SANDING THE BEACH AT THE LAKEFRONT THE FUTURE OF ELECTRIC BOATS
LAKEMAGAZINE.MEDIA OCTOBER 2025
METRO INTELLIGENCER THREATENED PLANET LAKES LEVELS
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The future of electric boats
Despite data pointing to increasing demand for electric boats, some boaters are unlikely to turn away from traditional gas -powered motors in the near future.
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View from above
An aerial view of Walled Lake, which straddles both the cities of Walled Lake and Novi.
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Sanding the lake beach
Lake activities, such as boating and recreational use, can erode a shoreline but lakefront owners have options to replace the lost sand and even add material to the lake floor.
Threatend Planet 27 Metro Intelligencer 28 Lakes Levels
Cover credit: Photo of early morning on Whipple Lake in Independence Township by
Darlene Dupnack
a MeMber of dowNtowN PubliCatioNs
Publisher
David Hohendorf
News editor Lisa Brody
News staff/CoNtributors
Hillary Brody Anchill | Dana Casadei | Tracy Donohue | Stacy Gittleman | Austen Hohendorf Jeanine Matlow | Katey Meisner | Gigi Nichols | Susan Peck | Michael Scott | Mark H. Stowers
advertisiNg direCtor
David Hohendorf
advertisiNg sales
Pat Collins
graPhiCs/it MaNager
Chris Grammer
offiCe
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MULtIPLE AWArd-WINNEr FroM SocIEty oF ProFESSIoNAL JoUrNALIStS
Who actually manages your lake? A
or
Our average harvest removes over 100 tons of aquatic vegetation. Sounds better than 100 tons of dead weeds on the bottom of your lake, Another layer of stinking muck.
But the truth is much much worse…
FACT: Did you know that many of the chemicals used to treat aquatic vegetation in Michigan and the US are banned outright in the EU because of the harmful side effects on people and wildlife? This is true. Diquat, Atrazine. Telone among others have been outlawed. But they ’re OK here? I’ll bet you’ve had diquat sprayed in YOUR lake dozens of times over the last several years. And before that they sprayed glyphosate (the original now banned active ingredient in Round up).
Harvesting adds nothing harmful to the environment but removes massive amounts of carbohydrates from the lake, instead of killing them for them to die, fall and rot on the bottom of your lake creating another layer of stinking muck.
Harvesting creates a circle of life within your lake. Cutting the weeds but not killing them so they grow back, utilizing the nutrients in the water creating significantly better water quality and clarity, while not exposing you, your kids, pets and the wildlife to dangerous toxins. Harvesting is harnessing nature to manage your lake.
Chemicals kill vegetation, which fall and rot, creating another layer of muck, flooding your lake with nutrients creating other problems like algae blooms, which of course require more chemicals. Many times chemicals are sprayed on a preset schedule, when their need may be in question. If you’re going to add dangerous chemicals into your life, please make sure they are on an absolute minimalist application program.
Oakland Harvesters utilizes New state of the art harvesters with amazing technology to get your lake cleaned out quickly and efficiently
Is your lake getting better or worse? Are you ok with the mass spraying of dangerous chemicals? Please reach out for more information!
ELECTRIC BOATS
SOME INCREASING DEMAND BUT NO GREAT SURGE FROM GENERAL BOATING COMMUNITY
BY MIKE SCOTT
Tstatewide and in Oakland County. Yet despite the prevalence of data pointing to increasing demand, some boaters are unlikely to tur n away from traditional gas-powered motors in the near future
Pontoon enthusiasts however, are more likely to use electric boats because they use less batter y power and provide other environmental benefits In general, the interest level among all boaters in EV varies based on their prefer red usage and boating habits.
Nicki Polan, executive director for the Michigan Boating Industries Association (MBIA) believes the electrification of boats will become more and more popular across the state because of lifestyle preferences and continuous technology improvements.
