What is the Lake Mitchell Improvement Board?

  There seems to be confusion about the difference between the Lake Mitchell Improvement Board and the Lake Mitchell Property Owners' Incorporated. This information might help you sort it out. 

  The Lake Mitchell Improvement Board is empowered to collect special assessments from benefiting properties for approved lake improvements. Virtually all assessment monies are spent to control invasive and nuisance native vegetation as well as monitor water quality and protect the fishery.

  The Lake Mitchell Improvement Board was formed in accordance with Michigan's Inland Lake Improvement Act in 1993 and brings together local citizens and governments to manage the lake. Under provisions of Public Act 451 of 1994, Part 309 as amended), the lake board membership includes a riparian representative who is elected for a four-year term, appointed representatives from Selma Township, Cherry Grove Township, the city of Cadillac, a Wexford County Commissioner, and the Wexford County Drain Commissioner. Township, County Commission and City Commission representatives representatives are appointed for indefinite terms. The Drain Commissioner who is elected in a county election. 

Email contact:  lakemitchellboard@gmail.com  Website: www.lakemitchell.org

What is the LMPOI?

Prepared by Dave Stringer  President  LMPOI

  Lake Mitchell Property Owners Association was established in the early 1970’s to promote a healthy environment for the lake. Members worked to establish the Lake Mitchell Improvement Board with a focus on lake navigation and weed control. From that time to 2018 the association continued to monitor issues concerning property owners for the lake. The LMIB moved primarily to invasive weed management.

  In 2018 a new board was formed for the Lake Mitchell Property Owners Association and was incorporated as a 501c 4. This is the same organization but we realized that to be effective and accomplish our goals we needed to become a dues paying organization. We converted to a member only organization. All members must own or have deeded access on Lake Mitchell and dues are $50 yearly. We communicate with our members through surveys, petitions, Facebook, and our website and hope everyone will join. Please attend our July 9th meeting as well.

  While the Lake Mitchell Improvement Board focuses primarily on weed control we have a much broader agenda to include lake water quality, lake levels, dam management, sewer, the health of fish and wildlife, and all questions related to property owners on the lake. Even though we are a dues paying organization, the issues we address usually benefit all property owners. Over half of the property owners actively support our initiatives.

  2021 was a busy year for us with ongoing sewer issues, petitions, membership drives, etc. Lake levels were improved last year with more rain, less evaporation, and good dam management. 

Email contact: lakemitchellpropertyowners@gmail.com. Website: www.LakeMitchellPO.com    

Prioritized Goal Statements for the LMIB

The Lake Mitchell Improvement Board developed and established prioritized goals for the three year assessment period that begins July 10, 2010. These were discussed at length by the Board over several meetings and given opportunity for public input. They consist of maintaining the existing program of work and trying to establish a financial reserve to cover any unforeseen increase in our milfoil program.

• Treatment of Eurasian water-milfoil to maintain navigation in the main lake, maintain a healthy balance of native aquatic vegetation, and prevent the spreading of nuisance aquatic vegetation.
• One herbicide or mechanical weed harvest each year according to the Lake Mitchell Weed Management Guidelines approved by the LMIB (January 2012) to maintain navigational channels.
• Curbside weed pick-up from approximately Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• Chemically or biologically treat other areas as needed to maintain navigation, control purple loosestrife, and eliminate Phragmites.
• Establish a financial reserve to cover years with higher than normal weed growth, control new invasive plants, or to reduce future assessments if aquatic weed management continues to be successful. Goal is to build a $60,000 reserve by July 1, 2015.
• Conduct additional herbicide or mechanical weed harvest to maintain navigation if needed and approved by the LMIB.
• Consider up to a 10% financial incentive to support large capitol expenditures that benefit specific areas such as dredging, aeration systems, or other innovative concepts.