Michigan Lake & Stream Associations

E-Newsletter for April 2012

ML&SA Annual Conference Loaded with Opportunities for Learning and Networking Opening Session to Explore Important Role of Local Governments in Managing Lakes and Streams

On Friday and Saturday, April 27th and 28th, 2012, Michigan Lake and Stream Associations will hold it’s 51st Annual Conference at the Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls. This year’s conference theme is dedicated to promoting the increasingly important role that local government entities must assume if we are to successfully protect and preserve Michigan’s vast treasure of inland lakes and streams for future generations.

The 51st Annual Conference will kick‐off on Friday morning at 10:00 AM with a two hour plenary session highlighted with presentations by renown riparian rights and water law attorney Clifford H. Bloom, who will explore the legal basis for the local governance of lakes and streams and by Paul J. Sniadecki, Milton Township official and President of the Eagle Lake Improvement Association, who will discuss the present status of local governance of water resources as well as provide an overview of model ordinances that have been successfully implemented by townships throughout Michigan.

Forums, workshops and sessions scheduled throughout the two day conference will feature expert speakers who will focus on inland lake water quality, aquatic invasive species, riparian rights, inland lake management and assessing stream habitat. We encourage anyone with an interest in Michigan’s freshwater resources to register for our conference. Visit www.mymlsa.org/mlsa‐51st‐annual‐conference for more information.

MI DNR Seeks Public Input on Proposed Changes to Fishing Regulations State Fisheries Managers Attempting to Balance ‘Conservation and Consensus’

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is currently considering changes to northern pike, muskellunge, and brook trout fishing regulations and seeks public input on the various management options it is considering. Loss of productive aquatic habitat, aquatic invasive species infestations and over‐fishing have driven a decline in populations of once prolific numbers of northern pike and brook trout in Michigan waters.

The DNR Fisheries Division has been working with a public advisory group, the Warm Water Resources Committee, to review northern pike and muskellunge regulation proposals provided by Michigan angler groups.

DNR policy makers have attempted to formulate consensus‐based creel and species size limitation options from the often conflicting recommendations of various sportsman’s groups.

The DNR is also considering brook trout creel limit changes on Upper Peninsula streams, indicating that anglers have been “asking for more than a decade for a return to a 10‐brook‐trout possession limit.” Current regulations allow five fish per day , alone or in combination with other species of trout.

To contribute to the discussion focused on establishing new creel and size limitation regulations for these species, click on the survey site links provided below (the DNR has established a May 25th, 2012 deadline for providing input on these sites):

www.surveymonkey.com/s/muskellungefishingregulations www.surveymonkey.com/s/northernpikefishingregulations

www.surveymonkey.com/s/brooktroutregulations

51st Annual Michigan Lake and Stream Associations Conference Boyne Mountain Resort - Boyne Falls, Michigan

April 27 & 28, 2012

Michigan Inland Lakes Water Quality Forum Friday, April 27, 2012

How good are Michigan’s inland lakes? How are they changing? Join us at the Michigan Inland Lake Water Quality Forum to find out the answers to these questions and more about the current condition of Michigan’s inland lakes. Key findings from several current lake monitoring initiatives in Michigan will be presented, including: Thirty-seven years of volunteer monitoring of Michigan’s inland lakes: What have we learned from the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program? by Dr. Jo Latimore, Michigan State University and Dr. Paul Steen, Huron River Watershed Council Water-Quality Characteristics of Michigan’s Inland Lakes, 2001-2010; and Predicting Lake Trophic State by Use of Satellite Imagery. by Lori Fuller, USGS-Michigan Water Science Center MDNR’s Inland Lakes Status and Trends program: Results and Applications. by Dr. Kevin Wehrly, Michigan Department of Natural Resources-Institute for Fisheries Research and The University of Michigan Assessing Statewide and Regional Lake Conditions in Michigan: Key Findings from the National Lakes Assessment Survey – Michigan Assessment. by Ralph Bednarz, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality-Water Resources Division (Retired) Go to http://www.mymlsa.org/mlsa-51st-annual-conference for more information about the 2012 ML&SA Annual Conference and to download registration forms and instructions.

For more information regarding the ML&SA 51st Annual Conference and/or to register for the conference, click here

How Does a Local Office Candidate Handle Campaign Finance Requirements?

by Paul J. Sniadecki, President, Eagle Lake Improvement Association, Inc.

The next local “Primary” Election is only 4 months away and the General Election is only 7 months away. Most local municipalities in Michigan will elect to retain, or to bring new faces and ideas to, their governing bodies in 2012. We should never underestimate how effective a local municipality (a township, city, or village) can be in protecting local lakes, if progressive, conservation oriented people are elected to the governing body. The overall impact on lakes (whether positive or negative) can be dramatic.

In previous e-NEWSLETTER articles we reviewed the various local elected positions that Riparian minded individuals might consider “making a run for” as a candidate. We also explored some of the benefits and “party politics” challenges involved in seeking elected office as a political party candidate. We further explored how to “run” as an Independent Candidate. This article will highlight how easy it is to handle the Campaign Finance Requirements that all candidates must adhere to.

