COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Following a public hearing during their work session on Thursday, the Branch County Board of Commissioners brought forward a resolution to next week’s regular meeting that requests the Michigan D.N.R. look into the need for watercraft controls on Long Lake.
The area in question is an “inlet” near the channel entrance to Coldwater Lake.
There has been a recent effort by Coldwater Lake Association President Tom Manning to place “No Wake” buoys in order to get boaters to idle back. He says while many boaters have slowed down in the area that is less than 100 feet from the shore, there have been some jet skiers and powerboats that have cruised the inlet at normal speed which creates disruptions to the shoreline.
The D.N.R. has already turned down an application from Manning for a permit to place the buoys. D.N.R. First Lt. Richard Nickols told Manning in a September 22 letter that there would be no backing under the law and that the placement of buoys would not automatically create a slow-no wake area. He added existing state laws can be enforced in the area in question.
If the Commissioners give their formal approval during their meeting on Tuesday, the Michigan D.N.R. will complete an investigation into the necessity of the watercraft control.
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