I would like to thank all those that donated for mosquito spraying. We started the year with a small reserve from prior years, but due to the severity of the mosquitos, we needed additional sprayings, which depleted the reserve. We ask that $25 donations from members and non-members might start coming in over the Fall/Winter in hopes that we might have enough for next year, and possibly build a little reserve again.

The Flotilla had a few more boats this year so future Flotillas will probably be on Saturdays rather than mid-week. It would be nice to see even more boats but maybe cooler weather will bring more people out.

I want to sincerely apologize for my omission in my prior letter regarding the Annual Picnic. I totally forgot to mention the fact that everyone should bring a dish to pass and the possible need for extra chairs. That will be remembered next year.

I wish that I could say that the water quality regularly tested excellent again this year. The Secchi Disk readings showed that the clarity was much better than previous years, even with the heat that generates algae. The July fecal test was not as good as prior years. The first test was just after the July 4^th weekend and was terrible, possibly because of the heat and just enough rain right before the test that the duck/geese droppings washed into the water. The second test was a definite improvement, which made us feel a little better. There was still one area a little higher than we like to see, but most of the counts were in the "excellent" range. We will continue to keep on top of this, and have decided to increase our testing in frequency and number of sites each time.

The petitions for the WasteWater Collection/Treatment System for Baldwin Lake, as well as Long/Coverdale, Indiana, Birch, and Shavehead Lakes are being carried through our neighborhoods, collecting signatures of those in favor of the system. This should ultimately help the Township Board of Trustees decide the ratio of landowners (and their acreage) that are for the system. The one thing that has been made clear is that delaying it until we are "forced" to do it would definitely increase the cost drastically.

The extra Marine Patrols on Baldwin Lake by the Cass County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol seems to be a real benefit again this year. This seems to help to keep the "traffic" better controlled again. We have now gotten questions from some lakes in the north end of the County regarding controlling excessive boat traffic.

Association meetings are scheduled for the third Monday of the month at 7:00pm. (IN) at the Township Administration Building. Although voting needs to be channeled thru your Advisor, we appreciate the discussion and ideas from all members. Come join us, to be sure that we are handling things the way you wish them to be. We changed the meeting night in hopes that the change in day may make it easier for more people to attend to express their ideas, opinions, and recommendations. Remember that this is YOUR Lake Association and we want to listen to your requests that will help to fulfill the Baldwin Lake Association’s mission: MAINTAIN AND PRESERVE OUR LAKE COMMUNITY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS THROUGH EDUCATION, COMMUNICATION, AND COMMITMENT TO BALDWIN LAKE.

We want everyone to know that the officers and advisors always welcome your suggestions and comments. Those can be given by E-mail to baldwin-lake-366@mlswa.org or by phone.

H.C. Scot Billings / BLA President

Summer sure does fly by fast. Please mark your calendars for Saturday, September 28, 2002 as road clean up day. We need all the help that we can get for this project. Information will be provided as to time and meeting location as we approach that date.

A public meeting was held at Baldwin Prairie School on August 7, hosted by the D.E.Q.. A large turn-out of residents and other interested parties was in attendance. The purpose of this hearing was to gain public comments and opinions relative to the department issuing a Marina Permit to Willow Shores Campground. Many in attendance spoke on the subject, and after the public forum was completed, the D.E.Q. responded to as many of the questions and comments as they had answers to. One central theme was evident in their responses: public input was welcome, but they (the D.E.Q.) had the authority to do what they wanted to under the broad scope of the law. They have the authority to grant licenses even if local zoning prohibits such activity. Their authority allows a license to be granted even if zoning ordinances are violated, forcing local government to seek relief in the court system by taking the property owner to court. One bit of information did surface in the discussion of local zoning. This process (issuing of a marina permit) can be delayed if a local governmental agency seeks an injunction from the courts placing the permit process on hold until local zoning issues can be resolved. Our Porter Township Board, at its August 13, 2002 public meeting, voted to authorize the Township attorney to file such an injunction. This is a very important decision, because, if the marina permit process was allowed to proceed, it would have set a precedent for future zoning issues. Any large parcel of property (any existing camp) on the lakes in Porter Township would be able to apply for a marina permit. As long as these properties met the D.E.Q. criteria, the precedent set in the Willow Shores case would apply. By seeking an injunction, the Township Board made a decision not only to protect local zoning, but also to protect all the lakes in our county from establishment of future marinas. With the filing of this injunction, the owners of Willow Shores Campground must now seek zoning relief from our local Zoning Board, and then proceed with the process of seeking a marina permit. BLA will keep all residents apprised of the progress of this important issue, and, let all interested parties know the dates and times of any public hearings on this matter.

On a sad note…

we want to offer our condolences to the Strain family on the passing of Jack. Jack and Coe were instrumental in starting the movement to reestablish an association on Baldwin Lake. There were many meetings at the Strain house as all interested parties met to write our bylaws and such. Jack always had a comment to make on every aspect of that process. His favorite beginning statement was "I don’t want to be the devil’s advocate but...". Our first year of existence we met at the Strain’s and Jack was always there to provide us with a different point of view. He will be missed.

Anyone that attended the Annual Meeting already knows that Marv Dolph wants to "retire" from the position as Treasurer of Baldwin Lake Association. We ended up electing the President and Vice President but no Treasurer. Marv has graciously offered to continue the excellent job he has been doing for several years until we can obtain a replacement, but I am sure that he would appreciate that being as soon as possible. If anyone is willing to accept the position, I am sure that the rest of the officers would join Marv in helping that person to fit in at the job. Those interested can contact us by E-mail (baldwin-lake-366@mlswa.org) or by phone to any of the officers.

(from an interview with SueAnn Cloud and Lois Schmeling)