The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking to renovate the Cass Lake boating access site at Dodge Park No. 4 and is giving the public, including those owning property on or living on the lake, a chance to have their say. A special public meeting on the proposal has been scheduled by the DNR for 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4 inside Dodge Park No. 4 in Waterford Township at the boating access site. [...]

As summer approaches, many Oakland County residents will take advantage of the numerous lakes in the area to have some fun in the sun. Yet, that good time frolicking in the sand and splashing through the waves can be tarnished by subsequent gastrointestinal problems caused by exposure to certain pathogenic microorganisms. Most people have probably heard of beaches closing throughout the summer due to high levels of E. coli bacteria, and yet it’s not E. [...]

Boaters and personal watercraft riders, ducks and swans, and people splashing through the sandbar all are common sights on lakes every summer. And yet, last summer, there was one mainstay missing on many lakes — Oakland County Sheriff’s Department marine patrol boats. Due to budget constraints and the economic decline, the Marine Division no longer had the funds to keep patrol boats stationed on specific lakes after the 2009 boating season. Before facing $13.3 million [...]

Years from now, as you’re watching the Summer Olympic Games and see the stand up paddleboarding competition, know that a northern Oakland County man played big role in developing, promoting and expanding the burgeoning sport. Matt Campbell, a former professional snowboarder and veteran of the coatings industry, isn’t just riding the waves — he’s making them in the surfboard and stand up paddleboard industries with his innovative products and designs. Although stand up paddleboarding isn’t [...]

Although the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was given the green light to make an offer on property adjacent to the former Aggressive Marine site on Union Lake in Commerce Township, a deal between the DNR and the property owners has yet to be finalized. Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said he’s optimistic that the deal will eventually go through. “It’s up to (the property owners) to get the [...]

The summer sounds of revving engines and old rock ‘n’ roll favorites will serve as a backdrop to barbecue grilling, people milling up and down the beach and family-friendly activities as the city of Walled Lake presents its fourth Walled Lake Thunder hydroplane race June 11-12 at E. V. Mercer Beach, which is expected to trump last year’s event. As in-board hydroplanes torpedo across the lake topping out at speeds of 160 mph, bystanders can [...]

A member of the state House of Representatives has introduced a bill that would allow local governments to collaborate on water quality issues. House Bill (HB) 4133, introduced by state Rep. Kurt Heise (R-Plymouth), would allow for “two or more municipalities to create a water quality alliance to monitor water quality as well as to act to address water quality or the impairments of beneficial uses that are of mutual concern to participating jurisdictions,” according [...]

Two bills introduced in the state House of Representatives would require the Legislature to make appropriations from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) each fiscal year to make full payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) on state-owned lands that had been purchased with NRTF funds. If granted final approval and enacted, the legislation would draw down the trust fund that provides funding to acquire land for new or expanded state boating access sites and [...]