We are facing an urgent problem regarding the trees in Cobmoosa Shores. With the assistance of Rod Denning, District Forester, Michigan Forestry Assistance Program, we have documented the presence of Oak Wilt in Cobmoosa Shores and know that it has already killed 32 trees. Further, we have been put “on alert” for another infestation that affects Eastern Hemlock, Hemlock Wooly Adelgid. This disease has been documented in our area as close by as Thomas St and the Black Forest.

In recent years we have suffered mass losses of our beech and ash trees due to the effects of Beech Bark Disease and Emerald Ash Borer, respectively. Losing our red oak and hemlock trees will further change the fundamental forest composition we enjoy here. We must take whatever action we can, working together as a neighborhood, to prevent and/or at least mitigate these diseases in order to preserve the forest that characterizes Cobmoosa Shores.

This notification is intended to keep you up to date on your board's efforts to address the problem of threats to our trees, particularly regarding Oak Wilt.

To get started the Cobmoosa Board of Directors has established a Tree Committee. Board members Rick Emerson and William Rafaill will act as co-chairs. Also serving on this committee will be board members Paul Jordan, Jan Morrison, and Ed Dedic; and association members Cheryl Jordan and Barb Rafaill. The purpose of this committee is threefold:

1. To work with local experts such as Rod Denning to identify and mark trees that are infected by oak wilt, to determine the proper course of action to remove infected trees, and to protect uninfected trees.
2. To learn as much as we can about the diseases infecting our trees and to disseminate this information to our community.
3. Working with the full board, to develop a long-range course of action to protect the natural beauty of Cobmoosa Shores.

Rod Denning will be returning to Cobmoosa within the next few weeks to consult with the Tree Committee on how to survey our trees, and to help us measure, mark, and flag trees as appropriate. We will be sending out much more detailed information after that survey.

Please consider becoming an active member of the Tree Committee. We would like to have each street in Cobmoosa represented by at least one person to facilitate the distribution of information and to serve as a contact for neighbors with concerns. If you have any questions or would like to serve as a “tree street captain," please use the CONTACT US form on the Cobmoosa Shores website.

It has been reported by at least one member via communication with the CSA Board that there have been a series of burglaries in the area. First, a number of the units in the storage buildings next to the hardware were broken into last week. Next, the Stony Lake Inn was a victim Wednesday night. Third, some homes near the Stony Lake Store were also entered. It is important to state that the board is not aware of any burglaries within Cobmoosa Shores.

Please be vigilant, keep an eye on your property and that of your neighbors. If you see any suspicious activity, please report it to the local authorities via 911 and report the same to the CSA Board—via the Contact Us form of this website—so we can keep all of the membership informed.