Focl, as we are commonly referred to, has been an active advocate for Clam Lake since 2008.

We came about in response to an effort by Dewitt Marine to significantly expand their docks.  When their permit application to the then DEQ (Michigan Department of Environmental Quality), now  EGLE (the  Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy), was made public, there was great concern about the impact the docks would have on the Lake; as shown in the permit application they would have jutted out a long way into the already-narrow Clam River.  The biggest fears about the proposed project were that boater safety and the quality of the Lake would be reduced.

A small group of five(5), including Paul Sak, Megan Raphael, Pam Hawley, Marilyn Bagdonas, and Tom Frey, came together to push back against Dewitt’s expansion. In a short amount of time, they were able to make property owners, on and around Clam Lake, aware of the issue.  As a result of strong public opposition, Dewitt’s project was not approved.

Because of their success in defeating a project that would have harmed Clam, the group was encouraged to continue their advocacy efforts. It was clear from the situation that Dewitt’s proposed development would be just the first of many other threats to the quality and beauty of the Lake. 

Other groups such as Three Lakes Association had been doing important work protecting the water quality of Torch, Clam and Bellaire lakes for a number of years, as had Grass River Association, and other Regional groups. FoCL’s founders saw an opportunity to support those efforts by focusing only on Clam.  With the support of people around the Lake the group formalized the organization by creating bylaws and electing a Board, etc.  18 years later, Friends of Clam Lake is still going strong. 

Over the years, Clam Lake has both remained the same and changed.  It is still considered a treasure, and loved and appreciated by generations of property owners, local residents, and visitors who flock to the area for fun throughout the year.  It remains as beautiful as always in all seasons. But like all inland lakes, its water quality is impacted by habitat loss, shoreline erosion, aquatic species (Zebra Mussels and Quagge Mussels), continuing development around the lake and area, new types of boats such as the Wake Boats and ever-more powerful watercraft, etc.  FoCL’s advocacy for Clam’s beauty and quality is still relevant – and even more so today with the many challenges the Lake faces.