THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
TO ALL THOSE WHO GENEROUSLY DONATED TO THE 2018 FIREWORKS! WE EXCEEDED OUR GOAL!!!
2018 FIREWORKS – JULY 3, 2018
For the first time EVER we raised $4,607.67 for the 2018 Fireworks show. Our “must have” amount was $4,500. No last-minute donations needed for this year’s show!!! The fireworks get better and better every year—thanks to your generous donations.
Next year—who knows? With possible tariff wars on the horizon, we can be sure the cost for the fireworks will not decrease. Please plan on contributing to the 2019 fireworks goal. Your continuing support will help us continue this 35+ year tradition.
We are happy to accept donations the “old fashioned way”--when your Lake Board Representative visits you—or donate online, visit https://rally.org/crockerylakefw (You are able make a donation using your credit card!) The money goes directly into the 2019 CLA Fireworks Fund account. All funds received will be used for the fireworks. Fireworks donations are tax deductible.
Another way to support next year’s fireworks fund with is by shopping at the Crockery Lake Association on-line store at http://www.cafepress.com/crockerylake Firework donations for 2019 are accepted at this or any time throughout the year.
UPDATE ON CHANGES TO “ANTI-FUNNELLING ORDINANCE”
It has been 24 years since the Crockery Lake Anti-funnelling ordinance was implemented. In order to clear up some ambiguities in the Ordinance, the Township suggested some updates/ revisions might be helpful. The final recommendation from CLA will be acted on at the April CLA Board meeting . Lake residents are encouraged to attend this meeting with their concerns. Meeting: April 18, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Bruce Callen’s cottage, 2379 Van Dyke.
CLA ANNUAL MEETING
May 16, 2018 | Dinner: 6:30 | Meeting: 7:00 | Grose Park Forest Shelter FREE Dinner Provided: Hot dogs, beans, veggies, and dessert
Speaker: Jaimee Conroy, Professional Lake Management
Crockery Lake Weed Treatments: Why do we do them? This is your chance to ask questions.
Pick up a water testing kit
Run for a lake board position
SEEKING TWO BOARD MEMBERS
Two three-year positions are open this year. Anyone who is interested, feel free to throw your hat in the ring. You will make a great lake board member if:
You have an interest in learning about lake health
Be a resource for your neighbors on water quality projects, erosion control, weed treatments, lakescaping and more!
You want to take an active role in making decisions that affect our lake
You have current concerns for the lake and have ideas how to fix them
Make a positive difference to help solve lake problems.
Interested? Contact Bruce Callen, President, or any board member. Phone numbers on last page of newsletter.
CROCKERY LAKE CONSOLIDATED DRAIN DRAINAGE DISTRICT
On December 20, 2017, a Board of Determination held a public hearing regarding the creation of a Drainage District for all properties in Crockery Lake’s watershed. The Board of Determination voted unanimously in favor of creation of the drainage district. If projects are deemed necessary, the Water Resources Commissioner will hold a public meeting and assessments for the projects will be sent at a later date. Per a recent check with Joe’s office, no projects are currently in the works. Questions regarding the Drainage District: Joe Bush, 616-994-4530.
BY-LAW CHANGE
We need a little more money from you to be able to continue paying our bills (insurance, water testing, ML&SA membership and supplies are a few of our on-going expenses). We hope you agree CLA is important enough to warrant this small increase in dues.
PROPOSED 2018-2019 CLA BOARD POLICY CHANGES:
Section No. 9.C.: “Membership dues for those who are age 64 and younger will be in the amount of $30.00 $35.00 per membership household, per membership period.”
Section No. 9.D.: “Membership dues for those who are of age 65 and older will be in the amount of $25.00 $30.00 per membership household, per membership period.”
CROCKERY LAKE 2017 CLMP RESULTS
Why is monitoring aquatic plants important?
To avoid a takeover by exotic plants, it is necessary to use several strategies to keep up to date on what is happening in our lake. CLA does water testing, early detection, quick response, maintenance control and preventive management. By doing this, we keep chemical treatments to a minimum for algae and weeds.
Our CLMP Summary states: “This lake is rated as an eutrophic lake. Due to the high nutrient level, the lake loses dissolved oxygen in the bottom waters in the spring and this condition persists through the whole monitoring season.”
Eutrophic Lake Description: “Highly productive eutrophic lakes are generally shallow, turbid, and support abundant aquatic plant growth. In deep eutrophic lakes, the cool bottom waters usually contain little or no dissolved oxygen (our lake). Therefore, these lakes can only support warm water fish, such as bass and pike.”
Secchi Disk Transparency. Measures water clarity. Our average clarity 4 feet. Crockery lake continues to decline.
Spring Total Phosphorous. The greater the phosphorus concentration in the lake, the more weeds and algae are produced. Our score: 85 (very bad). This is one of the highest readings in the state. Since 1997, the amount of phosphorous has increased from 51 to 85.
Summer Phosphorus. Same as Spring Total Phosphorous but test taken in May. Our score: 26 (bad). The average for all other lakes is 11. The summer phosphorus continues to steadily rise every year.
Chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a green pigment in plants. When measured in lake water, it is an indication of the amount of algae in the water. Our score: 7.2 (high). Other lakes: 1.8. This number has declined since 2000, but is considered high. (That’s why we struggle with algae blooms and low water clarity).
