Saturday, October 19, 2024 – Shoreland Property Tour – Led by Julia Kirkwood,  Environmental Quality Analyst for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).  Register HERE

Portage Base & Whitewood Owners Association is now:

Huron River Chain of Lakes Association

The HRCOLA mission is to preserve,  protect, and enhance the health and safety of our Lakes and the surrounding Watershed for current and future generations. 

In recognition of the fact that PBWOA’s activities now cover the complete Huron River Chain of Lakes from Zukey down to Little Portage, the membership of PBWOA voted at the Annual Meeting in May of 2024 to adopt the name the Huron River Chain of Lakes Association (HRCOLA). Scroll down for more information about the name change.  

Shore Garden Tour with Washtenaw County Shoreline Consultants

About Us

Photo Credit: Scott Dentler

Our Lakes

Photo Credit: Scott Dentler

Fun on Our Lakes

Photo Credit: Heidi Metzger

Make a Difference

NEWS & EVENTS

Introducing HRCOLA – Huron River Chain of Lakes Association

Over the years the name of our lake association has changed as the focus of its activities has expanded from those that only impacted Portage and Little Portage Lakes to those that impact the complete Huron Chain of Lakes from Zukey to Little Portage.

In 1964 the name changed from Big and Little Portage Lake Association to the Portage and Base Lakes Association.  In 1973 it changed to Portage and Base Lakes Property Owners Assocation.  In 1988 it was changed to Portage, Base, and Whitewood Owners Association.

Because the activities of the Association now impact the complete chain of lakes from Zukey down to Little Portage, at the annual meeting in May of 2024, the members have agreed to change the name to the Huron River Chain of Lakes Association – HRCOLA.

In case you are wondering, all PBWOA current members are now members of HRCOLA.

2024 Fireworks on Portage and Gallagher Lakes

As they are every year, the Portage Lake Fire Works are scheduled for the first Saturday of July.  The date is Saturday, July 6.  Sunday July 7 is the back up date in case of inclement weather.  The show starts after sunset – usually about 10 pm.

Fireworks on Gallagher Lake are a week later on July 14th.

 

NATURAL SHORELINES

Naturalizing altered shorelines improves water quality, prevents erosion, enhances habitats and biodiversity, and supports the overall health of inland lake ecosystems resulting in cleaner water for us all to enjoy.  Shoreline gardens, fish sticks, and softening of seawalls help protect our lakes for future generations.

 

WEED & ALGAE CONTROL PROGRAMS

Weed and algae control programs run by Washtenaw County and Hamburg township help to lessen the adverse impacts of invasive species and algal blooms on our lakes.  As directed by a lake scientist and permit by EGLE, they use chemicals and weed harvesting.