Dear Members,
There is a LOT going on here on Six Mile Lake right now. The lake remains extremely high with shorelines underwater up to 50 feet and more. Unfortunately for us there isn’t any law or ordinance preventing ANYONE from launching a boat and tearing up and down the lake causing extensive shoreline erosion. I would encourage all of you to inform your friends and acquaintances about the damage that occurs when this happens. We have had a long, cold winter with over 236 inches of snow and now a long, cold spring with torrential rains and ice. The eastern part of Antrim County toward Gaylord…beyond, above and below looks like a bomb went off and still some areas don’t have power. Six Mile Lake is flooded and barring any more rain will not return to a somewhat normal level for another two weeks.
There has been numerous reports of docks and other things floating in the lake. Friday the 11th, around 9:30 pm, a pontoon boat with very bright lights shining in residents windows, slowly traveled around the shoreline. It was so close it looked like it ran over part of our neighbors yards which are still at least 30 to 50 underwater. We are unsure if the person or people on the pontoon were looking for something that had floated away or were turtle hunting. The loons, which returned a few days ago, were going crazy. We received several communications from concerned property owners asking what was going on so if anyone knows, you know how to reach me.
Your board has been active for years trying to get the Antrim County Commissioners’ attention about flooding on Six Mile Lake. I can say now that, with new leadership at both the county and local level, we may FINALLY, see a light at the end of the tunnel. This Thursday, April 17th at 6:30pm the Antrim County Board of Commissioners will hold their next meeting. We are asking that you show up to support those of us that will be speaking about this issue. There is so much more information I would like to include in this communication to you but a complete update will be available at our June 14th meeting. In the meantime, if you cannot attend the commissioners meeting on April 17th send an email to: [email protected] encouraging them to support the current efforts of Operator of Dams, Leslie Meyers. She has an Action Plan prepared informing the Commissioners about next steps concerning the Bellaire Dam upgrades and much more. We are hoping to get Leslie on the agenda for the May 1st Commissioners meeting at 10am if not sooner. For those of you needing further clarification contact me at [email protected] or text me at 231.676.9969 and I will be happy to put you in contact with the right person or persons.
Cherie Hogan