Complete 2017 CLMP Data Report available on CLA Webpage www.crockerylake.org.
2018 CHEMICAL TREATMENT DATES
5.14.18 Spring Survey
5.21.18 Weed & Algae (Optional), Muck Pellet Treatment
6.25.18 Weed & Algae (Optional), Muck Pellet Treatment
7.23.18 Weed & Algae (Optional), Muck Pellet Treatment
8.20.18 Fall Survey, Muck Pellet Treatment. Dates subject to change re: inclement weather conditions.
The 2017 “Muck Pellet” Report from Professional Lake Management shows a continued reduction in muck (organic matter) in the three treatment areas (the 3 bays). Based on that report, these treatments will be continued in 2018.
WECOME NEW LAKE RESIDENTS!
Greg and Ellen Slater, 2500 Crockery Shores Road. They will be using the home as a summer residence only. Both work at CCS Technologies in Coopersville. They are hoping to create some great lake memories for their three grandchildren. Ellen’s grandparents owned a cottage that stands on the same property as this home!
NEED HELP PUTTING YOUR DOCK OR SHORESTATION IN?
Call Joe Wolters at 481.0313 for further info. Funds raised go to a good cause—equipment for the Grand Rapids Ski Club. Great rates!
Scheduled put-in date: May 12 | Rain Date: May 13
DISCOUNTED SEPTIC PUMPING SERVICES
Why you should have your septic tank pumped every 3 years.
Your family’s health and the lake’s water quality depends on this. By pumping regularly, you will avoid costly repairs to your system. This is a very important way in which all residents can help preserve the health of Crockery Lake. Kerkstra’s Septic | 616-209-4472 continues to offer discounted rates to Crockery Lake residents.
TESTING YOUR WELL WATER
Is your water safe to drink?
Everyone on the lake has a well for drinking water. The only way to know is to have your water tested—every year—to ensure water is free of harmful bacteria and other contaminants.
Your water may have been safe last year and is not safe this year. A nearby farm might have started using a different type of fertilizer that washes dangerous nitrates into your aquifer; your own septic system may be leaching contaminants into your well; everything that comes from the environment ends up in the aquifers (the source of your water). Excerpts from The Grand Rapids Press, January 29, 2017 article.
The best time to test is in the spring.
Coliform bacteria, nitrates, dissolved solids and ph levels are included in the test.
How much does it cost?
$33 - Water collection kits can be picked up at the annual meeting.
Where do I submit my test to?
The drop-off station is located at Alliance Analytical Labs, 179 Randall, Coopersville. They are open M-F 8:00-5:00. Saturday 8:00 a.m.-1:00, call 616-837-7670.
JOHN’S TACKLE BOX
Get the best fishing tips!
John Truskowski, a long-time lake resident and fisherman, has again generously agreed to share some of his best fishing tips with us. John comes highly qualified as he works at Al & Bob’s Sporting Goods (now merged with Milbrook Tack & Trailer) in Grand Rapids. He is privy to what everyone is catching, where, and what they are using--in addition to what the hot new tackle items are.
SPRING THINGS – “TO DO (OR DON’T LIST)
Oak trees—don’t prune April 15 – July 15. Increases possibility of infestation by fungal disease, allows native picnic beetles to spread spores from infected trees to healthy trees; oak wilt causes rapid defoliation and die back in the crown, killing red oak trees in a matter of weeks. Treatment can be costly and destructive—prevention is key!
Need firework for your lake campfires? Purchase your firewood locally, or buy your firewood where you plan to burn it.
Relandscaping? Add some native plants!
Clean up animal waste—don’t let it end up in the lake.
Clean out your firepit and dispose of the ashes—so they don’t end up in the lake.
Don’t let those TV commercials for lawn fertilizers get to you! According to the MSU Extension Office, most lawns in Michigan have adequate levels of phosphorous without adding chemicals to your lawn.
Use lake water to water your lawn. Your lawn will have more than enough nutrients to keep it green.
You can still use crabgrass killer (without fertilizer) and other insecticides.
No types of fertilizers may be used within 300 feet of the lake.
No grass clippings, leaves, sticks, etc. may be placed in the lake.
Fertilizers applied by lawn fertilizer companies are prohibited. If you see your neighbor violating this ordinance, please remind him of the ban. Violation of this ordinance may result in a $500 fine.
Put reflectors on your rafts. Phone numbers should be added to your paddleboats and kayaks.
Violations and questions should be directed to the Chester Township Zoning Administrator 616-899-5544.
NEXT CLA BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 7:00 pm. Bruce Callen’s cottage, 2379 VanDyke.
Advertisers Corner
HELP NEEDED!!
Carl Elliott is looking for volunteers to help set up the fireworks on July 3 and take them apart on July 4. Many hands make light work! Carl and Tom Ludwick volunteer their entire July 3 to setting up the fireworks. It’s a long day—about 10 hours. They sure could use your help. Contact any Board member for details.
Advertising in this newsletter is FREE to Crockery Lake Association Members. Businesses can advertise for $25/year.
Inclusion of any advertisement in the CLA Newsletter does not equate to an endorsement by the Crockery Lake Association.
