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Subscriptions: Paid subscriptions are available for $15 for 6 issues. Subscriptions can be placed by phoning the SCN Communications Group at 248.360.6397 or mailing payment to P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387-0014. Editorial: All editorial matter fully protected. All rights reserved. No portion, whole or part, may be reproduced without prior written permission. The name Oakland Lakefront is protected property. Advertising: Copy closing/space reservation deadline generally three weeks in advance of publication. Specific issue closing dates/editorial calendar available by phoning 248.360.6397.
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JULY 2011
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY OAKLAND LAKEFRONT • OAKLAND HOMES MONTHLYADVERTISER • WEST OAKLAND DIRECTORY
www.oaklandlakefront.com
July 2011 • Volume 20 • Number 4
contents Racers to rev engines Drawing 35,000 spectators last year, Quake on the Lake is one of Oakland County’s premier summertime events. Now, it’s just around the corner, slated for July 16-17 on Pontiac Lake on the border of White Lake and Waterford.
8
15Making a difference
Clean Boats, Clean Waters, a volunteer program that educates boaters about aquatic invasive species and helps prevent the spread of invaders, is making waves in Oakland County.
39Lake board bill 21 Michigan lawmakers now are trying to ease a slight crick in the neck of the state's lake improvement board statute with regards to how the lake boards are dissolved. The bill received broad bipartisan support in the state House.
in every issue
:
A killer pathogen
The state Department of Natural Resources recently confirmed the reappearance of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) in Clare County's Budd Lake, renewing concerns about its spread among Michigan waterways.
26 – Snapshot: Kathleen Aseltyne 44 – Snapshot: Julie LeBlanc
45 ‘Beast of a plant’
Aggressive. Dominant. Threatening. These typically aren't the words associated with algae found in lakes, but they describe starry stonewort — a plant-like algae with the potential to be the greatest challenge to lake management efforts in years.
52 – Port of Call: Cass Lake 54 – Waterway Levels
index of advertisers July 2011 • Volume 20 • Number 4 21st Century Building Company . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Marine Automated Dock Systems . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Aerial Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Michigan Rockscapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Allied Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Midwest Dock & Marine Services . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
American Marine Shore Control . . . . . . . . . . .12, 50
Native Landscapes LLC/Lowrie’s Landscapes . . . .40
American Soft Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Nick Page Landscaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Anderson Boat Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Oak Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Aqua Weed Control, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Oakland County Water Resource Commission . .20
Aquacide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
One Stop Landscape Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Bev’s Canvas Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
The Pond Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Blackbox Surf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Boating Supply Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Clear Water Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Colony Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 DSL Marine Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Dave’s Mobile Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Diversified Docks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Dock Squad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Don Thomas Sporthaus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Professional Lake Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Quake on the Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Roll-n-Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Scotty Lee’s Landscaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 ShoreDocker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Skier’s Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Spark’s Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Spider Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
ecoChic landscape design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Stanz Custom Upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Farm Bureau Insurance - Doug Browne . . . . . . . .18
Sunset Boats & Marine Services LLC . . . . . . . . . . .14
Freeway Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
TT&C Beaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Goddard Talmay Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
The Pond Guy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Goodbye Geese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Walt’s Point Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Lake Ponemah Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Weed Razer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Livingston Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Wilson Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
lakefront real estate Coldwell Banker/Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Morgan & Milzow Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Karen Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Real Estate One - Milford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Keller Williams - Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32, 33
Cyndi Robinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Steve/Janet Stockton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32, 33
ReMax Platinum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Max Broock - Birmingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28, 29
John Wentworth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Kathy Broock Ballard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28, 29
SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty . . . . . . . .30, 31
Prudential HWWB Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Lee Embrey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
John & Gayle Hannett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Michelle Yurich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
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B I L LY CRAIG
AT I O N S I N FA T U
BULLH ONKEY
D E LU X E
QUAKE ON THE LAKE BRINGS THRILLS TO COUNTY JULY 16-17
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BY LESLIE SHEPARD
uake on the Lake, one of Oakland County's premier summertime events, is just around the corner, slated for July 16-17. For the first time in 42 years, the American Power Boat Association's (APBA) National Inboard Hydroplane Championships will be held in Michigan as part of this summer's 12th annual Quake on the Lake event, which has drawn over 350,000 spectators in the past decade. Last year alone about 35,000 spectators attended the event. "The APBA selected us for the National Championship — it's like a prize we won," said Quake on the Lake Board of Directors Chairman Dale Hampshire. "It's all because the Quake has earned a reputation for being the fastest 1-mile course in North America by setting 17 world records in 11 years, which is very unusual. Racers accumulate more points here than any other races." Approximately 120 racing teams are expected to compete this year. "Before we were one of the stops on the racing circuit, but this is the crowning glory of the National Championship," Quake on the Lake Executive Director Suzanne Massey said. The weekend of fun and entertainment will be held on the cerulean waters of Pontiac Lake, right on the border of White Lake and Waterford townships, at the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area. Last year, the event spanned four days and included a carnival, but this year the organizers are underscoring the racing given the national championship competition. "Each year is unique in its own right," Massey said. "Since we are hosting the national championship, we needed to focus on racing and doing what we do best, but it will still be jampacked with fun." Having fun and supporting children The majority of the proceeds from Quake on the Lake benefit the 501(C)(3) charity known as the Rainbow Connection, which grants wishes to children in Michigan who have life-threatening or terminal illnesses and was founded by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. In the past, proceeds collected from Quake on the Lake have funded trips for children to Hawaii and Disney World. They've even been used to buy a pony for a little girl to use for therapy.
