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Jun 1, 202312 min read

MAY 2023 Newsletter





MAY 2023 NEWSLETTER Crockery Lake Association

Helpful Links: Crockery Lake Website: www.crockerylake.org Facebook Page: www.facebook/crockerylake


HAPPY SPRING

Welcome to a season of Sun & Fun on Crockery Lake.


FIREWORKS 2023

We are pleased to announce that we will all be enjoying a wonderful fireworks display this year on July 3 at about 10:20pm. All details of our July 3 celebration will be in the June newsletter.


July 3 will still be designated as our official celebration date for Crockery Lake. We will start with the boat parade at 7:00. We encourage everyone to decorate your boat and have some family/friend fun while hearing the cheers from the shore. In addition, we would love to see you “Decorate for the holiday”. What fun it was last year to see all the amazing decorations in your yards. Let’s do it again! More details in the June newsletter.


We encourage you to SAFELY have your own fireworks on your shores between the hours of dusk and 11:00pm. We can all sit and enjoy them on our lake shores or in our boats as we did before.


As always, we encourage you to be safe and to respect your neighbors by ending by 11:00pm or before.


Thank you to Carl and Karen Elliott for spending so much time researching and calling different companies.


CLA BOARD AND ANNUAL MEETING

Our annual association meeting was held on May 17, 2023. Our main speaker was Dr. Jennifer Jones from Restorative Lake Sciences. Please look for the minutes on the website www.crockerylake.org once we approve the minutes. You will also receive an email from the website when the approved minutes are posted.

If you haven’t visited the Crockery Lake website please do and sign up to receive all of the news and announcements. www.crockerylake.org

We also had an opportunity to honor our retiring board members.

  • As far as anyone can recollect (including Pat!), Pat Wolters has been part of the Crockery Lake Board of Directors for over 48 years. She was instrumental in forming the board to serve Crockery Lake. Pat addressed every problem that the lake faced. She educated herself by going to countless hours of Michigan Lake and Streams presentations and conferences paying for much of it with her own money including fees, hotels, food, and gas. She diligently educated the riparians of Crockery Lake with the knowledge she gained. She spent many years as president and vice president of the Board of Directors. Pat, you have enriched all of our lives and our beloved lake and we cannot thank you enough for your time and involvement over the years to make our lake a great place to live.

  • Special thanks also goes out to Susan McClure who is also retiring. She has served 7 years on the board and has been the secretary for all of that time. Her minutes were impeccably detailed and we surely do appreciate her willingness and completeness.

  • Carl Elliott offered his resignation from the board due to health problems. Carl has been a diligent and vehement researcher on ways to clean up our lake. He also has been one of our main fireworks coordinators. For about 7 years he not only organized the fireworks but with the help of another neighbor facilitated the whole shebang! He willingly stored the tubes for the explosives and donated towards an automatic detonator to make it easier to ignite each mortar. His involvement required taking special training in pyrotechnics including back ground checks and approval by the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives). He is a certified pyrotechnician! Thank you, Carl!


NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Three new board members voluntarily offered to be nominated. Because of Carl’s early resignation all three accepted positions that were being vacated on the board. The new board members are Bill Ferrier, Dan Atwood, and Bill Marks. We are so very thankful for their willingness to serve. You can find their contact information later in the newsletter.


JUNE CLA BOARD MEETING

The next CLA Board meeting will be June 21, 2023 at 7pm. Please watch your email for the location of this meeting.

We will be discussing the condition of our lake and whether to go forward with a Lake Improvement Board. The vote by the lake board of directors will only be to go forward with the petition to all lake residents on whether to form this lake board or not. We need 2/3rds or 66% of those who live on the lake or have lake frontage to approve this.

For more information visit these websites:


2023 DUES

Very soon a Crockery Lake Board Director will come around and greet you and collect dues for 2023 and any donations towards the fireworks fund.

Annual dues are $35 to be a member of the Lake Association. Additionally, any extra you give goes toward our 2023 Fireworks. Please go to www.crockerylake.org and click on Association to see why being a member is important to you.

We are offering three options to pay again this year:

* Use the form at the end of the newsletter (you can print just the last page) to send your check to: Greg Slater, 2500 Crockery Shores Road, Casnovia, MI 49318

  • Use BillPay through your bank website. Send to: Greg Slater, 2500 Crockery Shores Road, Casnovia, MI 49318

  • Paypal link from our webpage: www.crockerylake.org

We all have the same goal ~ to enjoy our beautiful lake and keep it healthy!

What does the Crockery Lake Association Board do for you?

