Green Lake Association Membership

Our Mission

The mission of the Green Lake Association is to promote the conservation of Big Green Lake and its watershed. Learn more about our 2009 accomplishments and our current goals in our 2010 Annual Report. Interested in GLA's current programs, events, and contacts? View our 2010 Introduction.

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Our History and Accomplishments

The GLA was founded in 1951 as the Green Lake Property Owners Association (GLPOA). Its members identified several issues that required attention such as fisheries, water levels, pollution, habitat protection, land and water use, and boating safety. Although the name changed to the Green Lake Association (GLA) in 1975 to broaden our base of support, these basic concerns have continued to direct most of our activities.

Over 55 years of accomplishments have included:

2010—Implemented Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program, a state wide boater education program designed to promote water resource stewardship by actively preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Paying for lake related items such as the maintenance of buoys on Big Green Lake, water rescue equipment for the Princeton Fire and Rescue Department, and sound meters for the County Boat Patrol
Sharing expenses with our partners for lake projects such as:
- the construction of a new carp barrier on County Highway A
- the revamping of the County Fish Rearing Facility
- special purchases and projects by the Green Lake Conservancy Foundation including the Norwegian Bay walkway and Mitchell Glen
- breeding and stocking of walleyes in Big Green Lake via Walleyes for Tomorrow – Green Lake Chapter
- AQWEED, an aquatic harvesting program
2009—Spearheaded the funding of the documentary Daycholah, A Natural and Cultural History of Green Lake; celebrated the grand opening and dedication of Hammer’s Trail, a public trail in memory of Brian Hamming; organized our first Youth Fishing Clinic.
Through 2009—Provided life jackets to those who successfully completed the local boating safety course; awarded environmental protection grants which promoted lake and watershed protection and enhancement initiatives.
2008—Partnered to form the Green Team whose purpose is to organize family-oriented summer events which help promote conservation of our lake and natural resources.
2006 — Awarded the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership Stewardship Award; partnered with the Green Lake Sanitary District, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and interested individuals to form the Joint Advisory Committee on Land Use Matters (JACLUM).
2004 to 2009— Established the Environmental Education Scholarship which was given to local students who pursued college educations related to conservation and participated in activities that related to Wisconsin’s natural resources, in particular those that benefited Big Green Lake and its watershed.
2000—Served on Community Planning Committee to help shape Green Lake County's Comprehensive Plan; established an annual Fish Camp for adults; created the Lake Protection Grant Program; organized the Natural History of Green Lake Lecture Series
1999—Formed a partnership with the County Fish Committee to conduct a Junior Ice Fishing Clinic; GLA is recognized by the Secretary of Wisconsin DNR for partnership in protecting Green Lake.
1998—Created the partnership for forming the Revitalization of Shoreland Vegetation Project (RSVP).
1995—Established the annual Pontoon Classroom
1991—Published "Pollution Solutions"
1979—Along with the Izaak Walton League, established the first local carp removal program; allotted the first cost-sharing funds for rural landowners willing to adopt conservation measures that protect the Green Lake watershed.
1975—Membership instructed its officers to work with the GLSD to install modern sanitary sewage disposal system around the entire lakeshore; GLPOA changed its name to GLA to broaden the base of support.
1974—Completed "Plan 2000" to direct future land use around Green Lake.
1970—Created a Property Protection Reward Fund, which paid for information leading to the arrest and conviction of vandals, robbers, and criminal trespassers on members' properties.
1963—Membership instructed its directors to support the establishment of the Green Lake Sanitary District.
1961—Introduced a uniform numbering system for homes around the lake; membership expressed serious concerns about water pollution.
1958—Petitioned the Public Service Commission to conduct a public hearing on regulation of water levels for Green Lake; initiated the preliminary steps to create fish-rearing ponds.
1957—Purchased a portable pump for boosting water from the lake to fire trucks to ensure fire protection for homes on Green Lake's shore.
1956—Met with county representatives to encourage passage of county zoning ordinances.
1955—posted signs at launch sites informing boaters of regulations and dumping restrictions.
1954—Sponsored and paid for a motorboat patrolman, a deputy sheriff authorized to make arrests.
1952—Supported passage of ordinances to stop reckless motorboat driving on Green Lake.
1952—GLPOA's Conservation Committee met with the Wisconsin Conservation Dept to plan a cooperative effort to plant fish and improve shorelines.
1951—GLPOA organized; 73 property owners confirmed as members on
November 8.