Lake Management - Board Projects

Understanding that all lakes are aging, have decomposing weeds and die, scientists now know that with lake stewardship education and lake management, we living on Pine Lake can slow that process by implementing technologies that will protect the ecosystem and water quality.

Lake Weed Management - Savin, our aquatic weed specialist and Dr. Jude our limnologist, use observation and weed scan technology to map *invasive weed species in the lake. Savin and Dr. Jude report and advise the Board, as they adjust the Lake Management Plan each spring. Savin Lake Services, obtains DNR permits for weed treatments in areas where riparians have consented to treatment. Based on budget, the Board treats approximately 20 acres of the boating lanes of our 395 acre lake. As a result, invasive weed beds have become smaller and less dense. Invasive Eurasian Milfoil (EU) has been a main focus, however other costly weed species (zebra mussels, clasping leaf pondweed, starry stonewart) are present in small amounts in Pine Lake - this is why the state EGLE (formerly the DEQ) initiated a “Clean, Drain & Dry Your Boat” campaign for itinerant launching boats. Pine Lake and all lakes, will always be threatened by new invasive species threats likely brought in by launched boats or birds. (See state laws for boat launching)

The board is focused on maintaining the health and habitat while looking at new and innovative ways to treat lake weeds using EPA/EGLE approved products, based on efficacy, cost/ budget and research. Water level also plays a role in the amount of weeds we may see during the summer. Mother Nature may choose to bring little rain: low water exposes more weeds like we saw in the summer of 2020 and early 2021.
Water Quality - Dr. David Jude, Freshwater Physicians LLC, Limnologist, conducts annual water testing and reports his findings to the Board. A fish study is planned for 2022. The Board works with Dr. Jude and Savin Lake Services (licensed herbicide applicator and weed harvester) in planning the Lake Management plan.
Communications - Ongoing communication and education is essential to keep an informed community of lake stewards, as we manage lake quality and safety. We publish monthly electronic newsletter communications from March through October (first Saturday of the month, 7:00am) and maintain this website & the PLPOA Facebook. If you would like to be placed on our email list, email us HERE.
Water Safety/ Sheriff Patrol - Water safety is essential. Members rated this as a #1 priority in a 2019 survey. PLPOA contracts with West Bloomfield Township for Oakland County Sheriff Patrol for X number of patrol hours including holidays, based on our budget. The Marine Sheriff docks on Pine Lake each season. Sheriff patrol is funded directly from annual membership dues. It is impossible for the Sheriff to witness every incident even if he/she is on the lake. We ask members, if you witness an incident, excessive noise, traveling too close, traveling the wrong way, etc attempt to get the MC# or take a video and call:
- Non-Emergency, Violation or Complaint (248) 975-9200 (West Bloomfield) or call Marine Sheriff Main dispatch (248) 858 4950
- Emergency - 911 (if it is an emergency or accident occurs)
- Email Sheriff burwellb@oakgov.com
- Refresh yourself - Pine Lake Rules & Etiquette If there is no sheriff on the lake, they can sometimes put a “jump boat” in the water or make a visit to the homeowner, provided they have proof.
E-Coli Control - Goose Egg & Nest Remediation - Removing goose eggs helps to keep e-coli bacteria to a minimum. As part of the Lake Management Plan, each Spring, we ask members to report locations of Canadian geese nests. If you see geese gathering anywhere around the lake or spot a nest during April, please report it to us ASAP HERE. PLPOA contracts with DNR licensed, Goose Busters LLC, to remove geese eggs and nests prior to hatching, to lessen the number of Canadian Geese on the lake.
Ten years ago, the goose population living on Pine Lake was over 100. Through our annual Goose egg and nest removal efforts, this population was reduced to under 40. Geese return where they are born and goose fecal matter can cause E-coli outbreaks.
Management of the Hartwig Weir - PLPOA owns and manages a weir pipe to drain excess water. Water levels are monitored, under a concept implemented by former board member, John Hartwig. The “Hartwig Weir” allows high water (after a rain or snow melt) to flow through a pipe into a wetland that flows into Orchard lake. When the water level reaches the top of the weir collar (inspired by John Hartwig) the water level stabilizes and remains in Pine lake. However, please note, the Hartwig Weir is no match for mother nature, as she is ultimately the one who decides water level on all lakes by way of summer heat, sunshine and wind that causes evaporation.

Member Survey - In November of 2019, PLPOA conducted a member survey. We mailed 362 surveys and received 96 responses. The board has since, focused on the results of that survey, published in the July 2019 newsletter. The top priorities members want are:
1.) Manage invasive weeds in the boat lanes
2.) Boat Safety
3.) Canadian geese egg remediation program

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*An invasive species is one that is not native and whose introduction causes harm, or is likely to cause harm, to Michigan's environment, economy or human health.state laws