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.
Assessment Prepayment FAQs
Due Date: October 11, 2024
Make checks payable to Schoolcraft County.
Write "Indian Lake - Lake Level" and your parcel ID on the memo line.
The County cannot accept credit card payments or payments made over the phone.
What is my assessment payoff amount?
You can find your total assessment payoff amount at the top of the notice received in the mail. You can also find your total assessment payoff amount by clicking the button below and finding your parcel.
Can I write one check for multiple parcels?
Yes, you can write one check to prepay your assessments for multiple parcels. If mailing your payment, please be sure to include information indicating the parcel identification numbers of all parcels you are prepaying for.
How do I prepay my assessment?
You may prepay your lake level special assessment in full by October 11, 2024, to avoid interest.
Prepay by check or money order through either of the following methods:
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IN-PERSON — In-person payments can be made Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM at the Treasurer's Office (room 169) in the Schoolcraft County Building at 300 Walnut Street, Manistique, MI 49854.
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MAIL — Mailed payments can be sent to: Schoolcraft County Building, ATTN: Office of County Treasurer, 300 Walnut Street, Manistique, MI 49854. Please ensure that all prepayments made by mail will be received by October 11, 2024. If mailing a prepayment, please include information indicating your parcel identification number, which is listed at the top of the notice you received in the mail.
What is the interest rate if I do not prepay?
The final interest rate will not be locked in until the prepayment deadline has passed and financing is secured.
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.
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:
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Install deicer fans
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Purchase a hot water pressure washer
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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
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Gilbert Baker, Hiawatha Township Supervisor, Chair
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Dan Hoholik, District 5 Commissioner, Vice Chair
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Theresa Lund, Thompson Township Supervisor, Secretary/Treasurer
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Troy Basset, District 3 Commissioner
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Corey Barr, City of Manistique Manager