NEW ADS
FOR SALE: 20 FOOT 1990 SEA NYMPH PONTOON. CALL 641-5649
HOUSE AN EXCHANGE STUDENT AND SEE THE WORLD. CONTACT CHARLOTTE FLETCHER, 641-7207.
GARAGE-MOVING SALE--AT SECOND CHANCE BOOKS, SUNSET BLVD, NEXT DOOR TO THE CAFE. SATURDAY, SEPT. 18. ROMANCE NOVELS, 3/$1. ALL OTHER BOOKS AT 50 CENTS. Dorothy Mills is moving to Florida. ONE DAY ONLY.
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GET THEM WHILE THEY LAST. WE STILL HAVE A FEW COOK BOOKS LEFT. THEY ARE AN EXCELLENT BUY AT $10 AND ARE FROM PAMPERED CHEF. MANY OF THE DISHES AT OUR PICNIC CAME FROM THESE BOOKS. CALL BEV AT 641-7972 AND GET YOURS BEFORE THEY ARE GONE. WE ALSO HAVE NEW T-SHIRTS. THEY ARE VERY COLORFUL AND A GOOD QUALITY. WE HAVE ALL SIZES INCLUDING YOUTH SIZES THESE ARE PRICED AT $10 ALSO, EXCEPT FOR THE 2X WHICH ARE $12. CALL VALERIE AT 641-7367 FOR THE SHIRTS.
OUR ANNUAL BAKE SALE WILL BE HELD AT MILLS GROCERY ON SAT. OCT 16 AND WE ARE LOOKING FOR BAKERS AND BUYERS. CALL VAL OR BEV FOR THE DETAILS.
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WANTED: BALDWIN LAKE AND YOUR ASSOCIATION NEED YOU!Not only do we need you as members to make our concerns heard here and at the state level, but we need your help in many areas. At the suggestion of Carol Erbe, this "ad" will run in each issue so that all our members have an opportunity to see the many ways they can become involved and help out. We realize that some of you may hesitate to volunteer feeling that you might not know what is expected or how to do it, but let us assure you that there are many people, including those now doing it who will be glad to act as "mentors" to help you get started. This ad will change as our needs change.
. Please check to see how you might help to and become more involved with our lake community. By posting these opportunities we hope to spread our mission to new people and give those who have been doing one job for too long a chance to do something else. It is our hope to keep our association fresh and full of new ideas and energy to blend with what has been our mission, to preserve and protect our major investments in our property and quality of our lake and living..
1 .LOOSESTRIFE CONTROL TEAMS
RIGHT NOW we need help in our efforts to control the purple loosestrife which has shown up at the north end and around by the point leading into little Baldwin. (See Mike Miller's article to know why this is necessary.) Once you know how to do it, you and a group of 4 or more folks can go out when it is convenient and help root out this problem before it chokes up the lake. It is an invader and drops thousands of seeds each year. We must recognize that this is an on going project, but working together we can keep it controlled. PLEASE CALL Mike Miller (641-7362.) for more information or to help. The first team went out on Saturday, Aug. 21. Eight members, Carol Erbe, Joe Komins, Mike Joan and Lynn Miller, Mike Feldes, Charlotte Fletcher, Don Henke and Mike Thompson, managed to cut and pull about 90 % of what is located on the point going into little Baldwin. Another team will be out next week some time and they can use about twice as many folks. Please let Mike Miller know if and when you might be able to help. You know the old saying, many hands make light work.
2. NEWSLETTER EDITOR:
You need to have access to a computer and be proficient enough to use its word processing program. Most information and articles are submitted, but you will probably need to write a few, keep up on the calendar and the few ads we run. Coe is willing to help you get started and to work with the distribution and mailing. Call our president if you are interested (641-7972)
3. NORTH END ADVISOR:
Sharon Pittenger has delivered newsletters and passed on information for too long, she says. She would like to devote more time to her vice presidency. Advisors are our communication link. They can answer questions for folks in their area, pass out the newsletters six times a year, and sometimes fliers in between. They have new resident packs and act as welcomer to new people moving in so that they feel welcome and are aware of the rules of the road for the lake and the association. It is an important piece of the life of the association. Once a year we would ask you to contact the folks in your area about their membership. Advisors meet once a month with the executive board and can relay information in their area and bring the concerns of members to the attention of the board. They authorize and/or approve the actions of the officers and propose programs as well.
