May 2003 Volume 10 Issue 3

      The membership form is included in this newsletter. We have changed to a smaller form and a window envelope. The form is inserted in the envelope now so you just remove it, fill in the data you wish and put it, and your check back into the envelope so that the Baldwin Lake Assoc. address is visible in the window, stamp and mail.
Note: The new form is found on the "home" page.

      Again this year we are hosting another low-cost Home Drinking Water Quality Testing in July measuring Coliform, Nitrates, & Lead. The EPA recommends testing of Drinking Water every 2 years, or so, so you can be sure of what your drinking water may contain. We strongly urge you to take a look at the related article included in this newsletter (and on the "HOME" page) and reserve a "Test Kit" for you to pick up at the Annual Meeting or at the Picnic, both on July 19th. The following day they are to be returned so that we can get them to the laboratory for processing early Monday morning. The cost for the processing of the test kit will be only $55.00 for members and $75.00 for non-members. Approximately 2 weeks after testing, each individual household will receive a printout with an explanation and interpretation of each test and of what action, in any, should be taken. By our request, these results are again CONFIDENTIAL, to be disclosed to only you! We will be picking up only the pre-reserved Test Kits, so you should reserve your test kit in advance. To reserve it you can contact Scot Billings (see phone number on back cover). You can also reserve your kit by e-mailing us at baldwin-lake-366@mlswa.org or by U.S. mail to P.O. Box 311.

      We again 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 provided a form to assist in making sure we can continue the effort.

      Baldwin Lake Association and the Cass County Conservation Club are, once again, co-hosting a Boating Safety Class to be instructed by the Cass County Sheriff’s Dept. at the CCCC building on U.S. 12 on June 28^th.

      The Fifth Annual Flotilla will be on Saturday July 5^th and should be fun for participants and spectators alike.

      The Annual Meeting will be July 19^th this year at the Cass County Conservation Club and the Picnic will again be at the Parks’ at 70160 Hartshorn (near the corner of Sunset and Treasure Island.

H.C. Scot Billings

BLA President

Phil Yoder

BLA Vice President

Well I’m back, wearing a different hat, Water/ Environmental Chairperson. I have big shoes to fill, respectively to Mike Miller and Mike Feldes. Thank You for all that you have taught me and done for Baldwin Lake. I feel that this committee is one of the most important assets of our association that benefits the lake, that we need an active committee to accomplish this, and therefore I need volunteers to assist - I can’t do it alone. The more volunteers we have the more efficient we will be. Please help.

I feel very strongly that because Baldwin Lake is a heavy populated lake that we need to pay attention to all kinds of environmental issues along with expanding our water testing. The uninhibited land is shrinking; therefore we need to pay attention to the big picture for our property values, our health, and the longevity of our natural resources. Little changes now mean big differences 5 to 10 years from now.

On April 14^th, (editors note: in a "stolen" paddleboat, at 10p.m. at night) Van and I completed the Spring Phosphorus Test [State Program]. I was told that the results take a couple months until they are released. I hope that you will attend meetings, which are the 3^rd Monday of every month to hear the stats of current testing. We will also print some results in the newsletters, with general locations given.

For most lakes in Michigan, phosphorus is the most important nutrient, the limiting factor in algae and weed growth. If we get enough volunteers we will try to monitor both of these. Phosphorus is a naturally occurring element that is found in rocks and soil. Humans use and dispose of phosphorus on a daily basis in common items such as fertilizers, foods, and cleaning agents. Lakes with developed watersheds often receive a portion of this human-generated phosphorus through runoff, septic leachate, and other sources. Keep in mind that everything we dispose of in our homes and properties that enters the ground can enter veins of ground water which we pump back into our homes or enter the lake from our natural springs.

Fecal Coliform...our worst fear. We will be testing 12 sites after major holidays and extreme rains. Results will also be given association meetings and newsletters. We have had some "hot spots" in the past that we will continue to watch. I want to establish the philosophy of the B.L.A. on "hot spots". We are not testing to humiliate, slander, or make judgments against anyone. We will respectfully notify a property owner or two that we have identified a problem close to their properties. The exact location will be kept confidential to allow time for a correction. Dangerous counts will be given to surrounding neighbors if need be. Dangerous counts will be given in general locations, not which house it is in front of.

Baldwin Lake replaces its waters naturally, approximately every 3 years, some reports are even less. Amazing for the size of our lake! It’s attributed mostly to our large watershed and amount of natural springs. Even if we ever have a contamination problem we would be able to correct it with time. We need to be concerned about what we are doing to our ground water [remember we pump it into our homes and the lake]. I’m hoping all of you will take advantage of the home water test this summer. If there is a problem, it doesn’t mean its your fault. It could be someone down the road who has a higher water table and the vein of water that your well drains from, is affected. We all need to take responsibility with this many people in a small proximity. All results are between you and the lab. The association does not receive any results. I’m hoping that if there were a problem with an area that someone would voluntarily let me know so we can watch that area. It will be kept very confidential.

Thank You,

Carol Erbe

FAREWELL TRIBUTE

Please come to a picnic on May 23 at Baldwin Prairie School at 6:00 Michigan time to acknowledge BP of its many accomplishments and memories over the years. We will be sharing history stories and artifacts, a talent show with students and staff, karaoke for everyone, hockey on the courts, and lots of socializing. Free hot dogs and side dishes will be served from 6:00 to 7:00. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for outside. This is for everyone in the community, please come!