|
|
|
|
ISLAND CURRENTS
|
Beaver Island Association Newsletter - Fall 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
Election - President's Corner - Invasives Report - BICS Update - Broadband Update - Protecting the Big Birch - Line 5 Replacement Faces issues - Cottage Law Webinar - Real Estate Update - Cottage Law Seminar - Hunting Update - and more!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tomorrow is Election Day
Be sure to exercise your right to vote!
A Michigan Appeals Court ruled on Friday, October 16, 2020, that ballots received after 8 p.m. on Election Day in Michigan cannot be counted. It is past time to trust the mail to get your ballot in on time, but you can still deliver it to your clerk. Or, you can vote, in person, at your appropriate polling place, in either the St. James or Peaine township hall on election day.
|
Don’t forget that in addition to federal, state, local and judicial choices on this year’s ballot, there are two state constitutional amendment proposals to vote upon. Please see the actual wording of these proposals below:
|
A proposed constitutional amendment to allow money from oil and gas mining on state-owned lands to continue to be collected in state funds for land protection and creation and maintenance of parks, nature areas, and public recreation facilities; and to describe how money in those state funds can be spent.
|
This proposed constitutional amendment would:
|
- Allow the State Parks Endowment Fund to continue receiving money from sales of oil and gas from state-owned lands to improve, maintain and purchase land for State parks, and for Fund administration, until its balance reaches $800,000,000.
- Require subsequent oil and gas revenue from state-owned lands go into the Natural Resources Trust Fund.
- Require at least 20% of Endowment Fund annual spending go toward State park improvement.
- Require at least 25% of Trust Fund annual spending go toward parks and public recreation areas and at least 25% toward land conservation.
A proposed constitutional amendment to require a search warrant in order to access a person’s electronic data or electronic communications.
|
This proposed constitutional amendment would:
|
- Prohibit unreasonable searches or seizures of a person’s electronic data and electronic communications.
- Require a search warrant to access a person’s electronic data or electronic communications, under the same conditions currently required for the government to obtain a search warrant to search a person’s house or seize a person’s things.
|
Listed below are helpful links for additional election information:
|
|
|
|
|
President's Corner
Kevin Boyle, BIA President
|
We’ve finished a very different summer on the island and, as this is written, are watching the island forests explode in color. While summer saw virtually every traditional organized event cancelled—from the BIA sponsored Warblers on the Water event in the spring to Bite of Beaver events in the fall—traffic to the island seems to have kept pace with past years. Both accommodations and vehicle slots on the ferry were booked for most of the summer and there were lots of new faces to be seen. As summer ended and folks started to think about school, more than a few made the choice to stay on the island for the coming semester adding to enrollment at our Community School. BIA Board Member and BICS Superintendent and Principal Wil Cwikiel has the details on that in a story below.
|
Folks looking at moving to the island tend to have two basic questions: What’s the winter like and how is the broadband service. While TDS has made service improvements for some on the island, those moving here with needs for service must choose where on the island with care as there are still plenty of locations with download speeds of 5 Mbps or less. While we have successfully attracted a number of families that rely on the internet for their livelihood, they've had to be strategic in picking a place to live on the island (a place with good service). Overall, the island remains well behind the near-shore mainland in service levels and our new arrivals are some of the most vocal proponents of taking action address the issue. Your BIA continues to work on the issue with the Joint Township Telecommunications Advisory Committee, which I chair. Our Broadband Committee Chair Dick Mulvihill has an update below. As for the winter? It's a winter wonderland!
|
One very clear lesson from this summer is that people come to the island first and foremost to enjoy our beautiful shores, forests and other natural wonders—reminding us of the critical importance of BIA’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Despite state funding cuts, the association continued its attention to invasives issues and continued its participation in meetings and efforts to protect our natural resources. Board Member Katie Garrett has a report on that along with plans for next year below. Although Pam Grassmick has rotated off the board, she continues her work in that area and remains our lead for the Warblers on the Water event, about which she writes in this issue.
