Michigan Lake and Stream Associations

l961 Dr. Clifford R. Humphrys, Professor of Resource Development at Michigan State University, invited representatives of about 40 lake associations and representatives of State and Federal agencies to attend a discussion of lake problems of inland lakes. Forty problems of inland lakes were identified but only 5 had high agreement. They were:
Aquatic Plant Control
Water Quality
Lake Level Control
Beach Improvement, and
Poor Fishing.
The subsequent discussion period emphasized the fact that several lake associations had successfully solved their problems but many had failed. It appeared obvious that the success stories, if publicized, would help other associations. It was also obvious that a State Association of local lake and stream associations could best meet this need. As an outcome of this meeting, MICHIGAN LAKE AND STREAMS ASSOCIATIONS was formed. Five years later (l966) the organization had grown to 52 local lake association members. Forest A. Smith of East Lansing was elected the first president of this fledgling organization. Herschel B. Rochelle of Hastings was elected president for l964 and l965. Henry Westerville of Portage was elected president in l966 and held that office through l972. Other persons who have served the organization during the next twenty years were: Sandra Mriscin, Wayne Clark, Paul Clark, Cecile Harbour, Robert McAlpine, Bonnie Van Ness ,John Forester, Kevin Walters, and Ray Bier Jr. The current president is Sue Vomish of Dowagiac, Michigan.