Bald Eagle Lake Improvement Effort
SUMMARY:
Tucked away in a small town called Ortonville, exists Bald Eagle Lake. This is a Private, All Sports Lake, expanding for 125 Acres. Its waters have a maximum depth of 23 feet and the fishing is plentiful. Yearly water sports include kayaking, boating, skiing, paddle boarding and everything else in between. Whether it’s an evening boat ride or building a castle in the sand, for most, the memories made or still to come, are what make Bald Eagle Lake a little slice of Heaven. For many years, small cottages sporadically extended across the shoreline. Over the years and due to the increasing desirability of the lake, it has evolved from a quick vacation getaway to the expansion of cottages and the building of more primary residences. As these populations have planted their roots and expanded their dwellings, the impact of humanity has brought about changes to the natural ecosystem. Every year, the prevalence of these changes is increasing. The growth of invasive weeds and the beginning stages of Eutrophication are setting in. It has now reached a point where managing these changes is critical for the preservation of the lake that is enjoyed by so many. The plan of action involves the Lake Community as a whole to create a Special Assessment District (SAD). The outcome is a hassle free system to improve the quality of the water and to maintain the standards of the lake as well as the value of everyone’s property.
OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of the Special Assessment District is to implement a treatment plan to impede Eutrophication, treat invasive weeds and algae for the lake as a whole, professionally assess water quality via annual water testing as well as remunerate EGLE for their permit fees.
Petition-Deadline-1TREATMENT PLAN:
- Phosphorous Mitigation – Application of a phosphorus binding agent to eliminate phosphorus recycling and inhibit the growth of algae. Promotes better water clarity by preventing Eutrophication.
- Aquatic Herbicides and Algaecides – Treating existing invasive species and algae growth for the entire lake per EGLE guidelines. ***Please note, lily pads are protected and do not fall within this umbrella.
- Annual Water Testing – Professional water testing performed on an annual basis to maintain healthy pH, bacterial and nutrient levels for Bald Eagle Lake.
- Permit Fees – The treatment must be approved and permitted by EGLE on an annual basis.
HOW WILL THE SAD BE IMPLEMENTED:
Bald Eagle Lake does not have a “true” homeowners association. As such, the implementation of the treatment plan will be in the form of a Special Assessment District (SAD). This means, the Township will be enforcing payment for those Taxpayers whose properties fall within the parameters of the district. The goal is to make the treatment plan as fair as possible for those who enjoy or gain property value for having rights to Bald Eagle Lake. For the SAD to be put into effect, there will be a Petition available for signature and it will require 51% approval from the Taxpayers involved.
RESPONSIBLE PARTIES:
Those included in the SAD will be ALL WATERFRONT properties as well as those LAND OWNERS whom have deeded access to EIPA Beach and live in Eagle Island Sub and Sub 1. Waterfront parcels will have a higher obligation than those landowners because waterfront property owners exhibit a higher level of enjoyment for the lake than those without direct lake access. Some exemptions will be applicable, but essentially, if there is a right to the water, there is a responsibility to take part in the Assessment.
TERMS:
Should the Assessment be approved, the first Annual payment will be owed on the 2024 Winter Tax Statement. Each Annual payment thereafter will be visible on the Winter Tax Statement until the Assessment expires. Treatment will begin in 2025 and will continue until the Summer of 2030. If the Lake Community wishes to continue treatment after the SAD expires, a NEW PETITION will need to be approved at that time.
PRICING:
The SAD is being split into two categories: Waterfront Properties and Non-Waterfront Properties. As the Waterfront properties have a higher level enjoyment, their financial obligation will be 80% of the total expense whereas those Non-Waterfront property owners will be responsible for 20% of the total expense. After exemptions are considered, each portion of the cost will then be split evenly between the number of households within that group.
***Please note that annual pricing per household is still subject to change as the petition is still being designed and exemptions are still being considered.
BALD EAGLE LAKE ANNUAL COSTS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We Were Just Hit With the Drain Assessment. Why This? Why Now?
The Drain that feeds into Kearsley Creek is owned and managed by the Water Commission. That recent Assessment was out of our control. On the flip side, the SAD is every bit in our control. We want to clean up the lake and preserve its beauty and wildlife for years to come. Initiating this treatment plan is the Community’s choice for lake management. Depending on where your lake property exists, the prevalence of these rising issues may be more or less noticeable. The objective of the SAD is to stay ahead of these problems before they become unmanageable and higher authorities need to step in to control the lake for us.
What is Eutrophication?
