October 2021 Newsletter

** Associations and Businesses, please forward to your members, thank you!**

In This Issue:

• A Season in Review

• Meet Our New Co-Presidents for PLPOA

• Plans, Vision and Fundraising for 2022

• No Fertilizer Between Oct 1 through May 1 - Tell Your Lawn Service

• Did You Pay Your 2021 Membership Dues?

• Blow Fall Leaves & Debris Away From the Lake, Bag & Remove

• Another Safe Year of Boating On Pine Lake

• Do you need a Boating License in Michigan?

A Season In Review

• 2021 - the second year of COVID 19 - changed the way we live and meet - held the 2nd virtual Annual Meeting: approved bylaws updates, changes, budget, minutes and re-elected four dedicated board members.

• Low water levels April-June, boat launching was difficult and then the rains came! Lots of rain raised the water level to spring levels in August and September. Lucky for us, we are closing out the season with water levels at the desired & ideal level, for this time of year.

• April - Goose Buster's (licensed vendor) collected 21 eggs and 4 nests to help combat E.coli. Excess fecal matter can increase E. coli.

• June- reminded boaters of our Deep Water Wake Boat Path to follow when safe. This path protects the shallow lake bottom from deep thrust prop inertia and protects sea walls & properties (follow it when safe).

• June - Limnologist Dr. Jude and Paul Barber of Savin, conducted two invasive aquatic weed treatments with 2-4D w/bio-wash and two ProcelaCor pilots. Results were successful, lessening invasive Eurasian Milfoil weeds. A huge component of the success is members stayed off the lake that resulted in calm water and no waves. Thank you!

• Record number of outdoor recreational vehicles on our lake. High boat sales continued due to the COVID 19 epidemic.

• July - The total boat count on July 5 was 475 boats on our 395 acre lake. This is a 7 boat decrease from 2020. However, please note the total boat counts is still 96 over a typical year. We had 76 jet skis, 85 pontoons, 170 inboards, 8 outboards, 6 sail boats and continued high numbers of paddle boards and kayaks. All these boats equates to a very busy lake!

• Due to many new boat owners on the lake, we asked the sheriff patrol to increase hours. Thankfully did not have any serious incidents. Please continue to follow MI Boating Rules.

• Pine Lake Country Club's traditional July 4th fireworks were moved to Labor Day weekend, and were beautiful. Thank you Country Club!

• Established a new page on the PLPOA website, Ski Course

• Established an ANNUAL AUTO-PAY SUBSCRIPTION for online dues payment - making it easier for members set up auto payment each year. Learn More

• Our new Sponsor program, established in 2020, raised over $4,500. Monies raised go toward costs for the ever increasing lake management program. Grow your business exposure - Advertise on our website & in monthly newsletters. Learn More

• OUR 2021 SPONSORS - Gold - Lockton Companies, Mezza Grill;
  Silver - Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, Pine Lake Marina, Gwen Schultz - Coldwell Banker, Dairy Queen - Keego Harbor.
  WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS - FREQUENT THEIR BUSINESSES - THANK THEM FOR THEIR SUPPORT

• We saw increased levels of native Pondweed that grew where Eurasian Milfoil lessened. The board is looking at maintaining this year’s treatment and seeking new, safe and cost effective approaches to weed treatment and reducing phosphorus levels.

• We are ending the season with another SAFE summer on Pine Lake.

2021 Board Line Up for 2021and Beyond

Co-President Elaine Coffman - S. Shores/ Long Lake Rd
Co- President Lucy Young - Pine Lake Rd
Treasurer/Director - Heath Williams - Orchard Lake Road
Co - Secretary/Director - Gwen Schultz - Pine Center Association
Co- Secretary/Director - Ron Hodess - Pine Lake Marina
Director/Advisor - Kevin Tourneur - Pine Lake Road
Vice President Chris Viegas - Maple Hill Condominium Association
Director/ Communications - Janine Kateff - Birch Harbor Association
Director/ Communications - Donna Seligman - Pine Lake Manor Civic Association
Director/Goose Egg Control - Dr. Lucy Henney - Interlaken Association
Director/ Safety/ Sheriff Patrol - Dr. Stacey Baker Sullivan - Pine Lake Road
Director/ Water Quality - Kris Mayer - Pine Lake Road

Plans, Vision and Fundraising for 2022

The board piloted a more effective aquatic weed treatment called ProcelaCor in 2020 and 2021. ProcelaCor eliminates aquatic Eurasian Milfoil vs the 2-4D which only reduces weed beds.
The Board is studying a long range goal of treating high levels of phosphorous in the 5 deep holes noted by Dr. Jude each year. This is where decomposing weeds, leaves and fertilizer run-off have created ammonia and reduced oxygen levels. If left untreated, these areas will continue to grow and change the lake. The time has come to put a plan together and garnish the necessary funds to treat these areas. There is a new and very effective product called PhosLock. It is safe but very expensive, yet very effective at reducing phosphorus. It is used on Michigan lakes and has been widely used internationally. We will try a pilot of this product, and work with Dr Jude to see its effectiveness.

We will need to dig deep and reach out for more Sponsors, donations and host a possible fundraiser to raise necessary funds for the PhosLock treatments beyond the pilot.

THANK AND FREQUENT OUR GENEROUS GOLD SPONSORS

No Fertilizer Between Oct 1 through May 1

Tell Your Lawn Service - Why? Township ordinance. This helps reduce phosphorus and nitrogen buildup in the lake, that causes aquatic weed growth. When weeds die and decompose in our deep holes, it raises Phosphorus and oxygen levels. Please reduce (or eliminate) your fertilizer use, to no more than twice a season. If you draw water from the lake, it is nutrient rich, lessening the need to fertilize. Yours and ours to protect.

Protect Our Waters from Aquatic Invasive Species
Yours and Ours to Protect
Clean. Drain. Dry. (video)

THANK AND FREQUENT OUR GENEROUS SILVER SPONSORS

Blow Leaves & Debris Away From the Lake, Bag & Remove

Why? Decaying leaves and branches create phosphorus that feed weeds.
Yours and ours to protect.

Another Safe Year of Boating On Pine Lake

We are very pleased to have another safe year of boating with no major incidents reported on Pine Lake.  The board worked with new Oakland County Marine Sargent Brian Burwell to have sheriff coverage this year.  We saw increased usage of the lake. The lake was very busy during July 4th weekend and the Labor Day fireworks display. 

Do You Need a Boating License in Michigan?

According to the state, any motorized boat operator born after June 30, 1996, is required by law to pass a boater safety course and to carry a boater education card. In addition, boater education is also required for all PWC operators born after December 31,1978. 

In preparation for the upcoming year, if you are new to the lake or have children who will be new boaters, consider taking a Boater’s safety class through the Sheriff’s Marine unit or the State of Michigan. Get a Michigan boating safety certificate Here Learn More Here

Have a Beautiful & Colorful Fall !

CONTACT US

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