4. FLOTILLA COMMITTEE:
It is not too early to begin to plan next year's parade. We learned a lot this year and Carol Erbe has a notebook full of what went right and what went wrong. She says it was a fun thing to do, but three boys and working in Van's business just doesn't leave her enough time to do the job. The committee needs a chair and members to help with ideas. Call Carol at 641-7309.
5. MICHIGAN LAKES AND STREAMS SEMINARS:
Twice a year, spring and fall, ML&S holds 1, 2, or 3 day seminars on all the topics which affect lakes throughout the area. It is important that we are represented and get the information that is being handed out. Sessions include water quality, the law, weed growth and control, waste treatment systems, building strong organizations, etc. They are interesting and well worth the time. Some are located close to us and some would make a good road trip. Contact Don or Jeff Schaar if you are interested, or let you advisor know.
6. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEMBERS; We need watch members along every road into or around the lake. The goal is to have only 10-12 houses per watch captain. You receive information about what crime is happening in the area and are asked to pass it along to your neighbors. When we get started on Emergency Planning again, you will be asked to see who in your area might need help in an emergency and who might be able to provide some kinds of assistance. There will also be training sessions on how to protect your home, what to look for to identify a person or vehicle, how to report crimes and how the to protect yourself and your family--information which can also be passed on to your neighbors. If interested, call Coe at 641-5931.
If you are curious, please plan to attend a meeting (every third Wed.) to let us know and to listen to other exciting and interesting news about our lake quality and the programs in place. Thanks, Carol Erbe..
PS. DON'T FORGET THE ROAD CLEANUP, A GREAT WAY TO GET STARTED
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OUR FIRST FLOTILLA WAS A BIG SUCCESS!!! ***Click to see information.***
In spite of a couple of glitches, folks all around the lake declared the first flotilla to be a lot of fun and exciting. What follows is Carol Erbe's report.
First I apologize to the participants for the confusion of the start. Due to changes the last few days in the number of boats, DNR suggestions and restrictions, the wind and traffic, and also being our first year, we were all a little confused. So the start was a little rough, but eventually everyone fell into line and we had a great parade! The judges ended up riding a pontoon and circling the boats until they found a quiet "cove," and we paraded in front of them. A very special Thank You goes to Judge Sue Dobrich, Chief Tom Atkinson, and Commissioner Larry Malsch. You truly serve the community above and beyond, giving up your holiday to help us out. Thank you, Coe and Jack for escorting and feeding our judges.
The 12 entries were "awesome." Anything went from being very elaborate to just plain fun. It was truly great fun to be in the parade and I heard a lot of good comments from spectators. All in all, a great success and a first for Baldwin Lake. Thank you all for the great participation.
First place went the USS Baldwin by the Huggett family. It made you want to squirt ( I mean salute) them. A great job! Margaritaville took second place. What a festive design. (I was told it took 5 gallons of margaritas to make it all the way around the lake.) This crew was almost disqualified when charges of spying were leveled against them. A ready confession however, brought them a pardon. "The one that got away" took home the 3rd place turkey prize. Tony and Nathan deserve a special award for riding in the rowboat in such rough water. You are great sports and real "lake kids".
Fourth and fifth went to the Bad Boy Pirates and Gilligan's Island. And there were still more great entries that did not win awards this time but were tough competitors and will be back!
Thank you Scot Billings, who went right home and updated our web site with the flotilla news and pictures. He felt badly about the quality of the pictures because he was driving in the parade and taking pictures in rough water. He's hoping that people will pass more pictures on to him. Great job on the web site, Scot!!
A special thanks goes to my son, Brian and his friend Thomas Swinehagen on the jet ski, for transferring messages back and forth, distributing numbers, helping with break downs, and keeping the parade flowing. We couldn't have done as well without you.
Committee members were Charlotte Fletcher, Scot Billings, and myself. Thanks to all. We would like to set up a committee for next year's parade. Please call if you can help. Thanks,
Carol Erbe.
PS After the parade the Pirates declared war on the USS Baldwin and hosed down the captain and damaged their ship. Hooray for the pirates!!!
Editor's note: I don't know about anyone else, but those of us on the judges boat were delighted to be hosed down. Man, it was hot!
