PRETTY LAKE ASSOCIATION

LAKE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE UPDATE

Committee members: Ed Highfield, Steve Franklin, Jody Ball, Jim Shrewsburg, Richard Keilen, Joel Beezhold

Spring is finally here and it's time to think about a great summer at our Pretty Lake. Your lake management committee has been very busy over the past six months and we would like to take this opportunity to update you on what we have been working on.

History: We have had many discussions on how much we all appreciate our lake and the value of the memories we have as well as the memories we are creating for our children and grandchildren. Most of us on Pretty Lake purchased here because of the sandy bottom and clean water we enjoy. However over the years we have developed a few issues that have become a problem in the lake. We all know that weeds, muck and silt are more prevalent today than ever before. The water level has been an issue for a long time. 

Committee Focus: Now is the time to determine what challenges we face to help restore our lake as much as possible, to the way it was in the past.  Consequently, the committee has focused on wsilt, muck, water clarity and water level. We have met with consultants, spoke with lake management committee members from other lakes in Michigan as well as reviewed statistical data that has been gathered in the past.

What we have learned is that our lake is declining in depth and water clarity and silt is growing out of control. Muck is getting deeper and deeper. The weeds have been held down annually with spray, however that is treating the symptom and not solving the problem. We need to better monitor our lake level and better understand water sources and outflow.

Concerns: It is important to determine a plan of action now. We must take action to address these issues. If we do not, our lake will become less and less usable for all the activities we enjoy today. Because we are all busy with our lives it can be difficult to devote time to determine what we as property owners need to do to make sure future generations have all the benefits of Pretty Lake and make sure it stays a pretty lake. We need property owners to join together to make improvements to the lake possible.

Free Breakfast and discussion: So what are possible solutions? Please join the lake management committee  after the pancake breakfast at our May lake association meeting!!  We will be discussing the recommended solutions and plan of action to improve our lake. We need your feedback to discuss our recommended plan, so together we can make our lake better.

Tom Elliot

Pretty Lake Association President