The Hackert Lake Lake Improvement Board (LIB) was established in 2004 by resolution of the Amber Township Board of Trustees.  Currently, the members are: Bob Haupt, Chairperson, Connie Rathbun- Anderson, Treasurer, Ed Sanders Jr., Secretary, Richard Plowe, and  Lew Squires. Hackert Lake Association was the driving force responsible for creation of the board.             

  There are many lake improvement boards in Michigan, and in our area.  Lake boards are provided for in state law and can be established by following the steps specified in the law.  A tax assessment district is also created in conjunction with the LIB.  The individual properties and owners are identified in the records maintained by local government. 

            Initially, a lake improvement board is created to address a specific project or problem.  In our case it was the Eurasion Water Milfoil (EWM).  The LIB has the jurisdiction to define the scope and cost of projects and levy the necessary taxes.  Once a LIB is established, it continues to exist, even after the initial project is completed.  If a new, or similar, project is identified, the LIB again defines the scope and costs.  The new project is proposed and reviewed in open meetings.  The LIB then decides whether or not to proceed with the project.

The following is the full text of the applicable law.