Frequently Asked Questions
We know navigating lake life can sometimes feel like treading water, so we’ve reeled in the most common questions and docked them here. Whether you’re fishing for answers, trying to stay afloat on boating rules, or just curious about the currents of community life, this page will help you paddle through with ease. Dive in — no life jacket required!
What gives Runyan Lake Inc. the authority to assess dues?
Runyan Lake Inc. is a “strong” association, authorized and incorporated under Michigan Public Act 127 of 1929 (Summer Resort Corporation Act) and Michigan Public Act 44 of 2006. The history of incorporation and property inclusion can be found in the preamble of our Bylaws.
What are the functions of the different home owners associations for Runyan Lake?
RLI is a lake association with responsibility for management of the lake, the boat ramp, and the island. RLHAI and RLPPOA are neighborhood associations responsible for private roads and park areas in their territories. More information can be found using the “Other Associations” button on the navigation bar.
Are all Runyan Lake properties members of all the associations?
No. All properties are members of Runyan Lake, Inc. Properties in Runyan Lake Heights are also members of RLHAI. Properties on Runyan Lake Point and Spring Street are members of RLPPOA. Properties in Runyan Lake East are members of the Runyan Lake East Condominium Association.
Does the lake association have bylaws and objectives?
Please click on Bylaws and Vision and Mission for Runyan Lake, Inc. information.
Does the lake association publish financial records?
Financial information is published twice each year in newsletters and reviewed at Annual Meetings. See Minutes & Newsletters for reports. If you need additional information or have questions please contact us.
What communications does the lake association provide to its members?
Newsletters and meeting notices are distributed by email wherever possible, or by regular mail if members prefer. Urgent announcements are sent by email only. You can sign up for email communications on our website. Most communications can also be found here on our website.
What are the annual membership dues for the lake associations?
Each association sets its own dues annually. Please refer to our About Us! page to contact the associations for additional information. Recent historical RLI dues can be found online.
Do properties in this area have city water and city sewer?
Each home has its own private well water supply. The entire RLI community is served by the Livingston Regional Sewer System. For details see the Sewer System page. For connection status and cost information contact Tyrone Township or the Livingston County Drain Commission via our Other Contacts page.
Does the lake community have social activities?
Please refer to our Dates & Events page for all dates of meetings and other events hosted by Runyan Lake, Inc.
What does “lake management” mean?
Runyan Lake, Inc. is responsible for water quality monitoring and weed control, owns the private boat ramp for riparian members, and owns and maintains the small island.
When is weed control treatment applied?
Annually, beginning in the spring, when the water temperature reaches ~65ºF. More details are available on the Weed Control page.
What is the fish population of the lake?
Fish populations include Bluegill/Sunfish, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Longnose Gar, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Walleye. See our Fishing page for more information.
What is the size and depth of the lake?
Runyan Lake is approximately 180 acres in area, with a maximum depth of 55 feet.
Is there public access for boating on Runyan Lake?
Runyan Lake is a private lake; there is no public boating access. Access is via the RLI private boat ramp for riparian member use only. Providing access across your property violates Michigan Riparian law and could result in criminal prosecution.
Can my son or daughter or uncle or cousin or friend put their boat or jetski on Runyan Lake for the weekend?
No. Under Michigan Riparian Law and local Tyrone Township Zoning Ordinances, only watercraft titled to Runyan Lake property owners may be placed onto the lake. Providing access across your property violates Michigan Riparian law and could result in criminal prosecution.
How do I contact the lake associations?
See our RLI Contacts page for officers and trustees. General inquiries should use our Email RLI form. Realtors or others with specific property questions should use our Realtor Request Form. For RLHAI or RLPPOA contact info, see the Other Associations page.
In the early spring and summer I see swarms of black bugs that look like mosquitoes but they don’t bite — what are they?
Non-biting midge flies (chironomids), commonly called “blind mosquitoes” or “fuzzy bills.” They do not bite and are often used as indicators of water quality. They’re an important food source for fish; larvae help “clean” aquatic environments by recycling organic debris.
I see a lot of dead fish in late May and early June — why?
Possible explanations include:
(1) Spring Kill: Natural die-off as water warms rapidly in May/June; usually brief and limited, often affecting species that spawn in spring (e.g., bluegill, crappie, perch, bass, pike, suckers).
(2) Columnaris bacteria: Infects fish (not humans), often when water reaches 65–70°F. Can look dramatic but usually does not impact overall populations.
More information is available at the MDNR Fish Disease webpage.
What causes the foam, or suds, I see along my shoreline periodically?
Simple answer: natural and harmless. It’s created when wind/waves mix air with natural organic compounds from decomposing plants/animals; foam collects on the downwind shore.
Technical answer: decomposed organics release surfactants that reduce water surface tension; agitation produces bubbles/foam. Natural foam smells earthy/fishy and may be off‑white/tan/brown. Detergent foam smells perfumed and is usually whiter.
How come I sometimes get itchy or develop a rash after swimming in the lake?
Often swimmer’s itch: a parasite that lives in snails and sometimes waterfowl. Harmless to humans aside from itching. Avoid shallow weedy areas with ducks, and rinse/dry after swimming. See www.swimmersitch.org for more.
I need access to the boat ramp — who do I call?
Riparian members should call a trustee with ~24 hours’ notice. Trustees verify member status, dues, liability waiver, Michigan registration, and RLI boat sticker. Your boat should be free of weeds/water/bait fish from other lakes. No power loading; back your trailer so you can idle or float your boat onto it. See Boat Ramp page for more.
I need a boat sticker — how do I get one?
Email runyanlakeinc@aol.com, or provide your info with your dues invoice. Include your Michigan registration (MC number), type of watercraft (e.g., PWC, inboard/outboard, ski boat), and description (e.g., Mastercraft, Four Winns, Avalon, SeaDoo). Stickers are issued only to boats titled to Runyan Lake property owners (per State law and RLI bylaws).
I don’t use the RLI boat ramp. Do I still need an RLI boat sticker?
Yes. All boats on Runyan Lake must be registered with RLI and display an annual sticker. The sticker confirms riparian ownership (required by law/bylaws) and helps identify drifting watercraft. Contact any trustee, email runyanlakeinc@aol.com, or include your info with your dues invoice.
Can the Sheriff or DNR access Runyan Lake and issue tickets? Isn’t Runyan Lake a private lake?
Yes. A private lake means no public access, but all Michigan waters are under state jurisdiction. The DNR and Sheriff may access Runyan Lake at any time and issue tickets or warnings for violations of Michigan laws governing waters and watercraft.
I have a complaint or concern about road conditions — who do I call?
RLHAI for roads in Runyan Lake Heights. RLPPOA for roads in Runyan Lake Point. Runyan Lake East Condominium Association for shared private driveways in RLE. Livingston County Road Commission for county roads elsewhere.
I have a complaint or concern about boating safety on Runyan Lake — who do I call?
Start with neighbors, Email RLI, or contact an RLI trustee for assistance. For enforcement and most safety concerns, contact the Livingston County Sheriff directly.
I need more information, or I have a question you have not covered — how do I contact you?
Please refer to our About Us! page to contact the association, or you may email us directly.