, particularly with the quality of natural resources "right in our own backyard." "I was like so many people who thought you had to go three hours north on I-75 to find a neat place to go outdoors," he said. "I didn't know about the Clinton River until about 10 or 12 years ago." As the watershed council's outgoing community
snapshot
outreach coordinator — the council has had Tom Quail, Keifer's replacement, shadowing him for over two months — the U.S. Navy veteran was responsible for coordinating with various stakeholders in the world of conservation, including state and local natural resource agencies. Keeping in touch with those crucial partners is critical to maintaining the key relationships the CRWC needs to share best practices, and communicate ideas for projects and programs to focus on related to the area's water resources. And while the last nine years have been "a real nice discovery" for Keifer, he's got some bigger fish to fry in the days, months and years ahead. "My wife and I came down with the granddaughter disease," he said. "It just totally changed our compass points and, unfortunately, they live three states away. We just want to have the flexibility and live closer and have a little more family time." — Kirk Pinho — Oakland Lakefront photo/Stefano Ferri
COUNTY MAN ON MISSION TO BRING NEW SPORT TO THE FOREFRONT By Tim Dmoch
Matt Campbell has combined a love of action sports and an expertise in various coatings to emerge as a trailblazer in the realm of surfing and stand up paddleboard development. Jeff Weinert (orange cap in inset) and Campbell show off a pair of custom board creations.
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ears from now, as you’re watching the worked through the summer.” Summer Olympic Games and see the stand Similarly, Campbell said he was attracted to action up paddleboarding competition, know that sports at a young age. He grew up skateboarding a northern Oakland County man played big and eventually got into snowboarding and mountain role in developing, promoting and biking. But it was snowboarding that really excited expanding the burgeoning sport. Matt him. Campbell, a former professional snowboarder and “I was one of the first five people ever to go down veteran of the coatings industry, isn’t just riding the Alpine Valley when it opened,” he said, adding that waves — he’s making them in the surfboard and he became a professional snowboarder in the early stand up paddleboard industries with his innovative 1990s at the age of 18, an endeavor that prompted products and designs. him to leave Michigan for Colorado. His Although stand up paddleboarding snowboarding career shifted from Campbell isn’t currently an Olympic sport, it competing to conducting research and almost certainly will be someday, coming up with his own board designs began studying according to Campbell. He spends much for industry pioneer Burton. His taste composites of his time these days promoting the for shaping and designing boards then sport and making custom boards for surpassed his passion for competition, while in college clients. At the same time, he’s a leader ushering in a new chapter in his career. and started to in research and design for international By the time he turned 25, he missed generate his manufacturers, conducts product the water of his native Oakland County testing, and formulates several products and the Great Lakes region as a whole, own product that are not only used by Campbell which brought him back home. and application himself, but also by mass producers Campbell began studying composites ideas. both in and outside the water board while in college and started to generate industry. his own product and application ideas. Campbell began his journey to becoming a He soon decided to start his own business, and trailblazer in the surfing, stand up paddleboard and developing and patenting resins. coatings industries as a preteen. His introduction “I was working in the coatings industry for a long into the coatings industry came at the age of 11. time,” he said. “I was surfing the Great Lakes, and “I guess it started because my parents were came up with these ideas. When the economy went teachers at the school of hard knocks,” he said with down here in the Midwest, I saw all the outsourcing a chuckle. “I come from a middle-class family. As a and overseas manufacturing, and what it did to the kid I started to wonder ‘How am I ever going to get community. I decided I wanted to give the small a car? A paper route won’t cut it.’ I saw some guys builders some help and technology they couldn’t get in the area painting different things, and I asked if I otherwise on their own.” could work for them. They said I was way too young. So Campbell established c3d Industries due to the So I started to bring them sandwiches and cookies growing need in the composites industry to develop so I could hang around and learn. After a lot of a new resin completely different than epoxy, vinyl coaxing, I got a job in the painting industry and ester, and polyester. The company’s products have a www.oaklandlakefront.com
