The measure, Public Act 345, was amended to permit lake residents to release bid invitations on lake improvement work and secure a contract for such work if two-thirds of the residents involved sign a petition. When the project is completed, residents are then assessed for the work via the tax rolls. The first reclamation effort launched under Michigan's Public Act 345 was a major cleanup of Stopke Bay at the north end of Cedar Island Lake at the mouth of the Huron River near Pontiac. Stopke Bay, which has been suffering from decayed leaves generated by a healthy growth of trees lacing its shoreline, has received practically no maintenance since it was constructed. Consequently, algae and scum blanket the surface.
Obnoxious odors add to the unpleasantness.
The deteriorated state of Stopke Bay demanded a substantial cleanup effort. Aquatic Reclamation brought in a Mud Cat to handle the task. It is well suited to shallow depths such as encountered at Stopke Bay because it can operate in as little as 27 in. of water. The machine is operated by two men, one on the craft and another on shore. It is propelled by pulling its way along a cable secured either in the water and on shore or from shore to shore.