FAMILY FUN ZONE! S 2 DAY ! OF FUN
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"The whole event is wrapped around children and doing things for them like the Rainbow Connection, which focuses on children with challenges," Hampshire said. Quake on the Lake organizers have doled out over $100,000 to various charities since the event's inception. A portion of the 2011 proceeds will also be donated to community grassroots initiatives. Since its inception, Quake on the Lake has made contributions to organizations such as Jaycee and Lions clubs, local optimist clubs, high school sports teams, and the Veterans Canine Association. "We've donated money to canine handlers in Afghanistan by sending the Marine in charge items for himself and his dogs," Hampshire said. This year, the Quake on the Lake team will be setting up a viewing tent for Oakland County Children's Village so children can attend the event free of charge. "It will be a VIP tent for a few kids to watch the races, have some food and enjoy the event," Hampshire said. More than just racing events Quake on the Lake organizers annually commit their energies and resources to ensure the event is a success by lining up a myriad of food vendors and diverse musical acts. Between 10 and 12 food vendors will be selling fare from hot dogs to BBQ summertime favorites, and from ice cream to slushes. "We'll be serving up summertime foods for a variety of appetites and budgets," Massey said. Alcohol will be sold courtesy of Budweiser, a huge supporter of the event for eight years. "It's a great event for the community where people come out in droves every year," Hampshire said. "Each year we try something new and the community really supports it." Music fills the air beginning on July 16, as local and national acts take the stage. The live concert schedule for July 16 is as follows: • 1 p.m. — The Verve Pipe's "Family Album-Calling All Kids" special program just for children; • 2:30 p.m. — The Excluders; • 3:15 p.m. — The Strict; • 4 p.m. — 4D All Girl Rock Band; • 4:45 p.m. — The Detroit Groove Kings; • 5:30 p.m. — The Magic Bus; • 6:30 p.m. — Lookin' Back; • 7:30 p.m. — The Infatuations; • 8:30 p.m. — The Verve Pipe; and • 10:00 p.m. — Rare Earth. On Sunday, July 17, it's Country Music Day at the www.oaklandlakefront.com
Quake on the Lake site, including the following scheduled performances: • Noon — Bullhonkey Deluxe; • 1 p.m. — Terrie Lea & the Mustangs; • 2 p.m. — Billy Craig; and • 3 p.m. — Shotgun Willie. While all the thrills of hydroplane boat racing are taking place on the water, the entire family can take advantage of fun on land at the Family Fun Zone. The zone will feature summertime fun for kids of all ages, including a rock climbing wall; the latest and greatest new vehicle and ski boat displays; the Flaming Pistons Car Club showcasing classic cars and hot rods; high performance race cars; and a silent auction. "There will be inflatables of all kinds like topical mazes, an obstacle course, a gigantic slide — you name it, we've got it," Massey said. Racing along the continent's fastest course The last time the National Inboard Hydroplane Championships were held in Michigan was at Ford Lake near Ypsilanti in 1969. "Quake on the Lake is among Oakland County’s best quality-of-life events," Patterson said. "To host the National Inboard Hydroplane Championships validates what a great event Quake on the Lake is." The Pontiac Lake race course is recognized as the fastest 1-mile course in North America — 17 world speed records have been broken in 10 classes of inboard hydroplane races held during past Quake on the Lake events. The speed of the Pontiac Lake course can be attributed to the environment surrounding the lake. The natural shorelines and abundance of trees help to naturally protect the water from winds. This, in turn, provides a smooth course for competitors. "Racers come from all over the map," said event Water Safety Coordinator Todd McQuade. "Everyone who was at the Walled Lake Thunder (races in June) will also be at the Quake because it's a national points race." This year's hydroplane racing will feature classes that will run from 90 mph to those that approach 175 mph in the straightaways. The Eastern Divisional Championships were held at Pontiac Lake in 2009 and over 100 race teams attended from across the continent. "The Eastern Divisionals earned us one of the highest point ratios in the country," Hampshire said. McQuade has been integrally<B> <B>involved in the Quake on the Lake races for the past 12 years. "Basically if there's an accident or wreck on the lake, I oversee what the tow boats do and how they do it," he said. "I procure the on-water support." OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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As a result, Skiers Point in Waterford has donated around a dozen boats ranging from inboard ski boats to pontoons to use for support purposes. The boats and racing schedule A total of 10 boat classes will be competing on Saturday, July 16, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Races will be held on Sunday, July 17 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. The classes competing are as follows: • 1.5 Litre Stock; minimum length, 14 feet; class letter T or Y; engine, 900 to 1600 cc with various modification, methanol or racing gasoline. These are popular, small and economical boats. The 1.5 Litre Stock hydroplanes can hit 95 mph. They are typically powered by 4-cylinder 1200 to 1500 cc Toyota engines and use ordinary pump gas. • 1.5 Litre Modified; minimum length, 14 feet; class letter T or Y; engine, 900 to 1600 cc with various modifications, methanol or racing gasoline. Anything goes on these highly-modified, 4-cylinder speed demons. Powered by pump gas or methanol to a top speed of 105 mph. • 2.5 Litre Stock; minimum length, 14 feet; class letter S; engine, stock 2000 or 2300 cc 4-cylinder. The affordable 2.5 Litre Stock class boats can exceed 100 mph. Powered by 4-cylinder Ford engines (2000 cc or 2.3 litre) running on pump gas, the 2.5 Litre affords very exciting side-by-side racing at a reasonable cost. • 2.5 Litre Modified; minimum length, 16 feet; class letter A; engine, fully modified 2.5 Litre displacement. Engines used are Ford, Alfa Romeo, BMW, Datsun, Fiero, Fontana and others. The 2.5 Litre Modified racer can hit speeds over 125 mph. A few restrictions apply. However, these hydros can use pump gas, methanol or aviation fuel, and engine alterations are limited only by the racer's imagination. • 5 Litre; minimum length, 16 feet; class letter E; engine, 305 cu. in. stock Chevrolet or Ford V-8 2 BBI, carb, pump gas. Ford, Plymouth and Chevrolet stock V-8 engines power the 5 Litre Stock hydroplanes to speeds of 115 mph. These offer racing excitement on a budget. • National Modified: minimum length, 19 feet; class letter NM; engines, up to 368 cu. in. allowed, various modifications, methanol or racing gas. The National Modified hydro offers speeds of 140 mph. Many engine combinations are possible — from 4-cylinders to V-8s. • Grand National; minimum length 20 feet; class letter GNH; engine, V-8, various modifications up to 468 cu. in. racing gas. The Grand Nationals are one of the largest and fastest inboard classes. Their incredible speed (150 mph) and 70-foot roostertails make GNH races thrilling for drivers and fans alike. www.oaklandlakefront.com
These 20-plus-foot boats are powered by big-block Ford, Chevrolet, Pontiac or Oldsmobile engines. • Grand Prix; minimum length, 24 feet; class letter, GP; engine, big-block Chevy or Chrysler Hemi. At 170 mph, the Grand Prix hydroplanes are the fastest automotive-powered class in the world. Blown 510 ci, fire-breathing engines power the low-profile sleek hulls around the race course for an unforgettable show. • Jersey Skiffs; V-bottom 2-seater boats with unique design. • Vintage; antique boats, 30-years-old and older that vary in class. The schedule for the hydroplane racing events is as follows: Saturday, July 16 • 10:30 a.m.: National Anthem • 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.: APBA Inboard Hydroplane National Championships — Testing • 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.: APBA Inboard Hydroplane National Championships — Qualifying, 1st Round Sunday, July 17 • 10 a.m.: National Anthem • 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.: APBA Inboard Hydroplane National Championships — Qualifying, 2nd Round • 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.: APBA Inboard Hydroplane National Championships — Finals The Pontiac Recreation Area will open each day at 9 a.m. Tickets cost $10 a day for adults, $5 for kids ages 5 to 12, and kids 4 and under are admitted free of charge. Pit passes for the races are $10 per person. The pit pass allows a person to witness all the "behind the scenes" action first-hand, see all the inboard race boats up close, and personally meet all of the race teams. Attendees can get to the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area by traveling along M-59 and heading north on Williams Lake Road, immediately west of the Oakland County International Airport. Turn left on Gale Road and look for the recreation area entrance. For state park Recreation Passport holders, there is no cost to enter the recreation area. Other spectators must purchase a day pass for the event. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area boasts a vast campground where spectators can roost for costs between $15 and $20 per site per day. Lawn chairs and blankets are allowed; however, no alcohol is allowed once inside the event grounds, and all coolers will be inspected. Participating Quake on the Lake sponsors include the Spinal Column Newsweekly and Oakland Lakefront. For a complete list and other information, visit www.quakeonthelake.org. ❏ OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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A volunteer-based program designed to educate the public about aquatic invasive species and
program assistant, said volunteer training like the July 23 session at Kensington usually takes about three hours.