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FEWER BOATS IN 1999. The official boat count this year was made the week before the 4th of July , and we actually had 21 fewer boats this year than last. That is a 4.4 % drop from last year and the first one since we started the count. See the figures at the page below for types of boats and areas around the lake.
BOAT TYPE & BOAT COUNT BY AREA
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A NOTE FROM BETTY BENSON
In a note to me, Betty asked me to include the following in the newletter. "Betty Benson would like to express her gratitude and thanks to all those who sent flowers, cards and money in memory of her husband Jack who passed away this past August 5th."
All of us who knew Jack, join Betty in mourning his loss. He was a bright spot in each day on which you encountered him, riding his golf cart, mowing the grass along the south end of Hilltop, cracking wise at the Conservation or Shrine Clubs. This wiry little man;, with his sharp wit and generous nature will be sorely missed. Betty will be moving into the new home they planned together near her children and their families soon. Our hearts and our prayers to out to the family. We will miss Jack and Betty.
##############################################################################OUR GOLFERS MAKE NEWS AGAIN. Dan Yarnel and his partner became club champions--again. This is becoming old news, Dan. How about some new challenge for next year, like Amadeo Lese's hole-in-one, his first, at the Ls Grange Country Club. He used a 7-wood to ace a 147 yard hole. There were official witnesses. Congratulations to both golfers, Dan and Amadeo.
##############################################################################WHAT MOSQUITO SPRAY??? 1999, the spray that wasn't. The season started off with a very heavy concentration of mosquitos all around the lake. The executive and advisory boards agreed that we needed to spray. Money was collected and the wait for the right conditions began (70 degrees at 7 pm and no wind.) By the time that did happen we were into the drought and the mosquitos were dying off by the hundreds every day. Without substantial rain, more could not hatch, and the rain never came. With the cost of spraying being so high, the board is very careful to examine all factors before spending such a large amount. The decision was to wait until the need was greater and more consistent around the whole lake. This was the recommendation of the Mosquito man as well.
So, all of the funds collected are being kept in a SEPARATE account to be saved until the next time. If you contributed already, thank you. If you didn't get the chance, please remember to do so when we do spray. Thanks, Carol Erbe.
##############################################################################ROSES THIS TIME GO TO: AVIS TASSIN who found a loose sail boat swimming with her one day last week and towed it to her pier where she tied it up so that the owner (neighbor further up the lake) could reclaim it. AND to the DIRTY EIGHT who spent Saturday morning, cutting and pulling the purple loosestrife weed that can clog our lake if we don't get it under control. This is a two or three (or more) year process. There will be plenty of time for all of us to get involved. But these seven started the effort. Thanks to all of them.
##############################################################################ANNUAL MEETING SUMMARY
The annual meeting was held at the Cass County Conservation Club on the morning of July 17, with about 50 people in attendance. The minutes of last year's meeting were read and approved and the treasurer's report was accepted. Following the standing committee reports for the year, there being no nominations from the floor, Carol Erbe moved that the slate be accepted by acclamation. Her motion was supported by Coe Strain and approved by the members in attendance: Sharon Pittenger reelected as vice president, and Carolyn Stevenson, reelected as secretary.
WATER/BOATING SAFETY: Valerie Dolph reported on the decrease of boats on the lake this year and reviewed some of the new laws and regulations concerning boating and mentioned some that will take effect next year.
WATER/ENVIRONMENTAL: Mike Miller thanked John Cahill for the Shecci Disc readings over the past years and reported that Mike Feldes and Fred Stroobrant are now doing them. Water temperature was 82-84 degrees. (That is down about 10 degrees at this writing). Two warm years in a row and we have a lot algae in the lake, typical in July and August. The dry weather has affected the flushing of the lake. We will not have zebra mussel testing this year in the lake, due to a problem with volunteers with the DEQ. See Mike's article for more information about this. Fecal coliform testing had not yet been conducted.
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS: Don Henke told of the township and zoning meetings to keep us abreast of what is happening. Hilltop drain project is not ready to be put into effect. The Lake/Township committee is still meeting. Mosquito spraying was not done because criteria could not be met.
NEWSLETTER: Coe Strain recognized Joe Komins for his work on setting up the newsletter. We now have our mission statement and web site listed under the mast head.