|
Recognizing the value of promoting our natural resources, the board is working with the Chamber to develop a website and guides that provide information about the many trails available on the island. In addition to the water and birding trails (for which the BIA has already developed web resources), the new site will provide information on hiking trails, the Historical Society’s history trail, biking and car routes, dark sky viewing sites and the Children’s Learning Trail. The site is being designed to be available as an application for smart phones and tablets so folks can use it even where there is no mobile service. Related to that effort is our work with the Chamber and a team of islanders dedicated to obtaining a Dark Sky Sanctuary designation for a portion of the island from the International Dark Skies Association. In addition to drawing international attention to our dark sky viewing opportunities, the designation will help protect our dark skies as an important element of our natural environment. Watch for updates on developments on the BIA website. Plans are to file the formal application in January.
|
Your board was heartened to see so many of you attend our annual meeting this summer. While we met outside to make the event as safe as possible for attendees, circumstances for some meant the best thing to do was to stay home--and your board fully understands that decision. Those who did attend enjoyed being outside and urged us to consider repeating an outside event for 2021, COVID-19 or no. We'll work on that. We also got the message that we tried to pack to much into the meeting. Our 2021 event will be shorter. In the meantime, we will keep you up to date with these newsletters and frequent updates to the BIA website—including coverage of important island meetings and events as they happen. Watch, too, for additional webinars. Our High Water and Cottage Law events were both well received. If you missed them, information on how to watch them is below.
|
|
Your board thanks you for your support and wishes you a Happy (and safe) Thanksgiving and holiday season.
|
|
|
|
Invasives Update
|
Even the pristine forests of Beaver Island couldn't remain unaffected by COVID-19. It was a great loss to the island to see state funding for two seasonal interns cut in 2020. If left unmanaged, invasive species will continue to spread, which can decrease property values, impact our enjoyment of areas, and become increasingly costly and difficult to control as their numbers increase. Garlic mustard is a great example of this, and so, the BIA stepped in to ensure there was still adequate control on the island, before the plants had a chance to go to seed.
|
|
On June 8th a group of volunteers carried out a survey, and found Garlic Mustard growing at three sites; the South-end Lighthouse, Kuebler's Trail/Eagle Hill Road, and on a property in St. James township. Garlic mustard is very easy to pull by hand, but, if left to go to seed, each plant can produce up to 3,000 seeds. It dominates the ground layer of forests to the exclusion of all other plants and destroys mycorrhizal fungi needed by woody plants to regenerate. The team bagged up the plants and took them to the transfer station for proper disposal.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Some good news did finally come in 2020, in the form of a $197,000 grant from the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Great Lakes Coastal Program for the appointment of two coordinators to work on invasive control and education for rare and endangered species on Beaver and Garden Islands, between May and September 2021 and 2022.
|
A major continued focus for 2020 remains the fight against the Emerald Ash borer (EAB), an invasive insect from East Asia, which is responsible for the death of hundreds of millions of ash trees in 30 states. Ash trees make up an integral part of our island's forest system. Without ash, natural processes and cultural activities are significantly or forever altered.
|
A decade ago, members of the Beaver Island Association (BIA) reached out to Michigan State University and state and federal agencies for guidance in protecting the island’s forests from EAB. At that time the Nature Conservancy's former senior scientist, Dave Ewert, identified that transportation of EAB-infested firewood from the mainland to the island would be the biggest threat to the island’s ash species. The state also had a quarantine on transportation of firewood, but it was rescinded in 2018, so for continued protection of the archipelago from EAB, the island's townships enacted a wood transportation ordinance in spring 2019 which prohibited the movement of untreated wood to any of the local islands.
|
Each year since 2011 BIA volunteers received purple EAB traps with lures from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). During the summer months the purple traps hung in strategic locations collecting insects. Most traps were placed in ash trees on the eastern half of Beaver Island where ashes are most prevalent. In October 2019, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development entomologists confirmed that the summer 2019 traps had captured multiple EABs on both Beaver Island and in Northcutt Bay, Garden Island. This confirmation of EABs is an unwelcome turn of events in the fight for saving the archipelago's ash trees.
|
|
The first line of defense in an attempt to keep EAB off the islands was the state and township wood movement quarantines. Because the quarantines appear to have failed, BIA volunteers are now using multiple current research-based activities to assist in controlling EABs on Beaver Island’s ash trees. Select ash trees were girdled (damaged by removing bark) to attract EAB from surrounding healthy trees. These girdled trees will be cut down and destroyed this winter to remove the EABs attracted to them.
