Lake Improvement Board

Formed in July 2005, the Eight Point Lake Improvement Board is chartered by Clare County and Garfield Township to oversee lake water quality and treatment needs to counteract the spread of aquatic invasive plants. The Board members are determined by Michigan law and include the Clare County Drain Commissioner, County Commissioner, 2 representatives from Garfield Township, and one lake riparian. The Board is responsible for determining tax special assessments on properties having dedicated lake access to pay for the costs associated with treating the lake. The Board hires consultants and treatment contractors as needed to perform surveys and to treat the lake. Currently, the L.I.B. is focused on treating Eurasian Watermilfoil in the lake.

Lake Improvement Board Members

Ralph Stewart, Chairperson and Lake Riparian
Bill Faber, Clare County Drain Commissioner
Marlene Housler, Clare County Commissioner
Bob Porritt, Garfield Township Representative
Stu Terrell, Garfield Township Representative

Contact Information: Ralph Stewart, 989.544-3306
or the Drain Commission office, 989.539-7320

Lake Treatment for Eurasian Watermilfoil

Each year, the initial treatment for Eurasian Watermilfoil takes place during the latter part of June, following a plant growth survey to determine the planned treatment map (once the water temperature is sufficient). Notices are posted at all waterfront cottages. Lake treatment maps are available on the Forms & Documents page.

2012 treatment included 10,000 weevils stocked at 2 sites
2013 treatment: herbicides on 10 acres, plus 7.1 acres stocked with 16,100 weevils

Treatment maps are available on the Forms & Documents page.

BioBase Plant Growth Survey Map

Survey Map - June 8, 2021

Water Quality

For a number of years beginning in the late 1980s, the Eight Point Lake Property Owners Corporation initiated a limited water quality testing program in conjunction with the Central Michigan Marine Biology Department. In 2008 that program was resurrected and expanded by the Eight Point Lake Improvement Board. The Board hires a Marine Consultant to collect and test water samples from 5 locations on the lake each spring. The samples are processed through nearly a dozen tests to measure such things as clarity, alkalinity, and nitrate and phosphorus levels.

Results thus far indicate the overall water quality of Eight Point Lake is excellent, far exceeding the accepted norms for Michigan inland lakes. There have been no indications of pollutants or major problems.

There has, however, been a steady increase in the levels of nitrates and phosphorus in the lake, which is generally associated with increased levels of decaying plant life in the lake and the runoff of fertilizers used on plants and lawns. Property owners are urged to avoid raking leaves or other yard debris into the lake and to avoid the use of granular commercial fertilizers anywhere near the lake.

For more information on water testing and recent results for Eight Point Lake:

Click here for Water Quality Test Results 2008-09.
Click here for Water Quality Testing Areas Map.
Click here for Water Analysis Information.
Water Quality Reports are available on the Forms & Documents page.

If you have questions, direct them to info@8pointlake.org.