Amber Township Hall

President Bob Haupt called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. He introduced the guest speaker, Michelle McQuiston, Americorps member. Michelle is currently working in the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program for the Mason-Lake Conservation District of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. She demonstrated how the ground water is affected by various contaminants, affecting underground wells, inland lakes and streams and, ultimately, the Great Lakes.

Michelle told the group that current projects in the Groundwater Stewardship Program include identifying abandoned wells and old underground fuel storage tanks. If you’re interested in knowing what sort of soil exists in Mason County, pick up a copy of the “Mason County Soil Survey” free from the USDA building located at 862 West US-10 in Scottville. She said fertilizers used on lawns and gardens cause much of the contamination found in lakes. The best prevention is use of natural landscaping along shorelines. Try to keep lawn areas further away from the shoreline and closer to the house. Take soil samples to the USDA building and have your soil analyzed. This can prevent over fertilizing lawns and promote use of fertilizers that will benefit your lawn without overdoing.

Committee Report: Sam James gave a brief report of his several years taking water samples with Ralph Bednarz of DEQ for the purpose of measuring levels of nitrates, oxygen, etc. in the lake. The Association will be going into such a self-help program with DEQ next year, after four successful years of lake studies done by Dr. Hamdy Helal.

Treasurer’s Report: Sandy Steckel gave her Treasurer’s report. To date we have $925.50 in expenditures and a balance of $1123.40. We currently have 59 members.

August Picnic: Sandy reported that the pavilion at Scottville Riverside Park is paid for. Sarah and Sandy will take care of the children’s games. Bob will request the Choo-Choo.

Annual Election: Laura Hamilton moved that we reelect the current Officers, Board and Committee members. Sarah James seconded the motion. Upon request, Secretary Shirley Salas read names of all incumbents. President Bob Haupt requested any declines or rejections. The motion carried to reelect all incumbent Officers, Board and Committee members with a 100% show of hands. All current members were reelected with the exception of Paul Schultz who resigned his position as member of the Board of Directors. Discussed the necessity for a vice president. The President will appoint somebody at another time.