Transcribed from original minutes.

EAGLE LAKE-PAW PAW ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING

Saturday, June 28, 2003

Keepsake Shores

Call to order:  President Skip Youngblood called the meeting to order at 9:56 AM. Despite an increasing brisk wind and somewhat falling temperature exactly 100 people signed in during breakfast.

EnviroScience Weevil Update:  Mark Schaab and Joe Papineau, representatives from EnviroScience, were asked to update the property owners on progress controlling the Eurasian Water Milfoil that has invaded Eagle Lake.  The previous evening they toured the lake and noted changes in the primary areas of concern.

Mark noted the north side of the lake appeared better than last spring, the east end along Hwy 51 showed minimal Milfoil, the west and south sides needed additional time.  We can expect at least five years for progress to show in some areas.   Many of the weeds property owners are seeing are native beneficial plants (pond weed species) that the weevil treatment was not intended to manage.

Numerous questions followed: regarding a red weed boaters were seeing Mark identified it as Illinois Pond Weed; no markers will be placed in treated areas this year but boaters should avoid the previously marked areas as much as possible and use a no-wake speed with prop up when it is necessary to move through those areas; further stocking is to be determined; thicker weed growth in the Eagle lake Park area is due in part to the return of native plants, the milfoil is not as dense as previously noted; weevil over-wintering appears to be adequate but property owners were encouraged to cease mowing within 5 to 10 feet of the shoreline after labor Day and to rake leaves to the waters edge for the duration of the fall and winter.  (Note: according to Dr. Ray Newman, Professor of Fisheries, University of Minnesota, most of the weevils over-winter within the first 20 feet, so a 20 foot buffer would provide better protection.)

A follow-up survey will be done this fall.  Property owners need to be aware that the milfoil and weevils will cycle from year to year with re-growth and die-off as both species work to maintain a population balance.

Further information can be found on EnviroScience’s web site at www.enviroscienceinc.com or through a Google or other search of Eurasian Milfoil.

Recognitions:

Skip Youngblood gave recognition to those who worked to put together the meeting and breakfast, thanked Keepsake Shores for the use of their access site and recognized High’s Marine for donation of prizes.  In addition thanks were given for the Newsletter preparation by Barb Kohl, distribution of the meeting flyers by the area Representatives and the overall contribution of all the Board Members.  Leader Marine provided DNR and Coast Guard boater safety brochures.  Skip noted the Board meeting dates, time and location and invited all property owners to attend these meetings.

Sheriff Department Representative:

Sergeant Fred Segal of the Van Buren County Sheriff Department, accompanied by Officers Devon Krueger and Shannon Bull, encouraged attendees to pick up a copy of the Michigan State and Federal boating rules available and to call the Sheriff’s office immediately when un-safe or illegal activity is noted on the lake.  (Call the dispatcher at 657-3101 and advise them it is a marine patrol issue)

Numerous questions were asked regarding boat registration, safe watercraft operation, personal flotation devices, diving raft placement and other safety issues on the lake.  Most of the answers that were provided are found in the State and Federal rulebooks.  Diving rafts cannot be moored in the “navigable” area of the lake, the former rule of 100 feet from shore is no longer applicable.

Boater safety classes are available by contacting the Sheriff Department and class can be scheduled if at least 12 people are to attend.  Twenty people expressed interest in attending such a class, Sgt. Segal indicated they are available August 2 if an appropriate location can be arranged.

Introduction of Board Members and Roll Call:

Skip Youngblood acknowledged the contribution of the Board Members the past year with special thanks to Bernice Packer for her contribution as Secretary since formation of the Lake Association five years ago.  Based on names appearing on the sign-in sheets and those who raised their hand for the count during the meeting, representation from the lake areas was as shown at the top of the next page.  Each area has a different number of lots and families to be represented so the numbers do not necessarily reflect participation.  Some may have failed to sign in and others who signed in may have left before the meeting count was taken.

Sue Vomish from Michigan Lake and Steam Associations spoke of the Association’s efforts on behalf of all Michigan riparian property owners and strength of the group’s southwest Michigan region.  Increased funding was necessary beyond the membership of the various lake associations and individual memberships are now available for those who are interested in furthering the interests of riparian property owners in Michigan.  Chuck Cubbage explained how the Lake Association and the MLSA are the voice of property owners, especially those who do not live and vote here. 

Minutes of June 29, 2002 Annual Meeting:  Approved as presented

Treasurers Report:  Approved as presented with a balance of $1,672.15. 

Old Business:  None

New Business:

Concern was expressed regarding damage caused to boats and other property by muskrats and whether the Lake Association should look into some control strategies, either ways to protect the property or reduce the muskrat population.

It was noted that the native weed population in the lake appeared to be increasing and may be an area the Lake Association should be addressing in the future.  Skip Youngblood and Chuck Cubbage noted that any action to address native weed growth that would interfere with the establishment of a viable weevil population should be avoided at this time. Consideration of other management approaches could be considered.

Skip Youngblood presented the slate of officers proposed by the Board and sought nominations or volunteers from the floor, especially for the position of President.  The slate of officers presented by the Board were Skip Youngblood-President, Chuck Cubbage-Vice President, Doug Dorgan-Secretary, Pat Cubbage-Treasurer. No other candidates being presented the slate of Officers proposed by the Board was approved.

Everyone in attendance was encouraged to become a member of the Eagle Lake Paw Paw Association and to encourage their neighbors to join and support the activities of the Association.

Adjournment:  The 2003 annual meeting was adjourned at 11:10 AM.

Prizes:  Various door prizes were awarded with names drawn from those who had entered.  Donated and purchased prizes included Eagle Lake Paw Paw Association T-shirts.