Lake Mitchell Groups

The LMA, LMIB, and LMAC

What is the difference between the LMA, LMIB, and LMAC?

The Lake Mitchell Improvement Board is composed of six appointed members who oversee the distribution of the annual budget which comes from assessments paid by those owning lakefront or lake access property. The current board is composed of the following members:

Larry Copley - President, Wexford County Commission representative
Dave Foley – Secretary, Newsletter editor, Selma Township representative
Alan Anderson - Treasurer, Cherry Grove Township representative
Shari Spoelman -- City of Cadfillac Representative
Position to be filled 4/26/2009 – Representative at-large representing Lake Mitchell Association
Mike Solomon - Wexford County Drain Commissioner

All who own property on or adjacent to Lake Mitchell are members of the Lake Mitchell Association and are invited to attend the annual meeting to discuss concerns about Lake Mitchell. Current officers of the Lake Mitchell Association include:

JoAnn Engels -- President
Marty Chapo -- Vice-President
Terry Meech -- Secretary
Jim Kenyon -- Treasurer

The Lake Mitchell Action Committee was created to do research on problems facing Lake Mitchell and address concerns raised by Lake Mitchell Association members. Formed in August 2006, the committee, chaired by Dave Foley, established goals and pursued these projects:

• Developed plan to have tournaments redistribute bass throughout the lake opposite from the weigh-in site.
• Procured township resolutions asking that use of phosphorus fertilizers within 500 feet of Lake Mitchell shoreline be halted.
• Submitted two $95,000 matching funds grants to Natural Fish and Wildlife/ B.A.S. S. Foundations.
• Developed a resolution which was accepted by Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) and will be presented at MUCC state convention in June and from there will move to consideration by Michigan legislature. The resolution creates a milfoil stamp that would be purchased annually ($10 for residents/ $20 for non-residents) and displayed on all motorized boats. Proceeds to be used for treatment of Eurasian milfoil in Michigan’s inland waters.
• Thoroughly researched other options for dealing with milfoil including Houghton Lake’s use of Sonar, using the rotovator to cut weeds, introduction of weevils.
• Explored alternatives to assessments as source of funds including State Parks, County Commission, millage, hotel tax, townships, legislative support, milfoil stamp, and boater registration increase.
• Developed working relationship with Lake Cadillac Association and Cadillac City Manager to foster cooperation in dealing with common problems facing Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac.
• Did extensive Internet research to learn how other boards deal with problems in their lakes.
Committee members included: Tom James, Jim and Nan Vick, Jack Dudick, Larae Peters, Al Anderson, JoAnn Engels, Jim Kenyon, Alan McColl, Vi Springer, Mike Engels, Bob Miller, and Ron Moelker.