Polan said batter y life and other infrastr ucture needed to suppor t electric boats is expanding, much like the infrastr ucture for electric automobiles While she is confident that as has been the case in the automotive sector, Polan believes slow and steady growth in EV boats is a good thing to allow the time needed to increase the number of charging stations Af ter all, if consumer demand outpaces the suppor ting infrastr ucture, the number of unhappy users could force public opinion against recreational EV boats, she said
“I think our members are as intrigued as the consumers to see how popular electric boats will be in the future,” Polan said via email “Electric motors for boats have been around for a long time as there are many lakes in Michigan which allow only electric boats due to their smaller size ”
That’s also the experience of Alicia Faille, operations and marketing manager at Elk Rapids Marina in nor ther n Michigan She has found a growing demand for the option for boaters not just from their community but those from southeaster n Michigan who have vacation proper ties up nor th and primar y homes on lakes in and around Oakland County
In fact, EV boats are ideally for day boaters who live on a manmade lake, many of which live in southeaster n Michigan or other suburban areas adjacent to a subdivision that was built around that manmade lake Many such lakes do not allow gas-powered outboard motors, and/or have significant noise restrictions
“It’s a great way for these boaters to get around if they ’ re going out on the lake at night or on the weekends or spend time fishing,” Faille said “ You hear vir tually nothing and (as a boater) you enjoy cleaner air That’s a big thing for smaller lakes that don’t allow outboard motors
Many lakefront neighborhoods don’t want the noise and having an EV boat can be a way to still get a larger boat without having to (address) a noise ordinance That’s a big motivation for many of Elk Rapids Marina’s customers
“ There’s always a desire to be cour teous on the water ways and to your neighbors, and EVs really can do that,” Faille said
There are several lakes in Oakland County where it is unlawful to operate a boat powered by a traditional motor, but where electric motors are allowed That list includes Bogie Lake and Lake Ona in White Lake Township; Cross Lake and Darb Lake in West Bloomfield; Fish Lake in Rose
Township; Manitou Lake and Pine Lake in Oxford; Har vey Lake in Highland Township; Heron Lake in Groveland Township; Indianwood Lake and Mill Lake in Orion Township; Lake Angela in Lyon Township; Mitchell Lake in Holly Township; Per r y Lake and Seymour Lake in Brandon Township; and Round Lake in Independence Township, according to a local watercraf t controls page on the Michigan Depar tment of Natural Resources websit Several other Oakland County lakes ban use of any motorboat, which may include electric boats
The advancements in electrification also allow for the market to provide electric boats that are fully capable of handling any lake in Michigan This includes both inland lakes and the Great Lakes, provided there isn’t unusually dangerous inclement weather, Polan said
There are many reasons for consumers to consider EV boats besides local ordinances and laws, including lower noise, clean energy, less maintenance and exhaust-free benefits The maintenance par t is par ticularly helpful thanks to direct-drive technology, causing the electric motor to have fewer moving par ts, reducing the time and cost of regular maintenance, Polan said
Boaters with an interest in EV boats are of ten highly sensitive to keeping lake waters clean, Faille said They are attracted to the idea because of the ver y low amount of emissions, as well as the limited maintenance that EV boats require Faille said many EV boats require little more than added coolant during the winter with limited batter y maintenance
“ The biggest maintenance you may have is sof tware updates,” Faille said “ These boats are made ver y well and regular sof tware updates keep things r unning ” She said the standard outboard motor may need an oil change ever y 50 to 100 miles of use, whereas electric batteries require none
There’s also a cost savings on gas Faille estimates that most EV boats car ried by Elk Rapids Marine require just 10 percent of the charging time that would be spent on a full tank of gas for outboard motors
“ That’s a big benefit as well,” she said “ You don’t need to wor r y about getting gas at a gas shack It saves you time and money ”
Of course, the initial investment on an EV boat is much more expensive, of ten in the tens of thousands of dollars Faille said the cost of EV boats has fallen by 50-75 percent in some cases, estimating that a 26-foot EV boat that cost $350,000 a few years ago may cost around $200,000 today Many of the marina’s 21-foot EV boats are in the $150,000 range
“ That’s about the cost of many new, higherend pontoon boats,” Faille said “It’s still a (larger) investment up front but the price points are coming down ”
Given the lack of maintenance needed, EV boats can save residential owners money af ter many years, Faille said, However, the value of a boat purchase can var y based on how of ten the boat is used Faille suggested that potential buyers “ do the math” to deter mine how long of a time period it might take them to recoup the higher cost of an electric boat based on savings attributed to lower maintenance and fuel costs
Par t of the consideration of whether to purchase an EV boat is based on how people use their boats and the expectations they have of it That’s a question that Faille and her colleagues have with their customers EV boats are not as suited yet for long boat trips, but are per fect for day, evening and weekend users on either their own lake or a nearby lake they can tow it to
“ They are convenient too,” Faille said “ You can plug into anywhere that has shared power ” The amount of time for an EV boat batter y to be fully charged varies, but most will gain a full charge if plugged in for several hours over night
Most marinas already have power r unning to their docks in order to charge boat batteries, r un lights and AC, and to use the other electric powered features on their customers’ boats, Polan said
Some consumers question whether the per for mance of EV boats is comparable to traditional outboard motorboats Most EV boats top out at speeds of around 32 mph, Faille said As boaters throttle up and down, the batter y range and percentage changes as well Faille claims that many consumers are surprised about the quality of per for mance that EVs have “As long as people can still feel the power and security of the boat, they come around to (liking the idea) of an EV,” Faille said
While that might be the sentiment among some consumers, Club Royale’s Rob Davis believes that some boaters remain concer ned about the limitations of recreational EV boats for good reason The president and owner of the Water ford-based boat dealer said that EV powerboats are impractical on most Oakland County lakes because of the amount of electricity they bur n and therefore require, especially when pulling water skiers or wakeboarders
