Unmanaged buoy and Raft proliferation 7-24-2010
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From: Mike Patton
Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2010 2:59 PM
To: plaofficers@pinelk.org
Subject: Lake Buoys

 

My name is Mike Patton and I have been a resident of Pine Lake and a member of the PLA for over 30 years.  During that time I have seen a number of changes to our lake and feel that in almost every case they have been positive.

 

I have seen the lake go from one that was mostly seasonal to one that is now mostly year round.  I have also seen lake use increase from one where a few people water skied to one where everyone can go tubing.  There have been many other things that have changed and I really can't think of anything that has had a lasting negative impact.

 

I now, however, have noticed something that I believe will have a negative result for the lake.  That is the increased usage of "boundary markers" around the lake to mark off areas around private property in the lake.  These markers come in the form of buoys, rafts, floating milk jugs, and anything else that can be used to send a message to the rest of us to stay out.

 

I find the use of these markers disturbing as no one actually owns these areas of the lakes and they are being used to restrict access to everyone but the owners of the attached property.

 

Some people will tell you that they are put out to keep people away from swimming areas.  I contend that I have never actually seen people swim in many of these areas and that in some cases things like rafts have been set out for no other purpose than to provide a resting platform for seagulls.

 

Others will say that the markers are set out to keep boat traffic away from their shore.  I counter that the lake laws provide for speed limits and should be changed if they are a problem. I also don't think buoys have much of an impact reducing wakes on our small lake.

 

I know some people don't like fishermen casting up to, and sometimes onto, their docks and are using buoys to restrict their access.  I suggest that fishermen have every right to fish the shoreline and should pay no notice of personal buoys or markers in a public lake.  By the way, I don't fish.

 

Michigan law, administered by the DEQ, provides for buoys or markers for three narrowly defined uses.  They can be used as a guidance to navigation, for offshore moorings, and to define public swimming areas.  All of these uses require a permit and is how the PLA channel buoys are handled.  All of these uses are awarded sparingly so as not to unnecessarily restrict the use of public waterways.

 

I believe that we have a number of instances on the lake where the personal placement of buoys and markers is not in the same spirit or intent of our state laws - that everyone gets to enjoy and no one can limit use from the public.

 

One last comment.  I suggest that if any of our water enthusiasts, tubers, wake boarders, etc were to tangle with one of these buoys, the limit to liability could easily exceed the value of the attached property.  The risk lies with the person placing them in public areas. 

 

I am not in favor of having everyone apply for permits as I doubt many would be given out, if any. What I am in favor of is getting them out of the lake.  I don't consider them a positive change for now or the years to come.

 

I realize that the PLA is not the proper administrative authority to address this issue but I do believe that it is an appropriate vehicle to get issues like this in front of the local citizens. I believe that with proper attention to the subject by the PLA, things can be changed for the positive before injury or legal authority intervenes.

 

I respectfully submit this to the PLA for consideration and would welcome all commentary opposed to my thinking.

 

Mike Patton

Lakeshore Dr

Lake 4