help prevent the spread of invaders that can damage inland lake ecosystems is looking for a few good men and women. Managed through the Michigan Sea Grant — a cooperative program of the University of Michigan (U-M) and Michigan State University (MSU) — Clean Boats, Clean Waters program volunteers are organizing to educate boaters about where they are most likely to find invasive species on their vessels and related equipment. The trained volunteers help boaters inspect their equipment for aquatic invasive species at selected public and private boat ramps around the state, and can be identified by their blue T-shirts. The program is holding a free volunteer training session from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 23 at the Kensington Metropark Nature Center, according to training session organizer Paul Steen, a watershed ecologist with the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC). Prospective volunteers should RSVP for the Kensington session by sending Steen an e-mail at psteen@hrwc.org.
"It's really important for lake associations and individuals to realize they can make a difference,"
"Once a plant is in a lake and established, you're pretty limited in what you can do about it," he said. "You can try harvesting, but that can make it worse with fragmentation. You can try milfoil weevils, and that will manage the problem but won't eradicate it. The best way to manage the spread is to find (an invasive species) as soon as possible, which greatly improves the changes of getting it out before it's widespread. The other thing is to participate in a program like this, providing education to boaters to make them aware of what they're transporting. If we can prevent boaters from moving plants around, we can can prevent or minimize the problem." Paige Filice, a Clean Boats, Clean Waters www.oaklandlakefront.com
she said. "Even if a lake already has an invasive species — a weed or zebra mussels, for example — it's cheaper to take preventive steps to stop the species than let it take over and then pay for it. You should be proactive, not just reactive. This is a very proactive program. We're asking the public to do their part." Clean Boats, Clean Waters participants first learn about the ecological damage caused by aquatic invasive species in Michigan — plants such as Eurasian watermilfoil, fish such as round gobies, animals such as zebra mussels, and microscopic zooplankton such as water fleas — all of which can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and hamper recreational boating. The volunteers then fan out to talk with boaters about the importance of preventing the spread of invasive plants and animals from one body of water to another. If boaters are receptive, the Clean Boats, Clean Waters volunteers conduct a quick demonstration to show boaters how to inspect boat hulls, live wells, props and other equipment for invasive species and describe what to do if any are found.
Volunteers also can demonstrate cleaning techniques for boats and trailers; and by sharing educational information about invasive species, they can make a vital contribution toward preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. If a plant such as Eurasian watermilfoil is found tangled in a boat prop, Clean Boats, Clean Waters program volunteers remove the plant, seal it in plastic and send it to the Michigan Sea Grant Extension for identification and recording. Nearly 1 million recreational watercraft are OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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registered in Michigan, and with more than 11,000 inland lakes larger than 5 acres and about 39,000 square miles of Great Lakes waters, many boaters hop from lake to lake to enjoy the state's bounty of water resources. However, in the process, boaters can be a significant means of transport that spreads harmful invasive species from one waterway to another. That's why Michigan Sea Grant and the Clean Boats, Clean Waters volunteers are stepping up to educate the boating public.
"We walk volunteers through the program and do a PowerPoint presentation on invasive species and what they are," Filice said. "We bring in live specimens of the plants and go over a ton of materials. We give the volunteers a handbook and kit and advise them on how to talk to boaters and who to contact if they find anything. It's really easy." The Clean Boats, Clean Waters program was launched in 2005 and ran for three years before a loss of funding forced a hiatus. Now back in operation, the program has worked with two lake associations already this year and trained about 20 new volunteers. In the past, riparians from several Oakland County lakes have taken the Clean Boats, Clean Waters training, including those from Lotus, White, Crescent, Mohawk, Oakland, Indianwood, Voorheis, and Oxbow lakes, according to Filice. So, how do you know if you have what it takes to be a Clean Boats, Clean Waters volunteer? According to program administrators, a Clean Boats, Clean Waters volunteer is: • Caring – wants people to enjoy water recreation and wants Michigan to be free of aquatic invasive species. • Friendly – interested in meeting new people and helping them. • Informed – understands the problems caused by aquatic invasive species. • A good communicator – able to explain the www.oaklandlakefront.com
problem and demonstrate inspection and cleaning techniques. • Flexible – willing to volunteer on some weekends and holidays. • Physically able – healthy enough to inspect watercraft and trailers. • Reliable – ready, willing and able to make and keep a commitment to the program during boating season. • Accurate – able to record information for program organizers. Program's volunteers receive all the training they'll need to take an active role in halting the spread of invasive species and help educate others to do the same. The following tips are recommended whenever leaving a body of water in order to stop the spread of invasive species: • Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting recreational equipment. • Drain water from equipment (boat, motor, trailer, live wells) before transporting. • Clean and dry anything that comes into contact with water (equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.). Dry equipment for at least five days. • Dispose of unwanted live bait in the trash. • Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came out of that same body of water.
