Lake James Property Owners Association, Inc.

Lake James Newsletter
Fall/Winter 2008

The President’s View
By Larry Bittner, President LJPOA

Another beautiful summer has passed, it seems autumn forgot a stop here at Lake James. The first snow fall arrived unexpectedly early this year and as I write it, looks like a winter wonderland out on Wanakai Bay the bay is iced over and snow hanging from all the branches and it’s only the day after Thanksgiving! This could be shaping up to be a great snowmobile season!

In looking ahead to the winter season, I would like to mention some damaged sustained last winter from reckless snowmobile operators. The bridge over to the swimming park, and a bench on “Bikini” island was damaged by snowmobiles riding over both the bridge and bench. There cost of repair comes from the dues our Lake members pay. Please be cautious when riding and kindly ask your guests to do the same.

Roscommon County has issued a new County ORV Trail Map effective November 15th, 2008. Copies of the map can be picked up at Chamber of Commerce office in front of the Houghton Lake Playhouse. Also, look to the Lake James website where we will post a copy.

Save the Date! The Annual Winter picnic is going to be JANUARY 24th, 2009. Please join us at the Red Barn (Near the dam) for campfire, food, friends and laughter.

I want to thank all our members who have participated in the special and annual meetings held over the last few months. I am happy to report that we came together as caretakers of this beautiful lake and approved a dues increase. This will ensure our ability to maintain the beauty and safety of the lake we love. Thanks again for your participation!

Vice President Comments
By Rodger Shutter

First, I’m honored to be voted on the Board and to help make this beautiful lake, Lake James even a little better.

I would like to thank Al Walker for his outstanding job, service and dedication the past several years. “Good Job!” Al. Thank you…from all of us.

Working with everyone on the Lake and the Board is going to be fun. There are a lot of good suggestions and ideas from the members and board that need consideration and implementation. Good common sense is the most important factor!

One thing I would like is to have the Board and all the Members of this Association to be positive. By being positive, all of us will enjoy life even more.

Looking forward to meeting and talking to all of you.

Aquatic Nuisance Update
By Dan Nelson

With the successful application of Renovate OTF, Lake James realized a tremendous result during the summer. Our milfoil problem was knocked out early in the summer before it had time to grow and become a nuisance. In early spring this year, we will evaluate and determine what chemicals will be used in our lake treatment efforts on Lake James for 2009.

Another great accomplishment we achieved in 2008 was receiving permission from the DEQ to combine Lake James 1 & 2, saving on permit costs. We now only have to obtain one DEQ permit instead of two.

Lastly, in 2009, I will be working with Lake James property owners to establish a lake management plan. Chemical applications, weevils and other non-chemical alternatives will be evaluated in addition to the investigation and research of alternative lily pad control alternatives.

Parks Update
By Jim Preczewski

With winter upon us, there's not much to report pertaining to our Parks. However, a little reminder--May 2, 2009 is parks clean-upday. Mark your calendar! The more volunteers we have, the easier and faster this work day goes. We will meet @ the boat ramp @ 9:00 A.M. & divide into groups to catch all the parks. It should take only a couple of hours to accomplish all of our clean up tasks. We will need a couple of trailers to help haul some of the waste (branches, etc.) away. If you have a trailer, please tow it along with you! The boat ramp dock will also go in that day…bring your waders!

Dam Update
By Ken Holder

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support in electing me to a Board position at the last Annual Meeting. I was selected to take over Dam Management due to Larry Bittner becoming our President. I am looking forward to this assignment. I have inspected the Dam six times since being elected and have been educating myself on the operation and maintenance of the Dam with Larry’s help. I removed the boards from the dam on October 19th. This is done each fall in an effort to reduce ice damage for those that leave their docks in all winter. The boards will be replaced after the spring thaw. Anyone interested in learning more about dam operation can go on the web and search DEQ the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. You will find many interesting articles and times/locations for classes that you can enroll in.

Fish Management Update
By Gary Varco

We continue to invest in our lake resource. As in the past, we are guided by our Fish Management Report. In late October, 2008, we again planted fish into our great lake. Here’s what we planted with the assistance of Imlay City Fish Farm:

• 400 Bluegill – 4” to 6” length
• 200 Large Mouth Bass – 6” to 8” length
• 27 Gallons Golden Shiner Minnows

Our next fish planting will be in late spring, 2009. Happy fishing and don’t forget…CATCH & RELEASE!!!

Shadow Lake Update
By Tom Meares

On behalf of the residents of Shadow Lake, I want to thank all those involved for the early application of the invasive weed treatment in the spring of 2008. By applying the proper products early in the season before the targeted growth reached the surface of the water was a major benefit this year.

There are differences of opinion on attacking the accumulation of the dead weeds floating on the surface of the water after an application. They are not only ugly but restrict normal water flow of the Lake. As we have very few boat owners on Shadow Lake to “knock down” these eye sores any reasonable help from other boat owners throughout the boating months would be appreciated. The negative problem of erosion of the shore line due to excessive boat speed while trying to solve the problem must be remembered also. We would welcome any alternative solutions to this problem from our property owners and interested parties.

I also wish to again thank all those involved in making it possible for Shadow Lake and Lake James to rightfully become one body of water to properly address the common problems of invasive weed control.

LJPOA Logo Items and Apparel

Logo items are available by Janie Bittner (586-219-7879). Also they may be viewed on the lake’s web site…..www.lakejamesmi.org ! Check out all the apparel and other items that will help you personalize your boat, cottage, home or the top of your head!

Lake James Property Owners Association
Board of Directors

Revised Wednesday May 27, 2009 12:28 PM