Text Box: Riparian Rights Update Rainy Lake Property Owners: At our last Annual Meeting we voted to resume talks with the DNR to assure water and minerals flow into our lake again.  Among the steps to accomplish this task, a committee was formed to search and help select a legal firm to represent the Association.  The selected firm would advise and assist us upholding our Riparian Rights under State and Federal laws.  This has been accomplished and the Board has approved the selection of legal representation.  As of September 27, 2003, the Firm of Olson, Bzdok & Howard from Traverse City is on retainer with us. They have a very impressive client record and case history in environmental law.  We have what we consider among the best in the state working with us at very reasonable rates.  Our funds are being wisely and carefully utilized by the Board with assistance from the Dam Committee. The Board, Dam Committee and our chosen law firm have met and discussed in detail the circumstances surrounding our lake’s problems. We have also met with the Prosecuting Attorney and the Drain Commissioner for Presque Isle County and they have agreed to assist in our efforts again.   Chris Bzdok, our counselor, has very clearly explained our options and our potential of winning a judgment or ruling.    We have several options to consider and work with, with a favorable outcome in sight.  Unfortunately, we are prohibited from revealing or explaining our plans in detail as it may effect our Attorney-Client privileges and a final resolution in this matter.   It is our intention to disclose as much information as possible to everyone about our ongoing progress. Our investigation of past records indicated an agreement was made in 1992 in efforts to control the water flow and minerals into Rainy River, and ultimately, Rainy Lake.   Procedures were agreed upon to work together with the DNR to release water as we needed it. This agreement was achieved by our past Board members with the assistance of the Prosecuting Attorney in Rogers City.  Our Association members met with the DNR to work out the final details and walked away with a hand shake and a promise.  Unfortunately within the next few years, management changes within the DNR claimed they were unaware of this agreement and refused to honor it.   We have had no choice but to start over again. By the time you read this update, we hope to be discussing a final resolution with the DNR.  We also plan to ask Chris Bzdok to attend our next Annual Meeting to explain in detail our progress and steps to finalizing our lake level and other issues pertaining to our rights.  Your Board, Dam Committee with the assistance of the Prosecuting Attorney, Board of Commissioners for Presque Isle County and one of the best legal firms in the State are working diligently together to get back our Lake. Hope to see you swimming, boating and fishing in our lake this spring, Sincerely, Rainy Lake Property Owners Association and Board of Directors and Dam Committee

To contact us:

Phone: 586 465 0065

E-mail: rploa@core.com

Riparian Rights Update

Rainy Lake Property Owners Association, Inc.