Dear GLA Friends and Members,
Happy New Year! As 2025 kicks off, we wanted to take a moment and thank each one of you for your generous support of the Glen Lake Association last year. The organization accomplished so much in 2024, and none of it would’ve been possible without you. In fact, over 90% of the GLA’s 2024 operating budget was funded by membership dues and other member donations. As a 501(c)(3) organization, these donations are what enable the GLA to fulfill its mission of preserving and protecting the water quality, natural resources, and quality of life in the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed.
We hope you’ll choose to continue supporting our mission in 2025 by renewing your membership today. You may recall from last year that the GLA simplified its membership timetable so that all memberships are due for renewal by January 31st. Toward the end of this email, you’ll find additional renewal information and instructions.
But first, let’s celebrate our 2024 achievements! Because of your support, GLA staff and volunteers were able to accomplish the following:
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Successfully completed a 3-year capital campaign, raising over $1.3 million to endow the boat wash in perpetuity
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Inspected over 4,000 watercraft for invasive species at the Little Glen boat launch
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Washed 775 boats and flushed 586 motors to ensure any “hitchhiking” invasive species were prevented from entering Glen Lake
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Conducted 68 hours of instruction on the Discovery Boat, which provides fun and educational boat tours of Glen Lake to individuals and families wanting to learn more about what makes it so unique
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Took 63 water samples and water quality metric readings to monitor the health of Glen Lake, Fisher Lake, and the Crystal River
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Performed high-resolution video surveys via drone for 24 linear miles back and forth across Glen Lake in search of Eurasian watermilfoil
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Sampled 55 underwater sites to locate the source of Eurasian watermilfoil fragments found floating near the boat launch (4 established EWM colonies have been found in Little Glen)
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Provided 15 complimentary shoreline consultations to property owners on Big Glen, Little Glen, and Fisher Lake
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Made significant strides towards finalizing a 10-year Watershed Protection Plan, which will be completed this quarter, enabling the GLA to qualify for new grants
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Charged a task force with developing and implementing a plan to manage and eradicate Eurasian watermilfoil
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Hired, trained, and supervised 7 boat wash operators and 3 summer interns
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Staffed a table in Glen Arbor each week during the farmers market to educate the community about protecting area lakes and streams
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Operated the Crystal River dam in order to balance the flow of the Crystal River with historically low lake levels
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Launched a nationwide search for the GLA’s first Executive Director
There was never a dull moment, and yet there’s still much to do! This year, the GLA expects to incur higher costs as it combats EWM and fills the much-needed role of Executive Director. We estimate that it will take an average dues contribution of $500 per member to completely cover the GLA’s 2025 operating budget. When you renew your membership, we hope you will consider increasing your discretionary dues payment to further support these and other important initiatives.
For those of you who previously subscribed online to automatically renew your membership each year, the credit card we have on file will be charged this month for the same amount as you contributed in 2024. If you’d like to increase this amount, simply email us at contact@glenlakeassociation.org and let us know.
If you did not subscribe online to automatically renew your membership each year, you may pay your dues by simply clicking the orange “RENEW TODAY” button below. Online payment is secure and easy!
Alternatively, you may mail a check (please write “2025 Membership Dues” on the subject line) to:
Glen Lake Association
Attn: Membership
P.O. Box 551
Glen Arbor, MI 49636
New members may continue to join the GLA throughout the year. However, their membership will need to be renewed next January, as noted above.
Now is a great time to get the next generation involved in preserving and protecting the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed. Please consider signing your kids or grandkids up for a membership in 2025 – it could be a great birthday or anniversary gift. Membership starts at $50.
Thank you again for your continued support and commitment to the GLA’s mission. We are truly grateful for your partnership as we address the many issues that confront our watershed.
Sincerely,
The Glen Lake Association