|
|
|
|
|
Three East Asian parasitoid wasp species, which lay their eggs exclusively on or in EAB larvae so the larvae die, were introduced in island ash stands positive for EAB. The parasitoid wasps were supplied from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) EAB Parasitoid Rearing Facility in Brighton, MI. Over 390 US counties and Canadian provinces are releasing parasitoids.
|
|
|
|
These tiny bio-control warriors were released using Michigan State University, USDA, and DNR Forestry guidelines. BIA volunteers will attempt to collect adult parasitoids in June 2020 to see if the parasitoids have established themselves where they were released. If successful, these parasitoids will ultimately cause a reduction in the island EAB population. As a third activity, a dozen ash trees on the east side of the island were treated by an arborist with a chemical designed to kill EAB larvae feeding inside the ash trees. The chemical injections were made possible through St. James Township's invasive species budget.
|
|
Following parasitoid releases on Garden and Beaver Island this summer by BIA volunteers, the summer of 2021 will provide an opportunity to document that the parasitoids are active and reproducing to control Emerald Ash Borers. Traps will be placed in various locations and samples sent to APHIS.
|
|
|
|
|
A new invasive species was found by Pam Grassmick along Martin's Bluff trail this month. Japanese barberry is classified as invasive in 20 states and 5 Canadian Provinces, and is well established in another 12 states. It forms dense thickets that alter soil and site conditions, inhibiting forest regeneration and native herbaceous plant populations. Forests infested with barberry can adversely affect human and pet health because they have enhanced levels of blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapalaris), which are known to transmit the causal agents of several diseases including Lyme disease.
|
|
|
|
Simply cutting it will not control it!
|
Japanese barberry grows as a clump of semi-woody stems, or ramets, that emerge that appear from a basal root crown. Like many hardwood shrub species, barberry quickly grows new shoots after cutting. Barberry infestations can be managed in a number of ways, including mechanical treatments, herbicide applications, and burning by directed flame with propane torches.
|
The BIA encourages you to be on the lookout for this new invasive throughout the island, and should you need advice with identification or removal methods, please contact Pam Grassmick or Katie Garrett.
|
|
Pam Grassmick contributed to this article.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beaver Island High Water Summit
|
|
|
|
Our online High Water summit was well attended and included a number of great sessions. If you missed it, you can see the entire presentation here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BICS Update
Wil Cwikiel, BIA Board & BICS Superintendent-Principal
|
The Beaver Island Community School faculty and staff started the school year with the hope of providing 100% in-person instruction while being prepared to provide high-quality remote instruction if the need arises. So far, all of our students and parents have opted to participate in face to face instruction, and we have been averaging around 95% attendance every day. Special thanks to parents who are screening their children before they arrive at school and our staff for following many new cleaning and operational protocols to help ensure we reduce the risks associated with COVID-19.
|
One of the best things about teaching and learning at Beaver Island Community School is the support we receive from the community. During the August election, 71% of Island voters passed the district’s operating fund millage. We deeply appreciate this vote of confidence and will strive to provide the best education possible for Island students. There are several school board members who on the November ballot, and we encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote.
|
Many people have asked me how COVID-19 has changed Beaver Island Community School. We firmly believe that in-person learning is best for our students and their families and are doing what we can to ensure that we can continue face to face instruction, such as mask wearing, social distancing, and enhanced cleaning and building sanitation. In addition, we are restricting access to the building to only school business to ensure the safety of our students as well as the safety of visitors. It is important to note that we have continued our collaboration with the Commission on Aging and are providing Senior Lunches on a curb-side pickup basis.
|
There has been one unforeseen benefit of COVID-19, and that is the addition of students whose families have decided to stay on Beaver Island during the pandemic. We are proud that we can provide a high-quality in-person education and hope that these families choose to stay on the Island after the pandemic is considered under control. Our new students are integrating well into the life of the school and providing valuable contributions to the classroom, soccer field, and volleyball court!
