Indian Lake and Carpenter Dam
Spanning 8,659 square acres and reaching a maximum depth of 15 feet, Indian Lake is the fourth-largest lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is situated in a vast 285-square-mile watershed. Several small tributaries feed the lake and the Indian River is the outlet from the lake. The lake's summer legal level is 613.32 feet NAVD88 and winter legal level is 612.32 feet NAVD88. The Special Assessment District boundaries were established July 11, 2024.
Carpenter Dam
Located downstream on Indian River, Carpenter Dam (AKA Indian River Dam or Brewery Dam) is 110 feet in length and constructed of concrete.
2024 - 2025 Lake Level Special Assessment
The 2024-2025 special assessment will pay for the development and confirmation of the special assessment district boundaries, updates to the lake level order, repairs to the dam, inspections and monitoring, and updates to the Operations and Maintenance Manual, among other things. The project cost is $225,000. The assessment will last two years (2024-2025) and have a 5-6%* interest rate. The first assessment will appear on property owners' winter 2024 tax bill.
*Interest rate subject to change. Final amount will be known once the bond is sold.
When will I receive my assessment?
If you choose not to prepay your assessment, your 2024 winter tax bill will contain a line item with the first annual assessment, including interest. The assessment will appear on your winter tax bill in 2024 and 2025.
What if my property taxes are in escrow?
If your property taxes are paid from an escrow account, you should reach out to your mortgage company to discuss what impact the special assessment may have on the balance of your escrow account and your monthly mortgage payment.
What is the interest rate on the assessment?
The final interest rate will not be locked in until the prepayment deadline has passed and financing is secured.
Drinking Water
The Indian River supplies drinking water for the City of Manistique which has a population of approximately 2,800 people. The Carpenter Dam controls the level and flow rate of the Indian River in accordance with the needs of the Manistique municipal water system.
Winter Operations
To keep the dam operational this winter, the county will implement the following tactics:
-
Install deicer fans
-
Purchase a hot water pressure washer
-
The fire department will also be available to spray water on the dam gates if there is significant ice build-up
Once the spring melt begins and the ice on the lake begins to break up, the gates will be moved to the open position to allow the ice to pass.
Indian Lake Authority
-
Gilbert Baker, Hiawatha Township Supervisor, Chair
-
Dan Hoholik, District 5 Commissioner, Vice Chair
-
Theresa Lund, Thompson Township Supervisor, Secretary/Treasurer
-
Troy Basset, District 3 Commissioner
-
Corey Barr, City of Manistique Manager