March 2008 Newsletter

BOARD MEmbERS
President Tom Manikowski 691-7116 Vice President Jennifer Medema 691-7057 Secretary Lisa Zigmont 691-7995 Treasurer Paul Mulheisen 691-8501 Newsletter Pat Talbott 691-8501
P.O. Box 115 Belding, MI 48809

BPILA

Note from the President

As we draw closer to the desirable warm weather that will be upon us in a few months, we need to give close consideration to what we would like to accomplish in 2008. One of my primary objectives for the year is to increase communication to our membership and active participation in the Big Pine Island Lake Association. As many of you may be aware, on January 15th we had a Sanitary Sewer overow of 90,000 gallons into the lake. Our association took immediate action and called a special meeting with Grattan Township, Kent County Health Department, and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. During the year we also had other incidences of spills, theft or damage that should have been communicated to the residences of the BPILA. All of these situations should be immediately reported to all residents of our association for both awareness and to prevent further occurrences. The best way to communicate is from an e-mail address which I will add to a master distribution list which is quick and efcient. I will ask each of you to please send me an e-mail with your contact information to the following address: bpilapresident@comcast.net

DAT E S TO REMEMBER!!!
Michigan Lake and Stream Association meeting April 25, 2008 Opening Day of Bass Fishing May 24, 2008 BPILA Fireworks July 3, 2009 Special Grattan Trash Collection Day July 19, 2008

Dont forget your 2008 Membership Renewal!

You will be receiving a notice regarding your membership renewal in April! Please help Your support our non-prot Lake Association.

contributions are the only source of funding for our participation in the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Programs, membership in the Michigan Lakes, Stream and Watershed Associations, and the publication and circulation of this newsletter. THANK YOU!! There will be a separate drive for the reworks display in July.

What is the Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program (CLMP)?

The CLMP is a partnership between the Land and Water Management Division of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Michigan Lake and Stream Associations, Inc. (ML&SA). The primary purpose of this cooperative program is to help citizen volunteers (our Lake Association ofcers and volunteers) monitor indicators of water quality in their lake and document changes in lake quality over time. http://www.mi-water-cmp.org

Advertise in the Newsletter and gain exposure to

Big Pine Island Lake Association

For Details Contact: bpilapresident@comcast.net

What is the Michigan Lake and Stream Association?

The Michigan Lake and Stream Association is a non-prot corporation comprised of individuals and associations who desire to conserve and improve Michigans Lakes, rivers and streams, and their watersheds, and the Great Lakes, and to protect and promote the wise use of Michigans water resources. Their purpose is to encourage and support all sorts of riparian property owners, lake, stream and watershed associations, legislative bodies and agencies of local and state government and general public to maintain swimmable and shable waters and to prevent the contamination of groundwater aquifers and their sources. http://www.miswa.org/

The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is one of over 300 species of hummingbirds existing only in the Western Hemisphere and migrating thousands of miles each year from North America to Central America and back again. We all can help by planting gardens to feed Hummingbirds or by joining Operation Ruby Throat: the Hummingbird Project at www.rubythroat.org

LAKE WEEDBEGONE
WEED REMOVAL
Due to a high demand for services, call by April 30, 2008 to sign up for weed removal services for the 2008 season. Did you battle with the weeds in your swim area this summer? Tired of the back braking work getting the lake weeds cleaned up? Looking for a solution to your shoreline weeds? LOOK NO FURTHER! Spend your time enjoying your water front instead of fighting the weeds in your swim area. Advantages: No more swimming with lake weeds wrapped around your legs. Make your beach look more appealing. Increase the property value of your lake front home or cottage. As a lake front property owner I understand your needs and concerns and have developed a weed control program that will safely and effectively reduce and eliminate weeds in your swim area.

Tired of the hassle of putting your dock in and taking it out in the fall?

IN & OUT DOCK SERVICES

Let us do it for you!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SERVICES AND PRICING CONTACT JEFF @ 616-318-6754

Other Products And Services Available: Aeration Equipment and Seawalls References Available Upon Request

Have questions or concerns? Contact your BPILA president at bpilapresident@comcast.net