“A boat plowing through the water has more load than a car going uphill all the time,” Davis said “(The ability to) plane a boat takes a lot of energy and the EV boats bur n a lot of their (batteries) on a regular day on the lake ”
Par t of the issue is that most lakes don’t have easy access electric power sources that can quickly replenish the power needed to “refuel” a powerboat’s EV batter y, making for a shor t time on the water In Davis’ experience, one hour of wakeboarding bur ns so much energy on a standard EV boat that it may need to charge for 48 consecutive hours at 220 volts before at full power
“ That means you can’t even use your boat ever y other day in the middle of the summer I don’t know of many lakes around here that have 440-volt power sources, and even then it’s a long charge time,” Davis said That amount of boat time available per charge will improve, but perhaps not fast enough for some boaters who require significant power
Even if a single charge lasts longer, it can be a difficult as of boaters to “ come in ever y couple of hours to get a charge,” Davis said
While the usage per charge is one factor in an EV boat purchase, so is the EV batter y life span Today ’ s EV batteries last longer, of ten well over a decade on average with regular use before limited dips in per for mance such as a shor ter period of timing needed before charging
The EV boating industr y is continually making improvements to the batter y technology, Faille said As a result, boaters may soon be able to lease EV batteries or have easy replacements without having to replace the full boat However,
the uncer tainty of what condition an EV batter y will be in five to 10 years from now is uncer tain
“ When you ’ re making that big of an investment (in purchasing an EV), you don’t want to have to spend tens of thousands of dollars or more on batter y maintenance or a new (batter y),” she said
The 2025 U S Electric Boats Market Repor t produced by Grand View Research indicates that the range, per for mance, and charging capabilities of electric boats var y but are improving over time There are regular innovations in solar charging systems and hybrid propulsion models
“As these trends continue to evolve, the electric boats market in the U S is expected to experience sustained growth, driven by a combination of regulator y suppor t, shif ting consumer preferences, and ongoing advancements in clean marine technology The growing popularity of recreational boating activities across the countr y also plays a key role in driving market demand, as leisure users seek quieter, low -maintenance, and costeffective solutions that electric boats offer over their gas-powered counterpar ts,” the repor t added
These and other factors are why recreational EV boats are generally a more realistic option for pontoon boaters who require little energy to go for a casual ride on inland lakes, Davis said That is why it is impor tant for sales professionals to discuss the boating interests with their clients in detail Customers are asked about how and when they plan to use the boat, how of ten they use it, and more By understanding the goals of the boaters, members of Davis’ team can better recommend options
Club Royale sells multiple EV pontoons most months Davis said there is little interest in EV (power) boats Pontoon boaters, however, are usually easy to identif y and are of ten more interested in considering an electric version
“ With pontoons, it really doesn’t matter how much power you use because t(here’s no need to plane) the boat,” Davis said, adding that most EV pontoons only require 10-50 horsepower
Those EV pontoons are par ticularly useful for
residents living on lakes that restrict boat usage to non-gas motors, which is also common in Oakland County That’s where Davis sees the cur rent and future demand for EV boats
“ Then you have a few customers who do want to be environmentally conscious even on a lake that does allow gas-powered boats,” Davis said “But the biggest demand comes from people who aren’t into (powerboating) and just want to go for casual rides ”
Wonderland Marine Ser vice Manager Patrick Jett agrees He said more customers are asking about the viability of electric batter y boats over the last year, and that additional options are on the market from Yamaha and other manufacturers But few powerboaters show an interest
“ They are wor ried about per for mance but generally don’t even consider the EVs,” Jett said Yet for pontoon boat enthusiasts, electric motors are becoming more capable of handling the load More EVs have enough horsepower to move pontoon boats up to 10-12 mph Just a couple of years ago, the maximum speed EVs could suppor t was around two mph, Jett said
“ That’s a pretty big shif t,” Jett said “ The EVs are much more power ful now ”
Jett explained that recreational power boats previously used the types of batteries commonly seen in golf car ts that were acidic, heavy and less efficient Now all EV-powered boats use lithium batteries that offer a longer life span and charging capability Reliability has improved as well Wonderland Marine locations in Water ford, Howell and Pinckney have increased the number of EV pontoon boats they sell as a result
“ The (old batteries) didn’t provide much longevity,” Jett said “Now (EV boat) manufacturers are producing batter y packs that provide more convenience and longer (periods of) charging ”
Polan believes the “ green ” and sustainable nature of EV boats is a main reason for the growing interest in them There is no grease, fuel or lubricants involved with electric boats, which makes it easier for many new boaters who may not have the experience of winterizing a boat to prepare their boat for the summer
Most impor tantly for some customers, EVs are exhaust-free There are no fuel or exhaust smells, allowing boaters, and those around them, to enjoy cleaner air
“Our industr y is embracing sustainability
recognizing the impor tance of protecting our water and fishing resources, ” Polan said “MBIA is actively engaging our members and boaters to par ticipate in MRC ’ s shrink-wrap recycling program ”
MBIA along with the MDNR and MI Sea Grant champion the Michigan Clean Marina Program with 104 marinas cer tified to -date MBIA is finishing a three-year grant to help boaters understand their role in stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species, Polan said Additionally, the association, along with the Michigan Depar tment of Natural Resources and Michigan Depar tment of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy have par tnered on a grant application to create a Great Lakes Fiberglass Recycling program to address abandoned boats
