Extension Lakes: Pages https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx RSS feed for the Pages list. Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:32:14 GMT Microsoft SharePoint Foundation RSS Generator 60 en-US Extension Lakes: Pages https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/_layouts/15/images/siteIcon.png https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Pages/Forms/AllItems.aspx default https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Pages/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=477 Contact: Kowalski, Amy
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​Lake Associations

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Lake associations are voluntary groups, and include unincorporated associations, qualified lake associations (incorporated associations), and nonprofit corporations. Lake associations can form without any formal requirements, although many incorporate​ under Chapter 181 of the Wisconsin Statutes to be eligible for state cost sharing grants.

Associations have no powers over lake community residents; membership and dues are voluntary. A voluntary association can have genuine advantages over a lake district because they may be able to act more quickly than governmental bodies on some issues. Some folks may be more willing to support a voluntary organization rather than forming a new unit of government, particularly one with taxing power. However, if your lake management goals are ambitious, the more stable funding of a lake district may be essential. On the other hand, voluntary lake associations are sometimes frustrated by low participation and monetary support.

To be eligible for state lake planning, protection, and recreational boating facilities grants, a lake association must be "qualified," which includes being incorporated and meeting other standards.

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]]> Kowalski, Amy Mon, 15 Sep 2014 20:44:15 GMT https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Pages/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=477 starting-la https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Pages/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=92 Contact: Holcomb-LaMarche, Jesha A
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​Starting a Lake Association​

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Congratulations, you've decided to dedicate some time and effort to your lake! 
 
If you are part of a lake community, your life encompasses some exceptional advantages.  Lake living also comes with some unique responsibilities. Dealing with the broad range of issues and concerns that face our lakes can be an overwhelming task for an individual. Working with an organized group that shares a common interest can make short work out of the most difficult problems. Partners sharing objectives, knowledge, skills and resources can make mole hills out of monumental issues.
 

WHY HAVE AN ORGANIZATION?

  • To develop a partnership with your lake neighbors.
  • To gain awareness of your neighbors' lake interests.
  • To develop a communications network for sharing lake news.
  • To raise awareness of lake issues in the community.
  • To launch fund raising events and apply for grants.
  • To evolve a wise long-range lake management plan.
  • To act as a support group for members.
  • To focus the wide range of skills and know-how a lake group possesses.
  • To gain strength in numbers.  The group's opinions and needs can be constructively represented to local government officials or agencies.
  • To gather information and present educational programs for your membership and those living near the lake.
  • To conduct data collection on a broad range of lake concerns (water quality, development, lake use conflicts).
  • To gain an historical perspective from long-time residents.
  • To network with other lake aorganizations.

 

THINGS LAKE ASSOCIATIONS CAN DO 

  • Operate dams
  • Maintain lake access
  • Contract for aquatic plant removal
  • Buy and operate an aquatic plant harvester
  • Purchase sensitive areas such as wetlands
  • Improve fish habitat * with a permit from DNR
  • Stock fish * with a permit from DNR
  • Install and operate an aerator * with a permit from DNR
  • Apply for and receive planning and protection grants
Considerations: 

If your lake has more than one land owner or user you will probably find a divergence in philosophy and expectations toward how the lake should be used or managed.  If an organization is formed over only one issue the prospects for long term success may be limited.
 
An organization with the best chances of success:
  • Has an eye toward the future.
  • Recognizes a broad range of issues and requirements.
  • Anticipates unforeseen occurrences that could change the lake. 
  • Balances the needs of today's lake community against the possibilities of tomorrow's.
  • Collaborates with other lake organizations. 

 

WHERE DO I START? 

Your success at organizing your lake neighbors may well depend on your talent as a communicator and negotiator.
Do Your Homework: 
 
Contact your County Community Development Extension Agent, your DNR Lakes Coordinator, and the Wisconsin Association of Lakes (WAL) to assist you (see the Lake List).
 
