The Lake

Click here for a map of the lake.

History

We’re still working to discover how and when the lake was named. We do know from plat maps that the lake had no name in 1890, but was named by 1906. The Pere Marquette Railroad owned the land in Section 19, which includes much of the land between North Shore and US-10. Subdivisions began to emerge around the lake, some as the result of government-owned lots that adjoined the lake, which became available for private ownership. This evolution of government-to-private lot ownership roughly spanned the period from 1850-1910. The first of these subdivisions, Wildwood Beach, was formed in 1910. The last of our 21 subdivisions, VanWelt Subdivision No. 2, was created in 1980.

Aquatic Threats

The lake has been treated for Eurasian Watermilfoil annually since  2005. On average, about 35-40 acres are treated annually, which represents 9-10% of the 388 acres. In July 2008, Zebra Mussels were confirmed in the lake by the DNR Fisheries Division when a single specimen was found in the waters along North Shore. As of August 2009, there is no treatment available for ZM.  Property owners can slow their rate of production by collecting any found in the shallow waters along your lakefront, and scraping them off boats, dock posts, anchors, etc. for disposal in the trash, campfire, or compost pile. In the summer and fall of 2010 the number of sightings of Zebra Mussels increased dramatically all around the lake...on docks, boat hoists, and a few boats.

Lake Improvement Board

Formed in July 2005, the Eight Point Lake Improvement Board was chartered by Clare County and Garfield Township to oversee lake water quality and treatment requirements to counteract the spread of aquatic pests and weeds. The Board members include the Clare County Drain Commissioner, County Commissioner, 2 representatives from Garfield Township, and one lake riparian. The Board is responsible for determining tax assessments on properties having dedicated lake access to pay for the costs associated with treating the lake for invasive species. The Board hires consultants and treatment contractors as required to perform surveys and to treat the lake. Currently, the L.I.B. is focused on treating Eurasian Watermilfoil in the lake. Below is the 2011 Lake Improvement Board Report. For a printable copy, click here.

Lake Improvement Board Members

Mark Walter, Chairperson and Garfield Township Representative
Carl J. Parks, Clare County Drain Commissioner
Jerry Burger, Clare County Commissioner
Bob Porritt, Garfield Township Representative
Ralph Stewart, Waterfront Representative

Contact Information: Mark Walter 989.544-4444
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 later part of June, (once the water temperature is sufficient). Notices are posted at all waterfront cottages. Lake treatment maps are available on the Forms & Documents page.

Click here for 2011 Milfoil Treatment Map

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 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.
Click here for the 2010 Water Quality Report
Click here for the 2011 Water Quality Report

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