The PLA Channel Committee was started in 2025 in response to the ongoing issue of sand clogging the Pentwater Channel, effecting boaters, and the community as a whole.

While the PLA is not involved politically, or financially, it is still very important to know what is going on as Pentwater Lake does extend to the end of the channel technically. We need to keep abreast of the situation.

Members of this committee include: Board members -Joan Menke-Schaenzer (Chair), and Pat Hooyman and PLA member- Chris Conroy.

They all attend the “Protect Pentwater Channel Citizens Committee” (PPCCC) meetings which were established in 2022.

The PPCCC is a volunteer group focused on addressing the ongoing issue of shallow channel connecting Pentwater Lake to Lake Michigan. Their goal is to work on a long-term solution and coalition building to keep the channel open for navigation.

The PLA Channel Committee reports to the Board at the monthly meetings. And has voted to write letters to appropriate congressmen/women in support of funding being allocated to the maintenance of the Pentwater channel, which includes dredging.

The PPCCC has established a tax-deductible fund that anyone can donate to at the Community Foundation of Oceana County. The designation is: “Protect Pentwater Harbor Campaign Services Fund”. Please do NOT send donations to the PLA for this fund.