Beth Heuser honored for Pleasant Lake advocacy

Beth Heuser was recognized at the annual Pleasant Lake Property Owners’ Association meeting in Freedom Township. Photo courtesy of Lon Nordeen.

submitted by Carol Westfall

At its annual Pleasant Lake Property Owners’ Association (PLPOA) meeting in Freedom Township on October 12, 2025, PLPOA President Beth Heuser was recognized for her 25 years of Pleasant Lake advocacy. The approximately 40 attendees gave her a standing ovation, understanding that Beth’s volunteer efforts and leadership throughout these years have greatly contributed to the success of keeping Pleasant Lake and the surrounding wetlands healthy and recreationally viable for the lake residents.

Beth’s love for Pleasant Lake dates back to her childhood. She was actually born in her current home and grew up on the lake. As an adult she lived in Connecticut and North Carolina but eventually moved back here because Pleasant Lake was “home.” And that was when she became the lake’s main advocate, at least 25 years ago.

Beth became a founding member of CROW (Citizens Protecting Our Waters) when there were threats from the area gravel mines. She organized lake residents and led a successful effort to tighten guidelines and oversight of those gravel mines. Her activism has always been about protecting not just our lake, but also the area’s wetlands and watersheds. And, of course, lake residents’ wells.

She’s also been very active on the PLPOA Board and has served as its president since 2011. She has probably attended more township Planning Committee and Board meetings than most residents. She advocates for proper lake zoning; for lake area road maintenance; for enforcement of ordinances around the lake; and, certainly, for approval of our lake treatment management program.

For all this, and more, PLPOA presented Beth Heuser with a beautiful wooden tray etched with a detailed outline of Pleasant Lake; a token of appreciation for Beth Heuser’s years of exceptional advocacy for Pleasant Lake and its residents.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.