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A highlight of the 2024 GLQO Annual Meeting was a presentation by Erica Bays, from Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy on the work they are doing to monitor PFAS levels around Gull Lake. She provided a number of very detailed maps and charts that demonstrated where PFAS levels are above detection limits in and around the area to the south and east of Gull Lake; most of this associated with contamination from the plastics plant.  The source of PFAS contamination in the Idlewild neighborhood is not clear but given the…continue reading →

Some folks have recently been asking about any rules/laws/ordinances around excessive noise on our lakes. Ross Township Supervisor Christina Hutchings recently shared with the GLQO the updated Ross Township Anti-Noise Ordinance, which was updated and put into effect last month. Of particular note: With respect to on-the-water activities Section II(B) mentions (note: these are paraphrased - see the Ordinance itself for the complete list and exact wording): In general: "...unreasonable or unnecessarily loud noise or disturbance, injurious ot the health, peace or quiet of hte residents and property owners of the Township. Playing…continue reading →

The Gull Lake Quality Organization (GLQO) is thrilled to announce our upcoming "Natural Shoreline Workshop," a Lunch & Learn event scheduled for July 11, 2024. This workshop, prompted by popular demand from our members, aims to delve deeper into shoreline landscaping options—building on the knowledge shared by our speakers at the 2023 and 2022 Fall Fling events. The workshop will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kellogg Biological Station's Carriage House. This comprehensive program is designed for lakefront property owners who are interested in enhancing their shoreline while preserving…continue reading →

On 10 April, the Federal Government, for the first time, set limits on PFAS for drinking water: - 4 parts per trillion for PFAS and PFOS - 10 parts per trillion for PFHxS, PFNA and HFPO-DA These limits apply to public drinking water systems, and will be phased in, with monitoring capabilities to be put in place by 2027, and compliance being required by 2029. Key points to note: - Private water sources, such as private wells, are not required to meet these standards - While these limits are stricter than the State…continue reading →

A reminder! If you renew or join the GLQO for 2024 by the end of this month (February), you can receive a discounted subscription to the Michigan Riparian ($14 vs. $25 for regular membership). Hurry, only 13 days left!!The membership renewal form can be found here, and you can also join online here. Dues and donations from GLQO members help us continue our work to protect the waters of Gull Lake and the surrounding watershed .. Keeping it Clean is our motto!continue reading →

After previewing a draft of the report last Fall, the Michigan DNR Fisheries Division has just published its final report on Wake Boats, and it's even more comprehensive in this final form. The basic recommendations of the report are as follows: Boats operating in wake-surfing mode or wake-boarding mode, during which boat speed, wave shapers, and/or ballast are used to increase wave height, are recommended to operate at least 500 feet from docks or the shoreline, regardless of water depth. Boats operating in wake-surfing or wake-boarding modes are recommended to operate in water…continue reading →

The Gull Lake Quality Organization would like to thank those of you who purchased tickets to our 2022 Fall Fling Fundraiser. This year’s event was held in the Lake View room at the Gull Lake Country Club on Sunday, September 25th. Attendees were treated to several door prize drawings that included gift certificates from local merchants including Gull Lake Country Club, Urban Nest, Serafino’s, Kitchen House, South Kitchen, Gull Lake View, and Noteworthy. Gull Lake Marine, Gull Lake Ministries, Hawks Hollow Builders and Premier Builders & Remodelers were kind enough to donate money…continue reading →

Julia Kirkwood, Watershed Project Manager at Michigan EGLE (Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy) was the featured speaker at the GLQO 2022 Fall Fling, giving a short presentation on Lakescaping. We've placed her presentation here on our website, along with a second, more in-depth presentation on the same subject.Why Lakescaping? * Improved biodiversity * Less shoreline erosion * Fewer of those pesky geese!Julia's Fall Fling Presentation (PDF)Julia's Second Lakescaping Presentation (PDF)continue reading →

Every year we get reports from fellow riparians and GLQO members saying that that their neighbor or someone they know is blowing their leaves and/or lawn clippings into the lake and what can they do about it. The answer is, please tell them that what they are doing, while not illegal, is certainly bad for the lake. Leaves and lawn clippings contain nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous that promote the growth of algae. Also, as the leaves decay over time, their decomposition consumes oxygen. Both are harmful to the lake in large…continue reading →