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Welcome to Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association or ESLA as our non-profit is best known. We’re dedicated to preserving and protecting the quality of the precious waters we love. We’re talking about those fishy, deep (Elk), shallow (Skegemog) lakes and connecting waters with their spectacular sunrises and sunsets that brought and keep us here. 

Bluegill protecting spawning bed on the north end of Elk Lake.

We conduct science-supported research; help property owners protect their waters; prevent, control or eradicate invasive species; identify pollution sources; educate with events and communications; advocate water policy; collaborate with other committed organizations. Read more to learn more!

YOUR SUPPORT PROTECTS ESLA WATERS

About 500 individuals, couples, families and businesses that supported Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association in 2024. Thank you!

In 2025, we will continued, with your help, to protect, preserve, monitor, educate, and advocate for water quality and member enjoyment of these shared waters. Become a member today.

 

New Guide: Handbook for Waterfront Owners

Waterfront owners should check out the new, digital resource guide brimming with helpful tips. The guide offers guidance for issues such as planting and shoreline protection in a simple to understand, definitive package. Former ESLA President Bob Kingon collaborated with the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay to produce the “Waterfront Resource Guide”. This guide replaces the still useful printed “ESLA Riparian Handbook” published in 2005. Find the revised guide HERE.

 

75th Anniversary Celebration – Annual Meeting 

 

 Join us on June 27th, 5pm at the Edward C Grace Harbor Pavilion for a night of celebrating. 
We will be reminiscing about our humble beginnings and the early days of our organization. We’ll also be showcasing what we have accomplished this year with your support. Presentations from board members, committee chairs and our lake biologist. We will also discuss our hopes for the future and how we as a collection of riparians and concern citizens will work to insure that our waters remain healthy for another 75 years. 
Join us for what is sure to be a fun night.

– hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided – please RSVP

 

“SHORE THING” SPEAKERS

“SHORE THING” SPEAKERS

ESLA’s Shore Things 

It is with great excitement that we are announcing our first Shore Thing of 2025! 

Boating Safety – April 24, 5pm at The Dam Shop – We will be joined by Charlie Jeffery, Coast Guard Auxiliary, to discuss the boating safety rules and regulations you might not know. He will also go over the schedule for vessel safety inspections that will be taking place on Elk Lake. We’ll also be joined by a representative of the marina to go over their offerings to keep you safe. Be sure to RSVP today. 

Don’t forget that we have all of our past Shore Things on our YouTube channel, in case you missed out on one of them.

We would love to know what you would like to learn about this year. Please reach out and let us know.  

 

LOVE YOUR LAKES: Renew or Support ESLA

LOVE YOUR LAKES: Renew or Support ESLA

ESLA dues, at your discretion, range from $50-$1,000. Not surprisingly, costs for contractors, hosting events, supporting research, ensuring navigational safety with Skegemog-to-Torch River buoys, and other ESLA work have increased. For returning members, please consider — if you can — increasing your support level or even becoming a Champion or Legend. For those of you sharing the waterfront who have not paid ESLA dues, please consider joining at any level. All new and renewing members’ names are listed in our March newsletter! Questions? Contact us HERE or call membership Coordinator Deanna Seifried at 937-602-2295. Contact Us

To pay 2025 dues or other ESLA support with a credit card, click HEREOr write a check to the Elk-Skegemog Lakes Association. Send to P.O. Box 8, Elk Rapids, MI. 49629. Membership is open to all.

*ESLA is a 501(c)(3) IRS-certified not-for-profit organization. Your contribution may be tax deductible.

LOVE YOUR LAKES: Join Our Volunteer Team

LOVE YOUR LAKES: Join Our Volunteer Team

Volunteers for ESLA’S board, committees and specific projects play a critical role for our non-profit. From boat washes to photography to helping at our various events. Whether you’re still working or retired, we can always use more help. Reach out to us HERE or contact a board member.

Is this your year to join ESLA's Champions?

Is this your year to join ESLA's Champions?

ESLA’S launch in 2022 of a Champion program allowing supporters to show a deep commitment to meet known and future water quality challenges continues. Champion dollars go into a Strategic Environmental Fund that must grow to respond to major or unexpected challenges. Champions may make a $5,000 contribution in a single year or commit to reaching $5,000 in support over five years with a minimum $1,000 initial contribution. Questions or interest in becoming a Champion? Contact Dean Ginther at 231-676-2928 or HERE.  Dean can also explain ESLA’s Legends program for planned giving through estates and other vehicles.

Preserving and Protecting Our Precious Resources