Clean Lakes Alliance, Inc

Our mission is to champion our lakes and watershed stewardship for the benefit of all.

Passion - People who work here have a passion for what they do. Our energy drives membership and encourages support from the community. Because we are passionate and focused, we are able to accomplish more work in a shorter period of time.

Community Engagement - Our organization supports the involvement of all members of our community. Their involvement directs us and provides us with the opportunity to improve the quality of our lakes. We actively seek the involvement of the community by seeking advice, expertise, connections, and volunteerism.

Inclusion - Communities and agencies throughout the Greater Madison area, Dane County, and the entire Yahara River Watershed actively support our cause and have full faith and trust in our approach to improving the health of our lakes.

Solution Focused - Our approach involves actively solving the problems facing our watershed. We take a proactive approach and seek to make a positive impact on our community and our water quality in the shortest time possible. Clean Lakes Alliance will not point fingers or place blame. Instead, we will seek ways to get things done that create the greatest possible support from our partners.

Respect and Reverence for Water - We will be an advocate and educator regarding the importance of lake health to our local quality of life. Our goal is to create a lasting impact on every member of our community regarding the importance of our waterways, and to give citizens positive information on the role they play in maintaining their integrity.

Testimonials

The Early Years
The Clean Lakes Festival, which began in 2007, was organized by the Mad-City Water Ski Team in an effort to raise money to help clean up the lakes. On November 8, 2010, Clean Lakes Alliance was formed, evolving from a volunteer group into an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The organization started developing and seeking members to become its first board. The first board meeting was held in January 2011.

Our management team consists of an executive board of directors that works closely with Clean Lakes Alliance executive staff to devise community engagement strategies, increase participation in lake activities and events, and create additional opportunities for outreach and education. A Community Board made up of stakeholders and partnering organizations provides us with additional direction in reaching our objectives and strengthening key relationships.

The Future
In 2012, Clean Lakes Alliance commissioned the Yahara CLEAN Strategic Action Plan for Phosphorus Reduction to cut phosphorus runoff to our lakes in half, which will mean clearer water and fewer algae blooms. Today, Clean Lakes Alliance is working to build community support and the financial resources necessary to reach our goal.