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Lake Associations: Organizing to Sustain Lake Quality

Lake associations in Minnesota play a critical role in protecting water quality, preserving wildlife habitat, and maintaining the overall health of lakes. However, they face growing challenges, including invasive species (like zebra mussels), shoreline development pressure, water pollution from runoff, and climate-related impacts such as changing water levels and algae blooms. Limited funding and volunteer capacity also make it harder to respond effectively.

For lakeshore owners, joining a lake association is one of the most direct ways to protect their investment and the natural environment they value. Membership supports monitoring, prevention efforts, and advocacy, while also giving owners a voice in decisions affecting their lake. Simply put, healthy lakes require active communities—and participation helps ensure these lakes remain clean, usable, and beautiful for years to come.

Presented By: 

Steve Nelson, President, Minnewaska Lake Association is a retired business owner with a mechanical engineering background. A dedicated lakefront owner, avid fisherman, and lifelong pheasant hunter, Steve is passionate about conservation, lake stewardship, and promoting responsible outdoor recreation in Minnesota.

Doug Evink is a board member of the Minnewaska Lake Association, Aquatic Invasive Species Detector, and Starry Trek participant dedicated to protecting Minnesota’s lakes and natural resources. A retired business owner, lifelong hunter and fisherman, MPCA Water Monitor Volunteer, and Fish & Cruise Chair, Doug is passionate about conservation, community engagement, and responsible outdoor recreation.

The Minnewaska Lake Association is a nonprofit organization established in 1992 dedicated to protecting and enhancing the 8,000-acre Lake Minnewaska through aquatic invasive species management, water quality monitoring, conservation projects, fish stocking, safety initiatives, youth engagement, and community outreach. Supported by nearly 400 members, the association also promotes lake stewardship through educational programs, partnerships, and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

Lori Ptak, President, Vermillion Lake Association. Lori has been a longtime member and active volunteer with the Vermilion Lake Association. Since joining the organization, she has contributed to lake stewardship efforts, including loon counts and shore lunch site maintenance. Following her retirement as a Speech/Language Pathologist in the public schools, Lori joined the association’s board, where she served as Communication Leader. She currently serves as President, continuing her commitment to protecting and preserving Lake Vermilion.

Kathy Nielsen, Former Board member, Pokegama Lake Association (Pine County) is the current co-chair of the Association’s Water Quality Committee. Kathy served 14 years as a city and township clerk where she worked on numerous water quality projects, coordinating with State, County and Local officials to address stormwater and water quality concerns. When Kathy retired and moved to Pokegama Lake in 2016, she brought her previous experience to the lake association, giving focus to the association’s efforts and activities. In 2024, she co-led the PLA’s efforts to implement a pilot project to assess the effectiveness of a new nanobubbles clean-water technology.