Bylaws & mission statements

Many lake groups associations develop bylaws ( model bylaws, PDF file). Bylaws establish the formal structure and procedures of the association, and include:

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

Most lake districts rely on Chapter 33 and other state statutes to guide their rules of procedure.

In order to receive state lake grants administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), lake associations must meet certain criteria outlined in the statutes. Associations that have documented that they meet this criteria with the DNR are called Qualified Lake Associations. One of the criterion requires that a lake group should declare in its articles of incorporation or bylaws that the substantial purpose for being incorporated is to support the protection or improvement of one or more inland lakes for the benefit of the general public.

A mission statement serves as description of the purpose of the group in a community and its values. Lake group boards can work from their mission to identify several overarching, major (or strategic) goals that, if reached, would best represent the fulfillment of the organization’s mission. Ideas for programs or project work should work toward one or more of the organization’s more strategic goals, directly contributing to the group’s mission.