History of MLRA
What is MLRA?
The Moon Lake Riparian Association was formed and approved as a 501(c)3 organization by the IRS in 1993. It now serves the residents on this 93 acre lake in Gogebic County, Michigan as a not-for-profit corporation. The one individual who deserves the greatest share of credit for forming our association is Jim Reiels. Jim had the vision to see that an association would enable residents to work together to preserve the excellent quality of our lake environment. Jim was a member of the board and held the position of Secretary/Treasurer from 1993-2016. He also wrote and published the MLRA newsletter until retiring from this role when he hit 100 newsletters. The newsletter is currently published by Steve and Carlene Sunderland.
Why Was MLRA Formed?
Prior to having this lake association, property owners had no collective recognition. Each household had its own identity, but there was no one to represent the collective interests of all the residents. Initially, in 1991-92, Jim Reiels put together a steering committee to explore the possibility of forming an association. This committee came to the conclusion that such an organization would be helpful in a number of ways. Using Duck Lake’s articles of incorporation and bylaws as a model, the Moon Lake documents were written and approved by the lake residents. And then in 1993, MLRA received formal approval from the IRS to become a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.
What Are The Advantages Of A Lake Association?
It provides a vehicle for making collective decisions that pertain to the lake.
It provides the opportunity for members to make tax deductible donations through MLRA that benefit our lake. Annual dues are also tax deductible.
It provides the opportunity to initiate projects and programs for the benefit of the lake that would otherwise not take place.
It provides the opportunity to hold social gatherings so that neighbors get to know one another and to increase a sense of community.
It provides the vehicle for continued communication on issues that are important to the lake and its residents.
What Projects and Programs Have Been Initiated By MLRA?
- In cooperation with the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association, a water quality testing program has been in place since 1995. The test results enable us to track the trends in the health and quality of the lake over time.
- Loon nesting platforms and protective buoys are set out annually. There would not be any loon hatches without this program.
- A membership directory including member information, maps, policies, and other pertinent information is published periodically.
- Shoreline, perimeter roads, and boat landing cleanups have been performed periodically.
- A fund for fighting aquatic invasive weed species has been established. Volunteers also survey the lake on a regular schedule to spot the start of any nuisance weed growth.
- Constructed and installed fish cribs at various locations around the lake. This project was funded in part by a matching grant provided by the Michigan DNR.
- Periodic donations to area fire and emergency departments have been made.
- A weather station has been purchased and installed near the lake for the purpose of collecting weather data that is specific to Moon Lake.
- A webcam was purchased for the purpose of viewing the lake via the Association’s webpage.
- A website was developed for the utilization and benefit of MLRA and its members.
- A MLRA picnic is held annually at a volunteer residence or local business.
What Organizations Does MLRA Belong To?
- Invasive Species Control Consortium of Watersmeet (known as ISCCW or Lakeguards)
- Michigan Lakes and Streams Association (MLSA)
Dues are paid annually to these two associations.
Note: This history was prepared in December, 2010 and updated September, 2023.