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DEQ information on non-native aquatic plants that threaten or may threaten Diamond Lake.

All four township boards recently approved a special assessment for lakefront and deeded/dedicated lake access owners on Diamond Lake for the purpose of controlling nuisance and exotic plants in Diamond Lake. View township notice.

Interested in purchasing a copy of A Diamond Sparkles by Lois Webster Welch? Originally published in 1970 it is a history of Diamond Lake, including many antidotes, graphics and pictures. If you are interested -- and there is enough interest -- we'll order reprints at a cost of $ 50.00 per copy. Please contact Janice Goossens at joejanice@comcast.com with your contact information to express your interest.

DEQ information at http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3313_3677_8314-83004--,00.html on non-native aquatic plants that threaten or may threaten Diamond Lake.

Eurasian water milfoil is an exotic plant species accidentally introduced into North America by ships coming from foreign countries. It has now spread to the extent that every county in Michigan has at least one lake infested with this plat. Its dense growth can hamper swimming, boating, and fishing. It can form vast mats of surface foliage (often a foot in depth) that shade out native aquatic plants and diminish the lakes aesthetic beauty; diminishing property value. For more information about Eurasian Watermilfoil including pictures please visit: Minnesota sea grant - outreach - exotic species - eurasian watermilfoil: factsheet at http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/exotics/eurasian.html

Jim Koller of the DLA Board and Ralph Bednerz from the DEQ continue testing our lake water. Testing continues throughout the year, approximately twice a week. We have received concerned e-mails from members regarding the foam on the lake. This foam is caused by phosphorus, and our lake continually tests in the acceptable level. The most effective way to combat phosphorus levels is to check your lawn and garden fertilizers and verify that they are phosphorus free.

ABOUT DIAMOND LAKE: Diamond Lake is located in southwest lower Michigan, in nearly the center of Cass County. It is situated southeast of the village, and county seat, Cassopolis. Four different townships intersect in its waters; Calvin, Jefferson, LaGrange, and Penn. The lake is 1,078 acres in size, 60% of the lake is less than 10 feet deep, and is 64 feet at its deepest. Most of its shoreline is lined with over 900 homes and cottages, including an occupied island of about 43 acres in the center of the lake, accessible to island residents by the privately owned ferry during the summer months. There is one marina on its shores, and one public boat launch.

ABOUT DLA: The object or purposes of the corporation shall be as follows:

1. To promote the education of riparian property owners and other lake users of Diamond Lake, Cass County, Michigan (hereinafter referred to as “the lake”) about water quality, conservation, pollution and safety;

2. To support issues which concern the welfare of the lake in general, including, but not limited to, the conservation of the water supply in the lake and watershed, the maintenance of the quality of the water safe for swimming and conducive to the renewal of fish resources, the prevention of pollution, and the preservation of navigation;

3. To support the measurement and evaluation of hydrological data at the lake so that the decisions and actions of the corporation shall be in line with what is best for the lake; and,

4. To act as a cohesive body to bring issues of interest to or affecting lake residents and users to the attention of governmental entities.

Diamond Lake Association
PO Box 122
Cassopolis, MI 49031-0122
dlacassopolis@gmail.com

2009/2010 Board members:

Carl Moraw - President
Garry Westfall - Treasurer
Nancy Gerber - Secretary
 
Kathy Atkins
Hank Beckman
Phyllis Clark
Jim Hall
Sue Heinrich
Jim Kollar
John Monaghan
Bob Price
Reed Robertson
Harry Shaffer
Jean Schultz
Walt Smiles
Bill Stoler
Debra Tuttle
Todd Tyler
Jim Ward