Links and Reference
Welcome to our links and reference section. Please let us know if there are any additions or revisions you’d like to see.
Boating Rules
Surveys and Studies
- Gravel Lake Limnological Assessment, 2016
- Appendices, 2016
- Progressive’s Gravel Lake Study, 2015
- Limnological and Fishery Survey, 2015
Boat Wash
General Information
- Midwest Aquatic Plant Reference Chart
Descriptions of invasive and non-invasive plant species in our area.Michigan Water Resources Information and Forms - Michigan Water Resources Information and Forms
- The Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN)
is a regional effort to develop and provide early detection and response resources for invasive species. - PROTECTING MICHIGAN’S INLAND LAKES: A GUIDE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
- Boater Safety – Michigan Boating Safety Handbook
VHS (Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia) virus info from the DNR - Boater Safety – Michigan Boating Safety Handbook
- Boater Safety – Michigan Boating Safety Handbook
- Van Buren County Building & Electrical Application Info & Permits
- Van Buren County (detailed property map info)
- Van Buren County Animal Control – (269) 621-4624
- Boat Safety Class Info – (269) 657-2006 ext. 271
- Michigan DNR – plainwell operations service center – (269) 685-6851
- Michigan DEQ – 800-662-9278 or email
- Porter Township– (269) 624-4022
- State of Michigan
- Michigan Public Act 188
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
- Michigan Fish Advisory
- Michigan Lake & Streams, Inc.
- Michigan Riparian Magazine
- Michigan Waterfront Alliance
- Weather Information
- Aerial Graphics
Roadends, Easements and Public Access
- Midwest Aquatic Plant Reference Chart
Descriptions of invasive and non-invasive plant species in our area. - Riparian Rights and Waterfront Legal Issues – PDF Archives
- Gravel Lake License Agreement/North and South Drive
From Harold Schuitmaker – Attorney for Porter Township - New Road End Law
As Passed by Michigan Senate, January 19, 2012 - Position paper of the Michigan Lake & Stream Association, Inc. (ML&SA) Regarding proposed public road ends at lakes legislation
(September 7, 2005) - Article from The Michigan Riparian, November, 1998
- Legal Issues an Attorney Writes – Articles by Cliff Bloom
- Pro-Riparian Michigan Appellate Court Cases Regarding Lake Access Easements
- Porter Township Ordinance Number 30 – Riparian Waterfront Lot use Regulations Keyhole or Funnel Waterfront Access
- Riparian Rights in Michigan
- Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth – Statewide Search for Subdivision Plats
(Type in your beach name; Sandy, Chamberlain, Streeter, etc. and choose Van Buren) - Property Maps including locations of Gravel Lake easements, roadends and parks.(Click on “Property Assessment” under “Land Ownership”. Users will have to familiarize themselves with the zooming tools.)
Sewers and Septic Systems
- “Lake residents appear happy with sewer project”
South Bend Tribune, September, 2002 - Sewer Project Funding Options
Michigan Public Act 188 - “Farmland and septic tanks undoing decades of Great Lakes cleanup”
Tom Spears, The Ottawa Citizen, Sunday, November 16, 2003 - “Household Septic Systems”
Wrightman & Associates, Inc. - “Granholm announces effort to protect Michigan water”
The Holland Online Local Sentinel, Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - “Managing Your Septic System”
Michigan State University Extension, Revised September, 2002 - “Sewers for Lake Communities
What are the Needs, Benefits, Dangers, Organizational Requirements, and Costs? – The Diamond Lake Experience”The Michigan Riparian - “Public Sewers for Lake Communities – Part 1
“The Michigan Riparian, February, 1996