Lake Improvement Boards are legal entities governed by Public Act No. 451 of 1994 Part 309. A Lake Improvement Board, established in compliance with the statute, will consist of a member of the County Board of Commissioners, 2 representatives appointed by the local unit of government (if more than one unit of government is involved, then one representative from each is required), a representative of the County Drain Commissioner, and a resident riparian of the lake elected by the other members of the Lake Improvement Board.
Lake boards may undertake projects directly related to improving the condition of the lake. Improvement projects most often include aquatic nuisance plant management and other water quality management methods, such as algae control, water sampling, water inlet improvements, and education of the residents. The cost of improvement projects and other related expenses are paid for by the residents on or near the lake via a special assessment on their property taxes.
