Starting A Lake Association

Starting A Lake Association

A Lake Association Meeting

In Vermont, lake associations and watershed groups play a vital role in preserving and protecting our lakes, ponds, and waterways.

Why start a lake association?

As our lakes and ponds face increasing threats from pollution, invasive species, and shoreline development, lake associations work to safeguard these precious resources by organizing and focusing the lake community to address common concerns, implement conservation initiatives, and promote responsible lake usage.

By working together, members can:

  • Protect and improve water quality: Many programs are available to monitor and improve water quality, including Vermont’s Lay Monitoring Program, the LaRosa Partnership Program, creating a Stormwater Master Plan, or a Lake Watershed Action Plan, and monitoring for harmful algae blooms.
  • Prevent and control aquatic invasive species (AIS): Many programs are available to prevent and control AIS, including: the Vermont Public Access Greeter Program, the Vermont Invasive Patrollers (VIP) Program, and strategies to control AIS like Eurasian watermilfoil and water chestnut.
  • Preserve natural habitats: Working with property owners to protect shoreline vegetation, limit erosion, and implementing best management practices for shoreline properties with programs like Lake Wise.
  • Promote sustainable recreation: Encourage responsible boating, fishing, and recreational practices to minimize environmental impact.
  • Advocate for lake-friendly policies: Work with local and state governments to enact practices that protect lake health.
  • Educate the community: Raise awareness about lake ecology, conservation practices, and the importance of preserving these natural resources.

We’re here to help

Contact FOVLAP!

We are a robust network of volunteer lake associations and individuals that work to protect Vermont’s lakes and ponds by providing education, outreach, and advocacy on issues pertaining to the protection and enhancement of Vermont’s lakes. We also provide networking opportunities, information sharing, advice, and help for lake associations to connect to expertise and resources.

We’d be happy to assist you with getting your lake association started! FOVLAP board members are available to help mentor and meet with your lake association start up – reach out to us!

Steps to get started:

  1. Gauge interest and gather support: Talk to your neighbors, local businesses, and community leaders to assess their interest in forming a lake association. Host informational meetings to discuss the benefits and goals of the organization.
  2. Define your mission and goals: Establish a clear mission statement that outlines the association’s purpose and objectives. Identify specific issues you want to address, such as water quality monitoring, invasive species control, or shoreline restoration.
  3. Develop bylaws and structure: Create a set of bylaws that define the association’s governance structure, membership requirements, voting procedures, and decision-making processes.
  4. Recruit members and elect officers: Reach out to lake residents and stakeholders to join the association. Hold elections to select officers who will lead the organization and manage its activities.
  5. Engage with your community: Get to know your neighbors and improve the sense of community around your lake, and set up a framework for volunteer service.
  6. Register your association: Visit the Vermont Secretary of State’s website to register your lake association as a non-profit organization. This will provide legal recognition and allow you to apply for grants and funding. You can also apply to the IRS to become a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organization to become a tax exempt non-profit. Also, you should register your new association with the Vermont DEC, which you can do via their Lake Association Registration Application form.

Next steps to starting your lake association:

After getting your new lake association started, you can focus on creating a long-term plan, and growing your new organization.

  1. Develop a strategic plan: Create a comprehensive plan that outlines your association’s goals, strategies, and action steps. Prioritize projects based on their urgency and feasibility.
  2. Build partnerships: Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, environmental organizations, and educational institutions to leverage resources and expertise.
  3. Engage in fundraising: Seek grants, donations, and membership dues to support your association’s activities and projects.
  4. Communicate and educate: Keep members and the wider community informed about your association’s work through newsletters, websites, social media, and events, including holding an annual meeting to inform your membership and community about past, current, and future work of your association.

Again, FOVLAP is here to assist you! Please reach out to us, and also read through the additional resources listed below, including some guides from the Vermont DEC.

Additional Resources:

> Vermont DEC: Forming a Lake Association – Starting and Running an Effective Lake Association, a 4 page PDF guide.

> Vermont DEC Lake Wise Info Sheet: Form a Lake Association – How to build capacity & protect your lake, a 1 page PDF guide.

> Vermont DEC: Lake Association Registration Application

> Vermont Office of the Attorney General: Understand Your Responsibilities: Guidance for Board Members of Charitable Nonprofit Organizations in Vermont

> Vermont Fire Districts: FOVLAP recently worked with multiple lake associations to investigate whether a Fire District could be created by a lake association to help to fund lake health initiatives. A Fire District is a special purpose district, created to provide services to a specific area within a town, funded via property taxes. The Vermont Fire District statute states: “[A Fire District] may vote a tax upon the taxable estate for the protection of property in the district from damage by fire; for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of sewers and sewage treatment works; sidewalks; public parks; water works, water companies, and equipment and real estate used in connection therewith, including reservoirs and dams; for lighting; and for other lawful purposes.” which has been interpreted to support the health and enjoyment of a lake. Please reach out to us if you’d like to learn more.

You can also reference this Vermont DEC document: How to Form a Fire District – A Step-By-Step Guide to Help A Community Get Organized.

> FOVLAP Commentary: Supporting Vermont’s Lake Associations

> FOVLAP Member Lake Associations: Please visit our member lake associations page on our website. There, you will see links to many of our lake association member’s websites where you can find examples of bylaws, strategic plans, and mission statements. Their websites will be a great resource as you get started!