Unearth the history of your lake: 
  • Are there any existing groups that represent lake interests? 
  • Have there ever been other lake organizations? If yes, what happened to them?  Who were the officers? 
  • Have there been major management or research projects on the lake (fish stocking, aquatic plant harvesting); who was involved? 
  • Are there any government agencies or institutions involved in management projects on the lake? 
  • Are there any groups with a substantial interest in the management of the lake (lodges, marinas, industry, local government, large landowners, boaters, anglers)? 
  • Are there any political situations or prominent issues (development, use conflicts, plant harvesting)?
Recognizing Differences: 
  • If you're a "newcomer" (0-10 years of living on a lake), be sensitive to the views of people that have been on the lake for many years. 
  • Be aware of user groups in your watershed that may impact or benefit from the lake (resorts, industry, agriculture, etc.). 
  • Be sensitive to the distinctive requirements of year-round and seasonal residents;
  • Be sensitive to various user groups and their expectations (boaters, anglers, seasonal users).
Before the First Informational Meeting: 
  • Assemble a nucleus of interested people; the more people involved the better.  Try for a broad representation (a year-round resident, a long-time resident, special interest groups) of people who live on or near the lake.  Include anybody who wants to assist the effort.  (Your County UWEX Community Development agent is trained to help with this sort of endeavor.) 
  • List the reasons you need a lake organization.
  • Consider possible objections to an organization and how you can address them. 
  • Gather information on issues or problems and potential solutions.  This will aid in recruiting additional interested persons. 
  • Make sure you understand the specifics and ramifications of having a lake organization.  Contact a lake professional; your County Extension Community Development Agent, DNR Lakes Coordinator and Wisconsin Association of Lakes (WAL) representative can explain the details. 
  • Let your town and county officials know what and why you are organizing.  They can support your effort.  
  • You may need some seed money for photo-copying/printing and postage.  Look to some interested person or supportive business/ organization (resort, chamber of commerce or local business to donate office support).
  • Prudence is advised if you accept help from a group that may be perceived as having a personal motive.
Preparing for the First Informational Meeting:
Develop a plan for getting the information to the entire lake community.  The amount and the expanse of effort needed will depend on the size of the lake and the number of people you need to reach.
Three Months or More Before the Meeting:
Many beginning groups will invite lake professionals to speak to the group-Extension Lake Specialists, Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Association of Lakes representatives. You may also want to invite a representative from a neighboring lake organization.  (Allow plenty of lead time-2 months or more-as these people are in constant demand, especially on weekends.) 
  • Select a time and day that doesn't conflict with other events and provides for good attendance by the people in your lake community.  
  • In northern Wisconsin summer is the time to reach the highest number of residents 
  • Reserve a convenient location�a public place is best�like the town hall, a resort or school. 
  • Invite everyone living at and near your lake. 
  • Use tax rolls to develop your list; they are open to the public at reasonable times. (The town/county treasurer or clerk may help you get started.)
One Month Before the meeting: 
  • Prepare an agenda noting time, place, date and subject to be discussed. 
  • The meeting should be well-publicized in advance. 
  • Prepare a news release for your local newspaper and buyers guide.  Most papers are happy to print such notices.  Send it out early (a month before the meeting is typical). 
  • Try a Public Service Announcement (PSA) on local radio or TV. 
  • Put posters at local grocery stores, community centers, sport stores, etc. 
  • You may want to send personal invitations to certain potential members.  
The first informational meeting:
One hour before the meeting:
  • Inspect the logistics (chairs, AV equipment, food, drinks, light switches, paper, pencils, parking, etc.). 
  • Have extra copies of the agenda. 
  • Have a sign-in sheet for names and addresses. 
  • Start on time and stay on schedule.  
  • Introduce yourself, your committee and any guest speakers. 
  • Explain why you feel there is a need for an organization. 
  • Allow plenty of time for questions, answers and get feedback.
Confirmation: 
After all the information has been provided and all questions have been satisfactorily answered, you will need to confirm the desires of the group to move forward on the formation of an association. 
You may want to take a straw vote. If the group decides to form an association, elect temporary officers and agree on a date for a first annual meeting.  
If the group is not sold on the idea, you may choose to form an Ad-Hoc committee to explore the idea further or set up another informational meeting, you could also opt to form an association among those who agree with the idea, or drop the idea entirely.
 

AT THE FIRST ASSOCIATION MEETING:

  • Nominate and elect officers. 
  • Agree on the general approach and purpose of the association, and collect first dues/ contributions.  
  • Agree on a general plan of action for the association, including any regular business and social meetings, fund-raising events, etc. 
  • Develop a plan to recruit more members.   
  • Adopt bylaws which establish the formal structure and procedures of the association.  Included should be the stated purpose of the association, the date of the annual meeting, the officers and directors, election procedures, the formal committee structure, etc.  (Obtain a copy of "Model By-Laws for Voluntary Lake Associations" from UWEX-Lake Management UW Stevens Point, your county Community Development Extension Agent, or from your area WAL representative.) 
  • Consider incorporating as a Wisconsin non-profit, non-stock corporation under Chapter 181, Wis. Stats.  It is not expensive nor is it difficult to do.  A lawyer is not usually necessary.  The cost is normally less than $50, excluding any unusual legal fees.  The incorporation form, which includes instructions and the fees required, can be obtained from the Corporations Division, Office of the Secretary of State, PO Box 7846, Madison, WI 53707 (608/266-3590) at no cost.  (The Wisconsin Association of Lakes or your county Community Development Extension Agent can provide a model Articles of Incorporation.) 
  • Consider applying to the IRS for tax exempt status:  WAL or your county Community Development Extension Agent can assist you.