FUND RAISING: Bev Henke reported that we sold $1000 worth of merchandise at the Country Peddlers show and made $250. This year we have two different cookbooks and T-shirts. She thanked Stacy Dolph for bringing the doughnuts and Valerie Dolph and Carol Erbe for their efforts. There is a gift to whomever sells the most books.
MEMBERSHIP: Charlotte Fletcher reported memberships are slowly coming in and at the start of the meeting 78 had paid their dues. Last year we had a total of 127 members. (PLEASE see membership form in this newsletter if you are not paid for this year. Dues run from July to July.
SOCIAL: Carol Morris reported on last year's picnic and Christmas dinner party. This year the picnic was scheduled for the same day as the annual meeting. It started at 1:30 and eating began at three. It was held at the Troy/Yoder "estates" at the southeast corner of the lake and again featured deep fried turkey.
FLOTILLA: See article in this newsletter.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: Because of moving, etc., we are in need of some new people to work with the watch program. Community Policing Committee is currently working on an emergency plan for the township. It has been divided into 8 sectors. We will be asking watch people to help us discover who might need help during a weather or other emergency, and what people might be able to provide equipment or services during that emergency.
NEW BUSINESS President Henke asked Scot Billings to discuss our web site. Scot credited Joe Komins with getting BLA a site through Michigan Lakes and Streams. We are connected through their site. Scot is doing the maintenance on the page, putting in the newsletter, keeping a calendar which carries sunrise and sunset times as well as lake and community activities. He us also using photos on the page. Right now he is using flotilla photos and hoping some folks have better ones than he got.
LAKE/TOWNSHIP: See the executive board report..
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WILL YOU GIVE AN HOUR TO SAVE A LIFE? How about FOUR lives? That's all it takes. An hour of time and a short hop to the Porter Fire Station, and you can be a life saver and a hero to as many as four accident victims, cancer or surgery patients, who desperately need blood.. Blood supplies throughout the country are low and without the commitment of those of us who are healthy, some patients may not survive.
The Red Cross nurses will be here waiting for you at 8:45 am. (MI) on September 25,1999, and Community Policing Committee members will be waiting for you when you finish with cookies, juice and other goodies, to say thank you for all the people you have helped and to be sure you are started on your way to replenishing that pint of blood you have given.
CPC members have been extremely proud of how well the community has responded to our own area blood drive since we started these Sept/April drives. But, we are rarely rushed and could handle a good many more people than we get. GUYS, giving blood is actually beneficial to many of you because you have a tendency to get too much iron in your blood. and that can cause problems. Giving a pint of blood reduces the amount of iron in your systems.
REMEMBER THOSE WHO NEED YOU
SEPTEMBER 25 8:45--2:45 MI TIME
PORTER FIRE STATION.
US-12 AND BALDWIN PRAIRIE ROAD
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MARK DEC. 4TH ON YOUR CALENDAR for our annual Christmas dinner dance. The reservation form is included with this newsletter.
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A NOTE FROM THE COMMUNITY POLICING COMMITTEE: Thank you to all the residents of Baldwin Lake who attended and/or helped with the annual Pancake and Sausage Breakfast held August 14. In keeping with our theme of Safety and Service, this year Long-Coverdale Ass. had a booth promoting their association and goals of water quality and boating safety. The Health Department also brought an environmentalist down for their booth. We would like to suggest that Baldwin also consider joining Long-Coverdale in this booth next year. The lake associations throughout the area have much to offer the people of the area, and information to share with all those who enjoy the waters of our area, residents on the lakes or not.
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CRIME WATCH HOT LINE: Another incident of "borrowing" PWCs for midnight joy riding recently is a reminder that the lake is a highway and we all need to be aware of what is happening on it--especially at night. This latest "incident" brought out emergency services, a deputy and the marine division when a fisherman found the empty PWCS running in circles at dawn and thought the riders were drowning victims. This is not innocent fun.
In addition, we have had a number of thefts from the water--three trolling motors vanished one night from both the north and south ends, and three batteries another night from along Hilltop. PLEASE, find ways to secure anything you leave on the waterfront at night. Locks will deter most thieves. Noise makers might also help to alert owners when their boats or equipment is being tampered with. And keep your eyes and ears open. Those may not be just party boats which wake you at night. Calls for help at 5:30 a.m. are not fun.