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slew of applications, including automotive, aerospace, enhanced carbon fiber properties, composite products, marine uses, motorcycles, sporting goods, structures, wind energy, and industrial flooring. The c3d products, including the non-yellowing Resin-X, provide fast production times, dynamic flex, vibration dampening qualities, and superior chemical resistance over epoxies — all crucial to surfboards and now stand up paddleboards. Resin-X is noncorrosive and produced from products such as potatoes, corn, and wheat, making it more environmentally-friendly and safer than previous coatings. According to Campbell, his trademarked Resin-X formula has many uses in both the composites and industrial markets as both a structural resin and a long-lasting topcoat. In addition to Resin-X, c3d has a complete line of finishing products, along with different types of epoxies. It hasn’t taken international manufacturers long to realize Resin-X is a superior, innovative product that can improve their own products, and many — including some industry leaders in the massproduction market — are using Campbell’s formulations. “One of those companies was able to bring production from China to America where its headquarters is located, along with their graphics department, which was doing their work in Europe,” he said. “This is creating more jobs in America and purchasing raw materials from Michigan. “Resin-X is a made-in-Michigan product that is going to be featured in some of the top-of-the-line wakeboard and kiteboard markets,” Campbell said. It’s not just big, multi-national firms and board makers that are benefiting by incorporating Resin-X into their products. Resin-X is even being used on the world stand up tour by Hawaii North Shore shaper Robin Johnston, according to Campbell. Resin-X has many other practical uses — boat repairs and dock coatings being just a couple of www.oaklandlakefront.com
them. And Campbell has developed and produced a line of Resin-X support products that are more environmentally-responsible. They also aide in the finishing of fiberglass and wood products. Campbell now has 25 years of practical, real-world coatings experience as both an applicator and formulator. He also continues to do research and design work, and process engineering for both the public and private sectors. But he still makes the most of his opportunities to get outside and hop onto any number of different action sports boards, whether it’s snowboarding, surfing the Great Lakes or plying the waters of Michigan’s inland lakes. His continued interest in boarding sports, coupled with this experience in coatings and even graphic arts, have merged under Campbell’s board shaping and manufacturing efforts. He also glasses boards for other companies such as the classic label Dewey Weber. “For years now I have been surfing the Great Lakes,” he said. “When I started surfing here I also started making my own surfboards and stand up paddleboards.” Campbell says he still makes more surfboards than anything else these days, but his passion has really turned to stand up paddleboards, which allow people to stay fit and have fun even on flat water. The sport has been endorsed by celebrities as an excellent core workout and cross-training activity for many sports, or even to maintain general fitness. Former Detroit Red Wing Chris Chelios is big proponent of stand up paddleboarding, according to Campbell. Jeff Weinert, a competitive cyclist and fellow action sports aficionado, helps Campbell with ideas culled from his own experiences and provides an extra set of hands to help create custom boards. Through working with Campbell, he’s become sold on the paddleboard phenomenon and says he expects the sport to explode. “It gets bigger year by year,” Weinert said. “It should get big around here. People think about OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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52
JUNE 2011
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DAVE (248) 666-9248 www.oaklandlakefront.com
surfing and they think about the ocean. But with the differences between them. The clients tell him their Great Lakes, we have more coastline than the east preferences, and Campbell begins to craft a custom and west coasts combined. And you can find waves board suited to those preferences and the client’s just as big as the coasts’ on the Great Lakes. Then physical characteristics. you consider all the inland lakes — and rivers, too.” And Campbell practices what he preaches when it While it’s still common to find Campbell’s comes to stand up paddleboarding. He gets out on surfboards for sale or praised on the Internet, he’s the water to do some stand up paddleboarding promoting stand up paddleboarding and making about two to three times a week. As soon as the ice more and more stand