Amber Town Hall

Meeting began with a potluck dinner at 4:00 p.m. Officers and committee members in attendance: Jane Jesuale, John and Linda Ochs, Gail Kowalski, Sam James, Bob Haupt, Tony Swider, Frank and Shirley Salas, Sandi Steckel, Harold Kling.

Shirley read minutes, accepted by Jane, seconded by Harold.

Treasurer reported $1,340.81 balance. 55 paid members.

Received $50 donation from Jane Jesuale for newsletter postage.

Discussions:

Water study – Dr. Helal will get back to us in mid-May about the study.

Fathead minnow project – John moved to spend $375 for minnows, Paul seconded the motion

We need to continue the newsletter – some discussion of content and fillers

Eurasian milfoil problem

Speaker: John Ochs – talked about methods to control Eurasian milfoil. E. milfoil is the most prominent aquatic plant in our lake right now. It crowds out other plants and stunts fish growth. Harvesting is not effective weed control for milfoil because the pieces root wherever they land. Chemicals might kill it but it might kill desirable vegetation and fish as well. There is a weevil that prefers eating E. milfoil and it is native to Michigan. EnviroScience sells the milfoil weevil. They plant the weevils where milfoil is most prevalent. Cost would probably be $8,000-$10,000 to treat our lake, planting weevils in two sites – 50 yd. Diameter areas. Once established, weevils will migrate to other areas around the lake.

Discussed:

How other lake owners raise money for milfoil control. Two methods – a lake board or a special assessment district.

Paul suggested we write the steps involved in getting rid of the milfoil and put it in the newsletter.

Get tax money from Amber and Mason counties because of the public access aspects.

Grants more likely obtainable if we do a watershed study.

Discussed summer potluck plans. Irene Mayer and Mary ann Schultz will collect money for refreshments.

Respectfully submitted,

Shirley Salas, Secretary