Starting a Lake Group:
5 simple steps

It may sound like a big task. It really isn’t. With the tools and advice available today, forming a lake association can be simple, rewarding and maybe even fun! Here are the steps you will need to take:

1. Informal Discussion Session:

Talk it over with a few folks on your lake. If interest is there, set a time and date and arrange for your lake group’s . . .

2. Exploratory Meeting:

Invite everyone who may be interested.

Providing attendees with snacks and beverages is a nice idea

Invite a leader from a neighboring lake association, your UW-Extension Agent, DNR Lakes Coordinator, and/or a Wisconsin Association of Lakes representative to offer advice.

Pass around a sign up sheet to get contact information.

Discuss issues facing your lake and the advantages of organizing. DNR, UWEX, and the Wisconsin Association of Lakes can help.

Poll your group to see if they are interested in forming a lake group.

If they are interested, ask for volunteers to set up the Charter Meeting and others to develop bylaws.

Choose dates for your Charter Meeting and your . . .

3. Bylaws Committee Meeting:

Here you will choose a name for your group, and draft bylaws using the Model By-Laws for Voluntary Lake Associations. (PDF 35 KB)

Bylaws establish the formal structure and procedures of the association. They should include:

• the stated purpose of the association,
• date of the annual meeting,
• officers and directors,
• election procedures,
• formal committee structure,
• membership, etc.

Ask folks from the UW-Extension Lakes Program or the Wisconsin Association of Lakes to review your bylaws if you’re unsure about something.

Then send copies to your members and present them for adoption at your . . .

4. Charter Meeting:

Be sure to publicize this well. Let everyone know that you will vote on bylaws and elect officers. Inform your local newspaper. Encourage them to do a story and a follow up on your new organization.

Here you will ask folks to sign a roster with contact information, review and vote to approve or reject the bylaws. Your Bylaws Committee can make changes on the spot, if needed. Once adopted, hold elections. Your leaders should immediately:

• 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. To qualify for state lake planning, protection, and recreational boating facilities grants, a lake association must be incorporated and meet other standards (PDF 72 KB).

• Form committees
• Accept dues
• Select dates for your first board of directors meeting, annual meeting, and social.
• Discuss joining your county lake organization
• Discuss joining Wisconsin Association of Lakes
• Fill out a UW-Extension Lake List contact form.

Then you should . . .

5. CELEBRATE!

You have just taken the most important steps to protect your lake!