The growth of the American electric boats market is being significantly influenced by a combination of environmental awareness, technological advancements, and suppor tive gover nment policies, according to the 2025 U S Electric Boats Market Repor t The national market size for the EV boat market, both residential and commercials, is nearly $2 5 billion, with par ticular growth in pontoon boats, small fishing boats and inland watercraf t for lakes and rivers
The repor t states that increasing concer ns over carbon emissions and the har mful environmental impact of traditional fuel-powered boats have led to a rising demand for cleaner and more sustainable alter natives, suppor ting the experiences of Polan and Faille
`“As consumers and businesses alike become more eco -conscious, electric boats are being embraced as an efficient and environmentally friendly mode of water transpor tation
Additionally, various federal and state-level incentives, including tax benefits and subsidies for electric vehicle adoption, are making it more economically feasible for manufacturers and buyers to invest in electric propulsion systems,” the repor t states
Faille said that more consumers are interested in smar t boat features as well, which include automated navigation and connectivity, which align well with the capabilities of electric propulsion systems
There cer tainly is a market for EV recreational boats in Michigan The Great Lakes State ranked third in the nation with $1 6 billion in recreational powerboat sales in 2023, according
to the National Marine Manufacturers Associatio That figure was behind only Florida and Texas Michigan residents have registered more than one million residential boats with the state, making it one of the top states for boating enthusiasts in the countr y, according to a repor t commissioned by online boat classified and sales distribution website Getmyboat com
The MBIA last fielded a study about consumer electric boats in 2022 with 39 percent repor ting they were exclusively considering an electric boat for their next purchase One-third of respondents stated they were actively looking for both gas and electric boats, and just 27 percent said they were exclusively searching for a gaspowered boat
Jett believes demand for EV pontoon boats will continue to increase because he has seen the trend manifest for more than a year He wonders whether a slower economy might adversely impact the market and questions the number of boaters who would consider an EV option
There will be (customers) for EV boats but it depends where you take or dock your boat,” Jett says “A lot of our customers focus on per for mance and that’s going to be a (deter mining) factor for many ”
Faille said Elk Rapids Marina believes that growth in EV recreational boats will continue because more manufacturers are making EV boats to address consumer demand Additionally, there is more education about these boats online and anywhere consumers need to conduct their research She said professionals ar t Elk Rapids Marina and other boat dealers around the state are committed to spreading the word about recreational EV boat benefits, so consumers understand the choices they have
“Michigan has some of the cleanest lakes around and we want to keep it that way, ” Faille said “EVs can be a per fect option for many boaters in the state It’s not for ever yone but for those who want one, they are of ten pretty committed to “(sustainability) ”
VIEW FROM ABOVE
Walled Lake
Walled Lake, located in southeastern Oakland County, is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and recreation. The lake, which shares its name with the city of Walled Lake, also extends into Novi. It's the fourth-largest lake in Oakland County.
Each foot of lakefront in Michigan holds both personal and monetar y value Whether r ugged and natural, untouched, or carefully maintained for water recreation, when it’s time to protect that footage with a bit of love, care and nourishment, there are options. Lake water activities, such as boating and recreational use, can erode a shoreline, washing away sand and sediment. However, lakefront owners have options to replace the lost sand on their land and even add material to the lake floor. However, all of this must follow the r ules and requirements set by the Michigan Depar tment of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). It’s a process that can take some time to navigate.
But what exactly is beach sanding? Simply put, it’s the process of adding, redistributing, or smoothing sand along a beach to help reinforce eroded areas or spots showing wear and tear from recreational use or weather effects. Lakefront proper ty owners may want to expand a recreational beach area or create a sand pit for volleyball and other spor ts. Maintaining a beach and adding sand can potentially boost real estate values.
BEACH SANDING
ADDING TO YOUR LAKEFRONT PERFECTION
B Y MARK H.
STOWERS
For those wishing to enhance their proper ty, beach restoration and expansion are possibilities, as well as making the lake bottom more recreational-friendly through weed and muck removal and adding sand
Overall, beach sanding on Michigan’s lakes –especially the Great Lakes – is regulated by federal, state and local agencies These agencies focus on maintaining water quality, protecting habitats, and preventing unintended environmental damage Some of the per mit considerations include having a sand source that is free of contaminants and is similar to the existing beach material The volume of sand may be restricted to help minimize ecological disr uption Any activities below the ordinar y high water mark (OHWM) are heavily regulated and any removal of native plants may require additional review to protect dune and beach ecosystems
The possibility of federal oversight may include falling under the Clean Water Act, especially if wetlands or protected habitats are involved Per mits from the U S Ar my Corps of Engineers may be required for projects that alter the shoreline or water flow on a larger scale
While beach sanding offers benefits, environmental risks must be carefully considered The natural dynamics of coastal Michigan ecosystems are fragile, and human inter vention can cause lasting impacts Many of Michigan’s beaches and dunes are habitats for rare and endangered species, including piping plovers, pitcher ’ s thistle and lake sturgeon Beach sanding that changes the topography or removes native vegetation may endanger these species There is also the risk of invasive species Impor ted sand, if not properly vetted and cleaned, may introduce invasive species or pathogens Even routine grooming can give invasive plants, like Phragmites australis, an oppor tunity to spread by disturbing native root systems
Excessive or improper sanding can lead to increased turbidity and nutrient r unoff, which reduces water clarity and encourage algal blooms Regulator y agencies monitor sand placement to prevent these problems Since Michigan beaches are shaped by wind and wave activity, they undergo erosion and buildup, maintaining a natural balance Frequent beach sanding can disturb these natural cycles, sometimes accelerating erosion in other par ts of the shoreline
