IMPORTANT ORGANIZATIONAL UPDATE
WLAC Members,
I want to let you know, as members and supporters of the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy (WLAC), that Executive Director Haley Breniser after careful consideration, has made the decision to resign, effective December 31, 2024.
The WLAC Board would like to thank Haley for her contributions and dedication to WLAC during her time with the organization.
The Board of Directors is working diligently to ensure a smooth transition. We have begun the search for a new Executive Director. We know that this will not be a short process as we engage with the Board and staff in finding the next organizational leader. Please know, our purpose remains the same, steadfast and focused on ensuring Walloon Lake and its watershed are protected and stewarded.
We plan to keep the membership, donors, stakeholders, and the community updated on progress. During the process we ask that you have patience and grace with us as our Board, eight committees, and staff ensure that we move ahead with strategic projects and important initiatives even as we conduct our search for a new leader.
Thank you for your support of WLAC’s Mission to deliver Walloon Lake, a place where people and nature thrive, to the next generations through the power of conservation.
Please direct any questions to me at martymakinen@aol.com.
Marty Makinen,
President WLAC Board
THE WLAC EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION
We are proud to announce that the WLAC has achieved national recognition and has been awarded accreditation by the The Land Trust Accreditation Commission. We are joining a network of over 450 accredited land trusts across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in their work. Our Past President Dave Deal shared:
“The conservancy made the decision over 5 years ago to seek Land Trust Accreditation for several reasons. First, we felt it was important to adopt the high standards of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission to ensure we were following best practices throughout our organization. Second, we felt there was no more effective way to communicate to our many stakeholders the guiding principles we were going to use as we carry out our mission. The WLAC staff and board are to be commended for all of the hard work and demonstrated excellence it has taken to achieve this milestone.”
After a rigorous verification process by the Land Trust Commission, the WLAC has proven that we have sound finances, practice ethical conduct and responsible governance, and can ensure lasting stewardship. The awarded accreditation ensures we are operating at the highest possible conservation standards and signifies confidence that the WLAC’s lands will be protected, now and forever.
2022 WLAC Board President Michael Hatch reflects on the WLAC’s ability to further protect the Walloon Lake watershed, in perpetuity, while accredited:
“Accreditation demonstrates our commitment to permanent land conservation in the Walloon Lake watershed, and we are a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous process. This strength means special places, like Walloon Lake, will be protected forever – and forever is a long time!”
We are so grateful for the outpouring of support we have received and are sincerely honored to be part of this prestigious community of accredited land trusts. Thank you!