PLEASE REMEMBER NOW THAT SCHOOL IS BACK IN SESSION TO BE AWARE OF CHILDREN AND SCHOOL BUSES ON OUR ROADS. SPECIAL CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN APPROACHING BALDWIN PRAIRIE SCHOOL IN THE MORNING AND IN THE AFTERNOON AS PARENTS AND BUSES ATTEMPT TO ENTER AND LEAVE THE SCHOOL GROUNDS. OUR CHILDREN ARE OUR MOST PRECIOUS POSSESSIONS.
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GOT MOSQUITOS? GET BATS. A bat can est 600 or more mosquitos in an hour. They flutter out to catch insects as soon as the sun sets. A bat will eat beetles, flies, wasps, moths, and lots of mosquitoes. Bats are mammals-the babies are born live and drink milk. A female usually has one baby in May or June. It hangs on its mother for a week or two, even when she is flying for insects. After two weeks, the mother hangs the baby up by its hind legs when she goes off to catch her meal. She can recognize her baby by its smell land its cry. The young bat starts to fly and catch its own food when it is about three weeks old.
Myths about bats are that they are blind, are dirty and carry rabies, will fly into your hair and will suck your blood. In Fact, all bats can see, but smaller ones do use echo-location for capturing insects and navigating in the dark. They groom themselves daily and they can contract rabies, less the 1/2 of 1% actually has rabies. Bats do not want to be in your hair. Experimentation showed the bat would fly away as soon as possible, even when wrapped in the hair. There are 3 out of the 1,000 species of bats which are vampires. They all are in Central and South America. They do not suck blood, but make a small incision and then lap up the blood. Scientists are currently studying the saliva of these bats to develop new anticoagulant drugs to prevent blood clots in heart patients.
You can bring bats to your property with bat houses, best put up in early spring because it is more likely to be occupied in the first summer. We will have more information on the bat houses during the winter months and we'll ask Scot Billings if he can post the information on our web site. More bats, fewer mosquitos. Our thanks to Mike Feldes for this information. ##############################################################################
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WILDLIFE NOTES:
If anyone has a plan to keep the fall bees away from the hummingbird feeder, I'd sure like to hear about it. While it is interesting to watch the daily battles, the little hummers seem to know that the sting of one of these would be dangerous to them. Meanwhile the bees are feeding well on the juice around the flower holes, and the hummers are flying off. It was never my intention to provide sustenance for these yellow jackets. Help!
Had a note from Imogene Creakbaum awhile back that one of the sandhill cranes was in her yard about 3 pm, out by the planter near the road. He went over into the Campbell's yard next door and when she tried to sneak up to watch him, he took off for the lake with a loud noise. She was thrilled to see him so close up.
Jack was digging down on the water front to fix a drain a couple of weeks ago, and came up to get me and the camera. There were three yellow swallowtail butterflies and one blue one, all trying to mate with one female along the edge of the turned up earth. She was easy to pick out because her color was much less intense. I shot several pictures, but they flit so rapidly that it was very difficult to catch more than two at a time. I should have been using the telephoto lens too. But it was certainly interesting to watch. them. They were there most of the morning and appeared to be laying eggs there (if they do) in the loose dirt.
There was intense excitement on the waterfront at Jon and Sondra Walkers a week ago when one of the visiting cousins found a snake eating a toad. I chose not to join the crowd although they came to get Jack to say what kind it was. He thinks it was a harmless water snake. Some watchers were horrified, but all were fascinated. We don't often get that kind of real life nature on our shore.
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PWC LAWS ARE CHANGING FOR 2000. Probably the most important for our members at this point is that EVERYONE WHO IS NOT A RESIDENT OF MICHIGAN MUST HAVE A BOATING SAFETY CERTIFICATE TO OPERATE A PWC ON THE WATERS OF THIS STATE. Certificates from other states may be accepted if they are the equivalent of the Michigan course. Our Marine Div always offers several classes and as soon as those dates are available, wi Scot puts them on our web site. Meanwhile you can check by accessing the Sheriff's Office and the Marine Div. at www,casscountymi.org/ccso, or thriugh our web site connection..
Other changes have to do with ages and clearance areas. Be sure you familiarize yourself with these changes before the next boating season.