up boards. He said his topping the area lakes melts, he heads out to the paddleboard production has increased three-fold in newly opened waters. Thanks to stand up each of the last few years. And like his surfboards, paddleboarding, he lost about 20 pounds between each of Campbell’s paddleboards is February and early May this year. “While my custom shaped, manufactured and even Promoting stand up paddleboarding primary focus decorated with his own graphics. requires exposing more people to the “There’s no soul in the China sport, so Campbell’s c3d company — is surfing Great boards,” Campbell said. “As far as the and his BlackBox surf craft company — Lakes waves, custom nature of paddleboards vs. China sponsor racing teams in the Midwest stand up pop-out mass-produced boards, there is and Hawaii. While c3d sponsors a team paddleboarding no substitute for a hand-laminated based at Hawaii’s famous North Shore, board when waters are bumpy and the BlackBox label is sponsoring riders has become a wavy. That’s when the paddleboarding is in Michigan and across the Great Lakes. way for me to the most fun. While my primary focus is “BlackBox is homegrown, and I plan stay in shape surfing Great Lakes waves, stand up to keep it that way,” he said. “I’m more on flat water.” paddleboarding has become a way for dead set on helping people in this area me to stay in shape on flat water.” go to national levels and support kids Now with vast experience shaping various kinds of from here, rather than find people outside of the boards, Campbell takes pride in shaping boards area.” around each client and their ability. Campbell himself is part of one of the sponsored “Stand up paddleboarding is our big focus locally,” competitive teams. he said. “My customers can form a relationship with “I’m one of the guys on the team, and have the the shaper, which allows me to manufacture a most to lose when I’m out on a paddle. I’m out to custom-tailored board fitting their size, weight, prove something with making the products and the performance requirements and custom graphics. boards. We’re trying to sell a lifestyle here, not just “I like working here in Oakland County because boards, right here in our own backyard. The sport of the customer can come to me and get a better sense stand up paddling offers so much to our area with of what they want and need,” he said. its inland lakes.” Campbell gets his board commissions from private To learn more about c3d industries, visit customers and shops alike. He takes clients out on c3dindustries.com. ❏ the water to try various boards and feel the www.oaklandlakefront.com
OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
53
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
5.20.11
+ OR -
PRIOR YEAR
NOTES & REMARKS
Angelus
950.00
950.58
+.58
Bevins
910.40
911.70
+1.30
950.40 911.18
Big
1017.30
1017.87
+.57
1017.72
Winter Lvl: 1016.70
Bunny Run
965.95
966.00
+.05
966.31
Winter Lvl: 965.45
Bush Lake
913.60
913.77
+.17
913.83
Cass
929.22
929.50
+.28
929.15
Cedar Island
934.00
935.01
+1.01
934.52
Cemetery-Dollar
Winter Lvl: 927.87
968.50
968.34
–.16
969.02
Clinton River
2.10
4.36
+2.26
4.22
Commerce
906.80
908.12
+1.32
907.88
Crystal
917.50
918.20
+.70
917.85
7) Winter Lvl: 917.00
Dawson Mill Pond
928.60
928.48
–.12
928.37
6) Winter Lvl: 927.25
Duck
1016.63
1017.00
+.37
1016.95
Fox
930.00
930.82
+.82
930.65
Huron River
1.08
2.62
+1.54
2.08
Indianwood
992.62
993.22
+.60
933.14
2)
5) Winter Lvl: 992.12
Lakeville
952.30
952.68
+.38
952.33
Long (Commerce Twp.)
933.00
933.49
+.49
933.25
Loon
949.30
950.14
+.84
950.10
2), 3) 8)
Louise-Huff
962.27
962.62
+.35
962.20
Middle & Lower Straits
930.70
931.00
+.30
930.83
Mohawk
949.30
950.21
+.91
950.34
Oakland-Woodhull
957.50
958.00
+.50
957.95
Orchard
930.50
930.93
+.43
930.74
Oxbow
942.75
943.50
+.75
943.20
Oxford-Multi
1017.80
1018.25
+.45
1018.23
Pontiac
962.83
964.08
+1.25
963.78
Schoolhouse
949.30
950.19
+.89
950.25
Scott
951.00
949.85
–1.15
949.53
Sylvan-Otter
928.60
928.78
+.18
928.72
Tipsico
1015.39
1,015.83
+.44
1015.52
2), 3)
1) 2), 3) 6) Winter Lvl: 927.25
Union
927.07
927.40
+.33
927.32
Upper Straits
930.80
931.55
+.75
931.30
Van Norman
966.70
967.34
+.64
967.03
2), 4) Winter Lvl: 932.10
Walled & Shawood
932.80
933.70
+.90
933.25
Watkins
950.00
950.00
Legal
950.08
Waumegah
1049.90
1050.08
+.18
1049.80
White
1019.10
1019.68
+.58
1019.39
Williams
965.42
965.80
+.38
966.03
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 dlakef nd kla oa
lakefront real estate
LEE EMBREY 248-283-8151
348 E. MAPLE • BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009 248-283-8151 WWW.SKBK.COM
E-MAIL: LEMBREY@ SKBK.COM
CHECK OUT LEE’S WEBSITE AT WWW.LEEEMBREY.COM OR WWW.LAKEANGELUS.COM
PRISTINE AND PRIVATE LAKE ANGELUS YOU’LL THINK YOU’RE IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN. Crystal clear, spring fed, 470+ acre private Lake Angelus. Water Skiing and sailing. No jet skis. 15 minutes north of Birmingham/Royal Oak/Southfield. Call me for your personal tour.
