HOW AND WHY WAS THE LIB ESTABLISHED?
In the late summer of 2006, the DNR discovered Eurasian milfoil-EWM (Myriophyllum spicatum) in Bear Lake. The DNR has instructed the Bear Lake Property Owners Association (BLPOA) to begin work to treat the EWM as soon as possible.
EWM can be extremely harmful to the ecological balance of Bear Lake. It has a fast growth rate, and can exist in a variety of environmental conditions, due to the prolific nature of the plant, and the fact that it also reproduces via seed and fragmentation that roots in the lakebed. Both self-fragmentation and fragmentation from boat traffic cause spread in other parts of the lake. EWM has been spotted in many lakes in the United States and specifically Michigan. Bear Lake is but one of many that have begun the effort to control it.
The President of the BLPOA established a Community Council to Control Milfoil (CCCM) with representatives of the 3 municipalities that surround Bear Lake and community groups such as BLPOA, Promoters, Trigenta, Lions, the golf course and others. The CCCM met at least 10 times over a period of months. They researched EWM, how other lakes treated EWM, how it and other invasive species can be managed, laws to treat lakes, and other invasive species that may invade Bear Lake in the future.
Information was shared with the community and discussed among the CCCM as well as with the officials of the 3 municipalities. The group concluded that they would like to establish a Lake Improvement Board (LIB) under 1994 PA 451, part 309. This act allows for properties to be assessed for costs to study the lake, payment of legal services, and treatment of the lake. The continual study of the lake was viewed as extremely important as future problems can be minimized if corrected quickly.
The CCCM invited all officials of the 3 municipalities that border Bear Lake (Village of Bear Lake, Bear Lake Township and Pleasanton Township) to attend a meeting. In mid-July, 2007, the attorney and marine biologist retained by the CCCM presented to the municipality officials as well as their attorneys the reasons that a LIB was needed. Subsequently, each municipality board on their own motion voted unanimously to approve the creation of a LIB. (Enabling Legislation)
The first meeting of the LIB was held on August 30, 2007.
WHO IS ON THE LIB?
Chairman - Robert Yates - Bear Lake Township Representative
Secretary - Rita Brisbane
Treasurer - David Adams - Pleasanton Township Representative
Bear Lake Village Representative - Greg McPherson
County Commissioner - Pauline Jaquish
County Drain Commissioner - Gary Schwaiger
WHAT AUTHORITY DOES THE LIB HAVE TO DO THIS WORK?
The LIB was established by the three municipalities (Village of Bear Lake, Bear Lake Township and Pleasanton Township) in accordance with Part 309 of Michigan Public Act 451 of 1994. (The remainder of this letter will refer to the act as Part 309). The LIB has legal authority to take the necessary steps to treat the lake and to assess those who benefit from the treatment. The resolution to create the LIB limited the LIB to dealing win non-native invasive species.
HOW CAN I STAY INFORMED ABOUT LIB ACTIONS AND DECISIONS?
A package of LIB material is maintained in the Bear Lake Library. Additionally, the Village of Bear Lake has a website and has agreed to include a tab for the LIB. Visitors to the website can see the same material that is available in hard copy at the Bear Lake Library.
WHY ARE THERE TWO HEARINGS?
Part 309 specifically indicates that there will be a hearing on practicability and a separate hearing to review the assessment roll. The hearing on practicability will be held on February 21, 2008. It will provide information regarding the feasability study prepared by the marine biologist, the recommended treatment plan to control EWM, and the costs of the treatment plan. A second hearing will be held on February 28, 2008, to review which properties will be assessed to cover the costs of the project.
WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS WERE CONSIDERED AND WHICH ONE WAS CHOSEN? WHY WAS THE TREATMENT OPTION CHOSEN?
Treatment options considered practical included the use of chemical herbicides only, the use of biological control only, or the combined use of the two methods as part of an Integrated Management Protocol (IMP). The IMP was chosen over the other methods because there is hope that the Eurasian Watermilfoil population within Bear Lake may be controlled over the long term with biological control and this IMP approach will allow for quick, aggressive control of the two large EWM beds with chemical herbicides (such as 2,4-D). The outer rim of the smaller EWM will be treated with chemical herbicides, and the stocking of weevils (for biological control) will be conducted in the center of the smaller bed. This will allow for careful, targeted monitoring of the weevil activity and also for predicting the potential of the weevil for the long-term control of EWM in Bear Lake, while halting the lateral spread of EWM from the three main beds.
WHAT IS THE DATE FOR THE FIRST TREATMENT OF THE LAKE?
The date of the first herbicide treatment will be determined after the first spring grid GPS survey, which should likely occur in April. The intended initial treatment date will depend on climatic and environmental factors (i.e., growth rate of new EWM, overwintering of old EWM, water levels, water temperature, etc). In general, most initial treatments begin in April or May.
IF WE USE CHEMICALS TO TREAT EWM, WILL THERE BE AN EFFECT ON HUMANS OR FISH?
