A lake preservation fund that would help with water-quality expenses indefinitely is the next frontier for the Twin Lakes Association as the board seeks ways to offset soaring costs and put the lakes on a lasting path to sustainability.
The Twin Lakes Preservation Fund would be a pool of assets managed for long-term growth and income. This resource would be employed in the battle against invasive species like hydrilla, providing a financial buffer to attack any threat to the health of the lakes for decades to come.
Similar funds are standard practice at universities and other large nonprofits and are increasingly part of the landscape for charitable organizations of any size.
Bill Barton, a TLA director, presented the concept at the June 13 membership meeting. You can find more details in the notes from that meeting and see how it works by viewing the slide presentation, which shows how $1 million invested in 2016 in the conservative, highly regarded Vanguard Wellington Fund could have paid out 5% a year, or about $50,000 a year, while modestly growing its capital.
Such a fund has been under consideration for several years. Discussions accelerated as the costs of hydrilla escalated. The TLA budget this year is $500,000, up more than 10-fold in recent years.
The TLA has spent more than $1 million battling hydrilla since its discovery in Twin Lakes. This spending has brought hydrilla under control. The board expects annual spending will decrease in coming years but remain over $250,000 well into the future.
The TLA board has engaged legal counsel to advise on the governance structure and spending guidelines of the fund to ensure that the TLA continues to meet its fiduciary responsibilities and nonprofit requirements as the financial aspects of the organization grow.
The preservation fund is seen as a long-term solution. The board anticipates donations to jumpstart the fund. But the real benefits will come over time if members of the lake community remember the TLA in small or large ways in their estate plans.
The 70-plus members attending the membership meeting received the idea warmly with some saying it was long overdue. The fund will be a major discussion topic at the Aug. 8 annual meeting. Please mark your calendar.
In other news from the meeting:
Russ Conklin, TLA director, presented findings from the watershed study and several years of data from water-quality testing, noting concerns about rising phosphorous levels. Water quality remains excellent. But we should not ignore early warning signals. Concerns stem from a combination of issues including poorly maintained septic systems, manicured lawns at the water’s edge, and greater development in the watershed.
Jackie Blombach, TLA director, discussed lake health initiatives and introduced Nature’s Action Guide, an action book on supporting the lake ecosystem. The TLA recommends all members get a copy. Reach out to any board member. The TLA recommends septic systems be pumped every two years. It also suggests removing invasive plants, expanding the natural shoreline with vegetative buffers, and turning off lights to support animals and insects that are important to biodiversity.
State Trooper Kathleen Begley and Dan Janco, a retired state trooper who assists with lake patrols, spoke about safety issues such as boat speed, warning devices for kayaks and paddle boards, and the proper distance from shore of swimming docks. Some docks appear to be moored beyond 200 feet from shore. Those present a hazard and should be moved closer to land.
You can find more information and discussion points in the notes.
The underpass at Isola Bella will be open by the first week of July. Indications are that hydrilla was successfully contained in the east bay and the threat of spreading through the underpass is greatly diminished.
Twins Lakes Day will follow the annual meeting on Aug. 8 from 1-4 p.m. Lunch will be served after the meeting. All are invited. We need volunteers to help with the picnic and to set up and manage the games. Contact membership@twinlakesorg.org.
Whoops The new TLA directory was based on mailing addresses and failed to include many local addresses. We acknowledge the oversight and expect to issue a new directory in 2027. We remind members that we depend on you to provide any updated information you’d like to have included. We’re working on a system to make this process easier. Meanwhile, feel free to bring your updated information to the annual meeting on Aug. 8 or email to membership@twinlakesorg.org.
Dues are overdue! If you haven’t paid your $50 per person membership fee, please do so immediately. The easiest way is via the website, where you can also donate over and above.
Celebrate July 4this year in grand fashion by joining a water parade to note our nation’s 250th Independence Day. The TLA asks all interested boaters to meet at 2:45 p.m. on July 4 at the east cove of East Twin Lake, on the water in front of the state boat launch.
The parade will begin at 3 p.m., traveling at low speed counterclockwise around the tip of the island and continuing around the lake for one lap. We encourage you to wear red, white, and blue and display/wave an American flag. We expect to finish at 4:15 p.m. There is no rain date.
Enter your “winter white” photos now for the 2026 photo contest. Two winners will be announced at the Aug. 8 annual meeting. Both will receive $50. Reply to this email with entries or email them to dankadlec17@gmail.com. You can also enter by posting publicly on Instagram with #TLAphoto2026 and tagging @dankadlec.
