ISSUES & ARTICLES

New bait harvest rules
Understanding the impact of VHS
New fishing regulations
Fish Disease Control Order
Shoreline Erosion: Native Plants Can Help
These Aquatic Species Are Our Friends
Native Plants To Use In Lakeside Landscaping
Swimmer's Itch

Emmet County nears completion of Comprehensive Master Plan
For more than two years, Emmet County has worked to re-work its Master Plan. The Master Plan is the document that guides development, recommends county policies, sets direction, and underlies/supports the Zoning Ordinance. PCLA has been involved from the beginning with the agenda of protecting shoreline and surface waters.

On Wednesday, August 26, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. in the Bear Creek Township Hall, the public will have a final opportunity to comment on the plan. You can download a .pdf (it's huge at 107 pages; it choked my computer) at: http://www.co.emmet.mi.us/planzone/compmp.htm. You can view a perusal copy at the Petoskey Public Libary. The board has some concerns about US-31 being designated for "dense" development and will address this issue at the hearing.

Wash your boat; don't transport invasive species
We've been working for three years now to control Purple Loosestrife, but it isn't the only alien stowaway to find the good life on our waterway. Eurasian milfoil and others are making their way here, often hitchhiking on boats being moved from lake to lake.

PCLA advocates washing of boats and trailers before and after use to remove the often tiny bits of plant material that can hide there, waiting to be moved to new territory. Once transplanted, invasives can grow into huge alien colonies that overcome our native aquatics. Non-native plants negatively impact the condition of our lakes for boating, swimming, fishing, and wildlife and can cost millions of dollars to control.

PLANT SURVEY FUND GOAL REACHED Last year, PLCA sought donations to fund an aquatic plant study, estimated to cost about $7,000. Thanks to you, the goal was reached and in August, the study will be completed. PCLA members have been trained to survey "emergent" plants -- those growing above the surface of the water -- and this will save a great deal of money as well as empower us to monitor our aquatic plant communities. READ ABOUT INVASIVE SPECIES

PCLA successful in passing zoning change

PCLA brought the issue of shoreline setbacks before the county planning commission, which eventually passed new zoning ordinance language that imposes the same setbacks on manmade lagoons as it does on natural bodies of water. Many members attended many meetings to emphasize the importance of equal protection for all waters, and were gratified that -- 18 months later -- the measure was passed without opposition.

Now, PCLA and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council are undertaking a comprehensive study of zoning ordinances in northern Michigan to find gaps in water protection law. Local ordinances will be compared with national models and a set of best practices will be established to guide planning and zoning commissions when they deal with issues that impact surface and groundwater. PCLA donated $1500 to TOM to help underwrite the cost of this intensive research project, and will also be involved in the gaps analysis work.

MEMBER SURVEYS have helped us provide input about protection of lake and wetland environments. A copy of the survey report is available here, and a copy has been given to each of the Agricultural, Cultural, and Natural Resources master plan subcommittee members as well as to the county planner, Brentt Michalek.

LAND ACQUISITION:
Some of us have been exploring the lakes, streams and forests of northern Michigan since we were young. Others are more recent transplants, choosing this lovely area because of a shared love for its natural character. However, as with most things of beauty, the North has a fragile nature. As more homes are built and our lakeshore is further divided, it is possible that we could strip this area of the natural character we love so much. This is why PCLA established a land acquisition fund. After working for nearly a year with the Little Traverse Conservancy to preserve the eastern end of Oden Island, we realized that fiscal resources are critically important if we are to protect natural resources. This fund was critical in our effort to preserve the natural environment in the Black Hole, and also has been used to support purchase of 700 feet of shoreline south of the Oden Island Bridge, called Kingfisher Cove. We heartily encourage your contributions to the PCLA land acquisition fund, which is specifically focused for use in our immediate area. Print and mail a contribution form..

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S.O.S.
The Pickerel Crooked Lake Association needs your SUPPORT to help us with community OVERSIGHT in our attempt to provide SECURITY for our water quality, environment and lakefront property.

Be ready for the '08 boating season! This distinctive new red, white, and blue boat flag is now available by pre-order. Show you belong, and spot other PCLA members as you enjoy the lakes. Pre-orders will be taken at $22.50 each, which includes shipping. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Our profit of $5 per flag has been designated for the Aquatic Plant Survey Fund. For more information contact Karen Plasencia: karen@plabay.net

Identifying your property with a PCLA window decal, a reflective driveway post reflector or an automobile license plate will help to assure that our friends and neighbors will recognize our strong membership numbers and our neighborhood involvement! Purchase ONE or all three ... TODAY! Package Price - 2 logo decals, one metal reflector and one license plate for $21.00 - and the PCLA will include the postage! Show your PCLA Team Spirit! To order your reflector or decal, please e-mail Greg and Suzanne Warner.