|
|
On a final note, I want to acknowledge the extra work on behalf of our faculty and staff to ensure that this school year is a success. In addition to teaching a full course load, our teachers are ready to teach remotely in a moment’s notice. Furthermore, if a student is required to quarantine, our teachers are ready to include them in the classroom instruction while they are at home. Our support staff have been jumping in the clean the building and address myriad COVID-19 related requirements. As well, our students have been champions through all of this—keeping a positive attitude, adhering to the new guidelines, and working hard in their classes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
New Nurse Practitioner at BIRHC
|
Kelly Noel Becker has accepted a position at the BI Rural Health Center. Ms Becker is a Nurse Practitioner/Obesity specialist. She will take up her new duties at the BIRHC in September. Since 2001 she has held a number of professional positions at the Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Additionally, Ms. Becker is a Clinical Instructor at the Western Michigan University School of Medicine. …
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Broadband Update
Dick Mulvihill, BIA Board Member & BIA Broadband Committee Chair
|
The Broadband Committee remains focused on two initiatives:
|
- delivering "pools of service" to key island loactions with a target speed of 200 Mbps; and
- an island-wide fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network.
The pools of service project was delayed by COVID-19 and has rustled with some technical challenges, but the organizations that will participate have committed to the project and it is proceeding. Assuming equipment can be obtained, the current plan is to construct a test link with loaned equipment to be sure the link to the mainland works as expected (hopefully during the winter) with service available by the start of the 2021 summer season, or sooner.
|
The FTTH network is a long term task and, though it may sound fanciful, the Quickstart study chartered by the island's Joint Telecommunications Advisory Committee (JTAC) with support from both Townships suggests it is possible with about $1.2 million in investment. That's not the total cost of the system (which is about $3 million), but rather the difference between the $1.8 million cost of a mixed FTTH and wireless system the study projects to be self-sustaining. That's a good thing for, if the goal is to offer service on the island that is reasonably competitive with 100 Mbps+ service on the mainland, FTTH is really the only way to do it--especially when you consider that much faster services will soon be expected with 1 Gbps service already available in Charlevoix and Petoskey. Next steps are a more detailed engineering study to confirm the cost projections in the Quickstart study. The JTAC and BIA Broadband committee are working on securing the $50,000 necessary to fund that study, including by seeking grants and donations. Then, a complete plan with with well defined and supported costs can be presented to the community for consideration.
|
As we continue to work on the priority items discussed above, we have received a number of inquiries from people interested in using co-working facilities to support their remote work from the island. A co-working facility is a shared space with good connectivity, space that can be used for private conferences (local or remote) and other typical office amenities like printers, coffee and restrooms. The creation of such space has been discussed at JTAC meetings as a next step after the Pools of Service project is live, but given the changed circumstances driven by COVID-19 and increased interest in remote work, the BIA committee is discussing options to implement a co-working setup sooner, albeit with connection speeds lower than will be available when Pools of Service comes online. If you would be interested in using such a facility, please let Dick Mulvihill know.
|
The Townships Boards have renewed the remit of the JTAC for another two year term with its current membership. The JTAC plans to update the Boards on its work at a special joint meeting held after the election with new township board members in place. Please visit the BIA website for updates on our broadband work and please remember to test your internet speed on the island using the mLab testing site: speed.measurementlab.net/#/
|
|
Kevin Boyle contributed to this article.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Protecting the Island's "Big Birch" Tree
Time spent on Beaver Island is likely to have included a trip to see the Big Birch, the largest and oldest Paper Birch tree in Michigan. This title was previously held by an even bigger Paper Birch in Cheboygan, which sadly died a few years ago. Our Big Birch is believed to be somewhere between 250 - 300 years old! Over the years it has almost become a rite of passage to pay your respects to Grandmother Birch with family photos, perched aloft the lower protruding branch, itself, 119 years old. However, as this Beaver Island tradition grew in popularity, so did the damage, and wear and tear to this historical tree.
|
Many visitors are also unaware that the Birch sits upon private property. The Dawson's have been the custodians of the site since 1983, and have always been very generous in allowing the public to view this magnificent natural wonder. Due to the fragility of the lower limb and exposed roots, the Dawson's have now decided that the tree and the surrounding site should be closed to visitors for the protection of all.
|
Recently, a gofundme was set up and island residents and visitors donated to help pay for an arborist to visit the island next spring and evaluate the regimen needed moving forwards to best care for, and promote the birch's longevity.
|
|
The Dawson's ask that you be respectful of the need for the tree to rest now, and stay off the site until a new viewing and designated parking area have both been established. This is to avoid any more unnecessary weight on the root system and the protruding limb. The gofundme fundraiser has now ended and the target of $2,000 was exceeded. We will bring you news of any updates and the arborists prognosis in our next newsletter.
