Where to send donation:
–send to Barnes Lake Club and indicate lady liberty as the project
Who will be holding the money?
The Barnes Lake Club will be holding the money donated to the club until we document the need to spend funds and/or buy materials. The fund-raising money will have a detailed accounting of what was collected and spent, and will be on file for anyone to review. The money collected will be deposited into a Venmo account and be distributed the same way-so all deposits and expenditures will be accounted for. There has been a block of squares sold for the MSU/ U of M game and the accounting is pretty easy to trace -each square paid has the person’s name and at 100 squares priced at $20-total income is $2000-with $250 paid out per quarter generating $1000 profit. No other money has been collected as of 9/28/25. The money that has been spent was donated by the individuals needing to get the information out to the community. We could use a volunteer to be treasurer for the project.
What is the cost of this project?
We have no idea as of today, because it depends on what EGLE (Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy) requires from us. If we get lucky the permit could cost between $50-100, but could go as high as $900. EGLE could require us to do very little to the base and foundation, but also could require an extensive overhaul of what is currently in place. The new base we are thinking of using is made of fiberglass (maintenance free) and costs approximately $1960. The metal under structure has a rough estimate of $1200 for the metal and power coating (makes it almost rust free) with the assembly, welding etc… donated free of charge by a lake resident. A rough estimate could be $3000 on the low side and $7000 on the high side. Any leftover money will be used for long term maintenance items that we might need years down the road and the balance donated to the BLC.
How will the cost be covered?
Fund raising and donations! We already have an individual willing to do a $1000 matching funds donation! I have no reservations that the fund raising will exceed our costs for the complete project.
How is the project progressing?
The project is progressing in a timely manner; we are subject to EGLE and are waiting for there decision on what is needed. EGLE has indicated this project is unique and Burns Roland is actively in contact with them. Fund raising is proceeding and events have been planned. We plan on a July 4, 2026 unveiling.
The main individuals overseeing the project is as follows:
EGLE and permits-Burns Roland
Design-Cad/Cam & design -Brian Cobb
Fundraising- Dawn Gottschalk
Overseeing the project-Jerry Gottschalk
This is a community project, for the community, by the community!
We have a fantastic group of volunteers helping with getting Lady liberty back in the water and plan on a great unveiling celebrating our 250th anniversary on July 4th, 2026! We have some ideas on how to include our youth around the lake and have them participate in the unveiling of Lady Liberty.
Please tell any of the people raising questions they can call me directly, it is easier and things do not get misinterpreted. I will answer any and all questions to best of my ability.
This is a Lake Improvement Board Project and not s BLC project.
I will be at the monthly BLC meeting this week to give an update and answer any questions.
Regards,
Jerry Gottschal
248-568-7174
BARNES LAKE CLUB 