Summer cottage taxation, water quality, and coastline security will be the subjects of three programs to be hosted by the Les Cheneaux Islands Association this summer, open to everyone. The programs will be Wednesdays at 3 p.m. and will last about one hour.

On Wednesday, June 29, former Islands Association President Jack Edwards of Big LaSalle Island and Columbus, Ohio, will explain the Clark Township and Mackinac County tax assessments on cottage property, particularly the 18-mill non-homestead levy against second homes, vacation properties, hunting camps, and commercial properties.

Water quality and septic systems will be explained Wednesday, July 13. Danielle King of the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program will describe new Michigan septic regulations implemented in Mackinac County and how these regulations will affect buyers and sellers of property with a septic system or well. Fred Moore of Marquette Island and Cincinnati, Ohio, will facilitate the program.

Clark Township is an area where groundwater is particularly susceptible to contamination from failing septic systems because of its limestone karst soils. Ms. King provides free, confidential services to help homeowners reduce the risk of groundwater contamination.

The third program, Wednesday, July 27, will outline the United States Coast Guard’s duties and U.S. Department of Homeland Security's "Waterways Watch.” Dewey Lopes, a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Les Cheneaux Flotilla, will outline how residents can help protect the local shorelines from terrorism and will discuss suspicious activities and vulnerable areas of the Upper Peninsula. The association’s Water Safety Committee and member Ed Rusk of Midland and Big LaSalle Island are coordinating the event.

The June 29 and July 27 programs are at the Les Cheneaux Community Library in Cedarville and the July 13 program is at First Union Church.

Register by calling (678) 364-9543 or (906) 484-2990, or by e-mail at dbiglerpi@aol.com.

Beginning a new tradition, Association President Trip Abnee and the Islands Association board will host a cocktail party for new association members Saturday, July 9. The event will start at 6 p.m. at Mr. Abnee’s home at 1299 South Islington Road in Cedarville. All new members within the past three years are invited to attend and should make reservations before Monday, July 4.