MLSA Executive Director speaks at a series of Lakes Townhalls with local Representatives, EGLE, and MEC
On Monday, July 28th, the room was packed with concerned citizens at the Portage Lake Yacht Club in Pinckney, MI. Local legislators invited constituents and experts to address issues and questions about living on and protecting our inland lakes. Both Rep. Conlin and Rep. Arbit consider themselves the unofficial “Lakes Caucus” since they both have, perhaps, the most inland lakes in their combined districts. The residents were given an open Q&A where our Executive Director, Melissa DeSimone, was joined by Charlotte Jameson from the Michigan Environmental Council and Jeff Pierce from Water Resources Division, EGLE. Questions and comments revolved around fertilizer concerns and ordinance enforcement; lake level court orders and reasons for EGLE to propose changes; wake boat concerns for the lake and for safety reasons; and more.
This is just the first in the series of Lakes Townhalls. There will be another similar event on Monday, August 4th, starting at 6 pm and held at the Sylvan Lake Community Center in Sylvan Lake, MI. If you live in the area, we hope to see you at the event. It is important to work with the legislators who represent us at all levels to keep the issues of lake protection on the agenda.