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THE FOLLOWING LETTER was addressed to our president. We would like to share it with you all.
"Please accept our check and request for membership in the Baldwin Lake Association. My parents purchased the property here 40 years ago and ' the lake' has and always will be a very special place to me, my wife and our two children.
We vacation here while visiting my Mother at least twice a year, which is never enough time. I hope and pray that the 'lake' will have forever a place in my family's future. This is why I greatly appreciate the vigilance conducted by the BLA to secure the lake as a safe, clean and fun place to live and love for my Mother and my Family. Thank you , Best regards, Frank Fessler and Family."
Summer is a busy time for all of us. Besides the usual maintenance and our own enjoyment of the lake and the weather, there are the relatives and the friends, the vacations and the vacationers, not to mention the hog roasts, the ball games etc., that keep all of us on the go. It is so easy to forget and let slip things like the once a year dues we ask from each of you. More than the money, we need your support by adding your name to the list of those that care what happens here and are concerned for the future of our lake and our community. Once again, many of you who have put renewing your dues aside for now, will find a membership form with this newsletter. There are crucial issues coming up that will have long term effects on our area. As officers and advisors within the association we attempt to gain information so that informed choices can be made in the best interests of all of us. The longer our membership list, the better our chances of bringing our concerns to the attention of those who can meet our needs.
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FROM THE PREZ: Another annual meeting has come and gone and as a lake association we begin our 6th year, ready to move into the next millennium. (Bet you are tired of that word) To put all your minds at rest, I want you to know that we are Y2K ready. Our assets are safely tucked under our treasurer's mattress and we have some flashlights and water.
Getting serious we have plans and goals for our future. Our Lake has purple loosestrife growing at the north end and we need to develop a plan to deal with it. If left unchecked, it can take over and drive out local plant (and animal) life. This is very serious and although it is a very beautiful flower, it can be devastating. Take a drive to Juno Lake and see how now you only see purple flowers where other plant life existed.
We have a road clean-up set for Saturday, Oct. 2.st. Please respond to your advisors request for help in this project. Cleaning up road side litter makes our lake community look neat and respectable and maybe people will think before throwing out trash.
Our membership is approaching last years, so if you have not yet renewed, please do . As a community organization we need your input and your support to speak to our elected officials in dealing with concerns for Baldwin Lake.
Our board thanks you for your support this past year and we look forward to serving you for another successful year. Don Henke, President
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LAKE/TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT
From the executive board: The subject of Willow Shores was discussed at the annual meeting and a short version follows.
When we formed the association in 1994, one of the first things our water quality committee did was to request a fish survey from the Michigan DNR/ The state advised us that because we had no public access, we did not qualify for any state services. After much correspondence providing the DNR with the information they requested we were informed of two things. 1. Hollywood Shores Campground and Baldwin Lake Marina had and have proper state marina permits. Willow Shores Campground did not. Therefore the state would contact the owners and bring them into compliance with state laws. 2. We were now on the list for a fish survey.
When resident concerns about other issues involving camp grounds were expressed to our advisors and officers, and to the township officers, a joint lake-township committee was formed to address these concerns. After the first committee meeting, a public meeting was held where residents, township and county officials and other interested parties could openly discuss the issues. Many were discussed . When the question was asked, "Does the campground have a marina permit yet?" all were advised that they did not, and our water quality committee documented that over the last 4 years, 2 certified letters were sent to Willow Shores Owners advising that they had 30 days to comply or they would be closed down. The decision was made at the close of that meeting that the only recourse was to advise our elected state officials of the situation through a letter champaign.
The result of all these efforts led to where we are today. The State has written that one last effort to bring the facility into compliance with State Public Act #59/part 301 would be made, If it failed to do so, the matter would be turned over for enforcement action.
Lake residents must comply with the laws of our state and township (seawall permits, building permits, etc.). It seems only fair that these requirement be followed by all. Since the mooring and docking of boats can only be done by riparian property owners, the nearly 100 boats moored at the campground on piers and boat lifts required that the facility have a marina license per the requirement of Act #59/part 301.
We will continue to monitor this situation and advise residents of its progress.
