Lakes provide many benefits and services, from recreational opportunities to irrigation to aesthetic enjoyment. In order to maintain the ecological quality of their lake, as well as enhance its economic and recreational benefits, lakeshore residents can organize to form lake associations. In theory, lake association sustainability has a direct and positive effect on lake sustainability, as more effectively managed organizations should be better equipped to maintain their natural resources. This requires management of the lake itself, as well as organization management of the lake association.
In the spring of 2013, a master’s capstone class at the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs undertook a project to analyze the sustainability of both the Coalition of Lake Associations and individual lake associations.