Many of our reader questions this 2021 season have been on the topic of seasonal docks. As seasonal docks on Michigan’s inland lakes, when used for single family, non-commercial, residential purposes, they typically do not require state-level permitting and there is a fair amount of homeowner discretion (and questions) as to seasonal dock location and placement. One need only take … Read More

It is no secret that sound carries over water with ease. Lake life carries with it a number of ordinary and incidental sounds that are not bothersome and add to the overall character and setting of enjoyment of a day on the lake. We recently received a reader request regarding watercraft noise levels, specifically related to rear-facing tower speakers, frequently … Read More

In previous articles, we have discussed the different categories of activities an inland lake landowner may require permitting for from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE.) Generally, these are classified as General Permit (GP) procedures, Minor Project (MP) procedures, and public notice Individual Permit (IP) categories. All these are part of the Joint Permit Application (JPA) umbrella. … Read More

Inland lake living is premised on a concept that is simple to state, yet difficult to enforce: each owners’ use of the lake for their personal enjoyment, without adversely affecting others’ exercise of that very same privilege. In order to maintain some manner of restraint on development, to prevent inland lakes from becoming so choked with structures and seawalls that … Read More

Over the course of this winter, we received many questions regarding the use of new technology and new activities on our inland lakes. In brief, the ways that inland lake users recreate is diversifying, while increasing in frequency and volume of users. Traditionally, one might divide watercraft users on Michigan inland lakes into pleasure cruisers idling around the perimeter of … Read More