Glen Lake Association Proudly Announces Lake-Friendly Stewardship Awards
Click here to download an application,
The Glen Lake area is growing. It is one of the most desirable places for Michiganders to retire and build their dream house. Big Glen, Little Glen, Big Fisher, Little Fisher, and the Crystal River are feeling the pressure. The current trend is to build large homes that are situated on 100 foot lakeshore lots. Our concern is for how these house/landscaping designs fit in with the existing natural environment and how “lake-friendly” the development and maintenance practices may be.
The Glen Lake Association wishes to publicly recognize homeowners, contractors and local units of government that have chosen to develop or redevelop their lakeshore or riverfront properties in full compliance with shoreline zoning ordinances and ecologically sustainable and sensitive principles. The hope is that through these awards, ecologically sensitive development along lakeshore and river shore will become the fashionable trend. The future health of the region’s lakes and rivers depends on it.
The award for a LAKE-FRIENDLY PROTECTION STRATEGY is for a local unit of government that has created an ordinance, or regulatory code, or other initiative that officially seeks to preserve the environmental integrity of our lake and river systems.
The award for LAKE-FRIENDLY HOME CONSTRUCTION are for a homeowner or a contractor who has undertaken new home construction or major reconstruction while preserving the environmental integrity of the natural lakeshore or river shore setting.
The award for LAKESCAPING are for a homeowner or contractor who employs the use of native vegetation and mostly natural materials to landscape their riparian property in a manner that not only complies with local zoning regulations, but goes even further to protect the shoreline’s environmental integrity in a way that can potentially improve water quality.
The winners of these awards will receive a framed certificate of appreciation and recognition in the local print media.
The following recipients received the GLA 2007-2008 Stewardship Awards at the August annual meeting:
(See related story)
Mary and Paul Finnegan were honored for two categories; Lake-Friendly Home Construction and a Lakescaping Award.
Susan and Vik Theiss were honored for the GLA Lakescaping Award.
Glen Arbor and Empire Townships were honored for their Lake Friendly Protection Strategies. Both enacted Aquatic Nuisance ordinances this year aimed at helping the spread of non-native invasive species of plant, animals and micro-organisms in the watershed. Ordinance signage has been posted at road ends and at the Glen Lake Boat Launch.
The Leelanau Road Commission was awarded another Lake Friendly Protection Strategy citation for their assistance with placing Aquatic Nuisance Ordinance signage and watershed entry signs in the area.
Eligibility: projects on any riparian property (i.e. on lakes and rivers) in Empire, Kasson, and Glen Arbor townships.
Applications will be accepted until July 25, 2008 from any homeowner, contractor, lake association members, local government unit, developer, or other interested party. Neighbors, nonprofits and local units of government may know of some projects that merit recognition, and may nominate them for the award. There are no contest entry fees.
To nominate a project worthy of recognition, either submit a completed application, or simply complete the first part of the application, and a Glen Lake Association board member will contact the nominee to see if they wish to be recognized by completing a full application. Nominations should be received by July 25, 2011.
To enter and submit requested photographs, plans and drawings to Rob Karner, c/o Glen Lake Association, P.O. Box 245, Glen Arbor, MI 49636. Application materials may also be submitted electronically to rkarner@leelanau.org. Questions may be directed to Rob at 231/334-5831.
Judging Criteria:
Compliance with zoning standards for setbacks, vegetation maintenance, percent impervious surface, density, etc.
- Use of native vegetation and natural materials in plantings/landscaping
- Maintenance of aquatic vegetation
- Degree of preservation of natural vegetation (especially in shoreland area, but may include upland vegetation if applicable)
- Aesthetics
- Minimal impact solutions to problems encountered
- Other environmental factors such as energy-efficient designs, minimization of light
- pollution, use of pervious pavement and earth-friendly materials like recycled materials or certified lumber.
- I have read, understand, apply and endorse the Home Owner’s Manual
- I have my septic system inspected and/or pumped a minimum of every two years.
- I abstain from the use of phosphate fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides within 100 feet of the shoreline.
- Native vegetation makes up 75% or more of my property between my home and the shoreline.
Judges will be a panel selected by the Glen Lake Association Board.
