Join The Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association
For the first time in about 20 years, ESLA’s board approved increases to membership dues, starting in 2022. Your dues pay for projects to preserve and protect the water quality, boating safety, and enjoyment of Elk and Skegemog lakes and the Elk, Torch, and lower Rapid rivers. Costs have dramatically increased since dues last changed as have the challenges to our waters and our mission. We recently began transitioning to new software to help us better manage and recognize your support. This summer, a new initiative with the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at Northwestern Michigan College should bring world-class experts and technology to explore the deeper waters of our lakes and the critters that live there. It’s a natural extension of ESLA’s 2021 drone-assisted exploration of our 42 miles of shoreline and near-shore waters. This doesn’t happen without your support. New household membership levels are:
- Supporter — $50
- Sustainer — $100
- Silver — $250
- Gold — $500
- Platinum — $1,000
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
(2022 dues in the 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
IT’S A HEALTHY SHORELINES THING – Aug. 27 (Friday)
Meet at 5:30 p.m. at the lakefront Milton Township Park Pavilion, Cairn Highway across from township offices and party store. Antrim County’s Soil Conservation Officer Heidi Shaffer speaks at 6 p.m., discussing maintenance, improvement and creation of healthy shorelines adjoining our waters. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer, looking for plant tips or local contractors or best times to plant, don’t miss it. Food & free booklets.
IT’S A BOAT WASH THING: Aug. 28 (Saturday) 12-4 p.m. Baggs Road DNR ramp
ESLA’s third and final boat wash of 2021, co-sponsored with Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. This year’s events have coincided with bass tournaments on Elk and Skegemog lakes. Board member Linda Slopsema’s coordination has drawn rave reviews from TOM, which supplies the equipment, for the support from trailer boaters.
Most Recent Blog Posts
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Upcoming ESLA Events for 2021
Aug. 27 (Friday) — IT’S A HEALTHY SHORELINES THING: [...]
ESLA adopts new technology to survey its waters
Beginning this week, riparians and boaters may notice a Boston [...]
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.