VIEW ALL LAKE ANGELUS LISTINGS AT WWW.LAKEANGELUS.COM 3421 OLD BALDWIN ROAD LAKE ANGELUS Fabulous sunsets from this beautiful 3+ acre Lake Angelus Estate 4 bedroom 4.5 bath, 4.5 car garage, 7,000 sq. ft., 1st floor master, 151 ft. lake frontage, paved road + 3 bedroom, 2 bath guest house. $1,499,900
2378 LAKE ANGELUS LANE Fabulous lake views. 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2,000 sq. ft. ranch with 1,600 sq. ft. in finished lower level. Deck, paver patio, 2 car garage, stone seawall. $894,000
299 GRAY WOODS LAKE ANGELUS Fabulous newer construction (‘04). Views, views, views with 10,000+ sq. ft.! 5 bedrooms, 5.1 bath, 4+ car garage, 2+ acres with 105 ft. lake frontage, finished walkout. Granite, marble, hardwoods. $1,795,000
R
U ED
CE
D
742 LAKE ANGELUS SHORES Fabulous lakefront lot. 2,500 sq. ft. 1860s farmhouse with 3-4 bedrooms, 1 full and 2 half baths. Beautiful south shore location with 4.06 acres and 124 ft. of lake frontage. $849,900
2405 LAKE ANGELUS ROAD Horses, horses, horses 6.25 acres. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3.5 car garage, horse barn, pole barn, tack room, corrals, walkout lower level, 3,200 sq. ft. $1,199,900
995 LAKE ANGELUS ROAD Vacant 5.37 acre parcel with 168 ft. of lake frontage on north side of Lake Angelus. Plans for 8,000+ sq. ft. home available. $999,900
CUSTOM LAKEFRONT AND RESIDENTIAL 321 INDIANWOOD RD. LAKE ORION Fabulous newer construction 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3.5 car garage, 1+ acre, gourmet kitchen. Views from every room. Custom upgrades throughout. Over 5,100 sq. ft. Designer’s own home. Too much to list. $849,000
56
JUNE 2011
6739 ROYAL HARBOR INDEPENDENCE Van Norman Lake Subdivision. Entire sub - 3+acres, over 500 ft. lake frontage on Van Norman Lake. 2,400 sq. ft. new construction home. 7 additional lots make into 1 lot or buy home and split off lots or finish sub. Bank owned. ALL FOR: $480,000
www.oaklandlakefront.com
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4075 Echo Drive West Bloomfield
248-881-3478 www.oaklandlakefront.com
OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
57
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 OR
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
W.
. WP DT IEL F OM BLO
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 @ $499,900 #211031583 • 1-800-396-5204 X222
L ITE WH
. WP ET AK
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 OR 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 @ $759,900 #211017553 • 1-800-396-5204 X296 . WP ET RC E MM CO
ALL-SPORTS COMMERCE LAKEFRONT •Opportunity knock, 2 incredible future building sites •4 bedroom, 1.5 bath summer retreat, enclosed porch •Island living, circular drive, sandy shoreline GREAT VALUE @ $399,900 #211031823 • 1-800-396-5204 X285 P. TW RD FO R TE 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
W.
