ISSUES & ARTICLES
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 ESTABLISHED
What problem species do we have, and how serious are they? PCLA would like to survey our plant populations to create a base-line picture of what is here so that we can formulate action plans to deal with the bad guys and nurture the good guys. A baseline study will be a valuable tool in monitoring future changes to our lakes' environment.PCLA is seeking donations to fund an aquatic plant study, estimated to cost about $7,000. PCLA will match contributions up to $2,000. Other funding is also being sought. With the study will come action plans for a swift response to the appearance of invasives. Please donate today!
PCLA maintains that proposed manmade shorelines (as in canals and lagoons) do not appear on maps (because they haven't been manmade yet); nevertheless these artificial shorelines deserve the same setback protection because they have the same impact on the lakes and streams to which they are connected.
We brought the issue before the county planning commission on June 7, and were sent back to the drawing board for "better" language. Attorneys for the county and Tip of the Mitt are exploring several options and will post developments here.
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..
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.