This booklet is designed to assist prospective and established property owners in the selection, planning, and management of lake lands. It is organized into three parts: (1) selection and preparation of a building site; (2) property management; and (3) community development. These sections outline some basic guidelines for land development and maintenance by not only individual property owners, but also by developers and communities. In addition, certain Michigan state ordinances which apply to the lake property are identified. (Author/BB)