The chemical herbicides used by certified herbicide applicators must be registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and have to undergo rigorous aquatic biota toxicity studies. The EPA has certified that generally these herbicides are safe if used according to the label and if proper application procedures are followed. The marine biologist will oversee herbicide applications to assure that proper procedures are being implemented.
I HAVE HEARD THAT THERE IS A FEASIBILITY STUDY. WHAT IS IT AND CAN I GET A COPY?
The Feasibility Study was prepared by ASI Environmental Technologies, the marine biology company whose services were contracted by the LIB. The engineering feasibility study is a requirement of Part 309. The Study can be reviewed at the Bear Lake Library and at the Village of Bear Lake website.
I UNDERSTAND THAT A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT WILL BE ESTABLISHED, ASSESSMENTS WILL BE LEVIED ON PARCELS IN THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT TO PAY FOR THE COSTS OF THE TREATMENT PLAN, LEGAL SERVICES AND LAKE STUDIES. HOW WAS THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT ESTABLISHED?
Hundreds of hourse were spent by LIB members to develop the Special Assessment District (SAD) proposal and the proposed methodology that will be used to determine how much each parcel in the district will pay. Again, this work is done in accordance with Part 309.
All parcels that abut the lake or have deeded access to the lake will be in the Special Assessment District. Generally, a single residence is assessed as one unit. Parcels abutting the lake that do not have one residence were individually assessed.
IF WE DON'T ASSESS UNTIL THE 2008 TAXES ARE COLLECTED LATE IN THE YEAR OF 2008, HOW CAN WE TREAT THE LAKE EARLY IN THE SPRING OF 2008?
Part 309 has a provision that a County may establish a revolving fund that will cover costs until assessments can be collected. We are optimistic that a revolving fund will be approved and established that will allow for treatment in early Spring of 2008.
WHEN WILL I BE ASSESSED AND HOW MUCH WILL IT BE?
Enclosed in this package is a form showing the assessment units for the parcel owners of record for the property in the proposed SAD. If you have any questions or issues, please bring them to the hearing on February 28, 2008.
WILL I BE ASSESSED IN THE FUTURE?
Since EWM cannot be eliminated, but rather only controlled, it is likely that assessments will be necessary in future years. The assessment information that you received in the package that was mailed to you should include the estimated assessment for the years 2008-2012. Additionally, if other non-native invasive species get into our lake, future treatment programs and costs may occur.
WHAT IF I DON'T PAY THE ASSESSMENT?
If not paid, the assessment will remain as lien against the property.
In the late summer of 2006, the DNR discovered Eurasian milfoil-EWM (Myriophyllum spicatum) in Bear Lake. The DNR has instructed the Bear Lake Property Owners Association (BLPOA) to begin work to treat the EWM as soon as possible.
EWM can be extremely harmful to the ecological balance of Bear Lake. It has a fast growth rate, and can exist in a variety of environmental conditions, due to the prolific nature of the plant, and the fact that it also reproduces via seed and fragmentation that roots in the lakebed. Both self-fragmentation and fragmentation from boat traffic cause spread in other parts of the lake. EWM has been spotted in many lakes in the United States and specifically Michigan. Bear Lake is but one of many that have begun the effort to control it.
The President of the BLPOA established a Community Council to Control Milfoil (CCCM) with representatives of the 3 municipalities that surround Bear Lake and community groups such as BLPOA, Promoters, Trigenta, Lions, the golf course and others. The CCCM met at least 10 times over a period of months. They researched EWM, how other lakes treated EWM, how it and other invasive species can be managed, laws to treat lakes, and other invasive species that may invade Bear Lake in the future.
Information was shared with the community and discussed among the CCCM as well as with the officials of the 3 municipalities. The group concluded that they would like to establish a Lake Improvement Board (LIB) under 1994 PA 451, part 309. This act allows for properties to be assessed for costs to study the lake, payment of legal services, and treatment of the lake. The continual study of the lake was viewed as extremely important as future problems can be minimized if corrected quickly.
The CCCM invited all officials of the 3 municipalities that border Bear Lake (Village of Bear Lake, Bear Lake Township and Pleasanton Township) to attend a meeting. In mid-July, 2007, the attorney and marine biologist retained by the CCCM presented to the municipality officials as well as their attorneys the reasons that a LIB was needed. Subsequently, each municipality board on their own motion voted unanimously to approve the creation of a LIB. (Enabling Legislation)
The first meeting of the LIB was held on August 30, 2007.
WHO IS ON THE LIB?
Chairman - Robert Yates - Bear Lake Township Representative
Secretary - Rita Brisbane
Treasurer - David Adams - Pleasanton Township Representative
Bear Lake Village Representative - Greg McPherson
County Commissioner - Pauline Jaquish
County Drain Commissioner - Gary Schwaiger
WHAT AUTHORITY DOES THE LIB HAVE TO DO THIS WORK?