 

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Lake organizations and agencies struggle with many issues in their continuing pursuit to safeguard lakes.  Today's issues can be complex, crossing political and natural boundaries.  Increasingly complicated concerns require the involvement of those affected as well as the organizations and agencies appointed to deal with the issues.  Your organization can play a vital role in defining the future of your lake.
 
Some Ideas:
 
  • Develop a lake newsletter to keep your members informed on local and state lake news. 
  • Delegate people to speak for the group on common issues. 
  • Delegate people to discover issues that may impact your lake and report them to the group. 
  • Survey your membership on the lake concerns and the lake use requirements. 
  • Design education programs for your members and those that impact the lake. 
  • Help membership deal with individual concerns. 
  • Consider joining the Self-Help Lake Monitoring program.  Equipment is free and instruction is available.  Contact your DNR district Self-Help Lake Monitoring coordinator or call 608-266-8117. 
  • Explore a lake management planning study.  State matching grants are available to qualified lake associations to pay for up to 75% of the cost.  Contact your district DNR Lakes Coordinator or your county Community Development Extension agent for details. 
  • Explore a lake protection grant.  State matching grants are available to qualified lake associations to pay for up to 50% of the cost.  Contact your district DNR Lakes Coordinator or your county Community Development Extension Agent for details. 
  • Communicate your concerns to your town and county officials.  Work with your local government whenever possible. 
  • Get involved in lake issues on a state and national level.  Join the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) [608-233-2836] or the Wisconsin Association of Lakes (WAL) [1-800-542-LAKE(5253)]. 
  • Take direct action.  Develop a lake management plan with help from the DNR and implement it. 

 

FOR MORE HELP:

  • Attend the annual Wisconsin Lakes Convention in early spring, and/or attend one of the numerous regional Wisconsin lake education events sponsored by area lake organizations.  Agenda items and displays usually include a lot of "how-to-do-its" and "how-they-did-its" on various lake issues.  Most importantly, you get to meet and talk with others who share common lake interests. 
  • Contact your county UWEX Community Resource Development agent for materials on lake problems and solutions.  And/or contact the state UWEX Lake Management Specialists, Tamara Dudiak or Robert Korth, at the College of Natural Resources, UW-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481 (715-346-2116). 
  • Contact your DNR District Lake Coordinator, or the DNR State Lake Section at PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707 (608-265-0502). 
  • Contact your district Wisconsin Association of Lakes team representative.  Call 1-800-542-LAKE(5253) to find out who is your representative. 
  • Get on the mailing list of Lake Tides, the free quarterly newsletter published by UW-Extension.  Contact Dorothy Snyder, College of Natural Resources, UW-SP, Stevens Point, WI 54481 (715-346-2116). 
  • Consider joining the Wisconsin Association of Lakes (WAL), and subscribe to their newsletter, The Lake Connection.  Members of lake organizations belonging to WAL receive free copies.  
  • Subscribe to the bimonthly DNR magazine, Wisconsin Natural Resources, at PO Box 7191, Madison, WI 53707.   
  • See the Fact Sheets: "What is a Lake Association" & "What is a qualified Lake Association"
 
[WR-401 96]
]]> Holcomb-LaMarche, Jesha A Tue, 16 Jul 2013 15:40:15 GMT https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Pages/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=92 Membership https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Pages/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=689 Comments: Exploring different aspects of membership capacity
Contact: Olson, Eric [Natural Res [Lakes-HDNRM]]
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​Membership Capacity

(from the Lake Tides Capacity Corner Article, Volume 43, No. 1, Winter/Spring 2018)

Our mental model of lake organization capacity is built around four related parts: membership, internal functions, external relationships, and programs. Membership is the basis for the other three: a group needs members who provide financial and volunteer support that fuels all other efforts. Internal Functions is mostly about how a lake association or lake district conducts its internal affairs. Organizations develop good External Relationships by collaborating and networking with external people and groups. Lake groups leverage these three types of capacity to increase their ability to conduct Programs and get things done.

Member engagement is fundamental to community 
responses to water resource problems.  