Boaters who follow those tips will not only help prevent the proliferation of invasive species, they will also be complying with state and law and avoiding potential penalties for violations. Michigan law prohibits placing a boat, trailer, or boating equipment in Michigan waters with plant material attached, or possessing or transporting several live non-native fish and many non-native aquatic plants, including entire plants, fragments and seeds. For more information about the Clean Boats, Clean Waters program, click on www.miseagrant.umich.edu/cbcw. ❏ OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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he state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently confirmed the reappearance of the fish-killing pathogen viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) in Clare County's Budd Lake, renewing concerns about the deadly virus' spread among Michigan waterways. In the spring of 2006, VHS was responsible for large quantities of fish dying in Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River, the Detroit River, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River. In addition, the disease has also been confirmed in New York and Wisconsin waters. Since then, the DNR has been monitoring Michigan waters for any sign of VHS. Only two inland lakes have turned up VHS-infected fish: Budd Lake in Clare County in 2007, and Washtenaw County's Baseline Lake in 2009. Now the pathogen has once again popped up in Budd Lake as the cause of a massive die-off of largemouth and smallmouth bass in April and May of this year. Despite annual monitoring since 2007, the VHS went undetected through 2010. It's unknown at this time if the virus has been present since the last time fish have died in such large quantities. VHS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which can survive in water for at least two weeks â&#x20AC;&#x201D; can be transferred through water via fish urine
and reproductive fluids. It first starts by infecting gill tissue and then proceeds to the internal organs and blood vessels, which in turn become weakened and result in hemorrhaging of the internal organs, muscles, and skin. Fish can also become infected with the virus by eating other infected fish. According to the DNR, a low-level infection of VHS may not produce any noticeable symptoms in fish. However, as an infection becomes strong, fish begin bleeding throughout their body surface, including from their eyes, skin and fins. Interal organs also can begin bleeding. Sick fish also appear listless, swim in circles, and are often seen at the surface of the water. The DNR notes that the disease doesn't affect humans, whether you touch or eat an infected fish, because the virus dies at human body temperatures. Extreme water temperatures, starvation, and spawning can lower fish immune responses. The most likely vector of the virus' introduction was ballast water exchange. However, it could have been introduced by the movement of live fish and baitfish, as well as the natural migration of fish. "These test results reinforce the continued need for anglers and boaters to follow our regulations that are designed to prevent VHS virus from spreading," said acting DNR Lake Huron
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Basin Coordinator Todd Grischke. "It's important that anglers and boaters not move live fish between waters, empty live wells and bilges when leaving a body of water, and disinfect and clean their equipment to prevent the spread of VHS virus to other waters." Despite the confirmation of VHS, new restrictions for Budd Lake are unlikely, according to DNR Fish Production Manager Gary Whelan. "Regulations already in place since 2007 restrict the harvest and use of fish and baitfish from VHS-positive waters, and Budd Lake is included in that category," he said. Under general state regulations: • A person shall not stock baitfish or live fish that are listed as susceptible fish species, or roe taken from fish that are listed as susceptible fish species, in public waters prior to receiving a fish stocking permit from the DNR. It's a violation of state and federal law to import any uncertified baitfish species found on the list of susceptible fish species. • Retail customers must retain and show upon request the receipt for purchases of baitfish or roe from a state-licensed baitfish retail operation. A receipt is valid for 14 days from the date of sale for all certified baitfish, except frozen baitfish, and three days from the date of sale for all uncertified bait. Receipts for certified frozen baitfish shall be good for six months from the date of sale, and original packaging
showing certification status must be kept with the baitfish for verification. Receipts for uncertified frozen baitfish are valid for three days from the date of sale. • A person who catches fish in a lake, Great Lake or stream shall not release those fish alive in any public waters of the state if those fish are listed as susceptible fish species, except that those fish may be released alive in that same waterway or in a connecting body of water so long as the fish can freely move between the original location of capture and the location of release. This doesn't apply to baitfish. • A person who trailers a boat over land between bodies of water shall drain all water from the live well(s) and the bilge of their boat upon leaving any body of water. Susceptible fish species include black crappie, bluegill, bluntnose minnow, brown bullhead, brown trout, burbot, channel catfish, chinook salmon, coho salmon, emerald shiner, freshwater drum, gizzard shad, lake whitefish, largemouth bass, muskellunge, northern pike, Pacific herring, pink salmon, pumpkinseed, rainbow trout, rock bass, round goby, shorthead redhorse, silver redhorse, smallmouth bass, spottail shiner, trout perch, walleye, white bass, white perch, yellow perch, and white sucker. For more information about VHS, visit www.michigan.gov/vhs. ❏
kathleen aseltyne
erhaps it should come as no surprise that someone who wrote a master's thesis called "A Study of Groundwater Resources of White Lake Township" has a pointed interest in environmental and water quality issues. Now, former state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) employee and White Lake Township Planning Commissioner Kathleen Aseltyne is taking her know-how to the Huron River Watershed Council's (HRWC) Board of Directors as its newest representative for White Lake Township. "I was approached by them to help them in terms of their water quality," said Aseltyne, a Wayne State University graduate. "We would go look for biodiversity of aquatic insects and look for sensitive species and map the river." And that leads Aseltyne, who was born and raised in Detroit and fell in love with the natural surroundings during
snapshot
summer stays on her aunt and uncle's farm in Grand Rapids, to her new role in public service. As a HRWC board representative, she hopes to "continue doing what I've always done," which includes advocacy for the protection of water resources in the Wolverine State. If we think gas prices are bad, she says, think of the chaos that would ensue if there was ever a problem with getting clean, quality water. "It's going to become more and more important as the population of the earth grows. I want to bring my expertise to the Huron River Watershed Council, and continue to educate and be a liaison and bring their message to the people of White Lake, also." â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kirk Pinho â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Oakland Lakefront photo/Amy K. Lockard
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90 FT. MAIN LAKEFRONT - ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •Private dead-end street with trees & spectacular views •2,778 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2 fireplaces, jet tub mstr. •2+ garage, 3 decks, dock, seawall, shed, W.B. schools A MUST SEE @ $649,900 #211063900 • 1-800-396-5204 X231 . WP DT LAN H HIG
WHITE LAKE WATERFRONT RANCH WITH WALKOUT •1,661 living sq. ft., 3-4 bedroom, 2 bath, 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
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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
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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 #211051976 • 1-800-396-5204 X215 P. TW CE ER M M CO
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560 N. Milford Rd. Milford
TOP AGENT, REAL ESTATE ONE - MILFORD OFFICE FOR 15 YEARS IN A ROW! LAKEFRONT AND ACREAGE SPECIALIST!
