The mission of Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy (WLAC) is to deliver Walloon Lake, a place where people and nature thrive, to the next generations through the power of conservation.
VISION
Through its efforts in preserving the quality and natural state of the Walloon Lake watershed, the WLAC inspires the surrounding communities to come together to further protect the land and water of Walloon Lake. We envision a future when Walloon Lake and its watershed maintain the highest standard in water quality, the surrounding land and wildlife is preserved, and all of this is enjoyed by the greater community. The WLAC is committed to expanding its education programs to provide pertinent information regarding land conservation strategies, responsible shoreline practices, environmental threats, outdoor recreational safety and more. WLAC is a steward to encourage and educate people to enjoy and interact with nature responsibly to ensure its survival for generations to come.
CORE VALUES
Now and Forever:
We understand that the future of Walloon is in our hands. As caretakers of the Walloon Lake watershed, it is our responsibility to ensure that it remains a special place and incredible resource for future generations.
Preservation:
We acknowledge the need to maintain the highest level of conservation standards to protect the watershed in its entirety and to preserve Walloon’s history in response to growing development pressures and generational turnover.
Family:
Walloon Lake holds precious family memories, a shared heritage and provides a place to bond, relax, appreciate nature and be grateful for the bounty of our planet.
Education:
To best serve our mission, we must listen, learn and provide the educational tools and resources needed to build awareness, increase trust and inspire action.
Community:
Our community is comprised of diverse environments and people united around our common interests in Walloon Lake and its watershed.
Thought and Action Leadership:
We are leaders among environmental and conservation organizations, both in thought and action, with the ambition and mindset to do more and better.
OUR HISTORY
The keen interest in protecting Walloon Lake can be traced back to the 1910’s when forward-thinking neighbors created the Walloon Lake Association. They began by collecting water samples – becoming the lake’s unofficial original guardians and establishing an everlasting commitment to water quality.
Understanding that one of the best ways to keep Walloon Lake pristine for generations to come was to protect both its land and water resources, neighbors of the Walloon Lake Association banded together in the 1970’s to create the Walloon Lake Trust and Conservancy. Members pooled together their resources to form the Conservancy and began acquiring nature preserves and establishing conservation easement to protect private land with significant conservation value. Today, these places provide space for people to enjoy the natural beauty of the Walloon Lake and its surrounding watershed.
The two environmental guardians, the Walloon Lake Association and the Walloon Lake Trust and Conservancy, consolidated into one organization in 2019 that is now known as the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy.
FOCUS AREAS FROM OUR 2023 – 2027 STRATEGIC PLAN
WATER STEWARDSHIP
WLAC will continue to advance clean water initiatives and maintain healthy ecosystems in Walloon Lake and its watershed through responsible water stewardship programs.
LAND CONSERVATION AND ACCESS
WLAC will actively pursue land protection projects that possess high conservation value while ensuring that its conserved lands are managed to the highest standards.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATION
WLAC will foster a culture of conservation by engaging a diverse community of people who live, work and play on Walloon Lake and in its watershed.
POLICY, PARTNERSHIPS, AND ADVOCACY
WLAC will coordinate with government agencies, businesses, and other nonprofit organizations to support responsible policies, partnerships, and practices that protect Walloon Lake and its watershed.
ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY AND PHILANTHROPY
WLAC will ensure the Walloon Lake watershed community understands, supports, and invests in the WLAC’s long-term success and the organization will be managed as a streamlined, highly effective, and responsive nonprofit organization.
4060 N, M-75 Ste. 102 | P.O. Box 579 Walloon Lake, MI 49796 wlac@walloon.org 231-535-6112