1 - MAINTAIN THE LAKE’S USABILITY THROUGH WEED TREATMENTS

2 - ORGANIZE THE YEARLY FIREWORKS SHOW

3 - INFORM RESIDENTS ABOUT IMPORTANT ISSUES IMPACTING THE LAKE

4 - PROTECT THE LAKE THROUGH ACTIVE TOWNSHIP ORDINANCES

5 - SUPPLY INFORMATIVE NEWSLETTERS

6 - PROCURES PERMITS FOR ALL LAKE ACTIVITIES WHEN NEEDED

Welcome to New Residents:

Welcome! We encourage you to attend the our board meeting which are the third Wednesday of each month from March through September/October at 7:00pm. We would love to meet and greet you and answer any questions you have about our lake.


This is your new neighborhood! We want to welcome All of You!!! We look forward to getting to know you as we peek out from hibernation this Spring!


Remember if you have a new neighbor, please let Paula Humphrey (616.498.0363 ) know so she can pay them a visit.

ORDINANCES

We have a few new residents on the lake. There are ordinances in place that you should be aware of as you put in your boats and docks and begin the summer fun on the lake.


Ordinance in place about fertilizers and yard waste:

  • No Person shall apply, deposit, leave, maintain, place, use or permit another Person to apply, deposit, leave, maintain, place, or use any fertilizer on any land or property within three hundred feet (300’) of the lakeshore of Crockery Lake.

  • No Person shall deposit, dump, or place, nor permit another Person to deposit, dump, or place any grass clippings, yard wastes, shrubs, leaves, tree branches, brush or other plant materials either on or in Crockery Lake, nor shall any Person store any such materials in a location in such close proximity to the waters of Crockery lake or in any manner that makes it more likely than not that such materials will be moved into the waters of Crockery Lake by wind, water or other means.


There is an ordinance about dock placement and number of motorized boats on each parcel:


NUMBER OF DOCKS OR PIERS

From and after the effective date of this Ordinance, no parcel or platted lot which adjoins, fronts on or abuts Crockery Lake shall have thereon, or in the waters of Crockery Lake immediately adjacent to such parcel or platted lot, any dock, pier, wharf, or boat mooring site unless the parcel or platted lot has at least One Hundred (100) feet of frontage on Crockery Lake for each such dock, pier, wharf, or mooring. Provided, however, that lawful parcels or platted lots which were of record at the Register of Deeds Office for Ottawa County as of the effective date of this Ordinance and which have less that One Hundred (100) feet of frontage on Crockery Lake, may have not more than one (1) dock, pier, wharf, or boat mooring erected thereon.


NUMBER OF BOATS PERMITTED PER PROPERTY

No more than three (3) registered watercraft may be moored, stored, anchored or docked at one time for a given lakefront parcel or lot, whether on or at the shoreline or at a dock, pier or shore station, in the waters of the lake, on the bottomlands of the parcel or lot or on the shore. This restriction shall {10591-004-00074460.3} 2 apply to any registered watercraft which is moored, anchored, docked or otherwise present for periods of time in excess of 48 hours. For purposes of this section, the term “registered watercraft” shall mean a boat, vessel, or other device for which a certification and registration (or comparable document) has been issued or is required under the laws of the state of Michigan or the state in which the owner of the watercraft resides.


MAXIMUM LENGTH OF A DOCK AND OTHER DOCK REQUIREMENTS

  • No more than one (1) dock or pier shall be permitted per lawful parcel or lot.

  • No dock or pier shall extend into Crockery Lake for a distance greater than fifty (50) feet as measured perpendicularly from the shoreline.

  • Each dock, pier, store-station and boat hoist (and any and all parts thereof) shall be completely removed from Crockery Lake during the winter season (i.e. from December 15 through the following March 15). If a permanent dock, pier or other nonconforming dock lawfully existed prior to the adoption of this Ordinance and if any such dock or pier is replaced, reconstructed, moved, or altered, it shall lose its lawful nonconforming structure status, in which case such dock or pier (as well as any replacement dock or pier) shall be fully subject to this Ordinance and shall be completely removed from Crockery Lake from December 15 through the following March 15. Notwithstanding such prohibition contained in this subsection and the prohibitions contained in Section 9 hereof, cement blocks and similar small marker items may remain in the lake year round so long as they comply with Michigan law, are located below the ice (and are not frozen in the ice) and do not present a safety or navigability hazard.

