FOREST LAKE
LAKE ASSOCIATION
LOCATED IN BEAUTIFUL FOREST LAKE, MINNESOTA
VALUE OF BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE FLLA
The Forest Lake Lake Association (FLLA) has been in existence since 2007 with the mission of promoting, protecting and improving Forest Lake for current and future generations. This mission has become more challenging in the last few years with the pressure on the lake from heavy use and the continued spread of native vegetation and Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS).
The FLLA is made up of individual homeowners out of approximately 990 homeowners that live on the lake or about 42%. We also have over 40 business sponsors who recognize the value in supporting Forest Lake. Unfortunately our total membership is only a fraction of those that should have a vested interest in the quality of the lake.
LAKE HOMEOWNER VALUE
We are the largest voice of the lake dedicated to improving both the water quality and recreational value of the lake. We are the voice that communicates and works directly with the City of Forest Lake and the Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District and other partners. Without FLLA communicating with these entities they would not know entirely what is going on with Forest Lake.
Our voice can only be as strong as the total membership. If we have a weak membership then the ability to influence the City of Forest Lake and other partners is limited. In April 2022 we entered into an agreement with the city of Forest Lake and the Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District to share in all water quality spending on Forest Lake.
For the last 2 years the FLLA has been responsible for coordination and partial payment for the treatment of Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM). The Cost for this treatment was approximately $30,000 in 2022 and was funded in part by the membership dues paid by our members. We expect that the expenditure will be equal to or greater in future years.
Native Vegetation has continued to get heaver in Forest Lake for the last 3 years. In 2018 and 2019 the FLLA in cooperation with the City of Forest Lake has paid for the operation of the Native Vegetation Harvester (AKA Weed Harvester). In 2020 and 2021 the FLLA paid for full time operation from June through August with the City of Forest Lake covering maintenance and disposal of the vegetation.
In 2022 the FLLA spent approximately $46,000 in support of the lake. This includes EWM and AIS treatment, watercraft inspections, aquatic vegetation harvester, replacement of buoys, and normal operating expenses.
All of the above work can only be funded through the support of our membership and membership dues.
FLLA COMMUNITY & ENGAGEMENT
The FLLA communicates regularly to our membership through e-mail communication. In 2022 our membership received 33 e-mails from us discussing important issues regarding the lake. We also have our annual meeting which occurs in April of each year and in 2022 over 250 people attended. It is a great opportunity for our membership to learn with lots of information on the lake. Guest speakers from DNR, CLFLWSD and lake consultants provide pertinent information each year.
The FLLA also sponsors social events each year that we feel helps to bring our membership together. The events do vary each year but over the last several years we have had the following:
Free Famous Dave’s BBQ
Rib Fest at Vannelli’s
TCP Power Boat Racing pontoon tie up
Fall Boat cleaning