Lake associations are voluntary organizations with members who own land on or near a lake with the purpose to maintain, protect, and improve the quality of a lake, its fisheries, and its watershed. Wisconsin has about 400 lake associations in existence and the power of the associations have over lake management is impressive. The Carlin Lake Association took on a local giant and saved their beloved lake.
Over a stretch of seven years, the lake association and other residents of this small community were fighting against a politically connected entrepreneur. Not only was the body of water, its watershed and a groundwater aquifer at stake, but so was the lifestyle of people who called this slice of God’s country their home.
Over the seven-year battle, local, county, state, and federal laws, an interstate compact, and an international agreement came into play. The proposal was rejected by multiple circuit court judges, a state appeals court, the Vilas County Zoning Administrator, and twice by the Vilas County Board of Adjustment.