Big Pine Island Lake Association

04/19/2026

Looking for recommendations!

Does anyone have suggestions for companies that can install a double jet ski lift in the lake?

If you’ve had a good experience (or know someone reliable), please drop a comment or message us. You can also reach out directly to Lisa Stoner Heyboer here on Facebook.

Thanks in advance for any leads!

04/16/2026

Will whomever stole this sign please at least return the typewriter signs, as they come off easy and are of no use to you.

04/16/2026

Big Pine Island Lake Swag Summer Clearance, some items limited inventory making way for new → https://captpicard1701d.github.io/Big-Pine-Craftworks/?fbclid=IwY2xjawOZHkFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFZbGw1OTdFS2h0UFliRnZUc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoSFi3gBtweXNfkhunVhQ5EKJMje1I3DmjWHvkcVsy6sbZ1ZQYHPJmj-_blS_aem_UA3GZISw_ojEtjOGWhmNPg

03/28/2026

Wildlife Spotting on the Lake - Bufflehead Ducks!

Some of our lake residents have recently spotted Bufflehead ducks on the water!
Buffleheads (Bucephala albeola) are tiny, energetic diving ducks commonly seen in Michigan during winter and migration. Nicknamed “butterballs” for their compact, plump shape, they’re easy to recognize once you know what to look for.

Key Facts About Buffleheads
• Appearance:
Males have striking black-and-white plumage with an iridescent head and bold white patch. Females are more subtle, with gray bodies and a small white ear spot.
• Small but Mighty:
One of North America’s smallest ducks — quick, agile, and constantly on the move.
• Diving Experts:
They dive for 12–25 seconds at a time, feeding on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and mollusks, often diving in unison!
• Michigan Visitors:
Common on open lakes, bays, and rivers during colder months and migration periods.
• Unique Nesting Habits:
They nest in northern forests using old tree cavities (often made by woodpeckers like the Northern Flicker). They are also known for forming strong monogamous pairs.

👀 Keep an eye out! 👀
If you’re near the shoreline or out on the water, you might catch these fast little divers popping up and disappearing again just as quickly.
If you spot them, feel free to share photos with the BPILA FB-page it’s always great to see what’s happening around the lake!

03/28/2026

A quick reminder for everyone on the lake, loons are vulnerable and rely on us to help protect them.
Please use lead-free tackle, avoid getting too close, and always clean up fishing line. Every little bit helps!

Lets have a safe season for us and our guests, BPILA

03/24/2026

02/28/2026

Michigan Senate Bill 812 – Wake Boat Update
(Informational Summary for BPILA Members)
Legislative Update
Michigan Senate Bill 812 was introduced on February 26, 2026 and is currently in committee.
If passed, it would create statewide rules for wake boats operating in wake sport mode (with wake-enhancing equipment engaged).

Michigan Lakes and Streams Association
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2026-SB-0812
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Proposed Requirements
When in wake sport mode:
• Must be in at least 20 feet of water depth
• Must stay at least 500 feet from:
o Shorelines
o Docks
o Swim areas
o Anchored or moored boats
Violations would be a civil infraction (fines up to $500).
________________________________________
What this Would Mean for Big Pine Island Lake
Based on lake width measurements and available depth contour mapping:
• A 500-foot setback from both shorelines requires at least 1,000 feet of total lake width.
• Several sections of the lake are less than 1,000 feet wide.
• Areas of 20+ foot depth are limited and primarily located in narrower central sections.
• When both the 20-foot depth requirement and 500-foot setback are applied together, there does not appear to be an area of the lake that would meet both conditions simultaneously.
If enacted as written, wake sport mode operation would not be feasible on Big Pine Island Lake.
________________________________________
Importantly:
• This does not ban wake boats.
• It regulates wake sport mode specifically, statewide.
• Regular cruising remains governed by existing boating laws.
________________________________________
BPILA’s Role
BPILA will continue sharing updates as the bill moves through the legislative process.
We encourage all residents to review the proposal and form their own opinions. As always, please keep discussions constructive and neighbor-focused.

We encourage you to contact our legislators and let them know your position on the proposed legislation. The names and contact information for the State Senator and State Representative representing Big Pine Island Lake at listed below.

Senator Rick Outman
District 33
Email: SenROutman@senate.michigan.gov
Phone: 517-373-3760
Michigan Senate
PO Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909-7536
Office: Suite 4400, Binsfeld Office Building

Representative Bryan Posthumus
District 90
Email: BryanPosthumus@house.mi.gov
Phone: (517) 373-0830
Mailing Address:
Room H-153 Capitol Building
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909

Kindly, Your Big Pine Island Lake Association