The LIB was established by the three municipalities (Village of Bear Lake, Bear Lake Township and Pleasanton Township) in accordance with Part 309 of Michigan Public Act 451 of 1994. (The remainder of this letter will refer to the act as Part 309). The LIB has legal authority to take the necessary steps to treat the lake and to assess those who benefit from the treatment. The resolution to create the LIB limited the LIB to dealing win non-native invasive species.
HOW CAN I STAY INFORMED ABOUT LIB ACTIONS AND DECISIONS?
A package of LIB material is maintained in the Bear Lake Library. Additionally, the Village of Bear Lake has a website and has agreed to include a tab for the LIB. Visitors to the website can see the same material that is available in hard copy at the Bear Lake Library.
WHY ARE THERE TWO HEARINGS?
Part 309 specifically indicates that there will be a hearing on practicability and a separate hearing to review the assessment roll. The hearing on practicability will be held on February 21, 2008. It will provide information regarding the feasability study prepared by the marine biologist, the recommended treatment plan to control EWM, and the costs of the treatment plan. A second hearing will be held on February 28, 2008, to review which properties will be assessed to cover the costs of the project.
WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS WERE CONSIDERED AND WHICH ONE WAS CHOSEN? WHY WAS THE TREATMENT OPTION CHOSEN?
Treatment options considered practical included the use of chemical herbicides only, the use of biological control only, or the combined use of the two methods as part of an Integrated Management Protocol (IMP). The IMP was chosen over the other methods because there is hope that the Eurasian Watermilfoil population within Bear Lake may be controlled over the long term with biological control and this IMP approach will allow for quick, aggressive control of the two large EWM beds with chemical herbicides (such as 2,4-D). The outer rim of the smaller EWM will be treated with chemical herbicides, and the stocking of weevils (for biological control) will be conducted in the center of the smaller bed. This will allow for careful, targeted monitoring of the weevil activity and also for predicting the potential of the weevil for the long-term control of EWM in Bear Lake, while halting the lateral spread of EWM from the three main beds.
WHAT IS THE DATE FOR THE FIRST TREATMENT OF THE LAKE?
The date of the first herbicide treatment will be determined after the first spring grid GPS survey, which should likely occur in April. The intended initial treatment date will depend on climatic and environmental factors (i.e., growth rate of new EWM, overwintering of old EWM, water levels, water temperature, etc). In general, most initial treatments begin in April or May.
IF WE USE CHEMICALS TO TREAT EWM, WILL THERE BE AN EFFECT ON HUMANS OR FISH?
The chemical herbicides used by certified herbicide applicators must be registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and have to undergo rigorous aquatic biota toxicity studies. The EPA has certified that generally these herbicides are safe if used according to the label and if proper application procedures are followed. The marine biologist will oversee herbicide applications to assure that proper procedures are being implemented.
I HAVE HEARD THAT THERE IS A FEASIBILITY STUDY. WHAT IS IT AND CAN I GET A COPY?
The Feasibility Study was prepared by ASI Environmental Technologies, the marine biology company whose services were contracted by the LIB. The engineering feasibility study is a requirement of Part 309. The Study can be reviewed at the Bear Lake Library and at the Village of Bear Lake website.
I UNDERSTAND THAT A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT WILL BE ESTABLISHED, ASSESSMENTS WILL BE LEVIED ON PARCELS IN THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT TO PAY FOR THE COSTS OF THE TREATMENT PLAN, LEGAL SERVICES AND LAKE STUDIES. HOW WAS THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT ESTABLISHED?
Hundreds of hourse were spent by LIB members to develop the Special Assessment District (SAD) proposal and the proposed methodology that will be used to determine how much each parcel in the district will pay. Again, this work is done in accordance with Part 309.
All parcels that abut the lake or have deeded access to the lake will be in the Special Assessment District. Generally, a single residence is assessed as one unit. Parcels abutting the lake that do not have one residence were individually assessed.
IF WE DON'T ASSESS UNTIL THE 2008 TAXES ARE COLLECTED LATE IN THE YEAR OF 2008, HOW CAN WE TREAT THE LAKE EARLY IN THE SPRING OF 2008?
Part 309 has a provision that a County may establish a revolving fund that will cover costs until assessments can be collected. We are optimistic that a revolving fund will be approved and established that will allow for treatment in early Spring of 2008.
WHEN WILL I BE ASSESSED AND HOW MUCH WILL IT BE?
Enclosed in this package is a form showing the assessment units for the parcel owners of record for the property in the proposed SAD. If you have any questions or issues, please bring them to the hearing on February 28, 2008.
WILL I BE ASSESSED IN THE FUTURE?
Since EWM cannot be eliminated, but rather only controlled, it is likely that assessments will be necessary in future years. The assessment information that you received in the package that was mailed to you should include the estimated assessment for the years 2008-2012. Additionally, if other non-native invasive species get into our lake, future treatment programs and costs may occur.
WHAT IF I DON'T PAY THE ASSESSMENT?
If not paid, the assessment will remain as lien against the property.