CROCKERY LAKE ASSOCIATION
October 2023 NEWSLETTER
CROCKERY LAKE WEBSITE: www.crockerylake.org
CROCKERY LAKE EMAIL:
crockerylakeassociation@gmail.com
CROCKERY LAKE FACEBOOK: www.facebook/
crockerylake
CLA BOARD MEETING
The last CLA Board meeting is October 18,2023 at7pm. The meeting will be at
the Chester Township Hall: 3509 Sehler St. Conklin, Mi 49403.
The Board of Directors values your thoughts, ideas, and opinions about our
lake.
FIREWORKS 2024
Thank you to everyone who donated to the fireworks fund so far. Crockery
Lake fireworks are totally paid for from contributions from our lake residents and
friends. In order to enjoy the same show next year we need to raise a little more
money: A total of $7,500. At this time we have $5480! We need $2020 more to
match this years fireworks display.
We are working with a new company that also did our 2023 fireworks. They
said they would do a show next year for the amount we have, but it will not be the
same as this year. We would appreciate your contributions and/or if you or your
business would like to sponsor them that would be great. Donations can be
made via the website at: www.crockerylake.org or
Send to: Greg Slater, 2500 Crockery Shores Road, Casnovia,
MI 49318
END OF SEASON LAKE CLEAN UP
As we clean up this year there are a few things with lake front clean up to keep in
mind:
1. Please rake up your leaves when they fall and dispose of them properly.
Please do not rake or blow grass and leaves into the lake. When they rot in
the water they add to the phosphorus into the lake. This will encourage algae to
grow next year.
2. Clean fire pits out so that if we get high water that comes into
the yard, the ash will not flow into the lake.
3. Make sure all kayaks, floats, docks, swim rafts and toys are far enough
away from the waters edge so they will not float away if we get excessive rain or
when the melt comes in the spring.
4. Please clean up dog excrement during the winter. Melting snow will also
carry this into the lake and we know what e-coli does to a lake.
5. We always encourage you to pump your septic tank every 3-5 years
depending on use. This is huge in keeping our water quality good.
6. All boats and docks must be removed from the lake from December 15 to
March 15 of each year.
7. Fall is a great time to plant some native plants to help maintain your
shoreline.
~ Flowering plants would include: Marsh Milkweed, Swamp Aster, Joe Pye-weed,
Boneset, Cardinal Flower, Great Blue Lobelia, Jewelweed, Allegheny Monkey
Flower, Sweet Gale, Ditch Stonecrop, Water Smartweed, and Lizards tail. ~
Grasses include: Water Sedge, Bristly Sedge, Porcupine Sedge, Lake Sedge,
Tussock Sedge, Virginia Wild Rye, Baltic Rush, Soft Rush, River Bulrush, and
Wool Grass. There are also trees and shrubs that work well on shorelines.
Plants will help protect your shore from waves also.
For a complete list with more information and pictures of each plant go to
www.mishorelinepartnership.org/between-water-level-and-ordinary-high-water-
mark.html
WATER QUALITY REPORT
Professional Lake Management tested the two deep holes in the lake in August of
2023. The results are not good.
Based on the Total Phosphorus in both deep holes our lake is Hypereutrophic.
Hypertrophic or hypereutrophic lakes are very nutrient-rich lakes characterized by
frequent and severe nuisance algal blooms and low transparency.
From the report:
~ Conditions for fish growth are FAIR. Minimum dissolved oxygen is nearly low enough
to adversely affect sensitive fish.
~ pH is within acceptable limits
~ Sample is highly phosphorus enriched. Consider nutrient abatement measures. Deep
water sample indicates possible internal loading of nutrients (septic seepage).
~ The surface water was also sampled for nutrient enrichment. Results indicate moderate
enrichment of Total Phosphorus.
On September 28, 2022, a Feasibility Study was done by Restorative Lake
Sciences. You can access this study at https://www.crockerylake.org/post/feasibility-
study-of-crockery-lake-by-restorative-lake-sciences-dr-jennifer-jones.
This study was done as a result of hours and hours of research into how to best remediate
our lake. This research was conducted by your lake board and some very concerned lake
residents because the algae treatments we have implemented have been less and less
effective for a number of years. This could be due to the resident algae bacteria becoming
resistant to the Copper Sulfate and Chelated Copper that PLM treats with.
This year the lake was treated with a peroxide based treatment when the Copper
seemed ineffective. This product also did not clear up the lake substantially.
In the course of our research, we have concluded that any remediation we want to
do will require permits from EGLE along with required testing. Therefore, the CLA
Board of Directors voted to retain Dr. Jennifer Jermalowicz-Jones from Restorative Lake
Sciences to do the necessary testing, reporting, permit application, and seek bids from
companies for remediation. ( https://restorativelakesciences.com/ )We have also
petitioned Benjamin Jordan who works as a Conservation Technician at Ottawa
Conservation District to seek grant money for a lake management plan and testing now
and ongoing testing when any treatment is in progress.
