Dear Ms. Hogan,
Thank you for reaching out and for taking the time to document the serious conditions currently affecting Six Mile Lake. I am very sorry to hear about the flooding, shoreline erosion, damage to private property, impacts to Echo Township Park, and the concerns regarding boating activity during this period of exceptionally high water.
The conditions you describe are significant, and I understand the urgency felt by lakeshore residents and members of the Six Mile Lake Association. The reports of flooded shorelines, overtopped roadways, erosion, displaced docks and boats, and continued wake impacts on already vulnerable shoreline areas are concerning.
I encourage you to continue documenting the conditions with photographs, videos, dates, and locations, particularly any examples of shoreline damage, unsafe navigation, or boating activities that may be contributing to erosion or public safety concerns. This information can be valuable when communicating with state, county, and local officials.
Regarding boating enforcement, concerns about vessels operating at excessive speeds or creating damaging wakes should be reported to local marine patrol agencies and conservation law enforcement whenever possible. If there are ongoing safety concerns, providing specific dates, times, vessel descriptions, and locations can assist enforcement personnel in targeting patrol efforts.
With respect to public access facilities and park closures, decisions regarding closures are typically based on public safety, infrastructure conditions, and resource protection considerations. The conditions you described certainly suggest that continued evaluation of the affected areas is warranted until water levels recede and damaged facilities can be assessed.
I also recommend sharing your concerns with:
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
- Antrim County Emergency Management
- Charlevoix County Emergency Management
- Local township officials
- County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol units
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), if shoreline or environmental impacts continue to worsen
Your message clearly demonstrates the challenges facing residents around Six Mile Lake, and your advocacy on behalf of the lake community is appreciated. Protecting public safety and minimizing environmental damage are important priorities, and I encourage continued communication with the appropriate agencies until these concerns are addressed.
Thank you again for bringing these issues forward.
Sincerely,
Joshua Chamberlain
District Director