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ALL-SPORTS PRIVATE DUCK LAKE Bayfront 6 bedroom, 4 full/1 half bath home. 77 ft. of beach, large yard on cul-de-sac. Open plan with lots of light and soaring ceilings. Deck, updated roof and plumbing. New cooktop. Newer master bath. Full walkout lower level with family room and full bath. Entry level office or in-law suite. Hot tub. Koi pond. $299,500 MLS#211058655 (3978C3)
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. $314,900 MLS#211028656 (3604L)
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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)
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)
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)
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) S RT S PO EGE S L L I AL RIV P
ALL SPORTS WHITE LAKE LOT Dream home lake site on all-sports White Lake. On one of Oakland County’s largest lakes. Buildable lot ready for your plan or sellers. All leg work done. Plans, permits and engineering approved septic. Seller has removed older home, had perks, surveys and drawings for plot plan. $119,900. MLS#211056161 (3016W3)
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LAKE LOT ON 2 LAKES! Highland Township, Oakland County. Build your lake house on this super site in Mallards Landing on 2 lakes and a cul-de-sac! All large sites. Three large parks in sub. These 2 lakes connect! Taggett and Kellogg Lakes are about 100 acres in size total. $69,900 MLS#211062079 (MAL3)
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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)
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JOHN & GAYLE HANNETT John’s cell phone (248) 939.3191 www.thehannetts.com
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800 S. Woodward Ave. • Birmingham, MI 48009
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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
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Situated on a beautiful 1.5 acre lot with gorgeous gardens. David Lubin design home with impeccable interior with finest qualities and amenities throughout. Two-story 27’x20’ marble foyer with winding dual staircase. Great room with 20 ft. ceiling and Palladium window with great lake views. Gourmet quality kitchen with granite tops/island. Master suite with fireplace and luxurious bath with jacuzzi and stainless steel. Two large walk-in closets. All bedrooms with baths and walk-in closet. Finished lower level 36’ x 30’ rec room with dance floor, kitchen, daylight windows. $2,750,000
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. $749,000 INW1418
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25 South Main St. Clarkston, MI
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C’EST MAGNIFIQUE! Exquisite French chateau nested on an idyllic 22 acre island and an indoor pool, panoramic water vistas and 300 ft. of sandy beach frontage. $700,000 10-KNO
SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL Radiant colonial poised on the shores of Lake Oakland boasts a romantic master suite, fire lit great room, dining with deck access, 2nd floor laundry, and a roomy yard. $289,000 32-MAN E R PE LAK UP ER LV SI
SPLENDOR ON THE LAKE Delicious Big Lake retreat with unmatched charm throughout: hardwood and ceramic floors, three season porch, stylish fixtures, built-ins, and a sandy beach. $249,900 62-WER
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OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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All-Sports Union Lake! 7970 Flagstaff - Commerce
$550,000
♦ Custom built - 1991 with 2,339 square feet. 50 ft. of lake frontage ♦ 3 bedrooms - 2.5 baths. Luxury master suite with large tub & shower ♦ Exterior is brick and Hardie “shake-look” siding / trex type deck ♦ Hardwood floor in living/dining - skylights on main level ♦ White kitchen, granite counters, most appliances included ♦ Finished basement for family room and storage / 3 car garage ♦ Updates: 2004-roof, skylights, gutters; 2008 - Marygrove awning with motor over trex-type deck, driveway, sprinkler system & generator; 2009 - high efficiency furnace.
7904 Flagstaff - West Bloomfield
$500,000
♦ Custom re-built - 2006 with 2,134 sq. ft. 75 ft. of lake frontage ♦ 3 bedrooms - 2.5 baths. Luxury master suite with large tub & shower ♦ Exterior is stone and vinyl with trex type deck ♦ Hardwood floor on main level plus master suite - skylights in stairwell ♦ Oak kitchen, granite counters, most appliances included ♦ Oversized 2.5 car garage with storage plus attic storage ♦ Re-built and expanded in 2006 all new HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roof, skylights, siding and Andersen windows. Beautiful tile-work and gorgeous views.
Karen Thomas 248-505-3066
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Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Lakes Area Office 2600 Union Lake Road
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There is no living like lakefront living and no lake quite like Union Lake! Fabulous restaurant “It’s a Matter of Taste” on the lake. Both homes feature award winning Walled Lake Schools.
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arely is anything perfect on the first try. The same principle applies to the creation of laws â&#x20AC;&#x201D; many of which will go through a period of evolution before they are anywhere near to perfect â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including the state law related to lake improvement boards. "When a law is put into place, it has all the best intentions in the world. But then you discover the unintended consequences, and hopefully you make corrections to make it a worthwhile law rather than a pain in the neck," said Highland Township Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski.
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M
ichigan lawmakers now are trying to ease a slight crick in the neck of the state's lake improvement board statute with regards to how the lake boards are dissolved. A lake improvement board is authorized to carry out projects for improvement on an inland lake, such as those designed to improve or develop recreational land benefits; to eliminate pollution or water conditions that jeopardize the public health and safety; and to increase the value or use of lands and property arising from an improvement to an inland lake. Part 309 of the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act allows for the establishment of a lake improvement board. On public lakes, lake improvement boards can be established either by a petition of two-thirds of the people owning land abutting the lake or upon a motion approved by the local municipal governing body. On the other hand, lake improvement boards for private inland lakes can only be formed by a petition of at least two-thirds of the owners of riparian property surrounding a lake. According to Steve Korth of the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's Office, the most common reason lake improvement boards are formed is the need for aquatic weed control; and if weed control is not the original reason for forming an improvement board, it typically is the reason for continuing one. Springfield Township Supervisor Mike Trout, who serves on the Waumegah Lake Improvement Board, said that board was originally established to address a dam issue. "Since that project was completed, we've addressed other issues, including yearly weed treatment," he said. According to David Cornwell, a riparian representative serving on the Pontiac Lake Improvement Board, that board was primarily established for water quality management, which includes weed control. "We have an annual program that is focused primarily on controlling weed growth," he said. "Because Pontiac Lake is a shallow lake, it promotes weed growth." fter receiving a petition for establishing a lake improvement board or upon its own decision, the governing body of a local unit of government has 60 days to establish a lake board, which by law has to include certain representative members. "Typically, there is one person for the (water resources commissioner's office), one county commissioner, two representatives from the local unit of government, and somebody who owns property along the lake," Korth said. It's typical for a homeowner association to nominate candidates for a lake improvement board's property owner representative, but it's the
