Through the dedication of our members, volunteers, board, and staff, we achieved remarkable milestones this year. From safeguarding Lake Leelanau's ecosystem to community engagement programs, we’ve made significant strides in preserving the beauty and health of our lake. Let’s dive into the Top 10 LLLA Accomplishments of 2024.
1. Shoreline Consultations
Our Shoreline Ambassadors visited 36 Lake Leelanau homes this year to perform Shoreline Consultations, helping riparians learn how to improve their shoreline to prevent erosion and protect the lake from land-based pollutants. We estimate that around 1.62 miles of shoreline will be improved on Lake Leelanau as a result of this program. Along with the amount of shoreline, our number of LLLA-certified Shoreline Ambassadors has also increased to four this year, with five others in training.
2. Invasive Species Remediation, Monitoring, and Control
Our work to protect Lake Leelanau from the invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) continued in one of our most impactful years yet. There are now 17 sites that are currently EWM-free and will be closely monitored over the coming years to ensure no EWM is left behind. By the end of the 2024 season, there were no known large infestations left to be covered in the lake. Our team was highly effective this year with double the staff than ever before and vastly improved efficiency, setting us up for another year of success in 2025.
3. New Board Members and Officers
Another 2024 LLLA accomplishment is the growth and evolution of our Board of Directors and Officers. This year, the Association welcomed Laurie Wilkins to the Board of Directors. Laurie quickly stepped into the roles of Treasurer and VP, as well as heading up our new Volunteer Recruitment Program and co-chairing the Boat Wash Program with Sue Downs. Laurie has stepped into the big shoes of our past Treasurer and VP, Kathy Birney. We extend our deep appreciation to Kathy for all she did for LLLA over the years! In addition, Greg Vogt took on the role of Secretary, replacing Lori Oberson who moved into the role of Membership Chair. We are so fortunate to have such passionate and talented folks leading the organization!
4. Staffed Boat Cleaning Stations
Throughout the summer season, we staffed our four boat cleaning stations on Lake Leelanau to encourage everyone to wash their boats to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. The stations are located at the DNR Narrows, Bingham, and West boat launches on South Lake Leelanau and at Suelzer Park on North Lake Leelanau. Our boat wash staff and volunteers spent a cumulative 1,270 hours at the boat launches and encountered 2,415 boaters throughout the season, helping to spread the message of “CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY”. Thanks to all on this huge community effort!
5. Auction
This year, we raised $103,820 in the annual spring auction! The Association couldn’t have done it without our dedicated volunteers on our auction committee and the overwhelming support of our community. Thank you!
6. Hired an Office Manager
Our fundraising success has provided the Association with the ability to hire a part-time Office Manager, Willow Myles-Nuffer. We are so happy to welcome Willow to the team and benefit from her financial management and organizational skills.
7. Terrestrial Invasive Species Program
Our invasive species programming expanded to include more efforts to protect the lake from Terrestrial Invasive Species (TIS) such as purple loosestrife, yellow-flag iris, and invasive phragmites. Shoreline surveys for all three species have now been completed and LLLA is working with property owners to control these TIS on their properties.
8. Volunteer Program
Under the leadership of Laurie Wilkins, the Association expanded its recruitment of volunteers to match the increasing number of programs going on to protect Lake Leelanau. Around 60 individuals volunteered their time to help with LLLA activities such as boat washing, filling bags with pea gravel to weigh down burlap to kill EWM, surveying for new aquatic invasive species, taking water quality samples, helping with events and membership activities, and much more! These volunteers contributed over 750 hours in 2024!
9. Aquatic Invasive Species Early Detection Survey
This year, the Association expanded our surveillance for aquatic invasive species (AIS) and headed a new initiative to detect AIS as early as possible so our team can respond rapidly to any new infestations. Volunteers were trained to use waterproof cameras to record videos underwater at high-risk areas of the lake, i.e., near boat launches. This effort has already led to the discovery of EWM in an area not previously known!
10. Community Engagement
The Community Engagement Committee continued to share our work and love for the lake with the community through in-person events such as the Member Mixer, Annual Meeting, Lake Leelanau Street Fair, Leland 4th of July Parade, and more. We are grateful to all those who have contributed to sharing the Association's messages virtually as well.
2024 was another big year in our efforts to preserve and protect Lake Leelanau. We are grateful to all who contribute with their time, money, and support to make this work possible. Stay tuned to see what else we accomplish in 2025!
Main photo: The LLLA float in the 2024 Leland Fourth of July parade