March 2003 Volume 10 Issue 2

      We thank all those that have already donated for this years mosquito spraying. In light of the West Nile Virus cases in our immediate area, as well as other mosquito-related illnesses, we have a form on the Home Page to assist more people in making sure we can continue the effort.

      The Annual Meeting will be July 19^th this year &, as far as I know right now, the meeting will be at the Cass County Conservation Club and the Picnic will be at the Park’s home again.

      The Township is still discussing the possibility of a wastewater treatment system for the inhabited lakes in Porter Township. It is feared that a delay of the project will end up drastically increasing the costs since the companies that would be doing the work will undoubtedly increase their prices once all their people are working again when other areas start similar projects.

      We hope to see many of you at our Association meetings which are scheduled for the third Monday of the month at 7:00 P.M. (8:00, or 7:00 IN, during daylight savings) at the Porter Township Administration building, just north of the Fire Station on Baldwin Prairie north of U.S. 12. Although voting needs to be channeled thru your Advisor, we appreciate the discussion and ideas, opinions and recommendations from all members to be sure that we are handling things the way you wish it to be. 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 to any officer or advisor.

Although it is purely speculation at this point, Eagle fish may have fallen victim to a strange bacterial infection that has cropped up on other southern Michigan lakes.

According to Dexter, (Michigan Regional Fisheries Supervisor-Jim Dexter) results returned from Michigan State University laboratories indicate an infestation of tiny parasitic leeches in the mouths of some bass it tested.

It’s possible, say biologists, that the tiny leeches caused bacterial infections and affected the health of fish. Large numbers of the parasites were found in a few lakes where bass die-offs had been reported. None has been found in the lakes tested in this immediate area.

"The parasites are leaving lesions around the mouths and look like hook marks," Dexter said. "We think they are creating some mortality, but the information is still inconclusive."

In Indiana, Lake George suffered a major bass die-off from LMBV in 2000, so Hoosier biologists feared it had struck again when big dead bass were reportedly floating about the lake last summer. DNR fish managers returned to the lake, took samples of live bass and bluegill, and shipped them off to laboratories.

Neither the bass nor bluegill analyzed showed sign or the virus. It would have been unusual, as the virus is not known to strike again so quickly. The blue gill were involved because panfish were involved in the die-off and biologists wanted to determine whether the bug had jumped species as some have suspected.

From the St. Joseph County MSU Extension Office

The US 12 Promotion and Marketing Committee, consisting of representatives from all along the 209 miles of the highway developed a Promotion Plan to encourage travel along the length of the highway and bring attention to the resources that it offers. We want to promote travel along US 12 by suggesting easy to implement promotion ideas that retail, chambers of commerce downtown development authority boards, civic groups, lodging and others can implement. We hope to make state and national news with these promotion.

Wheel Art is art that involves wheels, whether it’s a sculpture made of tire and rim, painting featuring wagon wheels or any other creative piece featuring wheels. You are invited to creat and display wheel art along US 12.

Display the most red, white and blue along all 209 miles of our US 12.

Encourage travel along our US 12 by encouraging and promoting "Michigan’s Longest Garage Sale"

Decorate in fall harvest materials such as corn stalks, pumpkins, apples, and scarecrows.

The EPA recommends testing your drinking water-about every 2 or 3 years, especially when

1) Density of homes is high, with several drawing from the same aquifer, (2) Wells are less than 70" deep or (3) Soil-type allows quick passage of contaminants into wells. As an individual, you can contact a lab to do the tests for you, but the cost would be higher than what the lake association can offer. Our bulk rate is passed on to members. The cost for the test will be only $55.00 for members and $75.00 for non-members. Test kits can be picked up at the Annual Lake Association meeting held on Saturday, July 19th or at the picnic on the same day. Payment by check or cash is needed at time of pickup of the kit.

Coliform Bacteria: These bacteria are abundant in human and animal waste and generally are found in wells located too close to septic systems or livestock areas. Elevated counts can cause a variety of recurring illnesses with symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea. Particularly susceptible are young children and older adults.

Nitrates: Elevated nitrates can be caused by improperly operating septic systems. Additionally, fertilizers contain nitrogen compounds which may break down into nitrates. Of particular concern in our area are the homes bordering agricultural areas, since fertilizers are frequently applied. This may also be true in our own lawns and gardens and is dependent upon the types and rates of chemicals used, methods of application, soil type, topography, and seasonal precipitation. Consumption of nitrates contributes to a number of illnesses and disabilities, including gastrointestinal problems leading to liver or kidney damage.

Lead: Underlying rocks and soil may contain heavy metals but rarely are found at levels that present a problem. However, activities such as construction (i.e. increased excavation) can release larger amounts into nearby groundwater. Of primary concern is lead used in pipes, solder, or fixtures, especially in homes built prior to 1988. Only homes built or replumbed before a 1988 lead-solder ban are affected. Even copper pipes soldered with lead could be a problem due to a corrosive process caused by the acidity (PH), temperature, and mineral content of your water. Some brass-plated submersible pumps can leach lead into wells. Consumption of these by-products, even at relatively low amounts, can be harmful. Possible health threats include mental disorders in all ages, premature birth problems and other health risks, including retardation. Lead is a toxin, and a suspected carcinogen.

Results: Approximately 2 weeks after testing, each individual household will receive a printout with explanation and interpretation of each test and what action, in any, should be taken. By our request, these results are CONFIDENTIAL, to you only!

Pickup: Saturday, July 19th, at annual meeting or picnic

DropOff: Sunday, July 20th (noon ‘til 3pm MI - 2pm IN time) at Scot Billings’ house on Sunset.

Detailed written instructions provided at the time of pickup. You should reserve your test kit soon! Please contact Scot Billings (phone number on back cover) or by e-mailing us at baldwin-lake-366@mlswa.org, or returning the form below by U.S. mail.

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Pick up July 19

Name_________________________ -Member____ Non-member____

Address__________________________________________________

Phone___________________________________________________