Archive 2007

An archive of selected news items from 2007 .

2007 Geese Round-up Completed

Thursday, June 21, 2007. LLPOA volunteers did a complete tour of the lake and collected all the geese that could be found. Sixty-one geese were rounded up today.

Ten percent are required to be left on the lake, so 6 were released to spend the summer on Lake Lansing while 55 will make the journey to a new home..

Fencing was erected in a "V" shape near the shore at Lake Lansing Park South. LLPOA volunteers used boats to herd the geese on the shore in that area where a shore crew completed the task of guiding them into a pen at the tip of the "V".

Invasive Species Now Number More Than 183

Aquatic Invasive Species Week is May 22-28, 2007 The Great Lakes and Michigan's inland waters, which draw millions of tourists and recreational users, are threatened by more than 183 aquatic invasive species (AIS) now found in the region. To raise awareness about the need for citizens to take action to help prevent new introductions and control the spread of these invaders, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has proclaimed May 22-28, 2007 as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week.

The importance of individual actions continues to heighten due to the potential arrival of new invaders. In 2006, hydrilla, an invasive aquatic plant, was found in Lake Manitou in Indiana only 50 miles from the Michigan border. This plant can create dense thick mats impenetrable to boaters and swimmers and is extremely costly and difficult to control. A new non-native fish virus called viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHS) is also threatening Great Lakes fisheries. While the VHS poses no human health threat, this deadly fish virus is causing massive fish die-off in Lakes Huron, Erie, St. Clair, and Ontario affecting more than a dozen fish species over the past two years.

Recreational users should demonstrate caution while enjoying Michigan's vast water resources this summer, and a few simple preventative measures can help protect Michigan's pristine waters. Watercrafts and recreational equipment should be inspected before leaving a lake, any vegetation should be removed, all live wells drained, areas that may contain water cleaned, and unused bait should be disposed in the trash.

While recognizing the importance of individual efforts to help prevent the spread of AIS, Director of the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes Ken DeBeaussaert renewed the call for federal action to control ballast water discharges, a key method of introduction of new invasive species. Under state law signed by Governor Granholm in 2005, this year all oceangoing vessels using Michigan ports are required to obtain a permit and treat their ballast water before discharging.

"With our multi-billion dollar tourism, boating, and fishing economy at risk, and without progress at the federal level, Michigan took the necessary action to protect the Great Lakes," said Director DeBeaussaert. "Michigan's leadership must now set an example for our Great Lakes neighbors to follow."

The AIS week is sponsored by the Department of Environmental Quality's Office of the Great Lakes with collaborative efforts from other state and federal agencies as well as private and nonprofit organizations. For AIS Awareness Week information, the Governor's proclamation, event listings, activities, and more, please visit the OGL's Aquatic Invasive Species Web site at www.michigan.gov/deqaquaticinvasives; or contact the OGL at 517 335 4056.

Legislative Alert - Docks At Road Ends Bills Sent to House

House Bills 4463 and 4464 which authorize and encourage the placement of docks and boat hoists at the end of public and private roads, alleys and right-of ways abutting our inland lakes were "favorably" voted out of committee by substanial margins on Tuesday, May 1st.

LLPOA President Bob Hollenshead and several other LLPOA members were on hand, but were not permitted to speak. However, President Hollenshead had sent the Committee a letter indicating LLPOA's opposition to this legislation.

House Bill 4463 provides for T or L shaped docks up to 250 feet in length at roads ending at lake. House Bill 4463 also provides for placing boat hoists at road ends. House Bill 4463 specifically removes the prevously existing authority of the Department of Environmental Quality to reject such docks and hoists for environmental, safety or other reasons. House Bill 4464 provides that on any "road, street or alley" ending at a lake, there is a presumption permitting "seasonal mooring of boats, sunbathing and lounging" . "

"In order to defeat these bills we need all the support we can get," said Hollenshead, who also stated that he "will seek the support of the Michigan Lake and Stream Association and the Water Front Alliance in opposition to these bills." Hollenshead also indicated that LLPOA may take other action deemed advisable.

"Most important," said Hollenshead, "I encourage all of you as riparian owners to take any action you can to defeat these bills. Advise Reprentative Meadows and Senator Whitmer of your opposition to these bills. If you have contacts with other house representatives or state senators please advise them of your opposition and the problems these bills pose. If you have contact with riparian owners on other inland Michigan lakes advise them of the problem these bills pose and encourage them as well as their lake associations to take action in opposition to these bills. If you are involved politically or connected with other organizations seek their support in opposition to these bills. Write or e-mail other legislators and supportative contacts you may have concerning these bills."

Handwritten letters to legislators are particularly effective and the email addresses of Lake Lansing legislators are below.