Newsletter: Issue 52
Issue 52
Greetings BMLA Members,
A New Year, a New Perspective
The BMLA Board convened on March 12, 2024, and covered financial stability, environmental improvement, and community engagement. Here are some highlights...
Financial Stability & Investing in the Future
We have a positive financial balance of $24K. Invasives by their nature are evasive, their spread can fluctuate. To prepare the association we are aiming for an even stronger financial position and broader support from members. The 2024 BMLA budget is $40,000. So far this year 85 members have donated to the BMLA for a total of $10,000 of funding. Thank you for your support! We need an additional 90 members and $7,500 to reach our goals so please make an investment in the future of the lake.
The BMLA Board discussed a plan to offer local businesses the opportunity to sponsor the association. Details will be included in the June newsletter and on the BMLA website.
While we have been successful securing grants there is no guarantee this additional source of funds will continue. This year
Keep Big Marine a Natural Wonder
The quality of Big Marine remains strong, but the challenge of controlling EWM and other Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) is vital for the health of our lake AND your property values.
Our survey/treatment team estimates a 10-acre EWM treatment area and budget of $30,000 in 2024. Unpredictable weather patterns could alter
March 2024
this estimate possibly significantly increasing the treatment area.....and costs!
Shoreland Restoration
For those property owners who want to directly impact the quality of the lake, there is a Shoreland Restoration Program offered by Washington Conservation District, for more information visit http://www.mnwcd.org/habitat-restoration. This includes a free site visit and consultation on how to improve wildlife habitat on your property.
Membership Matters
It’s that time of year...Please send in your 2024 membership donation! We are calling on all members to renew their commitment to our amazing lake. Our donating membership was down to 146 in 2023 over our high mark of 171 in 2022, so it’s time to reach out to renew your support AND engage your neighbors to sign up and contribute.
Membership Donations Needed
Your involvement and investment is the lifeblood of BMLA. It’s now time to make an investment in the future of the lake.
12636 - 182nd St. N.
Marine, MN 55047
Minimum suggested donation is $50.00, but any level of support is accepted...less or MORE!
Or make a payment at: bigmarinelakeassociation.org
Washington County
awarded us $4,846 for AIS treatment and the
Watershed, CMSCWD awarded us $10,000.
Let's work together to increase our membership and strengthen our lake community.
Special Thanks To All Who Contributed!
New Member Highlight
In this and future issues we will highlight folks that recently joined the community AND the Big Marine Lake Association.
Join me in welcoming Mickie and Eric (yours truly) to the east bay of Big Marine. They moved here from Shoreview in 2022 where they raised their three kids and fell in love with the lake from visits with their friends Sam and Patti Devita. Eric and Mickie are still among the working (Medtronic and CHS), and enjoy skiing, cycling, kayaking, hiking, traveling, woodworking and birding.
Their perspective on the lake is: “A remarkable, unique place with cool people that feels like Northern MN only 30 minutes from downtown St. Paul.”
Warm regards everyone,
Eric Boyles
BMLA Mission Statement
The purpose of the Big Marine Lake Association is to educate, inform, and unite BML lakeshore property owners, those with neighborhood private lake access rights, and other concerned parties to monitor, identify, control, and (if possible) eradicate problematic aquatic invasive species in the waters of the lake.
12636 182nd St. N.
Marine on St Croix, MN 55047
Upcoming Area Events
Big Marine Lake is a community that loves our unique corner of the world. A few reminders about the fun we see coming in 2024:
Spring All Lake Gathering - Friday June 7th, 4:00-7:00 PM, at the Vets Camp. Meet your neighbors and enjoy a root beer float!