Once a person becomes an “official candidate” for local elected office (by filing the appropriate Affidavit of Identity and Nominating Petition) they have twenty (20) days to file a “Statement of Organization” form with the County Clerk’s Office. That is the first step to be in compliance with Campaign Finance Act requirements. If the candidate does not plan on spending more than $1,000 (actual or in-kind) be sure to check “box 10” on the form. If that is the spending limit anticipated (and most local office candidates do not spend near that amount) there is no additional paperwork to be filed to start the campaign. You will also have to designate a “Committee” to handle the campaign financing, but many local candidates appoint only themselves to be on a committee of one. Many also serve as their own “treasurer” to record who made donations, and how campaign money is spent to buy signs, posters, etc. It’s just that simple and straightforward if you stay under the $1,000 threshold. In fact, the end of campaign “Annual Campaign Statement” is waived for such low budget campaigns.

Be sure to include statements like: Paid for by the Committee to Elect John Q. Riparian 12345 Your Street, Your Town, Michigan 4XXXX on all campaign material you release. In the event you spend or receive more than $1,000, you will have to amend the Statement of Organization, and meet some additional requirements that are specific, but no where near difficult to accomplish. The State of Michigan Elections website and your County Clerk will provide you all the guidance needed to be in full compliance with the Finance Reporting Requirements.

Remember the deadline for filing as a political party candidate is May 15, 2012, and the deadline to file as an Independent candidate is July 19, 2012. In future articles we will cover ways to “raise issues” during the election period process, and more ways to generate interest.

Editor’s Note: This is the sixth in a year long series of articles that will appear in this newsletter regarding the upcoming general election. As Mr. Sniadecki has so effectively illustrated in his articles, local elections in particular present Michigan voters with an outstanding opportunity to foster constructive, community-based pre-election discussion and debate focused on the important role of local government in the wise management of Michigan’s wealth of lake and stream resources. The significance of this discussion is highlighted by the fact that very few local governments in Michigan have effectively exercised their state legislature granted authority to contribute to the preservation and protection of our inland lakes and streams. You and your neighbors are uniquely empowered to affect the outcome of local elections and the future of your favorite lake or stream!

This always interesting and informative publication caters directly to the special interests and concerns of the lakefront homeowner. Riparian property owners share a common bond through their own special set of interests and needs, based around the lifestyle that accompanies lakefront living. Oakland Lakefront is de‐signed to serve this special group. Oakland Lakefront is a well rounded publication that not only publishes riparian lifestyle related articles, but also hard hitting stories regarding riparian rights, aquatic invasive species, inland lake fisheries and lake management issues of special interest to riparian property owners throughout the state of Michigan. To learn more about Oakland Lakefront, visit their web site at:

http://oaklandlakefront.com

“Isn’t buying and selling waterfront property in Michigan virtually the same as purchasing or selling any other real estate? Absolutely not! There are many issues associated with waterfront properties in Michigan that are not present with other real estate. Anyone who does not appreciate (and plan for) those differences regarding a purchase or sales transaction involving a waterfront property does so at their own significant risk.” ‐ Clifford H. Bloom, Attorney‐at‐Law

The Michigan Lake & Stream Associations, Inc. (“ML&SA”) is pleased to announce its new book entitled Buying and Selling Waterfront Property in Michigan by renowned riparian and water law expert, Grand Rapids Attorney Clifford H. Bloom.

This new book is a “must” for anyone who is interested in waterfront property in Michigan. The list of people who should purchase the book includes not only riparians (and would be riparians) but also realtors and real estate agents, attorneys, government officials, surveyors and teachers. This book is a “how to” publication that deals with numerous real estate and waterfront issues. The book is 264 pages in length - this is an extensive review of the knowledge you need to prepare yourself before proceeding with a waterfront real estate transaction !

The purchase price is $20.00 plus shipping and handling. However, quantity based discounts are available. The following is an order form that you can use to purchase one or more copies of the new book. If you are interested in obtaining pricing for group or bulk purchase discounts, please send either an email to the Central Office manager Sharon Wagner via e-mail at swagner@mlswa.org or call (989) 831-5100.

To order Buying and Selling Waterfront Property in Michigan, please complete and mail the order form seen below. _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Buying and Selling Waterfront Property in Michigan Book Order Form

Send your check made payable to Michigan Lake & Stream Associations with this order form to:

Michigan Lake & Stream Associations 306 East Main Street

Stanton, Michigan 48888

Please select:

___: 1 book @ $20.00 ea. plus $6.00 S/H = $26.00

___: 2-3 books @ $20.00 ea. plus $12.00 S/H (2 Books = $52.00; 3 books = $72.00)

___ : 4-9 books @ $17.50 ea. plus $15.00 S/H (Ex.: 8 books. x $17.50 = $140.00 + $15.00 S/H = $155.00)

Name (please print):

Address:

Street or P.O. Box Number

City State Zip Code Email address:

Telephone number:

Name (please print):

Address:

Street or P.O. Box Number

City State Zip Code Email address:

Telephone number:

“For over forty six years, The Michigan Riparian Magazine has served as our state’s only quarterly publication dedicated to the unique issues and interests of those fortunate enough to reside on waterfront properties. The magazine’s historical archive portrays a rich chronicle detailing the life and times of the people, politics, science and issues that have defined Michigan’s storied waterfronts for nearly half a century. “

To subscribe to this unique and affordable publication dedicated to Michigan’s freshwater resources, visit

www.mi‐riparian.org

MICHIGAN WATERFRONT ALLIANCE P.O. Box 369

Fenton, Michigan 48430-0369

WE LOBBY TO PROTECT MICHIGAN’S LAKE AND STREAMS. THAT’S WHAT WE DO.

We are asking you to join or renew your membership to Michigan Waterfront Alliance (MWA). By doing so, you can help in a statewide effort to protect Michigan’s lakes and streams. MWA lobbies state government on a wide variety of issues that affect our water resources, such as road‐end access, funding for the state’s permitting system, marina regulations, septic upgrade regulations, phosphorus fertilizers, and much more.

You know how it works. When the legislature is pushed to weaken water resource protection measures, they will do just that—unless we speak out to protect our lakes and streams. It is difficult for one person or one lake association to carry the burden of protecting 11,000 lakes. And though we’d like to think that right will always prevail, one lone voice is not enough to get the attention of the leaders in state government. That is why we must join together to make our collective voice heard in Lansing. These efforts were utilized in getting legislation passed, this year, to restrict use of phosphorus fertilizer on turf.

To get our message out, we retain professional lobbyists who are skilled and experienced in issue advocacy. While this expertise is very effective, it is also costly. As such, we ask you to join or renew your individual membership for $50, Lake Association membership for $100 or your Corporation membership for $200 per year.

Please note the line “MWA Legal Assistance Fund” on the enclosed return envelope and form. After costly filing on two (2) Amicus Briefs (Appellate court and Supreme Court) and direct mail fundraising campaigns (to Lake Charlevoix residents), MWA incurred a total cost of over $3000 on just this one case regarding the loss of riparian rights by court action. The MWA Board of Directors voted, last December, to create a MWA Legal Assistance Fund to provide the funds to support significant legal cases relevant to the mission of MWA. Funds will be disbursed in a manner consistent with MWA bylaws.

We need to build this Legal Assistance Fund as soon as possible. Please be as generous as you can.

Your past understanding and support has been appreciated and necessary in order to continue a professional campaign for water resource protection.

Please send back the application below plus give a copy to a like minded neighbor or friend.

Sincerely, MWA Board of Directors

Individual Member ($50): __________

Lake Association ($100): __________

Corporation ($200): __________

Legal Assistance Fund: __________

Other donation: __________

Michigan Waterfront Alliance Membership Application (Jan ’12-ML)

Annual Dues: Individual Membership - $50.00 Lake Associations - $100.00 Corporations - $200.00

Please print: Name ________________________________________________ Date ____________________

Street _________________________________________________________________________

City __________________________________ State ______ Zip_________________________

County ________________________________ Phone ___________________________________

E-mail _________________________________________________________________________

Township _________________________ Lake / Stream Association __________________________

Make checks payable to: Michigan Waterfront Alliance

Send dues and contributions to:

Michigan Waterfront Alliance PO Box 369 Fenton, MI 48430 www.mwai.org

Michigan Lake & Stream Associations

E ‐ Newsletter www.MyMLSA.org April 2012

The most comprehensive publication ever written about lake associations !

Now Available from our Central Office

An ML&SA Publication

Contact Sharon at 989.831.5100 or e-mail swagner@mlswa.org

Order Your Copy Today !

Recommended Web Site of the Month

This month’s website “was created as a resource for those interested in Michigan’s inland lakes.” Sponsored by Progressive Ae, this valuable site provides users with a myriad of information regarding our inland lakes. The site provides information about issues and initiatives affecting Michigan lakes. Visitors to this site you can find information on lake water quality, watershed management, aquatic plants, lake levels, lake improvement boards and much more. To view this unique web site, point your browser toward

http://michiganlakeinfo.com

Please lend your support to the Michigan Loon Preservation Association...

The Michigan Loon Preservation Association is a non‐profit organization whose mission is to preserve the

Common Loon as a breeding bird in Michigan through public education, research, and the protection and management of loons and their habitat.

www.michiganloons.com

Michigan Chapter, North American Lake Management Society

“The Michigan Chapter of the North American Lake Management Society (McNALMS) is a group of professionals, practitioners, and interested citizens, who care about the preservation and wise management of Michigan lakes.” For more info visit -

www.mcnalms.org for more information

Michigan Inland Lakes Partnership

“Promoting collaboration to advance stewardship of Michigan's inland lakes.”

To learn more about the Partnership, visit

www.michiganlakes.msue.msu.edu