In a letter to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE), ESLA joined more than 30 other organizations to urge strengthening oversight of hydraulic fracturing.
Download News Release
Download letter to MDNRE
ESLA Supports Septic System Inspections
During 2010, Milton Township, Elk Rapids Township and Elk Rapids Village have been collaborating to develop an ordinance to require that septic systems be inspected at the time a property is sold or there is a transfer of title. They are working with the Northwest Michigan District Health Department in establishing the technical details of implementation and administration. In March, a presentation was made by Andy Knott of the Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay that outlined the benefits of such an ordinance. Subsequently, the ESLA Board of Directors discussed this approach and agreed to support local governments efforts.
Download ESLA’s position statement
Watershed Loon Banding
Download cover letter and entire proposal
Intern Report
This report focuses on a search for the presence of both the invasive and native types of the plant Phragmites australis around Elk and Skegemog lakes, the Torch River, the mouth of Rapid River and the Elk River. In order to discover the location of different clusters of Phragmites, we paddled in a canoe and kayaks around the perimeter of the lakes and rivers using a GPS unit to mark locations of any Phragmites stands. We identified each stand as native or invasive based on several traits. Our research was the first of its kind on these lakes. The information we gathered will be used as a baseline for Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association (ESLA) and to aid in predicting where future growths of invasive Phragmites may occur. We found only the native type of Phragmites on any of these waterways or their close environs. Our hope is that our information can also be used to increase public awareness about the possible invasion of Phragmites in our local lakes, due to the recently documented presence of invasive Phragmites along the shores of East Grand Traverse Bay.
Download complete report
ESLA President Supports DEQ Action to Rectify Discharges into Elk Lake
The basis of this complaint centers around discharges from the Burnette Foods, Inc. spray irrigation site alleging that adjacent wetlands, a downstream creek and Elk lake are being adversely affected. The resulting investigation by the DEQ revealed saturated soils, ponded effluent vegetation stained black (from the effluent), standing water, and surface water runoff anaerobic soil conditions reflecting waste water runoff too high for the existing site. The DEQ issued an official violation confirming the leaching and discharge of wastewater into the wetlands, creek and Elk Lake. This discharge was being done without the benefit of a current permit, since Burnette Foods had allowed a previous permit to expire. Even with a permit, the level of discharge and the soil saturation at the surface and subsurface level are greater than what would be considered acceptable by any standard, potentially impacting area well water systems and the leaching discharge into the watershed. Burnette Foods has been ordered by the Michigan DEQ to cease and desist any further discharge and pursue actions to determine the reason and extent of the release and to conduct clean-up activities
Download ESLA President’s support of action
Message to Congress: Protect Michigan’s summer fun!
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of Northern Michigan’s tourist season as many travelers make their way “up north” to experience and enjoy our many magnificent waters. But, the waters we know and enjoy are being impacted by invaders that have already changed the ecosystem and more threaten to enter our waters if something isn’t done soon.
Download full message
Volunteers Wanted and Needed!
Explore and protect the streams of northern Michigan! ESLA has operated for its 58-year history as a completely volunteer association. Our bylaws direct that approximately one half of our officers’ and directors’ two year terms of office expire each year, thus insuring continuity for the organization. All terms expire following the Annual Meeting, usually held in August. This system provides for fresh ideas and new individual involvement each year. It’s an opportunity for everyone to become active in lake and shoreline management and to carry out their ideas and plans in water and shoreline stewardship.
So, now is the time to volunteer. We need you. In answer to past questions, yes, it is important for part time residents to volunteer. While we function year round, many of our directors are summer residents. The “year-rounders” keep you up to date with mail, e mail and phone calls. We need you, regardless of how many months you are here, to participate. Of course, those who do stay all year are very important.
To volunteer or just to discuss the idea, please call any one of our officers or directors. You are needed!
Stop Invasive Species, Michigan Groups Urge Congress as Seaway Opens
As the St. Lawrence Seaway prepares to open tomorrow, Michigan conservationists are urging the federal government to pass comprehensive legislation to stop the introduction of invasive species into the Great Lakes.
Download full story
Great Lakes are Priority for Washington
The Great Lakes emerged as a top priority in Washington this week, as Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council joined more than 200 citizens, members of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, Great Lakes Commission, and other organizations for the annual Great Lakes Day. In addition to advocates from all the Great Lakes states urging Congress to restore and protect the Great Lakes, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers introduced a bill that provides manageable solutions to accomplish that goal.
Download full release
Riparian Handbook
The 2005 edition of the Riparian Handbook contains information on just about every subject pertaining to your land, shoreline and water activities. It even includes all the important township, county and state governmental agencies. Keep this valuable book available. If you have misplaced or worn out your copy, we will gladly provide another at our Annual Meeting. Free of charge, of course.
Landscaping Books Available
We still have copies of the two best landscaping books that we could find. Both are written by the DNR of Minnesota and contain many full color illustrations of landscaping and shoreline wildlife. Landscaping for Wildlife, 145 pages, and Landscaping for Water Quality, 175 pages, can be purchased from ESLA for $3 each. Just call your ESLA representative and we will deliver it to you.
Loon Scouts Needed
The loons on Elk Lake and Skegemog Lake need your help!
Do you love to watch loons?
Do you want to see them thrive on these lakes and rivers?
Then please volunteer to be a “Loon Scout”.
A “Loon Scout” observes loons throughout the year and records these observations until the loons migrate in the fall. Then the “Loon Scout” completes a short report and sends it to the Michigan Loon Preservation Association (MLPA).
Loon Scouts will be observing loons on Elk Lake and Skegemog Lake from April 1- July 1, 2011. They will help the ERCOL Loon Network gather information on the loons living on these two lakes. We need to determine the numbers of loons on each lake, the territory for each nesting pair and nest locations. We will use this information to determine the next steps to protecting the loons.
Loon Scouts will be given instructions on observing loons and recording their sightings. Loon Scouts will send observations to: Thom Yocum, ESLA Team Leader for the Elk River Chain Of Lakes (ERCOL) Loon Network.
Official MLPA scout:
Elk Lake-Carl Wroubel, Paddy Brown, Pete DiMercurio
Skegemog Lake-Gerrie Thompson, Dale ClaudePierre
Contact Peg Comfort at (231) 377-7512, or send an email to: whitepine@torchlake.com
Download Loon Scout Report for documenting any loon sightings.
Send all reports to:
Loon Network
P.O. Box 117
Alden, MI 49612
