Winter 2024 Newsletter
Members and Friends,
Your Tacoma Lakes Association enjoyed another solid year in 2024. We had an amazing summer, and a fall season unlike any that I can remember.
There are, however, some disturbing trends. Memberships dropped for the second year in a row. I (we) have struggled with how to grow memberships. This summer we held our second boat regatta, our second member event at Doolin’s Pub, and our second consecutive raffle and appearance at the Litchfield Fair. Our visibility in the community has never been higher! As I prepare to enter my 10th year as President of this great organization, I do not understand the declining memberships. Our annual membership fee is still only $25, and our efforts to maintain clean, clear waters without invasives, is never-ending.
2025 will bring more challenges for TLA. As a result of a reorganization within our sister organization, The Friends of Cobbossee Watershed, the costs for the Woodbury Pond boat inspection program will be increasing dramatically. The TLA does have some funds in reserve however those monies have been raised as our reserve to allow us to undertake remediation in the event the Tacoma Lakes are unfortunate enough to experience invasive plant species. Currently, milfoil remediation can cost $10,000 per week. In the event of an infestation, we project our funds could quickly be used up.
Simply put, in 2025 more than ever TLA needs the help of each and every member. Our volunteer plant patrol team needs more volunteers. All but one of the other Lake Associations in our watershed pay for plant survey teams. We have saved thousands of dollars over the years with our all-volunteer survey team. Our volunteer team enjoys each other’s company and has a good time while surveying. What a rewarding feeling to know you have helped us in our efforts to remain free of invasives.
Jim Adams, President