Thank you to all the DLIA members who responded to the poll of the DLIA membership about possible options to mitigate swimmer’s itch problems. We received 137 responses, which is more than 25% of our members! The DLIA Executive Board (EB) would like to share what we have learned.
         
This is an issue that generated passionate response on both sides, and is clearly a priority for many of us. Overall, we found that of the respondents, there is a clear preference (~60.6%) for going forward with funding the trapping and relocation of the merganser broods on the lake.  While this action is likely to significantly reduce the incidence of swimmer’s itch, it will not eradicate the problem as other waterfowl/snails may be sources of swimmer’s itch and mergansers may be found occasionally on the lake during the summer and during migratory periods.  Long timers on the lake noted that those who are hyper sensitive will likely still experience some symptoms and should continue their own precautions to diminish the effects. The reality is there is no 100% effective way to eliminate swimmer’s itch. 

The Executive Board “met” by email in the last few weeks to consider a motion to engage Swimmer’s Itch LLC to carry out the trapping and relocation of several merganser broods found on Douglas Lake in recent summers.  The EB authorized $3,000/year for a two-year period to support this work, and will also fund the $200 permit required by the Department of Natural Resources for DLIA to support the project.  (Swimmer’s Itch LLC is also required to be permitted by DNR as an authorized entity to perform the contracted-scope of work. They are responsible acquiring for their own permit.)
 
DLIA members Ed and Kim Grant have agreed to continue as Co-Chairs of the Swimmer’s Itch Task Force.  They are assisting in the DNR permit application for DLIA and will also manage the collection of incidence data during the summer using itch@douglaslake.org. Many thanks to Ed and Kim for carrying on with this important work.

Our first trial with an online store has been very successful this season!  Especially popular have been the insulated tumblers and the 2021 calendars, as these make great gifts.  Remember the online store will close at midnight on December 15 to allow time for mailing before Christmas.  Get your order in soon to make certain to find the best selection!  Follow this link to the store

  https://douglaslakemerchandise.square.site/
 

Watershed Council’s Icebreaker Lecture Series for 2021

• January 13, 2021: “Watersheds 101-How Do We Protect the Waters We Love?”
• February 10, 2021: “The Line 5 Straits Tunnel- Will it Become a Reality?”
• March 10, 2021: “Using Social Indicator Surveys to Protect Water”

          Jan Huntley has the advantage of her long family history on Douglas Lake. More importantly, Jan is committed to preserving that history for not only her family and generations to come, but for all who want to know the how, why and who particulars of the Douglas Lake community.  You can easily check out Jan’s historical pieces (some fanciful, most factual) and those of other authors in the “Now and Then” archive accessible on the DLIA web site just click on

Now and Then | Douglas Lake Improvement Association
 

 

      The Cheboygan County Board of Commissioners and the Munro Township Board recently recognized two past members of the Munro Township Board for their years of service on the Board. They extended congratulations to Charles Antkoviak for his 35 years of exemplary and dedicated service as Munro Township Supervisor/Assessor to the citizens of Cheboygan County and Munro Township and to Douglas Lake resident and DLIA member Paul Nows for his 8 years of exemplary and dedicated service as Munro Township Trustee to the citizens of Cheboygan County and Munro Township.
            DLIA is grateful to Charlie and Paul for their support and contributions to the good working relationship between the Douglas Lake community and the Munro Township Board. (Charlie is continuing to serve as Munro Township Assessor.)

 

          A DLIA membership may be just what friends and adult family members would enjoy, especially those who missed their regular visits to Douglas Lake this past year. For only $25 a DLIA membership assures that they can keep up with Association news, Lake activities, merchandise sales, and local happenings by receiving DLIA’s Newsletters in May and November and the more frequent eNews.
     You can apply for a membership in their name on line at:

          Be sure to include an email address for the new member (mark “Go Green” on the Membership Form) to ensure that communications are sent electronically (and efficiently).  For dues payment either pay on line or mail in dues to DLIA, PO Box 472, Pellston MI 49769.
 

Have a healthy and happy Christmas and Holiday season.  Good-bye 2020! We are all looking forward to a COVID-19 free 2021!!