Eutrophication is the process in which a water body becomes overly enriched with nutrients, leading to plentiful growth of simple plant life. The negative impact of Eutrophication induces algal blooms and low oxygen (hypoxic) waters that can kill fish, seagrass and reduce essential aquatic habitats.
Are There Other Ways to Prevent Eutrophication?
There are many ways residents can help prevent Eutrophication such as:
- Using fertilizers with lower nitrogen and phosphorus contents,
- Fertilizing less or not fertilizing at all,
- Choose natural sea barriers over seawalls,
- Regular maintenance of septic tanks,
- Discontinue the use of soaps and detergents that contain phosphates,
- Don’t allow grass clippings and dead leaves to enter the water, and/or
- Plant native plants along the shoreline if possible to create a buffer zone.
The goal is for neighbors to play their role as best they can, but not everyone has that option or capability. This is why introducing Phosphorous Mitigation will play a big role for Bald Eagle Lake. The treatment will help prevent phosphorous recycling and thus play its part in lowering the amount of algal blooms we see each season. BELPOA and EIPA will continue to educate residents on other preventative measures that can be utilized, but Phosphorus Mitigation is a great starting point.
How Will the Lake Treatments Affect Wildlife?
The goal of the lake treatments is to promote a healthier ecosystem for our native wildlife species. In theory, the lake treatments will promote the growth of natural plants and animals, while lessening the effects of invasive species and Eutrophication.
Who is EGLE?
EGLE stands for Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Their mission is to protect Michigan’s environment and public health by managing air, water, land, energy and resources. The treatment plan will involve combining our existing permits into one permit for the lake as a whole.
Why Choose AquaWeed?
AquaWeed has been servicing Bald Eagle Lake for almost 20 years. Their familiarity with our lake, as well as their professionalism and reputation as a company, make them an ideal candidate for the job.
Why Involve the Township?
The Special Assessment District has been designed by the Lake Board’s with the help and guidance from the Township. The purpose for their involvement is for assistance with collecting funds. This treatment plan is costly and the annual expense is more than one individual can vouch for. Therefore, in order for the treatment plan to be initiated, the company supplying the service needs to be ensured that payment will be rendered. As the Township sees this project as a PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT, they are willing to take on the burden to collect the funds and disperse those monies accordingly. This is too big of a responsibility for the small lake boards.
Can I Pay My Bill For the Next Five Years in Full?
Unfortunately, no. Each year, the difference in the annual payment per household could fluctuate on a minor basis due to modifications in permit fees or possible updates with exemptions. To compensate for these potential modifications, a reserve will be held by the Township to ensure the annual payment per household will not fluctuate from year to year. At the end of the five year cycle, should there be any leftover money from the reserve, those funds will be distributed back in equal amounts to the Taxpayers. Therefore, if some residents pay in full and other residents pay on an annual basis, this will create confusion for the Township. For this reason, the Township will not allow Taxpayers to pay in full if the Assessment is granted.
How Will the SAD Affect My Taxes?
The SAD will be part of your Winter Tax Bill. If you escrow your taxes, it is best to contact your lender to see how the Assessment will appear on your monthly Mortgage Statement.
If I Don’t Pay to be a Member, Why Am I Responsible?
By living at your address, your property’s value depends on the health and quality of Bald Eagle Lake. Even if you do not choose to enjoy the lake, the desirability of it directly affects the value of your property. Therefore, your interest in the lake is just the same as your neighbor, whether you choose to join your lake association or not.
What Happens if the SAD is NOT Approved?
If the SAD is not approved, those residents that already pay independently each year for treatments will continue to do so, but this is only a bandaid. Each year, the algae and weeds will continue to get worse because the underlying issues are not being addressed. The problem areas of the lake will continue to spread and work their way to the larger body of water. The lake will lose its appeal and less people will want to enjoy the waters like they did once before. The affects of Eutrophication will continue to destroy species that once used to thrive. This is not a wait and see situation we have in front of us. The time to take action is now! As a collective unit, the Bald Eagle Lake Community has an opportunity to initiate a change to IMPROVE the quality of our lake! How can you help??? Sign the Petition by June 1st!
Who Can Sign the Petition?
You must be a NAMED PROPERTY OWNER on the deed of the residence for which you are signing OR you must have DESIGNATED SIGNING AUTHORITY for whose name is on the deed of the property you are signing for. If you have more than one property, you have the right to sign for all properties included in the district. However, if you have an exempt property, your signature will not be counted for any residence that is included as exempt from the SAD. Additionally, you must be a PROPERTY OWNER. If you rent the property you live in, your signature will not be recognized by the Township as part of the 51% approval for the Assessment.