EGLE oversees activities affecting the state’s waters and shorelines The first requirement for any shoreline work is to apply and obtain per mits for any and all beach grooming and sand placement, par ticularly on the Great Lakes and designated inland lakes
Sher ri Lantinga, owner of Dune Restoration
Ser vices, has been in the business for the past five years with a large focus on Lake Michigan proper ties Her main advice concer ning the process is, “Plan ahead EGLE takes at least a month to process an application Af ter that, you have to get township and sometimes HOA and other approvals ”
She noted that working on Lake Michigan proper ties, sanding can be futile, as the strength of the great lake waves can quickly deplete the added sand, rendering the work ineffective
“In the shor t r un, sand looks great and you ’ ve got instant beach But in the long r un that just erodes away, ” Lantinga said
The per mit categories for wetlands, inland lakes and streams, the Great Lakes, and floodplains include three types: a $50 general per mit , a $100 minor project, and a $500 individual per mit The per mit categor y depends on the type and scope of activities being conducted These categories generally meet specific best management practices criteria that have been proven to reduce impacts to these resources when followed properly
Each of these categories is updated at least ever y five years to incorporate new technologies, scientific advancements, and the evolving needs of the public and program stakeholders While these categories generally involve activities that require minimal review if criteria are met, they do not necessarily specif y projects that will be issued a per mit
General per mit categories include activities that are usually the least damaging to resources and follow best management practices for specific actions These categories outline activities expected to cause no more than minimal impacts and can be processed through a fast-track per mit application If all activities for a project fall under a general per mit categor y, it may be handled accordingly, and no public notice, site visit or mitigation is required for the per mit application
According to the EGLE website, all projects that are not classified as general per mit or minor per mit are considered individual per mits These projects are also called public notice projects because cer tain laws require notif ying nearby landowners and giving them the chance to comment or request a public hearing Nearby landowners include any parcels touching the project parcel and those across the street Projects that only impact floodplains do not need public notice, regardless of per mit categor y It is impor tant to note that some projects require a more detailed review process, such as major projects defined by EGLE or those needing concur rent federal review, as outlined in the State and Federal Clean Water Act Section 404 Program Memorandum of Agreement Major projects include activities like dredging more than 10,000
cubic yards, building seawalls and bulkheads longer than 500 feet, filling or draining one acre or more of contiguous coastal land, and constr ucting 300 feet or more of commercial docks, stream enclosures, or relocations, as well as other large-scale projects Beach sanding typically qualifies as a minor project
John Jones from the EGLE War ren district office laid out the steps to take to sand a lakefront proper ty
“A regulator y summar y on beach per mits, specifically, for inland lakes, our district office does cover Lake St Clair and Lake Erie, and the process is generally the same, ” Jones said “Star t by applying for a minor project per mit The minor project categories were created to streamline the per mit process for cer tain smaller, less complex projects where the applicant agrees to stay within the limits of the specific minor project conditions EGLE has a minor project categor y for beach sanding called Fills for Swim Areas One impor tant note The minor project is not an automatic per mit The application is reviewed for resource impacts like any other per mit and may be modified or denied by the depar tment To submit a minor project application, the fee is $100 ”
Jones explained an over view of project infor mation
“Applicants who opt to apply for a beach sanding that does not meet the minor project conditions are bumped up into the individual per mit categor y with a minimum fee of $500 and requiring a 20-day public notice period A public notice is sent out to the local municipality, DNR Fisheries and Wildlife, adjacent proper ty owners, sometimes HOA’s and lake associations (if we are made aware of them) and other agencies as required by statute The recipients of the notice are provided 20 days to generate a written response to the proposed project Those comments are then considered by EGLE in making a per mit decision and all per mits are good for five years from date of issue ”
Jones fur ther explained, “EGLE’s involvement in a proposed beach sanding project usually comes under Par t 301, Inland Lakes or Streams and/or Par t 303, Wetlands Protection It is impor tant to note that not ever y lakefront proper ty is guaranteed a beach as a riparian right ”
And when considering sanding lakefront proper ty, those owners should weigh out what they need against what they want
“Regarding wetlands, a lakefront proper ty owner or prospective buyer should have a reasonable expectation of how much impact on the aquatic resource is likely to be approved EGLE must consider the existing site conditions in our per mit
decision For example, a proper ty owner with 75 feet of lake shoreline consisting entirely of emergent wetland should not expect to receive a per mit for a 50-foot-wide beach,” Jones said “Per mit decisions are made on a site-specific basis As such, we of ten recommend star ting the per mit process by applying for an on-site pre-application meeting to discuss the proposed project For a residential proper ty owner considering a beach, the fee for a pre-application meeting is $100 ”
Jones dove fur ther into where EGLE has the power to make decisions
“EGLE’s jurisdiction on a lake star ts at the ordinar y high water mark (OHWM) Above the OHWM, assuming no wetland impact, EGLE authorization is not required to place sand We generally don’t need to be involved if someone is just dumping sand up in the mowed yard However, any amount of beach sanding or beach maintenance below the OHWM is likely to require an EGLE per mit,” he said “ We do work with contractors who blow in sand or a sand /pea gravel mix Installing a temporar y “silt cur tain” around the entire work area is required to contain the turbid water EGLE always prefers pea gravel over sand The pea gravel, being a heavier material, is more stable and less likely to be displaced over time Placing sand on a frozen lake and waiting for the spring thaw is not an EGLEapproved method for creating a swim area ”
The EGLE joint per mit application is managed entirely through the depar tment’s online por tal called MiEnviro