|
|
|
|
|
Line 5 News: Tunnel concerns & new rules
|
Kevin Boyle, BIA President
|
|
Enbridge's proposed replacement for its controversial Line 5 under the Straits of Mackinac continues to raise concerns. A group surveying the bottom of the lake in the area of the proposed replacement tunnel says they’ve found what they believe could be an Ice Age cultural site. The group, most of them native American women, were using a …
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"They're going to hit some difficult drilling conditions ... [n]ow, I don't think it's impossible but they're going to have to plan for it. And since the amount of study that they did was so minimal, it's a recipe for disaster, because they're not going to be ready for the unknown." - Brian O'Mara, Geological Engineer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cottage Law Webinar Helps with Planning
|
|
|
Our Cottage Law webinar presented by Fraser Trebilcock attorney Mark E. Kellogg was well attended and a variety of topics related to maintain a family cottage for future generations including understanding what cottage planning and succession is, why it is important, and the benefits of creating a plan. ARe there other topics that you would like to see covered in BIA hosted webinars? Please let us know your ideas about this with a post on the BIA Facebook page or by sending an email to board@beaverislandassociation.org.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Sepeshy Mural is Back! And it looks spectacular in its new home.
|
|
|
We have this exciting news from a Beaver Island Historical Association post on Facebook: The Sepeshy Mural has returned to the island. Funding for restoration was made possible by the …
|
|
|
|
|
|
Island Real Estate Trends
Sheri Richards, BIA Secretary & Real Estate One Realtor
|
2020 has truned into a banner year on Beaver Island. We entered the year with 70 homes on the market and will be exiting the year with around 30 homes on the market. To date 26 homes on the island have sold, with 14 pending, and 30 remaining. Buyers continue to knock on the door. Inventory is dwindling. If you were waiting for the “right time” to sell your island home, this is it.
|
What is driving this surge in sales? Four factors.
|
Low interest rates – Interest rates have been at a rock bottom low. Buyers are financing $400,000 homes at 2.5% interest, with payments under $2,000/month. Incredible.
|
Covid 19 – This pandemic has caused a shift in our society. Folks are not just “getting away” by moving to the island, they have realized (as we hoped many would) that Beaver Island is an ideal place to work remotely. With businesses allowing and encouraging their employees to work remotely, these newcomers have realized they can live the dream on a daily basis. The pandemic has created an interesting twist for the consumer. Many folks are “sheltering in place” with the internet as their world to explore. Low interest rates, dreams of the ideal lifestyle, and the search for a solid investment strategy, many consumers are finding themselves spending time shopping for real estate online.
|
Inventory – With the interest rates at an all time low, the lack in housing inventory on the mainland has driven folks to the island. The quality of homes and sandy beaches are a big draw for buyers in their search for the ideal vacation home.
|
Remote location – Buyers are looking for a remote place to live. Folks from all over the states have been scoping out remote places to live. Zillow and Google Earth have played a large part in the discovery of the island. It is not unusual to hear Buyers say that they were “Looking at the map and discovered an island in the middle of the lake,” and from there, gained interest in island life.
|
As for the rental market, our numbers were down by 30% in June, 2020, from June, 2019. However, we saw a huge upswing this summer in rental bookings. Quite an unexpected turn of events, as we were holding our breath from March through June. Richards Rental Management Services issued a total of 29 refund checks this summer and did double duty by re-booking all of the cancelled stays. Occupancy was up by 32% from 2019 during the months of July through October, and we ended the year strong with record stays in the shoulder season. Guests had weddings on the island after having to cancel their tropical wedding plans. They were thrilled to be celebrating these special moments in such a beautiful place.
|
|
|
2020 Island Real Estate in a Nutshell
Homes – 26 homes sold, 14 pending, 44 On Market, 361 Average Days on Market
32% of the homes currently on the market are pending. 57% of the housing market sold. Land – 17 sold, 21 pending, 111 On Market, 432 Average Days on Market
|
|
|
|
|
|
New Vince Cull Rice Observation Deck
|
After the tragic loss of her son, Vince, Bonnie Cull Rice envisioned a quiet reflective spot which could be enjoyed by the public. The cantilevered observation deck extending over Angeline's Bluff is nearing completion and was created as a memorial in honor of her son. The project was built and paid for by the Cull family and friends requiring much …
|
|
|
|
|
|
Single Stream Recycling: a mixed bag?
