Beach Captains

Why Do We Need Beach Captains?

The large majority of the land around our lake is private property. Our programs require commitment and engagement from most property owners in order that we can have impact toward our mission of protection and preservation of our lake and the watershed that determines the lake's health. The Beach Captain is part of the two-way communication that allows us to understand the concerns of your neighbors and to help them understand how we are helping to address these concerns.

What Are The Duties of a Beach Captain?

This role gives you a voice in steering BLPS actions and in amplifying the positive impact on your neighbors. The following duties are critical to the success of the BLPS:

know the properties and owners on your beach,
disseminate information about the 10 things that members can do to help our lake (see below),
be the contact for people to funnel questions and concerns to BLPS Leaders,
collect membership dues, and
simply be a local, neighborly advocate of what we stand for

What Help Do We Want From Your Beach

As property owners and visitors of Black Lake, we all play a role in how effective we can be of preserving and protecting it's ecological health and the natural charm that we all enjoy. In addition to promoting membership, the Captain encourages neighbors to fill the following 10 roles that are defined and supported by the BLPS. See the "Take Action" section of our website for more information:

Black Lake Steward – take the self assessment survey
Swimmer’s Itch Spotter – help spot broods of mergansers and report swimmers itch cases
Invasive Species Preventer – learn to identify and report the Top 10 Highest Risk Invasive Species
Lake Level Ambassador – learn the natural and human controlled factors that can be used to manage the lake level toward the court ordered lake levels. Help spread the word how nature and the dam operation really work.
Healthy Septic Owner – Learn how your system is intended to work and get on our schedule for pumpouts and inspections
Lake Ecology Master – take the MSU Extension Lakes Ecology course online to improve your awareness of our ecology and allow you to share your knowledge
Quality Investigator – work with us to identify and measure sources of nutrients, algae, bacteria, and toxicity in blooms. Work with experts to shape actions to make improvements (our HAB response efforts)
Land Use Advocate – learn about the different levels of protection available for “priority parcels” that play a critical role in our lake ecology
Beach Captain – help to build engagement among your neighbors
BLPS Leader – join the BLPS leadership team to shape and manage our efforts

Don't Think You Know Enough About the BLPS To Fill This Role?

Don't be intimidated! You simply need to let people know that you are the BLPS support person for them. You will have access to all of the people and resources you need to lead them. If you don't use Facebook, we can teach you. If you don't use our website, we'll give you a personal walkthru! You will learn all that you need to know just by being aware of the needs and concerns of your neighbors.

Ready to Sign Up?

Simply send an email to the BLPS Membership Director by clicking HERE.