With the help of Dr. Jones and Ben Jordan we hope to clean up Crockery Lake. They are
the experts!
If we receive grant money for all of the testing and work that Dr. Jones does for us
we still need to choose the best plan for remediating our lake. We hope to stay away from
chemicals and do this as naturally as possible to preserve the aquatic plants and aquatic
life of Crockery Lake and to make it even better. However, this will require money for
the actual treatment. We already have a Special Assessment District (tax) for the current
weed and algae treatments. We will need another SAD to pay for any new treatment.
Yes, it will increase what we each pay. The projection is that remediation will be
the most costly to each of us for 3 years and then when maintenance care begins the cost
will decrease. The projected cost is close to what it would cost to maintain a swimming
pool. A swimming pool can only be enjoyed for about 3 months of the year. Crockery
Lake is enjoyed by us ALL YEAR. Lake water affects our drinking water; our swimming
water; our fish, turtles and frogs; our watershed; and our property values.
Your support and encouragement is always appreciated. You can email your input
or concerns to crockerylakeassociation@gmail.com.
Join us for more discussion on this at our next board meeting on Wednesday,
October 18 at 7pm at the Chester Township Hall.
FREE WELL WATER TESTING
Now available for Michigan residents
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is excited to
announce a special program to help Michigan families know the quality of their
well water. EGLE and local health departments (LHD) are working together to
ensure that safe drinking water is a priority for Michigan families.
Last year, the Michigan Legislature appropriated $5 million to provide free well
water testing for Michigan residents who rely on a household or private well for
their drinking water. Water from private wells may sometimes not be safe to drink.
EGLE and the LHDs want to help families know if their water is safe to drink, and
this free well water testing will help get them that answer.
Most wells get checked when they are first built; however, EGLE and the LHDs
know that water wells should be checked more frequently as water quality may
change over time. This testing can determine if there have been any water
quality changes to your well that could be harmful to those who drink and use
that well water.
Many different substances may be found in well water that could be harmful and
may cause illness, including bacteria; nitrates; and some metals, such as
arsenic. Residents who test through this free program will have the assistance of
the LHD to help determine next steps if test results show a problem with their
well water quality.
If you have a private well and you want to know if your water is safe to drink, here
is what you can do:
• Talk to your LHD. They can tell you if there is anything special you need to
know about the water in your area.
• Go to the EGLE website gov/EGLEPrivateWells. Here, you can add your
information to ask for a water test. You will also learn more about how to
collect a water sample to send to the laboratory.
• Don’t worry if you are not sure what the laboratory results mean – your
LHD will help you understand the results and will guide you on next steps,
if necessary.
This free testing program is your first step in knowing if the water you drink from
your private well is safe, and steps to take if an issue is found.To stay up to date
on other EGLE news follow us at Michigan.gov/MIEnvironment.
New Interactive Classes for Boater Safety (and hunter education)
by Lt. Tom Wanless, WanlessT@Michigan.gov
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources now offers boater safety
and hunter education as interactive online courses, giving students an enhanced
experience that exposes them to real-life scenarios.
The interactive learning options are offered in addition to the existing traditional
classroom and online learning options for both hunter and boater safety.
Boater safety students who opt for the interactive program will follow a
storyline adventure that places them in real-life boating scenarios. While virtually
navigating a vessel, students may approach a sailboat and must determine the
best way to manage the encounter.
Approved by the National Association of State Boating Law
Administrators, the ilearntoboat program allows students to navigate the
curriculum at their own pace and complete the required assessments, including
a final exam.
Boaters born after June 30, 1996, and most personal watercraft operators
who operate a vessel in Michigan must have a boating safety certificate.
The Michigan DNR recreational safety certificate is valid in other states,
which often require an approved boater safety certificate to rent a boat or
personal watercraft (such as a JetSki).
Register for a traditional classroom, interactive or online boater safety
education course at Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety (hunter education
offerings are also available at this link).
CONGRATULATIONS
It is never to late to offer congratulations!
Congratulations to Tyler and Mary
Heitzman who now have a 1 year old!
This handsome guy was born
September 2022! One of our newest
lake resident.
Advertising in this newsletter is FREE to Crockery Lake Association Members.
Advertising for business is $25/year. Become a Corporate Fireworks Sponsor for a
minimum donation of $300.
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
dan@atwoodforestproducts.com
Represents: 2833 - 2871 Crockery Shores, Kaycee Lane, Crockery Woods
Treasurer / Greg Slater
Position Expires: 4/30/25
616.638.6930 / greg.gsesllc@outlook.com
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 / mollie@kulamanudesigns.com
Representing: 2081 Van Dyke - 2211 Van Dyke
6John deGeneres
Position expires: 4/30/24
225.287.1420 / johnkassidegen@gmail.com
Representing: 2563 Crockery Shores Road - 2798 Crockery Shores Road
Carl Elliott
Position Expires: 4/30/24
616.887.4203 home
616.822-9250 / versilecbe@yahoo.com
Representing: 2519 Van Dyke - 2681 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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