. WP DT IEL F OM BLO
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 @ $509,900 #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 @ $349,900 #211031582 • 1-800-396-5204 X247 . WP ET AK L ITE WH
TREED HILLSIDE LOT - 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
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! . 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
L ITE WH
. WP ET AK
BEST ALL-SPORTS LAKEFRONT BUY - SUGDEN LAKE •Spacious 2,159 sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths •2 story foyer, fireplace, large master, hot tub •2+ attached garage, deck, patio, dock, 330 ft. deep lot WON’T LAST @ $214,900 #211051967 • 1-800-396-5204 X115 P. TW RD FO R TE WA
PRIVATE ALL-SPORTS WATKINS LAKEFRONT •2,200 sq. ft., 3-4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 story, 2 car garage •Tiered deck, treed fenced yard and sandy shoreline •Water damaged - Land contract terms ONLY @ $139,900 #211031574 • 1-800-396-5204 X275
. 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 #211031579 • 1-800-396-5204 X251 . WP DT AN L 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 @ $204,900 #211043916 • 1-800-396-5204 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
P. TW RD O 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 . WP DT N A HL 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 . WP ET RC 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 #211038619 • 1-800-396-5204 X207
www.TheStocktonTeam.com
2900 Union Lake Rd. Suite 210 Commerce Twp., MI 48382
248-360-2900 ED UC D RE
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 $475,000.
MIDDLE STRAITS LAKE IMPROVED PRICE - $209,900 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
STEVE STULZ 248-887-2500
RICK REID 248-981-8582
D CE U D RE
ST JU
LD SO
SPECTACULAR ALL-SPORTS COMMERCE LAKEFRONT HOME - $449,000 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.
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!
GORGEOUS ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKEFRONT - 53’ SANDY SHORELINE Four bedroom, 3.5 bath + finished walkout = 3,100+ living sq. ft. total. Granite kitchen, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors and new baths. Huge master plus deck, bar/kitchenette, party deck, patio and 3 car garage. Great house. $499,900. 210042706
JIM HOEFT 248-882-7411
JIM HOEFT 248-882-7411
STEVE STOCKTON 248-755-7500 ST JU
BEAUTIFUL COLONIAL - CANAL FRONT Four bedroom, 3 bath Colonial on all-sports Cedar Island Lake. 3,100 sq. ft., including walkout lower level with large great room and wet bar. Brick fireplace in family room. Huge deck and patio. Huron Valley schools. $275,900.
ROBERT HITTINGER 810-602-4128 62
JUNE 2011
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
ROBERT HITTINGER 810-602-4128
LD SO
GORGEOUS - ALL-SPORTS NEVA/BRENDEL WATERFRONT Spacious 3,700+ sq. ft., 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath with fireplace. Granite kitchen, custom two story great room. Jet tub. Valued packed at $299,999. 211031580
STEVE STOCKTON 248-755-7500 www.oaklandlakefront.com
25 South Main St. Clarkston, MI
L
E AK
(248)
Take a Virtual Tour Online:
www.mmrealtors.com
S LU GE AN L IS
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
G TIN LIS
W NE
D AN
E IC PR
Kenice Schooley
www.oaklandlakefront.com
LD SO
G TIN LIS
E IC PR
Ron Serafini
TY NI MU M CO
BEYOND BEAUTIFUL Sizzling 2,400 sq. ft. colonial with 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, extensive Brazilian cherry hardwoods, granite kitchen, extended moldings, 3 car garage and private beach. $275,000 11-SCE
W NE
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. $199,000 23-WAL
Emily Ford
SURF AND SAND Dreamy Lake Oakland contemporary with 5 bedrooms, 4.1 baths, cathedral great room, kitchen with hearth, library with French doors, finished walkout, and a heated 3-car garage. $597,777 35-LAK
D TE GA
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
W NE
ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY Slick 2,400 sq. ft. contemporary surrounded by 1.7 tranquil acres and featuring 3 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, island kitchen with hearth, and a walkout. Private Deer Lake beach. $225,000 72-DEE
G IN TT SE
C’EST MAGNIFIQUE! Exquisite French chateau with an indoor pool and nestled on a secluded 20 acre island which boasts panoramic water vistas and 300 ft. of sandy beach frontage. $700,000 10-KNO
W NE
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
625-1010
G TIN LIS
REEL IT IN! Freshly renovated ranch with a basement on all-sports Williams Lake with new: windows, mechanics, floors and moldings, full bath, appliances, landscaping and more! $159,900 69-FOR
Cheryl Karrick
Bob Newman
OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
63
64
JUNE 2011
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!