  • For all properties with frontage on Crockery Lake in any residential or agricultural zone district under the Chester Township Zoning Ordinance, as amended, only boats or watercraft owned by the owner or occupant of the lake property involved may be moored, kept, beached, docked or stored on that property (or the bottomlands thereof) overnight. Notwithstanding such restriction, the children or parents of the owner of the lake property involved may moor, keep, beach, dock or store their boat at that lake front property more than 48 hours, but the three registered watercraft limitation of Section 4 hereof shall still apply. https://www.chester-twp.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/2019-02-01-Lake-Regulation-Ordinance.pdf

As we start to have gatherings and parties be reminded that there is a noise ordinance, be mindful of the fact that noise carries louder and farther over water:

NOISE ORDINANCE

Breach of the Peace Offenses. No person shall:

(A) Disturb the public peace and quiet by loud or boisterous conduct or noise.

Nuisance Animals. No person shall:

  • Permit any dog, cat or other pet owned or controlled by such person to run loose or be at large outside the boundaries of the property owned or leased by the owner of the pet (or on property upon which the owner of the pet has permission to permit the pet to run free or be at large) unless the pet is on a leash held by a person walking the pet. -

  • Permit any dog owned or controlled by that person to bark, yelp, howl or produce any other noise which is excessive or would unreasonably disturb the peace of other persons or persons residing on the adjoining or nearby properties.

  • Permit a dog owned or controlled by that person to engage in prolonged barking, howling or yelping for a period of 15 minutes or longer and where such noise can be heard beyond the boundary lines of the property on which the dog is located.


Respecting our neighbors makes for a great community!


2023 CHEMICAL TREATMENT DATES

Crockery Lake Schedule of Weed & Algae Treatments for 2023


Here is what to expect: ~DEQ permitting restrictions, national holidays, and/or weather conditions may influence the timing of treatments throughout the 2023 season.

~PLM treats each lake according to a schedule or season established with the cooperation of your lake association, lake board or residents on the lake.

~The treatment schedule is approximate. Please watch your shoreline for the posting of the 8.5x11 inch, yellow or green signs. The signs will indicate the date of the treatment, the products used, and any restrictions on the use of treated water for swimming, watering lawns, etc. The property owners in this area are planning to have the waters chemically treated to control lake weeds and/or algae. This notice is being circulated in accordance with Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) procedures. ~On the day of treatment, signs will be posted along the shoreline within 100 feet of treatment areas that indicate what products were used and specific water use restrictions that apply. ~The chemicals used for Aquatic Nuisance Control are registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The potential for damage to fish and other non-target organisms is minimal provided that the product is used as directed on the product label and the permit.

~The CLA Board of Directors would suggest using caution in using or being in the water the day of treatment according to posted warnings.


This years approximate dates are the week of:

6/19/23 Weed and Algae Optional Treatment

7/17/23 Weed and Algae Optional Treatment

8/14/23 Water Quality, Fall AVAS survey, Optional Treatment


LAKE QUALITY

Because of the warm weather our lake is looking very bad. We had an algae treatment Tuesday May 16, 2023. This helped to clear up some of the filamentous algae which is the green hair stuff that wraps around your legs like thick spider webs. But some of the stringy stuff remains and it was examined by Restorative Lake Sciences. This is what was found. It is Cladophora algae.

1. What is Cladophora algae?

Cladophora is a thin, green, hair-like algae that forms in dense mats. Cladophora grows best in shallow, clear, nutrient-enriched water with hard surfaces to attach to (like submerged logs or rocks). You might find this algae in some of the Great Lakes. In fact, it’s an increasing problem.

2. Why is there Cladophora algae in the water or on the beach?

Cladophora blooms happen due to a number of factors. They have been linked to high phosphorus levels in the water which can result from lawn fertilizers, agricultural and urban runoff, and septic and sewage treatment systems.

Invasive zebra and quagga mussels in the Great Lakes are also changing the water in ways that encourage Cladophora growth. By filter feeding, these dreissenid mussels increase water clarity and release particles’ nutrients (like phosphorus) in soluble form. They even provide a hard surface for the algae to grow on—talk about rolling out the red (or rather green) carpet!

3. Is Cladophora algae harmful?

Cladophora algae is not toxic like some other types of algae are (such as blue-green algae or red tide). However, Cladophora is considered a nuisance algal bloom and it poses substantial problems for recreation, industry, and wildlife.

Cladophora algae fouls and stinks up beaches, making water activities like swimming or paddling undesirable. It clogs industrial and municipal water intakes and gets caught in commercial fishing nets, too.

Worse still, before Cladophora blooms spoil your day at the beach, they harm aquatic ecosystems and wildlife. The blooms degrade marine habitats and kill fish by depleting oxygen levels in the water.

