Posts by Kirsten
EGLE Notice of Authorization for Bridge Replacements on MiTrale Trail #3
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Water Resources Division has issued a Notice of Authorization to replace six existing bridges on Duck Creek and one bridge on Beaver Dam Creek along the MiTrale Trail #3 in Watersmeet in accordance with attached permit plans and conditions of this permit. The replacements will require the placement of 4 cubic yards of riprap waterward of the Ordinary High Water Mark, 97 cubic yards of fill within all Part 31 floodplains impacted by this project (all locations except for Beaver Dam Creek), and up to 0.03 acres of total wetland fill for the six bridge replacements.
Halloween Safety Tips from Watersmeet Police Department
The Watersmeet Police Department recommends the following for parents allowing their children to trick or treat this year.
- Trick or Treat will be held on Friday, October 31, in Watersmeet.
- The recommended hours for Trick or Treating are between 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Try to Trick or Treat during daylight hours.
- Children should wear light colored clothing or have reflective tape on their clothing so they can be easily seen. Also, carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp, if possible.
- Young children should be accompanied by a parent or adult.
- Children should Trick or Treat only in their neighborhood, on well lighted streets.
- Visit homes with porch lights on, which welcome Trick or Treating.
- When children Trick or Treat with friends, have them inform you of their route and when they plan to be back home.
- Parents should insist that treats be brought home for inspection before anything is eaten. Fruit should be washed; unpacked items should be discarded. If any treat looks suspicious, contact the Watersmeet Police Department.
Remember that children look forward only to the good things about Halloween, therefore, parents should prepare and alert their children to the possible dangers too.
Happy Halloween!
Reminder to Watersmeet Residents & Property Owners – Short-Term Rentals
Short-term rentals (rentals of 27 days or less) in Watersmeet Township are regulated under the Township Zoning Ordinance (Sections 4.02B, 5.02B, 6.01B, and 7.09 – Short-Term Rentals). A valid permit must be obtained from the Township Planning Commission and Zoning Administrator before renting any single-family dwelling.
The Township recently updated its Zoning Ordinance, including new guidelines specific to short-term rentals, and adopted a revised permit application form. These changes took effect on July 5, 2025.
If you are currently renting without a permit, please begin the permit process as soon as possible. A grace period is in place through December 31, 2025, during which applications can be submitted without penalties. Enforcement—including fines and legal action—will begin in January 2026. Short-term rentals that have previously been approved are also asked to update their information by completing the first page of the revised application before December 31st, 2025.
Penalties for Renting without a Permit are outlined in Article 10 of the ordinance.
How to Apply or if you have any questions:
- Email: zoning@watersmeet.us
- Phone: (906) 366-0262 (Zoning Administrator, Megan Zelinski)
- Application Form: Short-Term Rental Application (fill-able PDF)
- For additional ordinance details—including the full text of Sections 4.02B, 5.02B, 6.01B, and 7.09—see the official Zoning Ordinance published by Watersmeet Township: Watersmeet Zoning Ordinance (July 2025).
PUBLIC NOTICE – Bass Lake Herbicide Treatment
We want to join LVD and share important information concerning Bass Lake in Watersmeet Township.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) received a report of possible chemical herbicide treatment to Bass Lake. The application date and the chemical(s) used are currently unknown. This was not a state permitted application of chemicals.
The use of aquatic herbicides and other chemicals are regulated under state law (Part 33, Aquatic Nuisance Control, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act). These laws are designed to protect public health, our waters, and the environment.
Based on early observations, the activity appears to have affected both invasive and native aquatic plants.
Because we do not yet know the herbicide used, EGLE reports that it is “unknown” if swimming or fishing in Bass Lake is safe. Likewise, we do not yet know if the chemical(s) applied in the lake will impact fish or other animal species. Due to these concerns, we posted notices prohibiting swimming and fishing in Bass Lake yesterday.
LVD’s Natural Resources Department is working closely with EGLE as they investigate. Both agencies are taking steps to collect water and sediment samples from Bass Lake. These tests may help us all understand what type(s) of chemical(s) were used and how the lake may have been impacted.