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PROJECT PURPLE
What's purple, on the loose, and is damaging the woodland areas around Baldwin Lake? Answer--Purple Loosestrife (PL), aka Morden Pink, aka Lythrum salicaria. PL is currently showing off its beautiful purple plumes at the north point inlet into Little Baldwin and at the north end of the main lake.
How did it get here? PL was introduced to the east shore of North America by incoming cargo vessels from Europe in the early 1800s. Today it is present in all the lower 48 states excluding Florida, and in every Canadian province. We are concerned because it is a hardy perennial that once mature can reach 7' tall sending out 30-50 shoots creating a dense web which chokes out all other desirable native plants including grasses, reeds, and cattails. Once the purple plume dries, the tiny seed (grain of sand) are spread by the wind, pollinating insects, wildlife, and humans. A mature 7' "bush" can produce 2-3 million seeds!! As the plant matures, the stalk and root system become woody making eradication very difficult. Studies have proven that once PL heavily infests an area, it changes the habitat so drastically that all wildlife leave the area. Means of gaining control involve hand pulling prior to the heads drying out so as not to radically spread the seeds. Herbicide sprays can be used with the DEQ's guidance and permission. However, unless selective spray techniques are used desirable vegetation is also eliminated providing a better growing environment for next years emerging seeds.
North American researchers found that European biologists had tested hundreds of plant eating insects and narrowed it down to 5 that lived solely on PL. In 1992 approval was granted for the use of a leaf-eating beetle that keeps the spread in control by weakening the plant enough to cause destruction or at least prevent seed reproduction. Actual case studies have shown mixed success; however, it appears to be the best solution available. Our lake association will look into this for future control. In the meantime.....our eradication program began on Sat., Aug. 21, with a group of volunteers who worked several hours on the north point going into Little Baldwin. From there we headed to the north end of the main lake. Our plan this year--eliminate all identified patches to limit the spread and dropping of seed.
Volunteers will be needed in the years ahead to control the spread of this noxious plant. A few hours of help by many will go a long way to keep this out of our surrounding wetlands. If you suspect this plant is growing in your area, contact Mike Miller at 641-7362, or your area advisor. It proliferates in wet areas but can also survive in drier soil. Unbelievably, it is still legally sold at some locations. PLEASE DO NOT BUY IT! Also, if you are ready to plant a wild flower mix, check the label as Loosestrife-aka Morden Pin--aka Lythrum salicaria seeds have been found as being part of the mix.
You know what.....I used to like the color purple!!!! More updates later .
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ZEBRA MUSSELS AS REPORTED earlier in the year, zebra mussel larvae or "veligers" were found in our lake by independent testing conducted in 1998. A follow-up test to confirm these findings did not occur. Recent discussion with the director of the state funded program revealed some problems out of our control. In any event, WE need to keep on the lookout for any mature mussels especially as piers, boats, lifts and rafts are removed this fall. If the veligers survived the past winter, the maturing mussels should be the size of a small kernel of corn and will be attached en masse to anything that is submerged. Report the finding to Make Miller at 641-7362. I need some samples to send away to a lab as part of our monitoring program. Carefully scrape off into a small jar filled with lake water. I only need 6-10 for test purposes.
Indiana Lake confirmed they are finding adult mussels, so it is only a matter of time before Baldwin should, as well as Long and Coverdale since we are all interconnected. Although no successful eradication program exists, researchers continue looking for a predator that won't upset the entire ecology of the lake.
Future articles will address some helpful tips on how to make living with these "exotic invaders" a little easier.
PS They also arrived in the U.S. on European cargo ships-----hmmmmmm? .##########################################################################
THE PICNIC AND THE ANNUAL MEETING were the same day this year and it worked out very well. Over 85 attended the picnic and we had a great time. Everyone participated in the games, adults and children alike. As usual the food was fantastic and the deep fried turkeys were superab. The weather bas beautiful and the company good fun. What a wonderful day. Thanks to everyone who came. We will do the same thing again next year. I would like to give a special thank kyou to Meredith Conte and Robin and Keith Linze. I couldn't have done it without them.
Carol Morris
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THIS YEARS CHRISTMAS PARTY will be at the Round Oak Stove in Dowagiac. It's a very unique place, once a factory for roand oak woodstoves. The stoves are displayed at the restaurant. The decoration is great and the musicians and entertainment have been there for ten years. We are looking forward to seeing you there so we can celebrate the holidays together.
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