ITE WH
LD SO
KE LA
FOUR STAR CUSTOM DESIGNED ON WHITE LAKE 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. $324,900 MLS#211028656 (3604L)
AWESOME DUCK LAKE RANCH Four bedrooms, 3 baths, expanded great room with cathedral ceilings. Finished walkout with 2nd kitchen, bar, full bath and 4th 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. Pottery Barn style cottage or year around. Main body of private all-sports 270 acre Duck Lake. Remodeled! $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. $558,500 MLS#210110813 (2916V3) S RT S PO EGE S LIL AL RIV P
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. $469,000 MLS#211028652 (3252L)
PE ND IN G
DUCK & WHITE LAKE PRIVILEGES Four sided brick ranch, large privacy fenced yard, 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. Privileges on Duck and White Lakes. Newer furnace and central air. New dimensional roof in 2000. Covered screen porch, 8’x10’ shed, rec room and home office in partially finished basement. $99,500 MLS#210126629 (2794M)
S RT S PO EGE S L- IL AL RIV P
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. $334,900 MLS#211032862 (3670D3)
www.oaklandlakefront.com
BEAUTIFUL LAKEFRONT WITH SANDY BEACH Three bedroom, 3 bath, 2,351 sq. ft. home with huge deck, 2 patios and 2 sheds. Located on Charlick Lake with a screened in pool. Huge 29’ x 25’ garage with workshop. Many updates include: newer furnace, windows, kitchen and paver walk. Newly paved driveway. Possible lease to own. One year warranty. $224,900 MLS#211048108 (3902L3)
OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
65
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. $795,000 INW1418
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www.oaklandlakefront.com
PAULA REESE
Buying or Selling? I am Your Realtor
248-882-1112 • 586-215-6801 543 N. Main • Rochester, MI 48307
www.paulareese.com • paula.reese@gmail.com LLY ICA D ST UCE A DR RED
LLY ICA D ST UCE A DR RED
PRISTINE OLD ENGLISH STYLE WATERFRONT Perfect vacation home! Beautiful 106’ of waterfront with white sandy beach. Three levels, 2nd and 3rd levels are with cathedral ceilings. Garage and bonus room over the garage are heated! Top of the line in quality, elegant lakefront home located on allsports private Lake Lapeer. Four bedrooms, 3 full baths, 5,000 sq. ft. of completely finished and heated living area. $495,000.
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EXECUTIVE WATERFRONT On private all-sports acre Lake Lapeer with spectacular views! Over 4,300 sq. ft. including finished walkout. Gorgeous home with two complete kitchens, two laundry hook ups, customized cabinetry, ceramic tile and custom painting throughout the home. Three gas fireplaces, private corner lot, tons of storage. Entertaining center is out of this world! Central air and vacuum. Priced $545,000.
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7 ACRE ESTATE WITH 506 FT. OF WATERFRONT Spectacular setting! Contemporary, 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, huge master suite loft with large bath 13’ x 16’ with brand new 4’ x 8’ Euro shower. Five car garage. Hot tub, extensive landscaping and decking with spiral stairway to upper balcony and 2 laundries. Secluded, private and horses allowed! $499,000.
TIN
MAGNIFICENT 4,314 sq. ft. Lake Metamora all-sports waterfront. Approximately 300 ft. of shoreline and approximately 2 acres! Gorgeous master suite, 4 bedrooms: two 1st floor, 2 upper level, great room with fireplace, 3-stacked window view of lake and gardens. Large gourmet kitchen with breakfast nook and bay window. A quality home with that southwestern flow throughout. Must see! Drastically reduced from $995,000 to $585,000.
