Phase 3 Maintenance Along Pigeon Creek
December 13, 2024
Re: Phase 3 Drain Maintenance Project
To: Our Valued Sandy Pines Community
As communicated in our December 2024 Footprints, we have been actively working with Allegan County to address a critical situation impacting Phase 3 and our entire community. As you may or may not be aware, Pigeon Creek runs through the back of Phase 3 and is the life source of our lake. It is also an Allegan County drain as is Lake Monterey. This life source also brings with it large amounts of sediment from the surrounding areas which land at the bottom of the drain, currently Phase 3.
Over the course of the last month, we have had onsite reviews with the Drain Commissioner, our staff and others to review options, recommendations and potential action plans to correct. A plan has been accepted by Allegan County. They will be contracting with a company to start a drain maintenance project, but the project will be funded by Sandy Pines. The plan is basically to remove the built-up sediment along Pigeon Creek channel as well as the north and south shorelines approximately 350 ft. past the drain bottom. This is where most of the sediment is deposited. This maintenance will return the drain to its original form.
Starting the week of December 16, 2024, weather permitting, a contractor will be mobilizing equipment in Phase 3 near the area of Pigeon Creek and the mouth of Phase 3. Sediment removal will be taking place over the next 25 – 30 days to clear the drain. This project will be paid for by Sandy Pines with already existing operational funds. These funds are generated by the membership through boat stickers and other collected fees or soon to be collected fees through upcoming annual renewals. A small portion of the project will be paid for out of our Lake Capital fund as well. The time is now to clean this area while the lake level is low and there is no activity as we are in the off-season.
Stay tuned for more information and updates as this project progresses.
Thank You,
Jeff Sweitzer
Park President
Sandy Pines Recreational Community
2745 136th Avenue Hopkins, MI 49328
616.896.8315
Jeff@SandyPines.com