Join The Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association
ESLA’s primary source of income is membership dues. Your dues allow ESLA’s volunteer board to pay for projects to protect and enhance the water quality, boating safety and enjoyment of Elk and Skegemog lakes and the Elk, Torch and lower Rapid rivers. Yearly household memberships include:
- Basic – $25
- Captain – $50
- Commodores – $75
- Admirals – $100
Or you can choose any amount you feel comfortable giving to support our shared precious resource and strengthen our collective voice as advocates for our waters.
JOINING IS EASY for first time or renewing members.
Click the button below to JOIN ESLA TODAY!
Payment by credit card or PayPal.
– Or –
Send a check to Elk-Skegemog Lakes Assn., PO Box 8, Elk Rapids, MI., 49629
(2021 dues in memo field).
*ESLA is a 501c3 certified not for profit organization
Virtual “It’s a Shore Thing”
ESLA works with government, non-profits, foundations and private business to promote the health of our lakes and rivers. Watch the interviews here to learn more about issues facing our waters and how you can help. Want more? Check our YouTube channel and sign up for our newsletter.
Andrea Albert
Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Andrea Albert talks to ESLA’s virtual “It’s a Shore Thing” host Bob Campbell about issues she encounters on our waters and how our members can help her and other officers when they see something amiss.
Mark Stone
Antrim County Director of Dams and Drain Commissioner Mark Stone talks to ESLA’s board about the safety of the Elk Rapids and Bellaire dams and his excitement about a critical study underway of the hydrology of our lakes, rivers and connecting waterways.
Ron Reimink
Ron Reimink, founder of Freshwater Solutions, L.L.C., reveals in an interview with ESLA Environment Committee chair Jan Garvey and VP Bob Campbell what his 2020 research into Swimmers Itch for ESLA showed. Spoiler alert: Think – duck, duck (uh-oh)!
Heather Hettinger
Heather Hettinger, the top Department of Natural Resources biologist in the northwest corner of lower Michigan, answers questions from the ESLA board’s fishing fanatics about the present and future of fishing our waters.
News and Upcoming Events
ESLA Annual Membership Meeting – Friday, June 25th
Please join us on Friday, June 25th at the bayside pavilion of the Elk Rapids Grace Harbor for the ESLA social and business event of the year – the annual membership meeting. Doors will open at 5 pm. The continuing pandemic-forced limits on gatherings means only 60 people will be permitted inside, but we’ll open the bayside wall of glass doors and with outside speakers chairs and picnic tables will be able to accommodate at least 120. It’ll be our first annual meeting in the pavilion. We’ll provide water bottles and salty snacks but no alcohol or other drinks. Vaccinated members aren’t required to wear a mask, but unvaccinated people should. You’ll hear reports on finances, membership numbers and the projects we are working on. Learn all of ESLA Annual Meeting details!
Free Fishing Weekend June 12 & 13 2021
Read the DNR Article.
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ESLA Members: Report Swimmers Itch
“ESLA projects cover a large number of issues that impact anyone who shares our beautiful waters. We collect and study data on swimmer’s itch, work with area municipalities to help residents update this failing septic systems, partner with other groups to help prevent aquatic hitchhikers with boat washes and educate lake residents about invasive species and how to prevent them. ESLA strives to address all issues lake related. If there is something you are concerned about, we encourage our membership to contact us by emailing elkskegemoglakes@gmail.com or by reaching out to your zone captain. We always want to hear from our members! Want to lend a hand? We always need volunteers for some projects and are always looking for people. Together, we can make keep our lakes beautiful and protect them for future generations.
Boat Wash First – Stop Aquatic Hitch Hikers
ESLA Committees
Environmental Protection
Researches issues and proposes ESLA positions and programs. Manages protection activities.
Finance Committee
Responsible for reviewing and providing guidance for all of the organization’s financial matters.
Government Relations
Organizes and Maintains ESLA representation with township, county, state and federal agencies.
Communications
Manages ESLA newsletter, website, email broadcasts, handbooks, membership directory etc.
Recreation & Safety
Develops programs for water and ice safety, boat and snowmobile safety, water level control.
Governance and Membership
Maintains oversight of all committees. Promotes membership and member services.