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EXECUTIVE WATERFRONT Spectacular setting! Peninsula setting, approximately 470 feet of shoreline on 2.5 acres, all-sports private Lake Lapeer. 3,872 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, additional 2,200 sq. ft. in partially finished lower level. Very private, heavily wooded lot, with breathtaking views of the lake, sandy beach, paver patio by waters edge. $595,000.
www.oaklandlakefront.com
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EXQUISITE LAKEFRONT ESTATE 193 ft. frontage on beautiful all-sports Lake Lapeer. Old world craftsmanship throughout with beautiful woodwork detail in every room. Marble foyer with grand staircase. Great room, formal dining room, theatre, cherry and granite kitchen with bayed breakfast room. Magnificent master suite with luxurious bath and sauna. 4 additional bedrooms. Finished lower level walkout with family room, kitchen, entertaining area and office. Beautifully landscaped with 5 waterfalls and beach views. Wooded lot. 5 bedrooms, 4 full and 2 1/2 baths, intercom, great room with fireplace and wet bar. Finished walkout patio and extensive decking. Total square foot is 8,500!
OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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+RWW )XQQ LQQ WKHH 6XPPHUWLPH LAKE FRONTS SOLD
ON THE MARKET ~ ON ALL-SPORTS UNION LAKE
LOON LAKE SOLD
LAKE OAKLAND SOLD
7904 Flagstaff ~ West Bloomfield Re-built 2006 $525,000 MIDDLE STRAITS SOLD
Ready to Buy or Sell Call Me Today! KAREN
DUCK LAKE SOLD
THOMAS Associate Broker Certified Residential Specialist
#1 Agent in Coldwell Banker Lakes Office Since 2001
248-387-6049 UNION LAKE SOLD 68
JUNE 2011
Karen@KTsellsHomes.com www.KTsellsHomes.com
www.oaklandlakefront.com
RICH MAHONEY
Direct: Professionals
248-807-0252
875 S. Ortonville Rd. Ortonville, MI 48462
richm@realestateone.com • www.richmahoney.com PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP Shows inside and out on this great ranch home on all-sports Bald Eagle Lake. Beautifully remodeled with large jacuzzi tub/shower, walk-in cedar closet, double stained glass doors to maintenance free fiberglass deck. New vinyl seawall with attached composite boardwalk. Rolling dock. Home is hardwired for generator hook up. Come and see the beautiful sunsets. (2330-ALL) ONE OF A KIND Lakefront property with over 300 ft. of frontage on private Tody Lake with views of State Land across the water. Lapeer County taxes and Goodrich schools!! Property is already perked and ready to be built on. Note there is a large pavilion on the property and many large trees. LAND CONTRACT TERMS CLB. (5149-VBT)
READY FOR YOU TO BUILD!!! Great location on beautiful all-sports Lake Louise. Property is on canal but has view of the lake. Paved road, existing well and septic. Possible L/C call listing agent for information. This will not last long at this price...call today! (2431-ORT)
www.oaklandlakefront.com
OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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MICHIGAN’S TOP PRODUCER 2010 Luxury Homes & Lakefront Lifestyle
Bloomfield Hills “Like New” Ranch with Walkout & Southern Exposure $1,890,000
K A T H Y BROOCK BALLARD
Orchard Lake Lakefront on Rolling Acreage $1,099,000
248.318.4504
KATHY@MAXBROOCKHOMES.COM MAX BROOCK REALTORS 275 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009
North Oakland’s Finest Lakefront with Guest House
Orchard Lake Lakefront Buildable Site Walk to Oakland Lake Country Club
$995,000
$979,000
Updated Orchard Lakefront with Sunset View
Orchard Lake Lakefront Private Street Condo Alternative
All-Sports Upper Long Lake on Spectacular Lot
$949,000
$689,000
$679,000
Middle Straits Lake Renovated Ranch
City of Orchard Lake Buildable Walkout Site
All-Sports Union Lake Spectacular Sunset Views
$659,000
$525,000
$449,000
KATHYBROOCK..COM
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
JUNE 2011
• •
Pontiac
I-96
Ann Arbor
Detroit
*Plus freight & tax, after rebates
website: www.freeway-sports.com
www.oaklandlakefront.com