What We Do | gcola

What We Do as "Stewards for the Gull Chain"

Info-graphic of GCOLA activities and spending

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Purchases, installs and maintains one of the premier navigational buoy systems (90 buoys) in the State of Minnesota. This system is NOT provided by local law enforcement. We also install the no wake enforcement buoys for the sheriff ’s department.
Provides free maps with boating rules and regulation at three public landings.
In partnership with Cass and Crow Wing county sheriffs, provides free boat safety training for approximately 50 youth per year. The lake association also gives each participant a life jacket.
Entered an agreement with the City of Lake Shore Police Department to provide water craft inspections for invasive species at the County 77 boat landing.
Monitors lakes and streams running into the Chain for water quality. The samples are being taken by GCOLA member volunteers, with testing completed by licensed environmental labs. With the testing completed we have established a data base which will help us identify problems now and in the future and provide guidance for action plans.
Conducts inspections twice in the summer at 24 locations to look for invasive species.
Takes weekly secchi disk readings during the summer to test the water clarity.
Promotes lakeshore restoration projects. We are currently providing matching grants for restoration projects through grants received from the DNR and the Initiative Foundation.
Since 2010, donated over 1200 white pine seedlings to members.
Works with county sheriffs on safety and enforcement issues. We have donated to the sheriff ’s department night vision equipment, a range finder, life jackets and have made our buoy barge available for emergencies.
Donated $35,000 to the University of Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research project to be specifically used for zebra mussel research.
Conducts a yearly loon count in the spring and late summer and established a loon-safe boating program.
Issues four newsletters per year to keep members informed about association programs and important issues affecting lake quality and property owners.
Maintains a web site (gcola.org), a member group e-mail service and a Facebook page.
Through the Initiative Foundation, established a perpetual Endowment Fund for ongoing support. With a $50,000 Initiative Foundation matching grant, the fund is now well over $305,000.
Holds an annual meeting and Gala in July.
Entered a partnership with the Corps of Engineers to establish a boat power wash station at the corps’ Gull Lake Recreation Area public access ramp.
In order to keep apprised of lake issues and programs, maintains memberships with the Crow Wing Lakes and Rivers Alliance, the Association of Cass County Lakes, Minnesota Conservation and Minnesota Lakes & Rivers Association.