Although Cladophora algae isn’t dangerous to humans in and of itself, studies suggest that warm, rotting Cladophora incubates E. coli and other bacteria that can be harmful to people. E. coli can make you very sick with vomiting, diarrhea, or less commonly, a serious disease or infection.

Often, crustaceans and other tiny treats wash up to shore along with the Cladophora, enticing gulls from far and wide to feed (then poop) in the area. This causes even higher concentrations of bacteria in the algae and on the beach.

https://www.theswimguide.org/2020/09/15/3-things-you-should-know-about-cladophora-algae-at-the-beach/


IT MAY BE WORTH A TRY

Last year, we were looking at an option for cleaning up the phosphorus and nitrates in the lake. This was called bioaugmentation and used microbes released into the lake to digest these nutrients that are making Crockery Lake quality so poor. This would have been a lake wide treatment but it was costly. By doing some further research, one of our lake residents found a company that the microbes can be purchased from individually and used at your lake frontage. This will not clean up the whole lake. If we proposed to treat the whole lake with this treatment it would require an EGLE permit. However, you can treat your own water. If you would like to try this treatment at your lake frontage you can find more information at https://www.newtechbio.com/dead-algae-and-duckweed-digester.htm or contact Carl Elliott 616.822.9250.


CROCKERY LAKE T-SHIRTS

Lesha and Nicole Gustin are offering T-shirts again this year. Specially designed and printed by Nicole. All profits go to the Crockery Lake Fireworks Fund. Please get your orders in soon. There is a big event coming up for our Nicole and she wants to get these delivered before the wedding if possible.

Adults S-XL— $20

Larger sizes will be more

Kids - $15

Call or text Lesha Gustin at 616-822-7139.


ADVERTISERS

Advertising in this newsletter is FREE to Crockery Lake Association Members.

Advertising for business is $25/year. Inclusion of any advertisement in the CLA Newsletter does not equate to an endorsement by the Crockery Lake Association.

Inclusion of any advertisement in the CLA Newsletter does not equate to an endorsement by the Crockery Lake Association.

CLA BOARD of DIRECTORS

President / Betsy Ludwick

Position Expires: 4/30/24

616.723.5704 / betsylud@gmail.com

Newsletter Editor, Website and Facebook page Administrator

Vice President / Dan Atwood

Position Expires: 4/30/26

616.240.5670

Represents: 2833 - 2871 Crockery Shores, Kaycee Lane, Crockery Woods

Treasurer / Greg Slater

Position Expires: 4/30/25

Representing: 2221 Van Dyke St - 2391 Van Dyke St

Secretary / Paula Humphrey

Position Expires: 4/30/25

616.498.0363 / paulah2700@gmail.com

Representing: 2392 Van Dyke - 2516 Van Dyke

Immediate Past President / Bob Blauwkamp

Position Expires: 4/30/24

616.957.9007 / rblauwkamp@gmail.com

Representing: 2332 - 2550 Crockery Shores Road, 24th Ave, Hoover


DIRECTORS

Mollie Gaggen

Position Expires: 4/30/26

313.712.6437 / molliesterr@gmail.com

Representing: 2081 Van Dyke - 2211 Van Dyke

John deGeneres

Position expires: 4/30/24

Representing: 2563 Crockery Shores Road - 2798 Crockery Shores Road

Bill Ferrier

Position Expires: 4/30/26

616.255.7913 / b.ferrier@yahoo.com

Representing: 2392 Van Dyke - 2516 Van Dyke

Bill Marks

Position Expires: 4/30/2026

616.430.8372 / williamjrix@gmail.com

Representing: 2705 Van Dyke St - 2835 Van Dyke



CROCKERY LAKE ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP FORM

NAME _______________________________________________________________


ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________


MAILING ADDRESS _____________________________________________________


______________________________________________________

PHONE ________________________ CELL PHONE _________________________

E-MAIL _______________________________________________________________


YEARLY DUES: $35 paid by ______________________Date ___________________


FIREWORKS DONATION: $______________ CANDLES _______ at $1.25 each


Crockery Lake Association is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Dues are not tax deductible. However, firework donations are tax deductible.


Please make your check to: CROCKERY LAKE ASSOCIATION

Send to: Greg Slater, 2500 Crockery Shores Road, Casnovia, MI 49318


__________________RETAIN A COPY FOR YOUR RECORDS__________________


DUES PAID $_______________ DATE __________________

CANDLES _______X $1.25 = _________________

FIREWORKS DONATION $_________________________

CHECK NUMBER _______________________





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