The three main processes for upgrading lakefront proper ty include simple beach sanding to create a sof t, sandy, and stable beach area on the shore Beach restoration is a more in-depth process where sand is replenished or replaced and the shoreline is expanded The third option is per manent lake bottom restoration, which makes the lake bottom more comfor table for swimming and recreation
Chris Trier weiler is a second-generation member of the beach sanding business T T&C Beaches, which was star ted by his late father, Joe, in the 1980s in Howell Joe invented and patented the process for creating ar tificial sandy bottoms for lakefronts Af ter his passing in 2004, his three sons – Cur t, Craig, and Chris – car ried on his legacy and now manage the company, which specializes in beach development The company was originally founded in 1978 as an excavating and gravel business By 1985, due to increasing demand, T T&C shif ted focus toward inland lake restoration and improvements For years, excavators and skid steers would r ut proper ties while bringing necessar y materials to the lakefronts Joe developed and patented the Sand-Pro System in
1989 This new system – a sand slur r y mixture –enabled the company to install and restore beaches in a single day He explained that the entire process is regulated to protect both the lake and the sur rounding environment, and that the project size must be appropriate for the area
“In the state of Michigan, the only time we can put fill in the water is if we get a per mit through the EGLE, so it's basically an approved per mit,” Trier weiler said “ They typically restrict that area depending on your frontage size ”
Trier weiler submits the per mit, which may take up to two months to process Once approved, it is added to their schedule
Each beach sanding process only takes a day to complete, depending on the size of the beach area For the in-water addition of sand, they lay down an approved filter fabric and stake it in place
“ Then we actually pump water out of the lake and use that mix of pea stone and sand and spread it out on the fabric,” Trier weiler explained “ The weight of the sand and pea stone will weigh the fabric down It’s typically about five to six inches of fill that the state allows us to do Once we're complete, we remove our anchors, which we use to secure the fabric, and you don't even know we were there And once we're done, if you were previously knee-deep or waist-deep in muck, now you can walk out and be on a nice, stable sandy lake bottom right when we leave ”
The muck and anything else in the water is not removed but the fabric is placed over the top of and the weight of the sand/pea stone mixture covers it all and compresses it
“As the weight compresses that muck, because we're putting six inches of sand on top of the filter fabric, you're typically going to be about a similar depth of what the original muck is, so it typically won't come back over Some lakes are muckier and dir tier than others, so you may have to rake it from time to time, but typically, the best maintenance is just activity and using it We have a war ranty of up to three years as long as it's under one foot of water,” Trier weiler said
These beach projects may need to be refreshed ever y decade or so, depending on use
“It just depends on preference, your lake, how much you use it, your how silty your lake is However, typically, if you don't use it and let it sit, it'll probably retur n to its original state af ter a few years If you use it and maintain it like a flower bed, it's going to stay ver y nice,” Trier weiler said
Any maintenance work or refreshing will need to have an approved EGLE per mit as well
Trier weiler noted, “ The on-land is just a little bit different depending on if there has to be any things
removed We're more or less specialized in the inwater because of our system, but if you don't have any access to the lake with a large, uniloader or piece of equipment, we can pump the sand down using our water-sand mixture, and then we actually pump it on top of a filter fabric where we tr y to contain it on land, and then obviously once it dries out, we'll move it around That's more land, similar to a traditional beach The on-land process is a little bit more laborintensive because there's a lot more shoveling involved But it still typically takes a day to complete ”
Once the process has finished, Trier weiler offered maintenance tips for the improved area
“ There are two main problems to contend with The influx of silt and weeds that may settle on your beach and the erosion or loss of sand due to wave action,” Trier weiler said “Silt and weeds easily become suspended in the water, floating to wherever the cur rent sends them Any activity on your beach will once again suspend the silt and most weeds in the water The idea is to disturb the silt on windy days or when wave action is present to car r y the silt away This is why the beach is purposely constr ucted higher than the sur rounding lake bottom so that this cleansing process will happen naturally Sand, which is a heavy-media, does not move readily Silt on the other hand, will naturally move from a higher to a lower spot with marginal cur rent Transplantation weeds will only encroach on your beach from the lack of use ”
Trier weiler recommends using your beach regularly, as constant activity will keep the silt stir red and in motion Rake the beach with a large landscape rake that has at least a five-pound weight attached to the bottom of the handle This allows you to drag it without exer ting much pressure Additionally, create water movement and re-plumb the ir rigation pump at the lake to ser ve as a jetting tool He mentioned that an annual beach cleaning scheduled by T T&C will help extend the investment's longevity
Tony Hodges with H&H Excavating discussed more about the process he’s been working with the past two decades
“ The first issue is figuring out if the proper ty is a wetland Ever y beach is a little bit different,” Hodges said “ We get a half a dozen each year Right now, the lakes are so low that we aren’t doing any We have to stay above the high water mark ”
The sand used is a process-washed sand that looks like Lake Michigan beach sand When adding sand to the water, there is a limit on how much can be used each year Some lakes don’t per mit all of it If there is muck, sometimes it can’t be added because it would disturb the animals and wildlife in the muck
Lantinga offered an alter native to sanding to help protect water front proper ty
“Coir logs are made out of coconut fiber and they are about a foot tall and ten feet long We put those along the shoreline and they help protect the shore from boaters and jet skis and water skis and it creates large waves along the shore, it can degrade the proper ty The coir logs will gather dir t and grow vegetation in them while they degrade and it builds up the shoreline while protecting it The first layer goes right in the water and in about two years, you ’ ve got thick native vegetation – grasses and reeds And then in about four to five years, you don’t see them at all as they are covered with grass and plants ”