|
Frank D'Andria, BIA Member and Waste Management Committee Member
|
Single-stream recycling is a system in which recyclables of all kinds (including plastics, paper, metal, and glass) are placed in a single bin by consumers. The recyclables are then collected and transported to a material recovery facility where they are sorted and processed. Collecting recycling and trash together began in the 1990s and became popular because it made life easier for the consumer. Today, many municipalities, including several in the up north region, have embraced single stream recycling.
One of the most notable advantages of single-stream recycling is increased recycling rates. As individuals or consumers don’t have to do the sorting. The most notable disadvantage of single-stream recycling is that it has led to a decrease in the quality of materials recovered. Putting all material into a single bin can increase the likelihood of contamination due to broken glass and the propensity to toss non-approved material into the recycling bin.
The Beaver Island Waste Management Committee recently began exploring with Charlevoix County the pros and cons of adopting single stream recycling here on Beaver Island. Discussions are expected to continue into 2021.
|
|
|
|
|
Warblers on the Water in 2021
|
Events for the 8th Annual Warblers on the Water are being planned for Memorial Weekend 2021. Expert speakers, researchers, and field guides will lead workshops and field trips to some of the island’s 30+ birding sites. The archipelago is a spring migratory song and shore bird mecca with over 200 species of birds recorded from the islands. Whether you are a novice or expert birder there will be something for you during this Memorial Weekend event. Field trip registrations to Garden and High Islands traditionally fill within 24 hours. We intend to offer outer island field trips again in 2021. The decision to proceed will occur in February 2021 and be dependent upon the ability to safely gather given the status of the coronavirus pandemic. Please visit the BIBT Facebook page for photos and information related to current bird sightings.
|
|
|
|
Treasurer's Report
Alan Vicstein, BIA Treasurer
|
|
We are pleased to report 12 additional Memberships in the period as compared to the prior period. We need to keep adding to our membership. Please let your friends and neighbors know about BIA, and encourage them to join if they are not already members. Feel free to share this newsletter with them and direct them to beaverislandassociation.org so they may learn about our mission and understand our impact on the island. The more members we have, the more effective our voice.
|
|
|
|
|
Wildlife Club Update
Jacque LaFreniere, Beaver Island Wildlife Club
|
Probably the Biggest NEWS is that for the first time ever, there will be no raffle and no Hunter's Dinner. That's due to COVID-19. But, the Beaver Island Wildlife Club (BIWC) is encouraging those who would normally purchase raffle tickets to consider making a donation to the BIWC instead. The club still has many projects on the TO DO list, such as tree planting, working on placing fishing docks and cleaning stations, and feeding turkeys. Donors may send their checks to BIWC, PO Box 335, Beaver Island, MI 49782. Thank you.
|
Deer Checks: Bow season is underway and hunters are encouraged to have their deer checked on island for a couple of reasons. First, the better our harvest records, the better able are we to make decisions about herd management. Second, many check stations are shut down in the state, and having your deer checked on island will ensure you get a successful hunter patch! Levi Connor (231-459-6697) and Jacque LaFreniere (231-448-2220) are checking deer again this year. During Firearm season they will be at the boat dock for checks prior to the ferry leaving. At all other times, please call to set up an appointment.
|
Contests: The Roy Elsworth Memorial Big Buck Contest is on again this year during both Firearm and Muzzleloading seasons. Hunters must register at the Hardware before the end of the day on November 14. Late entries will not be accepted. Also, deer must be scored on island by Deny Keehn (231-448-2141). The entry fee is $20 and the prize is half of the proceeds. The Biggest Doe Contest by weight will also be held during Firearm and Muzzleloading seasons. Contact Levi to weigh in. Prize is $100. No entry fee.
|
|
Important Reminder to Hunters: Please make sure you have permission to hunt on private property. Get this before you set up blinds. It's also a good idea to contact neighbors just in case you need to follow the deer onto neighboring property to retrieve it.