                                                       -Mae Davenport and Erin Seekamp

​Membership capacity reflects the value of an organization to the population of its possible supporters. People and households tend to join organizations if they believe doing so will reflect well on them, if they understand and believe in what the organization seeks to accomplish, and perhaps if they may receive something beneficial in return for their support. Lake associations attract members who believe that by joining forces with neighbors, they can have a collective impact on the health of their lake. Lake districts, in contrast, typically have boundaries drawn to include all those landowners who would benefit from the lake district; once the district is formed, the landowners become compulsory “members” of the district. 

Wisconsin’s surface water grant program has long recognized the importance of membership capacity for ensuring that grant funds are allocated wisely. Lake districts and other local governments are automatically eligible for grants; lake associations must meet the DNR’s standards for a qualified lake association​. Several of the standards focus on membership aspects of the lake group, specifically:​

    • The lake association must have at least 25 members;
    • Membership fees must be no less than $5 or more than $50;
    • Any individual who owns real estate or resides (seasonally or year-round) within one mile of the lake must be allowed to become a member; and

    • Members cannot be denied the right to vote in lake association affairs

Drawing on the research of Mae Davenport and Erin Seekamp, the Extension Lakes program identified five facets of membership capacity that lake organizations would ideally be prioritizing in order to build a solid foundation for their efforts:​

1. Raise Awareness: The ability to develop and maintain a high level of knowledge within members about lake conditions and management options. 
2. Access Technical Skills: Intentional recruitment to bring in volunteer or paid staff to provide critical expertise, such as project management, water quality management, accounting, communication, fundraising, etc.  
3. Identify Issues: Collect information (meetings, interviews, etc.) from both members of your organization and the community to document their priorities for lake management or improvement.  
4. Create a Process for Involvement: An open, transparent approach to engaging citizens has been developed to recruit new members and increase discussion within the larger community about issues important to your organization.    
5. Conduct Outreach: Members of your organization (including those who don’t currently hold a leadership role) are capable and active promoters of your mission to their connections, which has led to new members and donations to support your efforts.  

Each of these five facets is easier said than done, but we can learn from each other to minimize reinventing the wheel and hone in on some “best practices”, including: 

    • Producing newsletters, and printing enough copies so that they can be shared at local “hotspots” (grocery, taverns, bait shops, etc.)
    • Maintaining websites and social media
    • Holding well-planned annual meetings with guest speakers

    • Regularly sending emails to members with updates and news they can use

Lake association boards or lake district committees needs to spend time thinking through and developing an awareness strategy: what exactly are you trying to raise awareness about? How would you measure progress: do you have benchmarks of awareness that you are comparing against? 

In many cases, a controversial issue has often served as a jumping off point for having a larger conversation about their lake. For example, a heavy rainfall during a road construction project near a lake resulted in a visible plume of sediment in water near the lake. This provided an opportunity to discuss the lake’s watershed in a newsletter article, exploring all the different points where polluted runoff could easily make its way into the lake. 

While it may seem daunting to think strategically about how your lake organization raises awareness among its members, there are a number of tools that can help. 

Capacity Toolbox


Welcome packets for new waterfront pro​perty owners

Providing a welcome packet of information for new property owners often is the role of lake associations and districts. This is an ideal time to welcome new individuals/families to the lake community and introduce them to the lake as well as to the group. Each lake organization can and should customize their welcome packet for their area. 

Here are just a few items you may want to include in a welcome packet:​


buyer folder April 2021.JPG


P​lease share with us what you provide in your welcome packets!

MembershipSurvey.jpgMembership Survey

​A membership survey is a​ tool that allows membership to voice their concerns and opinions in an anonymous way. Providing a membership survey is a good way for your organization to hear from all members, even those who do not attend meetings.

Sample Membership Survey - Use this s​ample to develop your own survey. Feel free to reach out to us​ to have us review your survey before you send it out.​


email-marketing-RonHaekstra-Pixabay.pngManaging Membership Lists

Capterra regularly posts blog articles giving advice to nonprofit organizations. One recent blog summarized nine free and open source membership management software products. 

The databank is a Minnesota-based company that provides an all-in-one cloud hosted database that provides fundraising, email marketing, advocacy tools and support. Chris Hanson, Co-founder and CEO of thedatabank, gbc posted a short blog that introduces an 18-page guide for building capacity through the strategic use of technology. The blog also includes a link to a short presentation by Chris recorded in 2017. View the webinar and access the guide here.

PieChart.pngExample Email Timeline/Plan Template

Communicating information out to your membership is one of the most important things you can do to increase your oganization's capacity. Shared spreadsheets available through Google or Microsoft make it possible for multiple volunteers to collaborate in real time without passing around attachments via email. We’ve created a generic email communications planning spreadsheet that you can copy and use with your organization to get the ball rolling.

