Big Pine Island Lake Association

07/21/2026

Kent District Library Events at Grattan Township Hall

Kent District Library will be hosting two free family events at Grattan Township Hall this month.

Nick Thomas Entertainment

Tuesday, July 21 | 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Enjoy a fun-filled comedy, juggling, and magic show for the whole family.

More information:
https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/events/69aeeec2491b809c6f1f1fd7

Storytime for Young Children

Tuesday, July 28 | 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Young children and their families are invited to enjoy stories and other engaging activities.

More information:
https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/events/69a851958089f23c675fc325

Both events will be held at Grattan Township Hall. We hope local families can join the fun!

07/18/2026

07/18/2026

**Michigan Wake Boat Legislation Update**

Michigan Senate Bill 812 proposes new statewide operating requirements for boats using ballast tanks or other wake-enhancing equipment.

Under the proposed legislation, a boat operating in “wake sport mode” would be required to:

• Operate in water at least **20 feet deep**
• Remain at least **500 feet away** from shorelines, docks, rafts, swimming areas, and anchored or moored boats

Violations could result in a civil fine of up to $500.

The Michigan DNR has reported that large wakes can contribute to shoreline erosion, disturb lake-bottom sediment, reduce water clarity, damage aquatic vegetation, and release additional phosphorus into the water.

**What would this mean for Big Pine Island Lake?**

Based on the size and depth of our lake, there does not appear to be any area that meets both the 20-foot depth requirement and the required 500-foot setbacks. Therefore, if SB 812 becomes law as currently written, wake surfing or other use of wake-enhancing equipment would effectively not be permitted anywhere on Big Pine Island Lake.

SB 812 was introduced on February 26, 2026, and remains under consideration in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture. It is only proposed legislation at this time and is not currently Michigan law.

Residents interested in following the bill or sharing their views can find Senate Bill 812 through the Michigan Legislature website and contact their state legislators.

07/07/2026

Big Pine Island Lake Association Annual Membership Meeting
BPILA members are invited to attend the Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Grattan Township Hall.
The meeting will include committee updates, the treasurer’s report, the proposed 2026–2027 budget, and the election of board members for the 7/1/26–6/30/28 term.
We encourage members to attend, stay informed, and take part in the discussion about the lake and our community.
If you know of any new residents, or anyone who may be interested in joining the Association, please invite them to attend.
See you there!

07/05/2026

🇺🇸🚤 Congratulations to the Vroma Family! 🚤🇺🇸

Congratulations to the Vroma family, winners of the Big Pine Island Lake 2026 Most Patriotic Boat Contest! 🇺🇸🏆

Their incredible patriotic pontoon captured the spirit of America's 250th Birthday and wowed the judges!

Thank you to everyone who decorated their boats, participated in the parade, and came out to cheer from around the lake. A special thank you to Renee & Doug Swaney and Sheri Willmore for organizing such a fun community event, and to everyone who helped make it a success.

📸 Enjoy a few photos of our winning boat, and if you snapped pictures from the parade, we'd love to see them in the comments!

Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸❤️

07/04/2026

This Fourth of July, enjoy Michigan's beautiful lakes responsibly. A little extra care by every boater can help ensure that loon chicks survive to become the next generation of Michigan's loons.

Celebrate safely. Boat responsibly. Help keep Michigan's lakes alive with the haunting call of the loon.

Adult loons are the future of the population. They live a long time, but raise very few chicks each year, and many of those chicks never make it to adulthood. Because of this, loon populations depend heavily on high adult survival. Losing even one breeding adult can mean the loss of many future generations of chicks. They are barely able to sustain their populations.

For more information or to support loon conservation, contact the Michigan Loon Preservation Association.