If you have any information that may assist in understanding what occurred on Bass Lake, please contact the Aquatic Nuisance Control Program, Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy at 517-284-5593 or email at EGLE-WRD-ANC@Michigan.gov.
Yvonne Clark
Watersmeet Township Supervisor
October 9, 2025
Notice: Freon Appliance Disposal Requirement
Effective immediately, the Watersmeet Transfer Station requires a certificate sticker on any appliance containing Freon (such as refrigerators, freezers, or air conditioners) before it can be accepted at no charge.
Appliances without a certificate sticker will still be accepted, but a $30 disposal fee will apply.
Only EPA-certified technicians can legally remove Freon and provide the certificate sticker. These technicians are typically employed by HVAC contractors, appliance repair companies, and licensed recycling centers. Residents should contact one of these providers before bringing an appliance to the Transfer Station to avoid the disposal fee.
SepticSmart 2025: Septic Systems and the Environment
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How septic systems work
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Common signs of system failure
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Maintenance and homeowner tips (SepticSmart practices)
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The impact of septic systems on Michigan’s water resources
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New funding opportunities, including the Septic Replacement Loan Program
- For more information about septic system care, visit Michigan.gov/SepticSmart.
- View the full presentation>
Enbridge Proposal to Conduct Maintenance Activities on Oil and Gas Pipeline
The U.S. Department of Agriculture/Forest Service is seeking input on a proposal from Enbridge to conduct maintenance activities on their oil and gas pipeline that will require access across the National Forest on the Bessemer, Iron River, and Watersmeet Ranger Districts Because these maintenance activities are already allowed in accordance with Enbridge’s existing special use permit, the proposed action would result in a Forest Road special use authorization for access. This authorization will not exceed one year. Accordingly, no NEPA decision memo is required.
They are proposing to conduct eight maintenance digs at seven different locations on National Forest System lands. The permit will authorize access at five locations to access their permitted right-of-way during the fall of 2025, two of the locations the Forest Service doesn’t have jurisdiction.
Additional information on this project, as well as instructions for submitting comments to the USDA, are included in the attached letter.
2025 WE Energies Cisco Lake Phase III Project on Old U.S. 2 West
The Ottawa National Forest is proposing the 2025 WE Energies Cisco Lake Phase III Project on the Watersmeet Ranger Districts, for which they are seeking input. The proposed action would result in the issue of special use authorization for energy providers to construct and maintain Distribution Power Lines to provide safe and reliable electricity to the public.
WE Energies is proposing to construct and maintain six wooden power poles and electrical powerlines along Old US2, west of Watersmeet to their project goals. This project proposes the removal of approximately 275 trees. The project area is not located within Lac Vieux Desert -L’Anse Trail Corridor or the Wild and Scenic River Corridors. The project area is about 1,320 feet in length by 20 feet wide for approximately 0.60 acres in total.
If you would like to submit comments on this project, please contact the USDA at the information provided in the attached letter.
Notice of Public Hearing – Zoning Ordinance Revisions
The Watersmeet Township Planning Commission will conduct a hearing on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 6:00PM in the Watersmeet Township Community Center, N4689 1st Street, Watersmeet, MI.
The purpose of the hearing is to allow public review and comment on proposed revisions to the Township Ordinance. Proposed Zoning changes are occurring to the following sections of the Ordinance: 1.04B, 302C, 5.01A, 5.01B, 6.01, 6.02B, 11.01, 11.02.
Planning Commission to Review Zoning Ordinance ~ Updated 7/10/25
The Watersmeet Planning Commission has adopted the task to review the current Zoning Ordinance, page by page to make revisions to clarify the ordinance. A draft document is being kept tracking all proposed changes and will be updated after each Planning Commission meeting.
When a sufficient number of edits are ready, a public hearing will be held for the edits. The draft will then be forwarded to the Board of Trustees for request for approval and adoption.
The Planning Commission invites the public to comment on the proposed changes by attending a meeting, mailing a letter or emailing the Board liaison at trustee1@watersmeet.us.