Karner to Retire After Nearly 50 Years of Service to the GLA
Watershed biologist Rob Karner, who has served the Glen Lake Association for nearly five decades, is retiring at the end of the 2026 field season. With full hearts, we congratulate him on his extraordinary contributions to preserving the watershed he loves.
Rob’s leadership has been central to the GLA’s success, both in watershed protection and in earning national recognition. Since the 1970s, his science-based initiatives have helped establish the GLA as one of the Midwest’s premier lake associations. He has been instrumental in protecting the watershed from invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil and koi, and has always welcomed community members eager to learn about water quality and watershed stewardship—particularly through his popular Discovery Boat Tours.
The entire community is invited to celebrate Rob’s remarkable career at a retirement reception immediately following the GLA Annual Meeting on Saturday, July 25, at the Glen Lake Community Church.
Rob’s retirement creates an opportunity for thoughtful, strategic planning. The GLA is using this moment to strengthen its long-term capacity and ensure we remain a leader in watershed protection, science, and stewardship. This summer, we will launch a national search for a newly envisioned, full-time watershed science position to carry us through the next 50 years. Updates will be shared via member emails, our website, and social media soon.
For now, we’re looking ahead with confidence and resting easy in the things we know won’t change. We’ll still see Rob snorkeling the shoals, photographing the watershed’s natural beauty, and flashing his magnetic smile.
On behalf of the GLA’s board of directors and team: congratulations, Rob, on all your incredible accomplishments. Thank you for being a dedicated watershed advocate and friend.
Invest in the Next Generation of Watershed Science
Rob’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary chapter—but it also creates an exciting opportunity to strengthen the GLA’s scientific leadership for the decades ahead. For the first time in our history, the GLA is expanding this role into a full-time Watershed Scientist & Program Manager.
This position will lead our water quality monitoring program while integrating invasive species management, watershed stewardship, scientific partnerships, and emerging conservation challenges into a coordinated strategy for protecting the entire Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed. As pressures on our watershed continue to grow—from aging septic systems and stormwater runoff to aquatic invasive species and changing environmental conditions—dedicated scientific leadership has never been more important. Investing in this position ensures the GLA remains a leader in science-based watershed protection.
There is no greater tribute to Rob than knowing the watershed he has spent a lifetime protecting will continue to benefit from strong scientific leadership. Please consider making a gift in honor of Rob Karner and help protect the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed now and for the future. Gifts made in honor of Rob will support the Watershed Scientist Fund, helping recruit, retain, and sustain the next generation of watershed science leadership.