Example Email Timeline/Plan Template - Google Sheets​

​
 Membership Capacity articles from Lake Tides


Summer 2011 - Need Help? Top Ten Tips for Recruiting Leaders and Volunteers to Your Lake Organization​

Winter/Spring 2019 - A Closer Look at Membership

Winter/Spring 2020 - Taking a Look at Membership in 20/20

Winter/Spring 2021 - Engaging Members in Virtual Opportunities

Winter/Spring 2022 - Show Your Love of Lakes! Becoming a Member of Other Organizations



Spring/Summer 2025 - Communicating with your members​​


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]]> Olson, Eric [Natural Res [Lakes-HDNRM]] Mon, 12 Feb 2018 19:36:05 GMT https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Pages/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=689 Internal https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Pages/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=690 Comments: Exploring different aspects of organizational capacity
Contact: Olson, Eric [Natural Res [Lakes-HDNRM]]
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​Internal Functions

Organizational capacity primarily concerns the inner workings of a group. Researchers and other writers have long explored the question of what makes a good group tick. For our purposes, we have identified five practices that build off of membership capacity and help groups accomplish more through getting volunteers (and occasionally staff) to work together. These include:

Policies: Efforts are made to record, follow, discuss and improve how the organization conducts all of its business (financial, volunteer / staff management, public relations, etc.).   

Defined Roles: Volunteer and / or staff roles are clearly defined within the organization, including clear expectations for leadership and a timeline setting the commitment for different tasks.

Conflict Management: There is a known set of actions that addresses what steps will be taken to resolve disputes if there is a conflict of interest or disagreement between members of the organization.  

Media Management / Outreach: A communication plan is in place that designates spokespersons for the organization and a plan for regularly updating local media about efforts of the organization.

Access to Advisors: A group of technical experts, community leaders, and others who can speak to water management issues are identified and have agreed to be available to support the organization.  

One way organizations often look to assess and build their organizational capacity is through strategic planning. A good strategic plan will summarize (among other things) the group's intentions to follow through on the five aspects of organizational capacity listed above. 

​​ ​ Free Online Capacity Courses - New ​​​in 2025​​​​​​​​​

We are now offering two free online courses, through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, to assist individuals in lake associations and lake districts in working effectively on lake issues. The content is broken up into readings, videos, and quizzes that will help you digest and check your knowledge throughout the course. Upon finishing the course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. 

Goal: to provide educational resources for individuals who are interested or already involved in their lake organization to help guide them on a path to increased organizational capacity. 
Time commitment: 3-5 hours 
Content: includes readings, videos, and quizzes to check your knowledge. 
Cost: $0

     ​

You will have 90 days to complete the cou​rse once you enroll. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Sara Windjue at swindjue@uwsp.edu.

Decorative Capacity Toolbox

This toolbox will include example documents for you to use with your organization. It is a work in progress so check back often.

Position Descriptions

Having position descriptions help formalize roles and​ clarify expectations.

Example Position Description - Provid​ed by BoardSource

​Lake Districts

​Lake Associations

​C​​hair​​​

​Chair​
​Secretary​Vice Chair
​Treasurer
​Secretary
​
​Treasurer ​

Other: 

  • ​​Marketing/Communi​cations position (coming soon)

Board Service Agreement

Example Board Service Agreement - Provided by BoardSource


Skills Gap Analysis

If you know what skills are needed for your board to be effective, you will invite the right people to join your board. A simple gap analysis, or board matrix, helps pinpoint the best candidate for each position. It can also help identify what skills are already present on the board and what is lacking.

Skills Gap Analysis Template

​​Skills Gap Analysis Template (Blank)​

Skills Gap Analysis Template - Google Form (make a copy of this form before you modify)

  1. To make a copy, click on the three stacked lines in the upper right corner of the form (next to your profile image).
  2. Choose Make a copy. You'll need to choose where you save it to (choose the Folder where you want your copy to be saved).
  3. Click OK.
Skills Gap Analysis Template - Microsoft Form (Duplicate this form to use as your own before you modify)

Funding

Apply for funding for planning and organizational development with the Wisconsin DNR's Surface Water Grants.​

Questions? Email swindjue@uwsp.edu

​  Articles from La​ke Tides featuring Internal Organizational Capacity Topics

Spring/Summer 2018 - Organizational Capacity

Spring/Summer 2019 - Organizational Capacity

Spring/Summer 2020 - Keeping Things Together (While Staying Apart)

Spring/Summer 2021 - Enhancing Board Member Participation - Job Descriptions, Expectations, and Evaluation

Spring/Summer 2022 - Annual Planning/Scheduling

Spring/Summer 2023 - The Importance of Communication​ 


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