JOB ONE: Keeping Our FOCUS and EYES on the Health of the Lake: - Water Quality Analysis and Storm Water Runoff are recent examples. The Duck Lake Association (DLA) monitors the clarity and quality of the lake water on an annual basis. We were proactive in early detection and treatment of Invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil. In 2014, the Duck Lake Association initiated a successful petition drive for a Special Assessment to fund suppression of invasive aquatic weeds.
This past summer we successfully created a 2nd Special Assessment District that continues the steady funding to monitor, detect, and treat the invasive weeds that continue to come into our lake.
The DLA continues to call attention to our local, County, and State officials addressing the problem of watershed runoff into our lake. Lastly, but particularly important, in 2008, the Duck Lake Association hired an attorney who (specialized in reparian rights) and helped the Duck Lake community successfully resist an effort to build homes adjacent to Turtle Cove.
Communications with Duck Lake residents and the Clarence Township Board.
Email - dlacalhoun@gmail.com - The DLA maintains an email list of members to provide immediate information (email "blasts") when needed. (Email addresses are never shared elsewhere.) Several DLA Board members also attend Clarence Township monthly meetings. The DLA has a continuing positive relationship with our local fire department and our county marine officers.
Web Site - We're excited to share that we maintain a vibrant website, www.ducklakeassn.org, designed to keep lake residents and interested parties informed and engaged! This online hub is packed with pertinent information about our community, events, and activities. Plus, for your convenience, we've included a handy link for ordering various items, making it easier than ever to stay connected and support our initiatives. Dive into our website and discover all the wonderful resources we have to offer—let's make our community even stronger together!
Duck Lake Apparel - Show your Duck Lake pride with our stylish apparel! We offer a variety of Duck Lake branded clothing during two convenient ordering periods, allowing you to sport your love for our beautiful community. What's even better? We partner with our local supplier, Scott Farmer, who generously returns 20% of the proceeds back to the Duck Lake Association! So, not only will you look great in your Duck Lake gear, but you'll also be supporting our community initiatives. Don't miss out on these fantastic opportunities to showcase your Duck Lake spirit!
Duck Lake Directory - We publish a directory of all lake residents biennially. The DLA distributes the directory (even years) to members in good standing. The 2024-2025 Directory will be distributed early this summer 2024.
Newsletter - We publish a newsletter 3 times per year. The first newsletter of the year is mailed to all lake residents. The remaining newsletters are mailed only to DLA members. As an option, members can request free electronic versions in color, via their email.
Lake Clean-Up - Spring has sprung, and it's time to give Duck Lake a little TLC! We're thrilled to partner with Clarence Township for the annual "Round the Lake Clean Up," a fantastic opportunity to show our appreciation for this beautiful natural resource. Together, we'll work side-by-side to collect trash and debris, leaving our lake sparkling clean and ready for a season of fun. Clarence Township generously provides a one-day dumpster for our convenience, making it easy for everyone to participate. Join us for this rewarding event and let's make Duck Lake shine!
Fish Stocking - In coordination with the Michigan DNR, we pay for fish stocking every other year. We collect donations to help off-set this cost. In November of 2024 1,000 6-8” walleye were stocked by Lagus Fish Farms near Portage, MI. This was paid for by the DLA. In addition the Michigan DNR stocked 1,500 walleye fingerlings in October of 2024. Happy angling!
"Community Building" Activities:
Fall Newsletter 2024 - Get ready to relive the magic of Fall 2024! Our latest newsletter is packed with highlights from the season's most memorable events around Duck Lake. From heartwarming gatherings to exciting activities, we've captured the spirit of autumn in every page. Click the link and join us for a nostalgic journey through the vibrant colors and heartwarming moments of Fall 2024! Read More...
Round the Lake Garage Sale - We proudly sponsor an annual garage sale and invest in advertising through newspapers and flyers to promote the event. To ensure convenience for all attendees, we also rent and provide two Porta-johns for public use. This event takes place on the fourth Saturday in June, and this year, the garage sale is scheduled for June 28, 2025.
Fourth of July Boat Parade - Get ready to celebrate Independence Day in style! Our annual Fourth of July Boat Parade is a dazzling display of red, white, and blue, with boats of all shapes and sizes decked out in patriotic flair. We're thrilled to sponsor and organize this beloved community tradition, where families and friends come together to enjoy a day of fun, laughter, and celebration. So grab your sunscreen, your best patriotic attire, and join us for a spectacular parade on the water!
Golf Outing- We sponsor and help organize an annual mid-summer 9-hole scramble golf outing at the Duck Lake Country Club for any DLA members. (There is a course and cart fee) Saturday July 12, 2025. (Check the date)
A Paddle Event - Get ready to paddle, Duck Lake! Our newest annual event, "Paddle the Duck," is set to splash onto the scene on August 16, 2025. This exciting event invites lake residents to grab their paddles or oars and enjoy a leisurely journey along the beautiful shoreline of Duck Lake. Whether you choose to paddle the entire lake or just a portion, it's a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy some friendly competition, and create lasting memories. Stay tuned for more details in our upcoming Summer newsletter, and get ready to "Paddle the Duck!"
In the Spring of 2023, the Duck Lake Association Board initiated its own local shrink wrap recycling drive at the suggestion of local riparian, Wayne Gay and in conjunction with the Michigan Recycling Coalition. The majority of shrink wrap comes from Dr. Shrink, Inc. which has grown from a small business started in 1992 in Northern Michigan to a world wide global shrink wrap supplier. Shrink wrap is 100% virgin resin made of #4 low density polyurethane and is ideal for recycling, being used to make plastic lumber, TREX decking, construction sheeting and garbage bags. For every bag of shrink wrap recycled there is a savings of 115 Kwh of energy, 13.5 gallons of oil and 16-20 cu ft of landfill space.
Locally, the DLA Board has decided to continue this valuable recycling program in 2025. Your wrap can be picked up by calling Tom Neidlinger (269) 967-4379 this Spring. The last date for pickup is June 14, 2025. We encourage and appreciate our local residents' participation in this important recycling program.