About Lake Associations
What is a lake association?
A lake association is a voluntary organization of people who share an interest in protecting and improving a lake. Lake associations can be informal neighborhood groups or formal nonprofit corporations incorporated under Wisconsin law. They bring together property owners, residents, and other lake users to address common concerns and advocate for lake protection.
What are the advantages of forming a lake association?
Lake associations offer numerous benefits including:
- Legal certainty – Incorporated associations operate under established statutory frameworks
- Enhanced capabilities – Ability to hold bank accounts, make contracts, and borrow money
- Grant eligibility – Qualified lake associations can access state planning and protection grants covering 50-75% of project costs
- Limited liability protection for members, officers and directors
- Stronger voice – United advocacy with local government and regulatory agencies
- Resource access – Ability to hire contractors, purchase equipment, and coordinate large-scale projects
- Community building – Brings together diverse stakeholders around shared goals
What can a lake association actually do?
Lake associations have broad authority to undertake lake protection activities, including:
- Apply for and receive grants from state and federal sources
- Contract for aquatic plant removal and management
- Purchase and operate aquatic plant harvesters (with DNR permits)
- Improve fish habitat and stock fish (with DNR permits)
- Install and operate aeration systems (with DNR permits)
- Purchase sensitive areas like wetlands for conservation
- Operate dams and maintain lake access points
- Conduct water quality monitoring and testing
- Coordinate with government agencies on lake management
- Raise funds through membership dues, donations, and fundraising events
Membership and Eligibility
Who can join a lake association?
Wisconsin statute requires that membership be open to:
- Any individual who resides within one mile of the lake for at least one month each year
- Any individual who owns real estate within one mile of the lake
Many associations expand beyond these minimums to include anyone interested in lake protection, regardless of geographic location. Membership is typically open to individuals, families, businesses, and organizations.
Do I have to join if there’s a lake association on my lake?
No, membership in lake associations is strictly voluntary. No one can be forced to join or pay dues.
What are typical membership dues?
Wisconsin law allows qualified lake associations to charge annual dues between $5 and $50 per member. Many associations set dues around $20-25 annually to maximize participation while generating sufficient operating funds. Each member gets one vote, so multiple family members require separate memberships for separate votes.
Qualified Lake Associations and Grants
What is a “qualified lake association”?
A qualified lake association is one that meets specific Wisconsin requirements to be eligible for state grants. Requirements include:
- Incorporated under Chapter 181 Wisconsin Statutes for at least one year
- Declares lake protection as substantial purpose in articles of incorporation
- Demonstrates past actions supporting lake protection for public benefit
- Has at least 25 members
- Charges annual dues between $5-$50
- Allows open membership per statutory requirements
- Does not restrict voting rights of members
What grants are available?
Qualified lake associations can apply for:
- Lake planning and protection grants – Fund management plans, water quality studies, and implementation projects
- Surface water grants – Support various lake improvement activities
- Recreational boating facilities grants – Improve boat launches and access
- Aquatic invasive species grants – Prevention and control programs
Grants typically cover 50-75% of project costs, with associations providing matching funds through dues and fundraising.
Lake Associations vs. Lake Districts
What’s the difference between a lake association and a lake district?
The key differences are:
- Lake associations are voluntary nonprofits funded by membership dues and grants
- Lake districts are governmental units with taxing authority over property within district boundaries
- Lake districts can generate more revenue through taxation but require more formal governmental procedures
- Lake associations can often act more quickly on issues than governmental bodies
- Both are eligible for state grants and can undertake similar lake management activities
Operations and Activities
Do lake associations need DNR permits for activities?
Yes, most lake management activities require permits:
- Chemical plant control requires NR 107 permits
- Mechanical/manual plant removal requires NR 109 permits
- Fish stocking requires DNR stocking permits
- Habitat improvements require DNR approval
- Aeration systems require permits
However, property owners have “riparian rights” allowing a 30-foot path from shore to dock without permits for basic access clearing.
How are lake associations governed?
Most incorporated lake associations operate with:
- A board of directors (typically 3-7 members) elected by membership
- Officers (president, vice president, treasurer, secretary) chosen by the board
- Annual meetings for elections and major decisions
- Bylaws governing operations and procedures
- Committees formed as needed to address specific issues
Can lake associations address invasive species like Round Goby?
Lake associations can work on invasive species issues through:
- Education and outreach programs
- Coordination with DNR and other agencies
- Advocating for policy changes
- Participating in regional control efforts
- Monitoring and reporting programs
However, they cannot unilaterally make decisions about major infrastructure like lock operations, which involve multiple agencies and jurisdictions.
Are there resources available to help new lake associations?
Yes, extensive resources exist including:
- UW Extension Lakes Program – Supports over 750 Wisconsin lake associations with technical assistance
- Wisconsin Association of Lakes – Statewide advocacy and educational organization
- Wisconsin DNR Lakes Management
- Sample bylaws and incorporation materials
- Grant writing assistance and templates
- Networking with established lake associations
- Educational workshops and conferences
If you have further questions not covered here, please contact us or visit our Resource Links page for more information.