ABOUT US
The Glen Lake Association is committed to protecting, preserving, and caring for the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed. Located in the northwest of Michigan’s lower peninsula, this watershed is comprised of a crystal clear river, turquoise blue lakes, and lush green hillsides. The Association strives to maintain this extraordinary natural resource and to promote its careful stewardship among all those who live, work, and play in the Glen Lake area.
Our Mission
It’s All About The Water!
The Glen Lake Association is dedicated to preserving and protecting the water quality, natural resources, and quality of life in the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed through leadership, education, and collaboration.
Our vision
The Glen Lake Association aims to be the recognized leader in evidence-based strategies for protecting the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed while advancing environmental education, sustainable policies, and quality of life.
our values
Our values reflect what we stand for: openness, transparency, credibility, integrity, dedication, sacrifice, philanthropy and more. We believe in fact-based decisions, education, and building partnerships to achieve shared goals.
OUR HISTORY
The Glen Lake Association was founded in 1945 by a group of property owners. Its original mission was to protect the amazingly pristine and delicate natural resource known as Glen Lake and its connecting environs.
In its early years, the Association’s primary focus was on addressing swimmers itch concerns. In 1954, it was tasked (by court order) with the responsibility of operating and maintaining the Crystal River dam in order to balance water levels between the Crystal River and Glen Lake.
In the 1980’s and 90’s, the Association expanded its focus into the areas of water safety and water quality. It began collaborating with area stakeholders, including the townships, the National Park Service, and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, in order to address water quality concerns more effectively.
While the Association remains dedicated to water quality, water safety, and water level work, it now embraces a more holistic commitment to watershed management and protection than ever before. This includes playing a key role in the development of a written watershed protection plan as well as educating the entire community about best management practices.
If we can keep the watershed healthy, we will in turn keep Glen Lake and its surrounding waterbodies clean, clear, and blue for generations to come!
our Strategic plan
Our 2020-2025 strategic plan was developed based upon input from Association members and other key stakeholders. It is structured around four key areas of focus:
- Watershed Protection
- Education and Communication
- Quality of Life
- Organizational Development
our By-Laws
The purpose of our by-laws is to govern the actions and decisions of our board of directors. The by-laws also outline voting policies and procedures for our membership.
Our logo
Each drop of water is precious and how we protect the water is largely in our hands
Our logo includes elements of the sun, earth, sky, and water—all of which impact the health of the watershed. It also includes a reminder of the responsibility to protect the future of water quality which we all hold in our hands.
The orange sun is where it all begins, as it makes life on earth possible. The brown color represents the earth—a reminder that what happens on land also affects the water; if we pollute the soil, we pollute the ground water and this ultimately pollutes the lakes. The light blue color represents the sky—another important part of the water cycle, as rain and snow collect what is in the air and deposit it into the water. Finally, the turquoise base of our logo represents the beautiful water of Glen Lake. It is shaped like a hand with its fingers forming water drops. The sloping palm and grasses represent the ever-changing dunes and vegetation.