2025 Membership
Otsego Lake Association Needs Your Support!
Otsego Lake is one of our community’s most treasured natural resources, and for years, the Otsego Lake Association (OLA) has been dedicated to preserving and protecting it for everyone to enjoy. As our mission grows to address increased environmental challenges, we rely on the support of our members to fund crucial aspects of lake management, including regular testing, treatment for invasive species, and ongoing stewardship efforts.
Growing Costs, Growing Need
Over the past five years, the cost of maintaining Otsego Lake has steadily increased. From managing water quality to addressing invasive species, expenses have risen significantly:
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2024: $21,393
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2023: $28,500
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2022: $33,825
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2021: $20,650
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2020: $19,800
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Despite the potential for 771 memberships (if all lake-access property owners joined), membership numbers have varied greatly over recent years, with only 262 members in 2024. Here’s a breakdown:
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2024: 262 members
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2023: 385 members
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2022: 275 members
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2021: 274 members
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2020: 215 members
To sustain our lake preservation efforts and meet rising costs, we need more members—and are also proposing a change in the annual membership fee from $50 to $100.
Why a Membership Increase?
The increased membership fee will allow us to keep up with the demands of a comprehensive lake management plan that ensures Otsego Lake remains clean and safe for all. Every membership dollar goes directly into preserving Otsego Lake, funding essential services that protect water quality and prevent the spread of invasive species. With more consistent support, we can further develop long-term initiatives that protect Otsego Lake for generations.
Your Membership Makes a Difference
Joining OLA means taking an active role in safeguarding Otsego Lake. More members—and this proposed dues increase—mean we can continue to meet the growing needs of our lake management plan, ultimately preserving our lake's health, beauty, and safety. We encourage everyone with lake access to join us and renew their commitment to Otsego Lake! Together, we can make a lasting impact and secure the future of this cherished lake.
How are my membership dues used?
Management & Preservation Efforts
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Twice yearly surveys, weed treatments, bioaugmentation treatments and post analysis recommendations
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Detailed reporting on the vitality of the Lake
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​​Educational Campaigns
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Clean Boats, Clean Water
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Using lake friendly fertilizers
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Maintaining your septic system
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Identifying invasive species/weeds vs. good species/weeds
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Erosion control
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Membership Communications
OLA Fireworks
In addition to our generous sponsors, we sell approximately 400 Fireworks raffle tickets each year to help pay for the fireworks. The funds raised recently, have been able to cover the event costs, but in years past that has not been the case. This important fundraiser is critical to support the greatest fireworks display in Northern Michigan! ​
FACT: Otsego Lake has approximately 763 deeded parcels that have lakefront and lake access. Since education and funding are critical to our mission, please recruit your friends and neighbors to join OLA! Without OLA, our lake is at great risk and your involvement can make a HUGE impact!