Birchwood Property Management

06/04/2026

Project spotlight at Pennsylvania House Condominium Association:

Birchwood Property Management has been working with the "Penn House" Association on a significant site and garage stabilization project.

It includes rerouting a failing storm drain that previously ran beneath the garages, over-excavating unsuitable peat soils below grade, and stabilizing garage foundations with helical piers and related foundation repairs.

This type of infrastructure work is critical to protecting the long-term stability, safety, and value of a condominium property. It is also a strong reminder of why proper reserve planning matters. Major building and site systems eventually require investment, and well-funded reserves help associations respond responsibly instead of reactively.

Thank you to Project Manager/PE Steve Steimel and Spierling Trucking & Excavating, Inc. - Paving.

05/21/2026

05/08/2026

Crooked River Waterway Remains Closed/No Wake Rules in affect for both Crooked and Pickerel Lake

Date: May 8, 2026

The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Emergency Management fully understand the frustration and inconvenience this continued closure causes the public. As the weather warms and the desire for outdoor recreation increases, we recognize that the Crooked River is a valued resource for our community; however, the current conditions necessitate a cautious approach to ensure the wellbeing of all.

To manage this situation effectively, our offices are prioritizing the following:

1. Preservation of Property
This critical closure is essential to protect the shoreline and the property of residents living along the waterway from further erosion or damage caused by wake and water displacement.

2. Boater Safety
Current conditions have rendered the waterway unnavigable in many areas of the river. This closure protects boaters from potential harm, submerged hazards, and dangerous currents that are not typically present.

3. Ongoing Assessment
Additional time is required for our teams to thoroughly assess structural and environmental damages. This allows us to make informed, data-driven decisions regarding public safety and the long-term preservation of the river’s infrastructure.

The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Emergency Management remain committed to transparency throughout this process. We will continue to seek input from the public and additional stakeholders as we monitor the situation. Our ultimate goal is to reopen the Crooked River for all recreational travel as soon as it is verified safe to do so.

While Crooked and Pickerel Lakes remain open for recreation, a strict No Wake policy is currently in effect for the entirety of both bodies of water and No Wake will be rigorously enforced. This measure is necessary to ensure the preservation of shoreline property and to protect the interests of local residents; we appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all.

03/16/2026

Emmet County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Advisory

With heavy snow in our area, first responders have been dispatched to several carbon monoxide (CO) alarm activations recently, many caused by snow blocking dryer vents and other exhaust outlets.

Important reminder to all residents:
• Keep your dryer, furnace, water heater, and any other exhaust vents clear of snow and debris.

• Blocked vents can prevent proper ventilation, causing dangerous CO buildup inside your home, which is odorless, colorless, and potentially deadly.

Quick tips:
• Check and clear vents after every significant snowfall.
• Ensure your CO detectors are working (test them monthly!).
• If your CO alarm sounds, evacuate immediately, call 911 from outside, and do not re-enter until cleared by professionals.

Stay safe out there, Emmet County. If you smell exhaust fumes or feel unusually ill (headache, dizziness, nausea), get fresh air and seek help right away.

Sheriff Matt Leirstein
Emmet County Sheriff’s Office

For non-emergencies: (231) 439-8900�Emergencies: 911

03/15/2026

Emmet County Emergency Management Alert:

Due to low visibility and snow packed roads, Emmet County is issuing a no travel advisory until conditions improve.

For further updates use the 511-application provided by the state.

02/20/2026

We’re excited to announce that beginning March 1, 2026, Birchwood Property Management will be serving as the management company for the Alpine Village Condominium Owners’ Association.

Alpine Village is an integral part of The Highlands at Harbor Springs, where many of the condo owners participate in the resort’s vacation rental program. This creates a unique dynamic; one where association governance, building maintenance, and rental operations must work in alignment.

That alignment is where we thrive.

Successful condominium management within a resort environment requires coordinated communication, proactive maintenance planning, and an understanding of how rental activity impacts common elements, budgets, reserves, and long-term asset preservation. Our role is to support the Board in protecting the physical infrastructure and financial health of the Association while complementing the Highlands’ rental and guest experience.

We are honored to partner with the Alpine Village Board and look forward to strengthening the overall The Highlands community through professional, responsive, and forward-thinking association management.

Excited to get started and work along with The Highlands of Harbor Springs!

02/07/2026

01/30/2026

With sustained cold temperatures, it's never too late to take basic precautions—especially if your property is vacant.

Recommended steps:

- Open sink cabinets and interior doors to improve warm air circulation

- Turn water off at the main

- Open faucets to relieve pressure

- Maintain consistent heat; keep temps at 60++

- Consider temperature or leak monitoring devices

- Inspect rooflines when possible—ice dams and related damage are a real risk

Frozen pipes, water damage, and ice dams can happen quickly and expensively.

If you need help, Birchwood Property Management (BPM) can assist—even if you are not an existing client. Serving Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Alanson, and surrounding areas.

📞 231-412-7702

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01/23/2026

A cold night on tap tonight will be further impacted by strong gusty winds, resulting in dangerous wind chills below -15F; some areas could feel as cold as -30F. Frostbite can develop in as little as 30 minutes on exposed skin, so be sure to limit time outdoors and dress in layers, and keep a winter weather survival kit in your vehicle.

01/22/2026

Coldest air so far this winter season is expected to overspread the upper Great Lakes Thursday night and Friday. Bitter cold will continue through the weekend…with wind chills below zero through Sunday morning. High temperatures Friday likely to remain below zero across the Upper Peninsula.