Greenbelt

The perimeter walk was held April 15, 2000.  The following report contains observations of possible encroachments and updates on reforestation progress.  This report will also be posted on the Dunham Lake web site.  This report will include digital images of the possible encroachments.

Master Map

The area between posts 3 and 4 was surveyed this past winter.  The temporary stakes were helpful in determining the line.  No encroachment was noted at this site.  Erosion is a concern at this area.  Plantings to stabilize this hillside will continue this spring.  This is a high priority area for placing additional 4x4 posts.

Between posts 14 and 15 a boat was once again noted on the greenbelt. The perimeter walkers moved the boat onto the homeowners driveway at their request.  This is another high priority area for additional 4x4 posts. The topography at this site does not allow for a clear view between the 2 posts.  It appears that this is an area of possible minor encroachment.  A letter was sent.

Two small northern red oak were planted between posts 56 and 57.

The cedars continue to do well between posts 68 and 69 (lagoon area).  Removal of competing vegetation (i.e. weeding) was done in this area.  Two red buds trees were planted between posts 72 and 73.  Two northern red oaks and one butternut were planted between posts 73 and 74.  One red bud and one butternut were planted between posts 76 and 77.

The area between posts 95 and 96  was noted to be free of encroachment this year. The cedars that were planted here are doing very well.  One of the two ferns that was planted here last fall survived.  A red bud and additional ferns were planted this spring.

The rock garden was once again noted between posts 113 and 114.

An area of newly planted grass covered with straw was noted to be very close to the perimeter line between posts 115 and 116.  This area will be revisited.

A trampoline was once again noted on the greenbelt between posts 117 and 118.  The homeowners stated it was there temporarily while their lawn was getting fertilized.  Please note that the greenbelt is not to be used as a storage area.  This is the 2nd time the trampoline has been officially noted to be on the greenbelt. The perimeter walkers and the homeowner moved the trampoline off the greenbelt. The grass that had been mowed repeatedly between posts 117 and 118 was killed with Round-up in May 1999. Some wildflowers and native grasses were planted in this area in the fall of 1999.  This effort was terminated after the lot owner allegedly assaulted and threatened the Board member who was doing the planting. The area between posts 119 and 120 was also examined. This area will be observed closely for mowing this summer. Possible placement of oak and nut trees in this area will occur this spring. The plantings in this area will be done only after notification of the Oakland  County Sheriff Department..  A letter was sent.

The lot owners in L64 have had a permit to mow the greenbelt in a triangular area between posts 307, 301 and 302.  This permit was last granted in 1996 because of the lot owners concern about visibility in backing out of their driveway.  This area was reviewed and it was determined that the mowing that has been done does not  improve visibility.  It was also noted that this lot owner has a circular driveway and that backing out here was optional.  This permit was revoked and a letter was sent. The grass will be killed by a professional using Round-up and the area will be replanted with native vegetation.  Plants for this area will be mostly low growing type plants.  The grass adjacent to the garden will not be killed with Round-up. This area will also be professional surveyed.

A few areas of dumping of lawn wastes were noted on the greenbelt.  It is impossible to deterimine who is responsible for this.  Please do not dump leaves, grass clippings or sticks on the greenbelt. The leaves and grass inhibit the small woodland plants.

A group of local Cub Scouts helped remove a small area of non-native ground cover on the Oakland side's high trail.  They also planted a number of nut trees in the cleared out area.