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local government representatives who actually appoint a property owner to serve a four-year term on a lake improvement board. After the board is established, it's required to carry out several actions. It must retain a registered professional engineer to prepare an engineering feasibility report, an economic study, and an estimate of improvement project costs. The report has to include a proposed special assessment district (SAD). The SAD may include all parcels of land benefited by an improvement â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which can include properties that aren't directly abutting the lake. he lake board then has to hold a public hearing of feasibility to review the reports and the proposed SAD. Once a project is determined to be practical and is approved by the lake board with the SAD and apportionment of benefits determined, the plans for the improvement can be finalized and an assessment roll can be prepared. However, before confirming the assessment roll, the lake board must hold a hearing of assessment to review and hear any objections to the assessment roll. According to Pilchowski, who serves on the lake improvement boards created for 10 Highland Township lakes, objections are raised every once in a while. "In the past, a small group of people who don't live on the lake but are assessed (for an improvement project) have complained," she said. "But for the most part, people realize that having access to the lake increases property value and you want to maintain that value, which lake improvements do." After the hearing, the improvement board can confirm the assessment roll and proceed with the project. lake improvement board is not a permanent body â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it can be dissolved. This usually occurs after it's determined through a public hearing held by the local unit of government that the lake board is no longer necessary for the improvement of the lake, as the reasons for creation of the lake board no longer exist â&#x20AC;&#x201D; normally upon the completion of a project, such as installing an augmentation well. Upon the petition of two-thirds of riparian property owners on public lakes, the local unit of government will hold a public hearing for the dissolution of the improvement board. In order for the lake board to be dissolved, all outstanding debts and expenses must be paid in full. Meanwhile, any excess funds collected are refunded to property owners based on the last approved special assessment roll. The lake board must also adopt an order approving its dissolution. However, the current lake improvement board
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law doesn't address a couple of important issues, including that non-riparian property owners who have been part of a lake improvement board SAD have no means of requesting the termination of the board — essentially creating a situation where property owners who don't have land abutting the lake are being taxed without representation. Steps are being taken to correct this issue through House Bill (HB) 4379, sponsored by state Rep. Eileen Kowall (R-White Lake). he state House of Representatives has voted 103-6 in favor of the bill, which allows all property owners paying assessments toward lake improvement costs to petition for dissolution of the board. "This legislation gives property owners the ability to dissolve a lake board to stop fees from being assessed if it's no longer needed," Kowall said. "It's important that everyone included in special assessment districts have equal authority regarding their lake boards and I'm pleased my colleagues recognize this." Furthermore, the bill authorizes dissolving lake improvement boards for privates lakes — those which lack a public boating access site. Currently, there isn't a mechanism for riparians of a private lake to dissolve an improvement board. The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. According to Kowall, no particular situation or incident led to the drafting of the bill. "It was something that some of my fellow (elected officials) and I had heard people talk about," she said. "There was a process for going in the front door (to establish an improvement board) but not a back door for private lakes. And then we wanted to give people living off the lake (but who were assessed for lake improvements) some representation. As always, there are some issues people aren't happy about, and we're looking to correct those situations." Kowall said HB 4379 represents a way to "tweak" the current lake improvement board law. "We've done numerous revisions to the legislation for lake improvement boards," she said. "Just a few years ago, we made a couple of changes to make the rules more feasible — such as taking the DEQ (state Department of Environmental Quality) member off the lake boards because they never showed up to the meetings. As we go along, we continue to tweak it to make things run more smoothly." hat was the reason for revisions made to the lake improvement board law with the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 1266 back in 2005. Besides getting rid of the required DEQ representative on all improvement boards, the bill called for adding more local government representation and allowing the county water resources commissioner to appoint a representative to the board rather than serving on them
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himself/herself as required by law — something not entirely feasible in a county with as many lake boards as Oakland County. According to the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's Office, there are approximately 50 established lake improvement boards in the county, including improvement boards for: • Lakeville Lake in Addison Township; • Forest, Gilbert, Island, Lower Long, Meadow, Orange, Upper Long, and Wabeek lakes in Bloomfield Township; • Lake Louise in Brandon Township; • Charlick, Duck, Gourd, Highland, Kellogg, Murray, Taggett, Tomahawk, White, and Woodruff lakes in Highland Township; • Bush Lake in Holly Township; • Clarkston Mill Pond, Van Norman and Walters lakes in Independence Township; • Walled Lake in the cities of Walled Lake and Novi; • Cranberry Lake in Oakland Township; • Indianwood Lake in Orion Township; • Tipsico Lake in Rose Township; • Big, Dixie, Susin, and Waumegah lakes in Springfield Township; • Lake Charnwood in Troy; • Eagle, Huntoon, Oakland, Pontiac, Rainbow, Schoolhouse, Scott, Watkins, and Williams lakes in Waterford Township; • Blue Heron Pond and Duck Lake Pond in West Bloomfield Township; • Cedar Island (Stopke Bay), Grass, Lake Neva, Lake Ona, Round and White lakes in White Lake Township; and • Wolverine Lake in the village of Wolverine Lake. ilchowski said she believes the improvement boards in Highland have been very helpful in preventing eutrophication of the lakes. In particular, she said she has been very impressed with the involvement of riparian property owners. "It goes beyond just maintaining the lake," she said. "It became not only a personal interest of property owner values but also for the value of the water quality itself." Pontiac Lake's Cornwell agrees, especially with regards to combating invasive species. "I think it's been a very effective way to improve water quality," he said. "Pontiac Lake being as shallow as it is, we had weed problems before other lakes, and now we're all being invaded by non-native species. So lakes that may not have had a weed problem are suddenly finding they have one. However, we've had tons of experience, so we feel we are ahead of the curve. And the quality of our lake has done nothing but get better and better because of the lake board and partly because of the sewers. I would say the water has never been as good as it is now." ❏
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ittle did Julie LeBlanc know when she bought her home on Union Lake back in 1959 for $16,500 that one day she would not only still be living on that lake but so would two of her daughters and her granddaughter. "We raised eight kids here. One of the interesting facts is that including (my husband and I) we have four family members on the lake. The kids didn't want to leave it. We can visit each other by pontoon," she said with a laugh. Now celebrating their 62nd year of marriage, LeBlanc married her high school sweetheart, Jack LeBlanc, the legendary former rowing coach at Orchard Lake St. Mary's. LeBlanc has been cheering on her husband — an excellent rower in his own right — ever since she was a teenager. However, after LeBlanc retired from social work at Waterford Schools, it was her husband's turn to cheer her
on as she bought herself a single boat and began competing in races. "The most excited I ever was at a race was the Canada Henley. I won the gold medal rowing in the Master's Division for seniors at 70. I used to go there every year as a teenager to cheer for my husband, and for me to be on the same water that he rowed on then was very exciting." Now approaching her 80th birthday, LeBlanc doesn't row as much, although she remains as active as ever as a trustee for the Open Door Outreach Center in Waterford, attending her grandchildren's sporting events, painting, and even doing Zumba on occasion. "I also love to swim. It's a blessing to have the opportunity to live on a lake — especially Union Lake. It's been great. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. We will probably live here until we die." — Angela Niemi — Oakland Lakefront photo/Stefano Ferri
