Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association




Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association      
P.O. Box 8, Elk Rapids, MI 49629
      

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Newsletters

Intern Report
ESLA President Supports DEQ Action to Rectify Discharges into Elk Lake
Message to Congress: Protect Michigan's summer fun!
Volunteers Needed!
Stop Invasive Species, Michigan Groups Urge Congress as Seaway Opens
Great Lakes are Priority for Washington
ESLA Briefs
Volunteers Wanted and Needed
Loon Rangers Needed
NEWS & EVENTS ARCHIVES

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.

Click here to download and read the 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

click here to read ESLA President Pete DiMercurio's support of this 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.

Click here to read the full message.

Volunteers Needed!
Explore and protect the streams of northern Michigan!

Click here for more information.

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.

Click here to read the 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.

Click here to read the full release.

ESLA Briefs
Riparian Handbook Reminder
The 2005 edition contains current information on just about every subject pertaining to your land, shoreline and water activities. It even includes (on page 55) 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.

VolunteersVolunteers Wanted and Needed
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 for the 2009-10 team. 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!

Loon Rangers 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 RANGER.

A LOON RANGER observes loons throughout the year and records these observations until the loons migrate in the fall. Then the LOON RANGER completes a short report and sends it to the MICHIGAN LOON PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION.

Contact Peg Comfort at 377-7512, or send an email to: whitepine@torchlake.com

Best Practices for Riparian Property Owners
Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association

Disposal of Wastes
Recycling Centers: Village of Elk Rapids 231-264-8921 (call for hours and location)
  City of Kalkaska 231-258-3369 (call for hours and location)
Dumpsters: Acme (by Ace Hardware) and Williamsburg (5777 Vinton Rd., Whitewater Twp. Hall)--recycling of #1 and #2 plastics, tin, glass, cardboard, and paper.
Hazardous waste: Dispose of hazardous wastes, such as paints, antifreeze, and motor oil, by contacting the Antrim, Grand Traverse, or Kalkaska counties hazardous chemical collection programs. Never pour toxic substances in your drain or on the ground.
Septic Systems: Septic tanks should be pumped out, depending on use and size, at least once every 3–5 years. Use only low phosphate or no phosphate detergents and household cleaners.

Lawn and Property
Fertilizer: Do not apply fertilizer or weed killer within 50 feet of the lakeshore. Use a low phosphate or no phosphate fertilizer. If you use a lawn service, direct them to ensure protection of the lakeshore.
Plantings: Allow native plants, vegetation, and trees to grow adjacent to the lakeshore (a 30' green belt) for erosion protection. Riprap and other artificial barriers require a permit and should be used only as a last resort. Never plant or propagate non-native invasive plant species, such as Purple Loosestrife.
Run-off: Stormwater run-off and gutters should be directed away from the lake.


Water Testing

 

Boat and PWC Operation
Personal Watercraft: PWC's must be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner at all times. PWCs must maintain "no wake" speeds when operated within 100 feet of shore, docks, swimmers, rafts, star buoys, or moored boats. It is illegal to operate a PWC between one hour before sunset and one hour before sunrise.
Boats: The legal speed limit in Michigan for all watercraft is 55 mph. Boats must maintain "no wake" speeds when within 100 feet of shore, docks, swimmers, rafts, star buoys or moored boats. It is illegal to tow skiers, surfboards, or any device of this type between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise. Observe all no wake zones.

Good Neighbors
Fireworks: Explosive fireworks or rockets are illegal in all counties of Michigan.
Night Lighting: Don't be a light polluter—help maintain the beauty of our night skies. Use outdoor lights with motion detectors and timers. Make sure that any outdoor lighting illuminates the ground and not the sky. Do not leave bright flood lights on all night.
Property Rentals: Property rentals should be selective and occupancy should be consistent with
dwelling and lot size.
Guests, and Visitors: Please share these best practices with your guests, visitors, family, and renters.


Take Flight

Protecting the Loons
If you are lucky enough to see a loon in the area, please be careful not to approach the loons. They are fragile waterfowl and will abandon their young if disturbed.
Feeding the Waterfowl,  Please Don’t!
Waterfowl feed on plants and other aquatic organisms, then excrete nutrients which support new plant growth. This is a natural cycle. When we provide artificial sources of food, waterfowl congregate and many more nutrients enter the lake. A feeding program which supports a large population of semi-domesticated ducks can contribute hundred of pounds of phosphorus per year to a lake and cause unnatural weed and algae growth.

If waterfowl are allowed to find natural sources of food throughout the summer, they will not be dependent on human feeding when winter comes.

 

NEWS & EVENTS ARCHIVES