Baldwin Lake Association Newsletter  

An Anchor for our Community

ZEBRA MUSSELS in Baldwin Lake?
       Please be aware & report any found!


          The Sept/Oct 1999 Baldwin Lake Association newsletter reported: “Zebra mussel larvae or ‘veligers’ were found in our lake by independent testing conducted in 1998.” and went on to mention that Indiana Lake confirmed finding adult mussels. Since that time Long/Coverdale found adults as well. In 2000 BLA obtained metal signs advising users of the lake to wash off their boats, empty bilges, etc. prior to launching their watercraft especially if the vessel had recently been in another water body that was possibly infested with zebra mussels or Eurasian milfoil weeds. Since, in the past, we never found adult Zebra Mussels that advice has been repeated in the newsletter, etc. often but apparently not often enough.

          Zebra mussels attach themselves to surfaces by an external organ called a byssus, consisting of many threads which makes removal difficult. Zebra mussels may attach to boats, pilings, water-intake pipes, etc. They severely restrict water flow to boat motors, sprinkler systems or other facilities that rely on fresh water.

          Zebra mussels will attach to almost any hard surface, natural or manmade. On boats, they may attach to the hull, motor, or anything immersed in the water. Both large and small boats can be severely impacted by increased drag caused by thousands of mussels. Small zebra mussels may get into engine cooling systems, causing overheating and other damage.

          The past month we had the FIRST 2 confirmed findings of adult Zebra Mussels so it is obvious that they have been “transported” into Baldwin Lake. The biggest problem is that, once zebra mussels become established in a water body, they are impossible to eradicate with the technology currently available. Many chemicals kill zebra mussels, but these exotics are so tolerant and tough that everything in the water would have to be poisoned to destroy the mussel. The only hope now is, previously Baldwin Lake apparently did not have enough food for the larvae to mature so the hope is that the adults which have been brought in will not be able to thrive. The problem is that if they do thrive there is apparently no “cure” that will not destroy all the living animals in the lake.

          More information: http://www.mlswa.org/BALDWIN-LAKE-366/zebramsl.htm

          Please advise us, by email <baldwin-lake-366@mlswa.org> if you find any Zebra Mussels so that we will be better able to track their movement and/or population increase. Thank you!






    Judy's Jottings

           Submitted by Judy Kankel


          On many of our pontoon rides around the lake, we enjoy spotting a turtle sticking its’ head up out of the water, or basking in the sun, sometimes with his whole family of 20 or more in one spot on a pier or raft.   I was curious about the different kinds we have here and if they are endangered or dangerous.   There are 10 turtles native to Michigan, but only 5 of them are likely here.   So, here is a course in TURTLES 101 in laymen’s terms.

          Turtles represent the oldest and most primitive living reptiles.   They are distinct from amphibians in that they have scaly skin; eggs with a tough shell, clawed toes and a three-chambered heart (crocs have 4) and a male reproductive organ (except in the tuatara.)

          In the winter, most of them hibernate buried in the mud on the bottom of waterways or underground.   They can hold their breath for up to FOUR MONTHS without drowning.   Population of many species has declined in the Midwest because of habitat loss and inadequate recruitment of new turtles into existing populations.   Predators include foxes, skunks, and raccoons.   They are not capable of rapid turnover like deer because some don’t reach sexual maturity until 15-20 years of age.   You need a special permit to possess an Eastern Box Turtle as a pet.

    These 5 species you might spot in our area:

      BLANDING’S TURTLE: Top shell is smooth and dome- like, black, often has yellow speckles.   Bottom shell is yellow with black outer blotches.   Head and upper neck are black, throat and lower neck bright yellow.   They are mostly aquatic, but often travel over land to find nest sites, mates or new habitat.   They are timid and depend on their shell for protection.   Diet is crayfish, insects, tadpoles, etc.

      MAP TURTLE: Top shell is green, olive, or brown with irregular map-like markings and a low central keel.   Bottom shell is light yellow.   It has narrow yellow stripes on head and limbs. Has yellow spot behind eye.   Often these are seen basking on logs, but dive off with the least disturbance.   Females crush snails, other mollusks and crayfish in strong jaws.   Narrow headed males eat smaller mollusks and insects.

      MUSK TURTLE: Top shell is narrow and highly arched, black or brown and often algae covered.   Top shell is small.   Snout is pointed, usually has two yellow stripes on the side of the head.   The tail is very short.   They rarely bask, and are generally seen foraging along the bottom in shallow water.   May be nocturnal in summer.   They eat snails, crayfish, insects, tadpoles, etc.   If disturbed, glands along the lower edge of the shell secrete a foul-smelling musk, hence the common name of “stinkpot.”

      SNAPPING TURTLE: Top shell is broad gray, brown, or olive and has a jagged rear edge.   Lower shell is small and cross shaped.   Tail is very long, topped with a row of large triangular scales.   They bask less than other species and eat almost any small animal they can catch (insects, crayfish, tadpoles, etc) as well as aquatic plants.   They are dangerous if molested on land, less likely to bite under water.

      PAINTED TURTLE: The low smooth top shell is smooth and black or olive with red markings along or under the margins.   Lower shell is yellow or orange with dark central blotch or figure.   Head is yellow striped, neck and limbs red or yellow striped.   They spend much time basking and may move to land in search of nesting sites.   They eat aquatic plants and seeds, insects, snails, tadpoles, etc.


    FROM MY KITCHEN: Here is a very old recipe, but a very tasty snack.   Don’t be put off by the unlikely list of ingredients…these are delicious!

