Introduction
The Clean Lakes Alliance (CLA) is a not-for-profit organization devoted to the water quality of area lakes, streams and wetlands in the Yahara River Watershed. The objective is to raise community awareness of the issues facing our waterways and funding to assist with the efforts to clean and protect those waterways. Working closely with state, county and local government agencies, waterway user groups, stakeholders, and riparian owners, CLA will serve as a positive voice in promotion of our cherished lakes and a fundraising arm for project execution.
The Organization
CLA was founded in 2009 to administrate the business end of the Clean Lakes Festival. The Festival, started in 2007, was organized by the Mad-City Water Ski Team in an effort to raise money to help clean up the lakes.
Our management team consists of a board of directors working closely with the Executive Director to develop the membership base, grow the Clean Lakes Festival, and create additional opportunities for community outreach and fundraising. In addition, an advisory board made up of stakeholders and partnering organizations provides direction to reach objectives and strengthen key relationships.
The Cause
The Yahara Watershed has undergone significant change in the last century. Increased urban growth and higher concentrations of dairy herds have caused extreme runoff issues, resulting in an overabundance of phosphorus and nitrogen in the waterways. The task of filtering, rerouting, and managing the current landscape will be difficult, but attainable with a sound plan and adequate resources.
Mission:
The Clean Lakes Alliance is dedicated to improving and protecting the Yahara Watershed by raising funds for water quality improvement projects, education, public access and assisting in the exchange of technical and scientific information.