Melissa DeSimone, Executive Director of the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association doesn’t recommend sanding lakefront proper ty
“ We would not encourage beach sanding at all,” DiSimone said “ We all live on beautiful inland lakes but they are not the Great Lakes and cannot be expected to have sandy beaches like the larger lakes or the oceans The sand can only wash into the lake and slowly contribute to the filling of the lake and the introduction of contaminants If children want to play in the sand, we suggest a sandbox set away from the shoreline so the sand doesn’t end up in the lake Also, if you have a sandy beach, then you have a bare shoreline, and we encourage people to have as much of their shoreline planted with native plants as they feel comfor table with to help combat erosion and filter rainwater r unoff coming into the lake ”
She offered more educational infor mation for lakefront proper ty owners at www shorelinepar tnership org
Eric Diesing, Freshwater Program Coordinator for Oakland County, doesn’t recommend sanding either, especially the process of adding sand in the water
“ This could cause some significant impacts to the waterbody, par ticularly in the littoral region where there is usually a lot of aquatic plants and other organisms,” Diesing said “If adding sand, it should be done in the most controlled and maintained way possible to prevent unnecessar y sedimentation in the water body One big item to think about is avian control and managing the r unoff from the sanded area Beaches can add significant amounts of E coli to lakes if birds are not properly cleaned up af ter ”
Beach sanding has its benefits and drawbacks but as long as the bigger picture of the environment is kept in focus, the process can enhance the lakefront, bringing generations of recreation and relaxation and communing with nature altogether
T H R E AT E N E D P L A N E T
Threatened Planet is a newsletter of curated information gleaned from over 30 print and online news sources where reliable information is provided on the health of the environment and the efforts to remedy problems facing the planet We constantly monitor a diverse list of sources – the major daily newspapers in the country and in Europe, a variety of scientific journals and government websites, along with newsletters from environmental groups, as well as a wide-ranging list of other reliable print and online news outlets For those concerned about the environment, we do the legwork by aggregating relevant information from a wide swath of sources and attempt to offer links mostly to those sources not restricted by a paywall Those interested can sign up for the newsletter at ThreatenedPlanet com
Research and composition of the Threatened Planet newsletter is the work of Austen Hohendorf
Alcatraz immigrant detention facility over its environmental impacts on the federally protected Everglades (Lori Rosza/The Washington Post)
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Environmental groups face “generational setbacks” as the Tr ump administration dismantles climate change effor ts (David Gelles, Claire Brown, Karen Zraick/The New York Times)
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The aging effects of extreme heat are comparable to smoking or drinking alcohol, according to a newly published study (Javier Carbajal/Wired)
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An appeals cour t r uled against nonprofit groups who had $16 billion in climate grants frozen by the Tr ump administration saying they acted legally (Claire Brown/The Washington Post)
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A new hazardous waste bill passed the Michigan Senate that would prevent cer tain radioactive materials from being disposed of in the state and double fees for duping hazardous waste (Colin Jackson/Michigan Public)
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The Tr ump administration is reducing the number of ocean and air pollution monitoring weather satellites it plans to launch (Andrew Freedman/CNN)
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Europe’s glaciers are melting faster than anywhere else on Ear th, showing signs of climate peril and putting the population at risk across the continent (Molly Hunter, Sara Monetta/NBC News)
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Youth activists are suing Wisconsin claiming state laws exacerbate the climate crisis by perpetuating fossil fuels and impeding the state’s transition to renewable energy (Dana Dr ugmand/Inside Climate News)
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Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suspended employees that signed a letter war ning congress the Tr ump administration is gutting natural disaster responses. (Maxine Joselow/The New York Times)
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A new study finds the Great Lakes are experiencing more than double extreme temperature swings which affect entire ecosystems and threaten wildlife (Carlyn Zwarenstein/Bridge MI)
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A federal judge ordered Florida to close the Alligator
The Tr ump administration rescinded $25 million in USDA funds for Michigan land preser vation cr ucial to protecting local food systems and water quality (Brian Allnut/Planet Detroit)
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will stop requiring thousands of polluting facilities to repor t the amount of heat trapping gases they release into the air (Maxine Joselow/The New York Times)
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Climate change is increasing sugar consumption in the United States by over an estimated 100 million pounds a year (Seth Borenstein/The Associated Press)
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The first solar-covered canal in Califor nia is now online - one of the first globally - that could generate gigawatts of power nationwide (Maria Gallucci/Canar y Media)
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A new repor t finds U S taxpayers will pay billions in new subsidies to the oil and gas industr y following the passing of the Tr ump administration “One Big Beautiful Bill Act ” (Molly Taf t/Wired)
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Far mers are dealing with an “economic crisis” as crop prices decrease and operating costs are rising (Bailey Schulz/USA Today)
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Detroit was named the “most challenging city ” in the U.S. for asthma sufferers due to air pollution (Nina Misuraca Ignaczak/Planet Detroit)
Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area Metro Intelligencer is reported/ created each month by Gigi Nichols who can be reached at GigiNichols@DowntownPublications com with news items or tips, on or off the record.