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ggressive. Dominant. Threatening. These typically aren't the words associated with algae found in lakes, and yet they accurately describe starry stonewort — a plant-like algae that has the potential to be the greatest challenge to lake management efforts in recent years. Starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa) is not native to the United States, and like many aquatic invasive species, it's believed that starry stonewort earned free passage to America as a stowaway in the ballast water of ships entering the Great Lakes. The aggressive algae species is originally a native of Europe and is even considered a threatened species in the United Kingdom. Yet, over the past three decades in Michigan, it has proven itself to be a hardy and invasive opportunist. "It's the most aggressive aquatic plant ever observed in Michigan and is able to outcompete all other Michigan plant species, including all invasive and current alien species such as watermilfoil, fanwort, and curlyleaf pondweed," wrote Dr. Doug Pullman in his article "A Decade of Starry Stonewort in Michigan: Observations and Operational Management Considerations," which he co-authored with Gary Crawford. Pullman was the first to positively identify starry stonewort in a Michigan inland lake. In February 2006, he identified the species in Lobdell Lake in Genesee County. Since then, starry stonewort has been found in Michigan lakes throughout the Lower Peninsula, spreading from Mason County to Wayne County. At least nine Oakland County lakes have been invaded by starry stonewort since 2008. Those lakes include Indianwood Lake in Orion and Oxford townships, Sears Lake in Milford Township, Softwater Lake in Springfield Township, Lower Straits Lake in Commerce Township, Williams Lake in Waterford Township, Kent Lake in Milford and Lyon townships, Tipsico Lake in Rose Township, Big Lake in Springfield Township, and White Lake in Highland and White Lake townships. Dick Pinagel, president of the Michigan Aquatic Managers Association (MAMA) and owner of AquaWeed Control, Inc., said he believes starry stonewort is spreading even further throughout Oakland County. tarry stonewort was first discovered in North America in the St. Lawrence River back in 1978. In 1986, it was found in Lake St. Clair. Although it wasn't positively identified in a Michigan inland lake until 2006, anecdotal evidence suggests that it has been present in inland lakes since the 1990s. "It may have been present in several southeastern Michigan lakes as early as 1999 but was thought to be a 'super weedy chara,'" Pullman explains in his article. A case of mistaken identity is plausible since starry stonewort resembles the native plant-like macro algae called chara — both look like generic green weeds. "Starry stonewort is also a macro algae. It's rootless — although sometimes it can be loosely rooted to the bottom," Pinagel said. "It's a charoid algae. It's very similar to chara." Both chara and starry stonewort lack roots; however, they have structures called rhizoids that are used for nutrient absorption and to provide support and stability. Both species also resemble terrestrial
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plants because of their stem-like and leaf-like structures. Yet, starry stonewort differs from the native chara in several important ways. First off, the rhizoids of starry stonewort resemble stars — hence the colloquial name of the species. While they have been observed to be present on all parts of the algae at all times of the year, they are usually common on the algae structures closest to the sediment in late fall and early spring, according to Pullman. "They look like there are little flowers on it. They look like stars," said Pinagel. "Once you've gotten used to the structure of it, it's easily identifiable." nother defining characteristic of the species is the presence of a tan colored "bulbil" at the base of each cluster of branches. The branches themselves are another identifier of starry stonewort because they have a more irregular branching pattern compared to other charoid algae found in Michigan which tends to lend them a more "disheveled" appearance. Starry stonewort also tends to be a lighter green color than its similar algael counterparts. It also produces orange colored oocytes that can be easily detected with the naked eye. Another identifying characteristic of starry stonewort may be its ability and even its affinity to grow at great depths. "Unlike other Michigan charoids, starry stonewort can grow to remarkable heights and depths," Pullman wrote. Added Pinagel, "It can grow in deeper water — usually 10 to 12 feet. Chara typically doesn't do that. Starry stonewort has been seen to grow 8 feet tall in some areas." In Waterford Township's Williams Lake, for example, starry stonewort has been observed growing at a height of 7 feet at a depth of 27 feet. Pullman hypothesizes that it most likely is capable of growing at even greater depths. However, it's really starry stonewort's intangibles that set it apart from other charoid species. "Starry stonewort is much more aggressive, denser, and hardier. It's really a beast of a plant," Pinagel said. "It may easily represent the greatest challenge to lake management professionals, regulators, recreational users and the biological integrity of inland lakes in the history of lake management in Michigan," Pullman wrote. Part of the reason for this challenge is the algae's ability to outcompete all surrounding species, especially as it forms dense mats of vegetation able to completely cover the bottom of a lake. "It grows so dense and thick — Brillo pad-type thick," Pinagel said. According to Pullman, when the algae grows densely together and dominates all other vegetation, it forms irregularly spaced "pillows" of vegetation at varying heights as opposed to a mat of uniform height. This marks the stage before starry stonewort invasion reaches the pinnacle of its invasion, which Pullman refers to as "packing." "'Packing' is used to refer to a starry stonewort population that has filled all available habitat and has
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moved upslope and downslope into areas that do not appear to be ideal but are still adequate for growth," Pullman wrote in his article. Although it has been documented both in the United Kingdom and in Michigan that starry stonewort prefers deeper, less turbulent waters, it is able to colonize shallower environments. tarry stonewort also has the ability to inhabit a wide variety of lake environments. It has been observed thriving in either clear water or dark water systems and so far doesn't seem to show a preference for full shade or sun. While it doesn't really thrive in boat lanes or high energy shorelines, it will grow in these areas "when it has colonized or filled virtually all of the habitable area of the lake," according to Pullman's observations. The ability to colonize in boat lanes may contribute to starry stonewort's capacity to spread from lake to lake. Starry stonewort is easily fragmented, and boat traffic could result in significant fragmentation, causing starry stonewort to float to the surface. "This type of fragmentation has been implicated in the dissemination of other alien species in Michigan such as the invasive milfoils," Pullman wrote. Another likely vector for starry stonewort transmission between lakes could be waterfowl since the oocytes of starry stonewort can be easily transported on bird feathers. Boat trailers may also aid in the spread of this non-native species — the oocytes can be transported on aquatic plant debris, as well, which can get caught on boat trailers. Public launch sites are typically associated with the spread of alien species, as boats travel from lake to lake. However, while this may have contributed to the spread of starry stonewort, Pullman maintains that waterfowl and other animals may be the main culprit as the non-native algae has become established in lakes that don't have a public access site. With its ability to colonize virtually any lake environment, starry stonewort has proven to be a challenge both ecologically and recreationally. Ecologically, it presents several problems — including a decrease in the biodiversity of plants in lakes infiltrated by starry stonewort. "It is extremely obvious in all of the infested lakes that the biomass of competing species has declined significantly in every lake where starry stonewort has spread and come to dominate the lake flora," Pullman states in his article. "It's like throwing a thick tarp across the lake bottom. Very few plants will grow through (starry stonewort) when it has become dense like that," Pinagel said. "There has been a shift among aquatic species seen in lakes with starry stonewort. Most plants in the lakes are seeing diminished growth." owever, not only is starry stonewort able to outcompete plants and other algae for space and nutrients, the species is able to change the biogeochemistry of sediment, inhibiting further plants from colonizing the area after it has been eliminated. By acting like a commercial benthic barrier, starry