|
|
|
|
Great Lakes Islands Alliance Update
Bob Anderson, BIA Past President & GLIA Steering Committee Member
|
The Great Lakes Islands Alliance (GLIA) is a voluntary, collaborative network that brings together interested island leaders, residents, business owners and advocates from islands across the region. The mission of the GLIA is to “encourage relationship building, foster information exchange, and leverage resources to address shared challenges and embrace opportunities to benefit islands.” We currently have participants from fifteen islands belonging to three states and one province in four of the Great Lakes.
|
|
GLIA this past summer and fall continued with monthly conference calls of the Steering Committee and key support organizations, and a separate monthly conference call with the general GLIA participant group. Recent calls have focused on the deliverables of the Mott Foundation grant project announced at the Summit last fall on Mackinac Island. Recommendations for the three categories of institutional stability, policy influence, and communications are being presented to the entire participant group for buy-in and starting to develop action plans for the coming year. In October the institutional stability roll-out presented the pro’s and con’s of becoming an formal 501(c)3 versus. It was agreed we would continue as a collaborative utilizing an independent financial fiduciary through next year’s Summit and revisit the decision on an annual basis. In November the recommendation for key policy topics will be reviewed, with a communication strategy recommendation scheduled for the December conference call.
|
|
|
The Steering Committee was pleased to get a positive response from the Mott Foundation to apply for additional funding to pursue implementing the work of the past year. That application is in process and will allow us to have part-time staffing to work on areas of policy to benefit our islands. We are also pursuing a master's project proposal to the University of Michigan's School of Environment and Sustainability to be among the pool of projects that master's students choose for their capstone project.
|
A final item of interest, our Great Lakes islands participated in a ZOOM conference with our sister islands in the Maine Island Coalition on October 16th to share experiences this past summer related to the influence of COVID-19 on island economies. Four Beaver Islanders participated in that conference call. We were reminded once again we are not alone!
|
|
The hard work of the Lake Erie islands Planning Committee for our 2020 Summit hit the “pause” button because of virus related issues but are already committed to resume the annual Summit in 2021. Stay tuned for details of experiencing our four Lake Erie islands in October, 2021.
|
|
|
|
|
Island Township Boards
|
|
|
|
|
Current BIA Projects
|
Invasives Management - Welcome Wagon for New Residents - Broadband - Comprehensive Trails Website - Island New Coverage on the BIA Website - Warblers on the Water - BIA Project Support Signage - Beach Cleanup - Good of the Order
|
|
|
|
|
BIA Officers and Board of Directors
|
|
|
|
|
Dick Mulvihill, Vice President
|
|
Sheri Richards, Secretary
|
|
secretary@beaverislandassociation.org
|
|
|
|
The Beaver Island Association is an organization of dedicated volunteers who seek to represent the interests of all residents and visitors on Beaver Island. From Phragmites and other invasive species control, to township governance, to support of the Community School, and everything in between, the BIA is working to support environmental and economic sustainability. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to people you know who might be interested in joining us. If you would like to become more involved in the BIA's work whether by helping with a particular project, joining one of our working committees or serving on the board, please reach out to any current board member. We look forward to your participation!
|
|
|
|
|
Please pay your dues to support our efforts and to continue to receive the BIA newsletter. Our membership year runs from July 1 to the following June 30. Please join or rejoin us by sending the completed form below along with a check for $25 to Alan Vicstein, Treasurer, The Beaver Island Association, PO Box 390, Beaver Island, MI 49782. Or, renew online.
|
|
|
|
Yes, please renew our Beaver Island Association membership for 2020-2021.
|
Name:__________________________ Email:______________________________
Street: ______________________________________________________________
|
City: _____________________________________ State:______ Zip:___________
|
|
The Beaver Island Association's mission is to support both the economic and environmental sustainability of the island. We do that by following issues and, where appropriate, speaking out and acting on them. We are hands on. Our current efforts, many discussed in this newsletter, include dealing with invasives, the birding and water trails, broadband availability and balanced economic development. Our past successes include deployment of the island's fire danger warning signs, work with the Maine Islands Institute to help develop plans for the island and spark the creation of the Great Lakes Islands Alliance, a successful awareness campaign concerning the need for and economic sustainability of paramedic care on the island, the birding and water trails, effective management of invasives-and more. Our success as a group depends on your support of these efforts through membership in BIA.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