Contemporary Greek in Royal Oak
Blue Goat, a moder n upscale Greek restaurant, has officially opened its doors in Royal Oak Owned by the Tef tsis family and launched by Georgios Tef tsis and Chef Anderson Hardy, the restaurant blends tradition with innovation to create a refined Mediter ranean dining experience Georgios Tef tsis comes from a family of restaurateurs His grandfather immigrated from Greece in 1966 and went on to open Astoria Pastr y Shop in Detroit in 1971 Tef tsis describes Blue Goat and its Greek-inspired menu as the per fect setting for a sophisticated adult date night “Our focus at the Blue Goat is the guest experience and the hospitality that we can provide,” he said Highlights from the menu include Char red Octopus with hummus and caper vinaigrette; local lamb chops ser ved with oregano and avgolemono aioli; and a classic lamb & beef gyro with tzatziki, tomato, and onion For desser t, guests can enjoy a Baklava Flight an assor tment of traditional baklava prepared by the family ’ s own Astoria Pastr y Shop The beverage program features a full bar with beer and wine selections, including several Greek options, alongside a curated list of craf t cocktails Designed by Colin Tur y of Tur y Design in Detroit, the Blue Goat’s interior evokes the spirit of Greece The space is marked by a calming palette of oceanic blues and crisp white stucco walls, enhanced with rich walnut accents and natural sisalshaded lighting 321 South Main Street, Royal Oak bluegoatroyaloak.com
New Chef at Basan
Basan, tucked neatly into the ground floor of Detroit’s historic Eddystone building and a mere stone’s throw from Little Caesars Arena, opened in November of ‘22 Recently, the izakaya-style restaurant announced that Chef Connor Maxwell-McCabe stepped into the role of executive chef Originally from Wisconsin, and now proud to call Wayne, MI home, Maxwell-McCabe’s path to the kitchen has been anything but conventional Before pursuing his culinar y career, he studied metallurgical engineering, applied and computational mathematics, and somputer Science Ultimately, his passion for cooking led him to ear n an associate’s degree in culinar y ar ts from Henr y Ford College and he hasn’t looked back since In his new role, Connor is eager to embrace the many challenges of leading a kitchen from the precision of cost control to maintaining the highest standards in food and ser vice Above all, MaxwellMcCabe claims his favorite par t of the work is the people:
collaborating with the talented Basan team and connecting with guests, especially at the Chef ’ s Counter, where he finds joy in watching that first-bite reaction Basan ser ves up Japanese-inspired dishes, including bao buns, skewers, small plates, large plates sweets and inventive cocktails Basan is open seven days a week, for dinner and cocktails in both its main dining room and expansive lounge 2703 Park Avenue, Detroit basandetroit.com
Rooftop Bella Limone opens
Bella Limone is a new Italian restaurant and bar that “brings the soul of Italy to life through handcraf ted pastas, house-made limoncello, and vibrant flavors infused with fresh lemon, herbs, and passion ” The Royal Oak establishment takes over the space for merly occupied by Pink y ’s Roof top which closed its doors at the end of June
Like Pinky ’ s, Bella Limone is owned by the Adam Merkel Restaurant Group which owns several other well-known restaurants, including Diamonds Steak & Seafood, The Silver Pig, and Cello Italian Restaurant in Howell The menu is thoughtfully craf ted to encourage sharing, with a variety of dishes designed to be passed around the table and enjoyed together All pasta is made fresh daily
Signature offerings include: Lemon Spaghetti with lemon and mascarpone cream, fresh basil, and crispy capers; Rigatoni Spicy Palomino featuring San Marzano tomatoes, chili, and cream; Carbonara with bucatini, black pepper cream sauce, guanciale, peas, roasted cipollini onions, and egg yolk A full bar offers wines, beer and craf t cocktails The wine list is exclusively Italian, showcasing selections from across the countr y from Tuscany to Sicily The Limoncello is house-made and takes two months to per fect Guests can savor cocktails such as the Amalfi Spritz, made with house Limoncello and Prosecco, or the Limoncello Mar tini, craf ted with house Limoncello, Zim’s Vodka, lemon, and simple syr up 100 S Main Street Floor 2, Royal Oak bellalimone com
Oakland restaurateur honored
On September 10, Rina Tonon, owner of Café Cor tina in Far mington Hills, was inducted into the Distinguished Restaurants of Nor th America (DiR NA) Hall of Fame, one of the industr y ’ s most prestigious honors She was honored at the DiR NA event, held in Napa, Califor nia sur rounded by her sons, Adrian and Giancarlo, who play an integral role with Café Cor tina “A trailblazer of far m-totable dining and one of the Midwest’s most respected restaurateurs, Rina Tonon has transfor med Café Cor tina into a nationally celebrated destination known for soulful Italian hospitality and a garden-to -plate philosophy,” said Scott Breard, CEO of DiR NA Tonon, who opened Café Cor tina with her late husband Adriano in 1976, is firstgeneration Italian American raised in Detroit 30715 W. 10 Mile Road, Far mington Hills cafecor tina com
A) Oxford Multi includes: Cedar, Clear, Long, Squaw, Michelson & Tan Lakes
B) Waterford Multi includes: Cemetery(Middle), Dollar, Greens, Maceday, Lotus, Lester, Van Norman, Williams, Mohawk, Wormer, Schoolhouse, Silver, Upper Silver & Loon Lakes
C) The Loon Lake control structure also controls Mohawk, Wormer, Schoolhouse Silver & Upper Silver Lakes
D) The Van Norman control structure also controls Green, Maceday, Lotus & Lester Lakes
E) Lake Angelus, Huron River, and Clinton River levels are not under the jurisdiction of this office
F) The Dawson Mill Pond and Sylvan-Otter Lakes are controlled by the Price Dam
G) Crystal Lake is controlled by the Walter Moore Dam
H) Lake Louise and Huff Lake are controlled by the Ruth Johnson Dam
I) Waumegah Lake reading in N.G.V.D (1983)
J) Some Winter Levels are set by Court Order Others reflects customary drawdown
