Paw Paw Lake Management Plan
Bob Wallace
Watervliet Charter Township Supervisor
269-463-5113
Ken Parrigin
Coloma Charter Township Supervisor
269-208-5675
Joe Pater
Watervliet Charter Township
269-208-3941
Bryan Duffield
Coloma Charter Township Trustee
269-876-7000
Paul Hausler
Progressive Companies - Lake Management Consultant
616-447-3376
Ehrland Bosworth
Spicer Group
ehrland.bosworth@spicergroup.com
616-458-8580
Mike Bond
Paw Paw Lake Foundation Liaison
Charlie Pater
Paw Paw Lake Association Liaison
Since 2012, a management plan has been underway to help monitor and improve conditions in Paw Paw Lake. The plan is being coordinated under the direction of Coloma and Watervliet Charter Townships with assistance from environmental and engineering consultants. The plan is funded through special assessment districts established under Michigan’s township public improvement statute (Public Act 188 of 1954). The management plan is separate from the Paw Paw Lake Foundation and the Paw Paw Lake Association.
The Paw Paw Lake Foundation (PPLF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 1995, that is committed to preserving, protecting, and improving Paw Paw Lake, its ecosystem, and watershed. The foundation's primary focus is on enhancing water quality through a range of environmental initiatives, including the preservation and improvement of wetlands, protecting the lake from invasive species, and fostering a broad base of financial support. Funded entirely by donations, PPLF is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors, many of whom are property owners on the lake, bringing a wealth of experience in business and lake management to its mission. More information on the PPFL can be found on the foundation website.
The Paw Paw Lake Association (PPLA) is dedicated to protecting the health, safety, and habitat of Paw Paw Lake, while keeping lake residents informed about lake-related activities, initiatives, and news. The PPLA holds meetings on the first Saturday of the months from May to October, with adjustments for holidays, at Watervliet Township Hall. The organization is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors, with each director serving a three-year term and overseeing various committees. All property owners in the Special Assessment District are members of the association, encouraged to participate in committees, and have the opportunity to serve on the Board. Member involvement and suggestions are welcomed to help guide the association's efforts. More information on the PPLA can be found on the association website.
A flood bench was added in September of 2024 on a portion of the Branch & Derby Drain to increase storage capacity and reduce streambank erosion. The project was jointly funded by the SAD and the Paw Paw Lake Foundation.
Stated goals of the Paw Paw Lake Management Plan include:
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Manage and control invasive and nuisance species.
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Improve overall water quality and water clarity – halt/reverse lake degradation.
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Improve fisheries, wildlife, recreational, and aesthetic values of the lake.
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Provide educational outreach.
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Measure success of the plan.
Click here for a copy of the 2024 Paw Paw Lake Management Plan.
Click here for the 2024 Management Plan Year in Review document.
Over the years, a wealth of information has been compiled about Paw Paw Lake and its watershed. This website provides various facts and figures regarding Paw Paw Lake along with an overview of ongoing lake improvement activities.
Meeting Schedules
Coloma Charter Township: 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Coloma Charter Township Hall located at 4919 Paw Paw Lake Rd., Coloma, MI.
Watervliet Charter Township: 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Watervliet Charter Township Hall located at 4959 M-140 Watervliet, MI
Public Hearing Information
The Township Boards of Coloma Charter Township and Watervliet Charter Township held joint Public Hearings at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the Coloma Charter Township Hall. Approximately 80 people attended the hearings.
A new four-year program as outlined in the Paw Paw Lake Management Plan in the link above and included in the slide presentation (link below) was presented and discussed. After the public comment discussion period ended, the two township boards unanimously continued the Paw Paw Lake management project according to the plan and renewed assessments for four additional years.
Click the links below to view the following documents:
