Lake Issues

Townships have authority to address a variety of issues involving inland lakes, including:

Aquatic Weed/Nuisance Control

MDEQ Inland Lakes & Streams

Part 33: Aquatic Nuisance Control

Part 309: Inland Lake Improvements

Dam Safety
MDEQ Dam Safety Program:

Note that dams are considered private property, so a township may not spend public money on a dam, unless it is to establish or stabilize lake levels.

Dredging

MDEQ Inland Lakes & Streams

Erosion Control

MDEQ Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control

Lake Levels

Establishing Legal Lake Levels (.pdf)

Part 307: Inland Lake Levels

Marine Safety

Part 801: Marine Safety

Lake Boards: A township may act jointly with other governmental units and may participate as a member of a lake board formed under Part 309 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, MCL 324.30901, et seq.

Special Assessments: A township may also use the Public Improvements Act, Public Act 188 of 1954, MCL 41.721, et seq., to establish special assessment districts for lake improvement purposes.