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stonewort allows for the accumulation of phytotoxins which render the sediment inhospitable for plant growth until the conditions change. Yet, while starry stonewort seems to suppress most rooted plants growth, there are a few certain rootless plant species that seem to thrive in starry stonewort's presence. These include rootless bladderworts and coontail. And although it outcompetes most other native species, it also outcompetes other invasive species. "We have definitely seen a decrease in some of the other aquatic invasive species," Pinagel said. David Cornwell, the riparian representative for Pontiac Lake's improvement board, agrees. He said the lake improvement board has been fighting starry stonewort in Pontiac Lake regularly over the past few years. "There are both positive and negative consequences to everything you do," he said. "The positive of treating starry stonewort is that you get rid of what can be a massive Brillo pad under the water. You can be effective killing it off, but in the short run it allows for other weeds to prosper more fully. Both chara and starry stonewort tend to retard other weed growth, but when you remove either one of those two you get all other kinds of weeds." Another seemingly silver lining to the starry stonewort invasion is increased water clarity. "Water clarity definitely improves with the presence of starry stonewort," Pinagel said. "Since it derives nutrients from the water column as opposed to the soil, it serves as a giant filter." ullman also attributes the increased water clarity to the ability of the upper parts of the dense algae mats to compete effectively with phytoplankton for nutrient resources. It also appears as if starry stonewort shares a friendly relationship with another invasive species — the zebra mussel. Starry stonewort appears to be the favorite substrate of zebra mussels, which also have proven to have a favorable filtering impact on water clarity. While starry stonewort seems to have been able to form some positive relationships between other species, the same can't be said for its impact on fish habitats. "Many fisheries have concerns with the effect of the growth of starry stonewort on the fish spawning areas," Pinagel said. By forming a thick, dense mat, starry stonewort directly impacts the spawning habitat of some fish because the mat acts as a physical barrier to the areas optimal for nest creation. This results is a reduction of the nesting area and consequently a decrease in the number of nests. This leads to the complete elimination of spawning activity in the area of infestation and leaves fish to compete for suboptimal spawning habitats. Starry stonewort may also pose a threat to lake fauna whose survival depends on their intimate association with the lake bottom — such as logperch, darters, various minnow species, native clams, and other invertebrates. Threats to these creatures could further decrease a lake's biodiversity and potentially
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affect the lake's overall ecological well-being. However, starry stonewort doesn't just pose ecological problems but recreational ones, as well. nglers have become frustrated because the algae commandeer the necessary spawning and living habitats of game fish. "Reports of angler frustration such as an inability of being able to locate black crappies because the stumps have disappeared beneath the mat of starry stonewort or that bass are more difficult to catch because of the disappearance of certain weed beds are becoming more commonplace in our lake management practice," Pullman wrote. Another recreational issue is the quality of the boating experience since boats can become tangled in starry stonewort mats. "It can definitely impact boating as when it nears the surface it can make getting through it very difficult," Pinagel said. Between the recreational and ecological issues, lake management of the algae is almost a must. Mechanical harvesting has been used to control starry stonewort but with little success. Because the algae is capable of producing a large amount of biomass in a relatively small area, starry stonewort is able to cause a mechanical harvesting machine to fill to capacity very quickly, slowing down the harvesting process. Fortunately, starry stonewort has proven to be
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highly sensitive to common copper- and endothallbased algaecides. In fact, according to Pullman, starry stonewort seems to be even more susceptible than most common Michigan charoid species. However, that doesn't mean that there aren't challenges posed in managing the non-native algae. "It's hard to control. As it's so dense and thick and grows so tall, we normally are only treating the top layer, and while we can impact the top layer, it normally grows back so quickly that in many cases it's like we did nothing. So it requires a very aggressive treatment regiment," explained Pinagel, whose company, Aqua-Weed Control, was one of the first companies in the area to recognize the algae and begin treating it. "We've had partial success with treating starry stonewort, but we are still experimenting with the treatment schedule and regimen to fine tune it," he said. ther herbicides have also been found to be successful in hindering starry stonewort growth, in particular when coupled with Cultrine Ultra. While there have been measures discovered to counteract this intimidating foe, it still remains one of the most challenging non-native species facing lake managers — at least until an even more competitive and dominant species comes along. "It's another invasive plant to throw into the mix," Pinagel said. "Unfortunately, there are probably more to follow." ❏
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CASS LAKE
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Location: Waterford, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor Total Water Acres: 1,280 Lake Type: Natural lake with dam Lake Bottom: Fibrous peat, marl, muck, pulpy peat, sand Best Fishing: Bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, northern pike, perch, smallmouth bass, walleye Greatest Depth: 120 feet Public Access: Yes Photo courtesy of Aerial Graphics / www.aerialgraphics.com
Cass Lake
waterway levels
Following are the waterway level readings for lakes and rivers across Oakland County, as compiled by personnel in Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner John P. McCulloch’s office. Legal levels are denoted by elevation in feet from sea level. Current (one month prior to press time) levels are denoted both in elevation from sea level and as plus or minus the legal level in hundredths feet. Prior year elevation from sea level is provided as a comparison. River depths are measured from the river bottom, at the point of measurement.
LAKE
LEGAL LEVEL
PRIOR YEAR
6.17.11
+ OR -
Angelus
950.00
950.28
+.28
950.43
Bevins
910.40
910.88
+.48
911.25
NOTES & REMARKS
Big
1017.30
1017.58
+.28
1017.65
Winter Lvl: 1016.70
Bunny Run
965.95
966.21
+.26
966.00
Winter Lvl: 965.45
Bush Lake
913.60
913.50
–.10
913.80
Cass
929.22
929.39
+.17
929.20
Cedar Island
934.00
934.37
+.37
934.30
Cemetery-Dollar
Winter Lvl: 927.87
968.50
968.30
–.20
968.51
Clinton River
2.10
2.80
+.70
4.08
Commerce
906.80
907.22
+.42
907.70
Crystal
917.50
917.32
–.18
917.37
7) Winter Lvl: 917.00
Dawson Mill Pond
928.60
928.83
+.23
928.30
6) Winter Lvl: 927.25
Duck
1016.63
1016.75
+.12
1016.84
Fox
930.00
930.29
+.29
930.50
Huron River
1.08
1.68
+.60
1.82
Indianwood
992.62
992.84
+.22
992.83
Lakeville
952.30
952.30
Legal
952.30
Long (Commerce Twp.)
933.00
933.34
+.34
933.31
Loon
949.30
949.50
+.20
949.86
2), 3)
Louise-Huff
962.27
962.40
+.13
962.05
8)
Middle & Lower Straits
930.70
930.72
+.02
930.80
Mohawk
949.30
949.62
+.32
950.21
Oakland-Woodhull
957.50
957.78
+.28
957.70
Orchard
930.50
930.98
+.48
930.87
Oxbow
942.75
942.90
+.15
942.99
Oxford-Multi
1017.80
1018.03
+.23
1018.12
Pontiac
962.83
963.40
+.57
963.63
Schoolhouse
949.30
949.55
+.25
950.13
Scott
951.00
949.79
–1.21
949.82
Sylvan-Otter
928.60
928.65
+.05
928.80
Tipsico
1015.39
1,015.41
+.02
1015.70
Union
927.07
927.30
+.23
927.30 931.30
2)
5) Winter Lvl: 992.12
2), 3)
1) 2), 3) 6) Winter Lvl: 927.25
Upper Straits
930.80
931.14
+.34
Van Norman
966.70
966.82
+.12
966.83
2), 4)
Walled & Shawood
932.80
933.30
+.50
933.64
Winter Lvl: 932.10
Watkins
950.00
949.76
–.24
950.10
Waumegah
1049.90
1049.80
–.10
1049.92
White
1019.10
1019.43
+.33
1019.30
Williams
965.42
965.60
+.18
965.72
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.
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