    BUTTERSCOTCH BON BONS
      6 oz. pkg. butterscotch chips
      ½ cup smooth peanut butter
      1 ½ cups Special K or Rice Krispies cereal
      1 cup miniature marshmallows
      ½ cup raisins

      Melt butterscotch chips and peanut butter in microwave. Stir until well-blended. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients. Drop in bite-sized pieces on an ungreased cookie sheet. Chill until firm, about 15-20 minutes. Keep in fridge.


      WETLANDS PROTECTION ORDINANCE

            Porter Township recently approved an ordinance that will provide for the preservation, management, protection and use of wetlands in the township of Porter, to require permits to alter certain wetlands; to provide for a plan for the preservation, management, protection and use of wetlands; and to provide remedies and penalties for violation thereof.

            “Wetland” means land characterized by the presence of water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances does support, wetland vegetation or aquatic life, and is commonly referred to as a bog, swamp or marsh, and which is any of the following:

          Contiguous to an inland lake or pond, or a river or stream.

          Not contiguous to an inland lake or pond, or a river or stream; and more than 5 acres in size.

          Not contiguous to an inland lake or pond, or a river or stream; and 5 acres or less in size if the DEQ determines that protection of the area is essential to the preservation of the natural resources of the state from pollution, impairment, or destruction and the department has so notified the owner.



      Summer Solstice 2007

       By Mike Crofoot

      Hi everyone,
                 It looks like the makings of another beautiful summer coming around Baldwin Lake.   Here it is the middle of June and we are seeing temperatures in the 90’s, sun and warmer water.

            I have been seeing a lot of boating activity already and some changes in the lake itself.   Several comments have been made about how clear or clean the lake looks this year.   This is true because we test for this annually and these results proved greater clarity depths.   With the weather warming up though, we will see some bottom matter coming up with the thermal cline turn over.   This explains some of the floating debris on top of the water.

                 We have noticed quite a few of the Great Blue Herons on the lake this year.   Janice and I carry the digital camera with us in the boat and have dozens of pictures of these magnificent birds all over the lake.   This too, is a sign from Mother Nature that the ECO system is doing alright.   These birds eat frogs, fish, snakes, and about anything they can swallow.   We have seen more fish beds, heard the bull frogs and encountered more snakes, than we like, already this year.

                 I have not noticed the beaver family activity as much this year.   The two lodges in the lake have gotten larger, so they are around.   Friends from Long Lake have been seeing them over there, which I’m sure they migrate back and forth.

                 Another thing which is being noticed, in a few isolated spots on the lake, is the presence of Zebra Mussels.   Long Lake has had them for 10 years, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.   We have so many permanent structures in the water that if they were a viable, growing population they would have been established long ago and noticed.   I believe because of our lake water flow and turn over, along with all the cold springs feeding the lake and our sandy bottom that hopefully they won’t grow to be the problem that Long Lake has experienced.   If anyone see anymore of these at their property let me know.

                 This last winter we still went though 350 lbs. of bird seed, which always keeps the squirrels happy.

                 The migratory birds are coming through at the time we are finishing feedings.   Behind us in the swamp a few new members decided to nest this year.   We have always had mallard ducks back there but never any Canada Geese.   There were one pair of geese this year and a pair of Sand Hill cranes.   If anyone has ever heard these cranes sounding off, when they fly, you would never forget it.


                 We do have a couple of the mallard ducks nesting in the yard.   One female duck only has one leg.   The other pair is nesting in the flower pot on the end of the pier.   This is one of the few spots the raccoons have not found yet.   We also seem to have an over abundance of them roaming around, which isn’t good.   These little devils can be quite destructive.   If you notice any raccoons in the day time beware, because it probable is sick.   There was one in our yard one morning that was moving real slow, I figured it had rabies or distemper.

                 When you get ready to enjoy your boating on the lake this year don’t forget to mark on your calendar some important dates.   A good informational meeting will be the lake association’s annual meeting at the Cass County Conservation Club, on the 21st. of July.   Come join us to see what’s going on around the lake for the year and of course plan on attending the picnic in the afternoon to meet other members.

                 The marine patrol has a boating safety class at the CCC on July 28th, a week after the annual meeting.   The marine patrol sheriff also would like to have another “free” boat inspection on Baldwin Lake.   He has informed me that they do have the coast guard inspection stickers available this year.   Because of the lack of participation last year this maybe the last one we do if we don’t have a better turn out.   This date is also going to be on the 28th of July at our house from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm or a little longer if needed.

                                                                         Mike Crofoot


      Membership Dues to July 2008 are $25


      Adult Names: ______________________________________________________________________

      Children (with ages) _________________________________________________________________

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      Lake Address: _______________________________________________________________________

      Phone: _______________ Fax: _______________ Email: _______________________

      Winter Address (if different):

      ________________________________________________________________________

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      Phone: _______________ Fax: _______________ Email: ________________________

      Donation for Mosquito Control – We hope everyone can donate $25 or more
      Name: ________________________________________________________________________________

      Lake Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________

      Comments: ______________________________________________________________________________________


      Are we going to continue Mosquito Control?
            Baldwin Lake Association wants to determine how we can continue spraying for Mosquito Control in 2007 & thereafter since the 2006 spraying totally depleted our mosquito funds, including the "cushion" from a couple of years that weather lowered the mosquito population.   Mosquito Population, with potential to spread a number of diseases like WEST NILE VIRUS, is a serious concern.   BLA has tried to control this problem since the late 90's using voluntary contributions from many association members & other residents. It is becoming too expensive, considering that spraying the land, & swamps, around Baldwin Lake costs about $1700 per spray, for BLA to continue with only the voluntary donations of less than 25% of the residents, even though many have been very generous. To continue Mosquito Control we need support from the ENTIRE community (BLA members & non-members). We ask ALL community residents to help contributing at least $25.00 per year enabling this project to continue. The form for Mosquito Control is above & the attached envelope can be used for membership & mosquito.