Frequently Asked Questions
Q?
Why can't I blow my leaves into the river? We did it for years!
A.
Believe it or not, there's something even worse than dumping spare tires and old pianos in our river. It's your lawn refuse. There's nothing more troublesome to our dam than your leaves, grass clippings, brush, or other lawn waste in the river.
Most residents know this, but if you are new to the area, you or your lawn service might not. These materials can plug the trash racks at the dam, which can cause the facility to be shut down. In some cases, it requires costly divers to clear the obstruction. If that's not enough, the disposal of yard waste in the river is a violation of Public Act #106, which is punishable by a fine of $800 to $2500 or 90 days in jail. So be sure your lawn service knows this, and please be responsible.
Q?
Why are those orange buoys down by the dam?
A.
They're there for your safety! Under no circumstances should anyone operate a boat, or swim inside of the marker buoys around the dam. The water flow near the dam can change at any time without warning. If the dam gates are open, there can be rapidly changing currents and whirlpools that ar capable of pulling small crafts and their occupants into the dam machinery.
Q?
Is there a speed limit on the river?
A.
It is a misdemeanor to operate at greater than "no-wake" speed within 100 feet of docks or anchored boats. The same precaution should apply especially when navigating any of the narrow channels or when passing beneath the Camelback Bridge. Creating a wake in this area could cause other passing boats to strike the bridge piers or header. Always yield the right-of-way to rowboats, canoes and kayaks. New residents should familiarize themselves with the shallower areas of the river and should study the rules published by the DNR in the Michigan Boating Guide.
Q?
What about life preservers?
A.
Use your head, and be prepared. All boats (this includes canoes, and kayaks) must be equipped with approved flotation devices for each passenger or risk a fine (currently $25) for each passenger for whom no such device is available and handy. It's always smarter to be wearing a PFD (personal flotation device) when on the water.
Q?
Are there age restrictions for boats?
A.
Age 16 and above must complete a certified boating safety course to operate any motor boat of 6hp or more. Youth under 12 must be supervised by someone 16 or older and may not operate jet skis or any boat with more than 35 hp.
Q?
What about trees in the river?
A.
Any shoreline trees that have fallen into the river and interfere with navigation, or pose a threat to safety, should be reported to one of the Trustee Officers listed under the Board tab. Typically the Board annually appoints two Trustees as "Tree Liaisons", and when you contact them, they will assess the problem; and in those cases where a threat is deemed sufficient, they will obtain at least two competitive bids for removal. They will then authorize the appropriate service to remove the tree and deposit it on the owner's property at Association expense. But the responsibility for its removal from the lawn will remain the owner's as in the past. Exceptions might include large floating tree trunks of unknown origin that have washed up to your shore, or been pushed out of mid-stream by some good Samaritan. In these cases the Association will remove the tree when reported to a Trustee. You may also email treeremoval@damowners.org to notify the trustees regarding this matter.