News & Events

At our last Environmental Committee meeting, a draft of a Simonton Lake Master Plan of Improvements was presented, reviewed and discussed. This Master Plan addresses many of the issues put forth in the 2011 Diagnostic Study of the lake by identifying environmental concerns and offering solutions, along with cost impacts. It is, in effect, a continuation, expansion and formalization of the ideas presented at the community meeting of December 14, 2015.

There are 5 main areas of environmental concern that, if left unchecked, will negatively impact the overall health, wildlife habitat and recreational usage of our Lake for years to come. Each concern is briefly discussed below:

• Sediment Buildup | Significant sediment buildup over the years has resulted in over 67% of the lake being less than 5 foot deep; and 83% less than 10 foot deep. Contributors to this buildup are soil erosion, and sediment resettlement caused by boat motors stirring up already shallow waters. These shallow areas lower water volume and quality, promote weed growth, and restrict navigation. The only way to get rid of existing sediment excess is by dredging.
   
• Invasive Weeds | There has been a marked increase in weed growth this summer, most of it due to the continued invasion of non-native species that overrun native aquatic vegetation that wildlife populations depend on to survive. Most alarming is the sudden appearance of Starry Stonewart, a very aggressive, weed-looking algae, that previously was not present in the lake. It floats with no root tie to the lake bottom and is very easily spread. A survey completed last month shows that Starry Stonewart has currently infested over 31 acres of the lake. If left unchecked, the shallow areas will be completely choked off in just a few years. The Committee is working with a licensed Lake Management specialist to develop a comprehensive plan of action to combat this threat.
  
  This specialist also pointed out the danger of residents attempting to clear their shoreline waters by using their boat motor as a weed-cutter. He strongly warns against this practice because it actually CONTRIBUTES TO THE PROBLEM BY SPREADING THE WEED SEED AND CONSOLIDATING THE CUT WEEDS INTO A FLOATING/MOVING MASS THAT END UP PLUGGING AREAS SUBJECT TO PREVAILING WINDS. REFRAINING FROM THIS PRACTICE WILL HELP IMPEDE THE SPREAD AND THE POLLUTION CAUSED BY WEED INFESTATION.
   
• Erosion | There are several erosion spots along the Lake that are an issue because of the additional sediment, chemicals and debris they allow to feed into the water We are actively working in cooperation with various government agencies to seek viable solutions to this problem, and will keep you informed of our progress.
   
• Drainage | Watershed drainage from agricultural lands to the north is contributing to the rise in chemicals - most notably phosphorous and nitrogen - which are promoting the growth of invasive aquatic vegetation. This is a complicated issue because the majority of the 5,500 acre watershed lies in Michigan. Solutions are being sought through discussions with various governmental agencies and will be presented as they are developed.
   
• Recreational Usage | We have seen a considerable increase in the number of large boats and motors on the water in recent years. These larger motors in our shallow waters contribute to sediment suspension, which is bad for swimming, and result in sediment resettlement in already shallow areas. The resulting sediment buildup promotes weed growth and shrinks the area of water suitable for recreational use. This leads to more boats on less water and becomes a safety issue. Dredging and weed control will help alleviate the problem and contribute to the lake’s overall appeal and desirability to home buyers, which will, in turn, increase property values.

As you can see, all these issues are intertwined – each impacting the other. We cannot just fix one and say, “Our problems are solved.” The creation of a Master Plan is an attempt to identify the issues and develop a feasible plan of action to follow as our residents take control of the lake’s destiny. The Committee is currently finalizing a draft form of the Plan which should be available for review by all residents in the very near future.

Remember, there are NO Federal, State or County funds available for Lake maintenance and/or improvements. If WE do not step in with solutions, NO ONE will.

If you wish to become a member of the Environmental Committee, please contact Bob Paul. Committee members must also be members of the Homeowners Association.