2026 Membership
Help us grow the Otsego Lake Association Membership
Otsego Lake is one of our community’s most valuable natural resources. For many years, the Otsego Lake Association (OLA) has worked to protect and preserve the lake so it remains clean, healthy, and enjoyable for everyone who lives on and visits its shores.
Maintaining the health of a lake requires ongoing attention. OLA supports critical efforts such as water quality monitoring, invasive species management, and long-term environmental stewardship. These important initiatives are made possible largely through the support of our members.
2026 OLA Membership Packages
Why Membership Participation Matters
While everyone benefits from a healthy lake, OLA relies on voluntary memberships to support much of the work needed to protect it. Increasing membership participation helps ensure that the responsibility for caring for Otsego Lake is shared by the entire lake community.
Protecting Otsego Lake requires professional monitoring and proactive management. In recent years, the cost of these services has steadily increased as environmental challenges grow and lake management needs expand.​
​
-
2025: $39,640 - 213 members - *Membership Dues increased to $100 previous dues were $50
-
2024: $21,393 - 262 members
-
2023: $28,500 - 385 members
-
2022: $33,825 - 275 members
-
2021: $20,650 - 274 members​​​
These efforts help maintain water quality, preserve property values, and ensure that Otsego Lake remains safe and enjoyable for swimming, boating, and fishing.
What Your Membership $ Supports
Your membership plays a vital role in protecting and preserving Otsego Lake. Funds raised directly support important initiatives such as:
​
-
Biannual lake surveys, professional recommendations, and treatments
-
Comprehensive reporting on the health and vitality of Otsego Lake
-
Educational outreach promoting responsible lake stewardship
-
Encouraging the use of lake-friendly fertilizers
-
Promoting proper septic system maintenance
-
Identifying and managing invasive species and protecting native plants
-
Implementing erosion control measures to protect shorelines
​
These efforts help maintain water quality, remove invasives, protect wildlife habitat, and
preserve the natural beauty of the lake for generations to come.
Together, we can make a lasting impact and secure the future of this cherished lake.
OLA Fireworks
In addition to our generous sponsors, we sell approximately 400 Fireworks raffle tickets each year to help pay for the fireworks. The funds raised recently, have been able to cover the event costs, but in years past that has not been the case. This important fundraiser is critical to support the greatest fireworks display in Northern Michigan! ​
FACT: Otsego Lake has approximately 763 deeded parcels that have lakefront and lake access. Since education and funding are critical to our mission, please recruit your friends and neighbors to join OLA! Without OLA, our lake is at great risk and your involvement can make a HUGE impact!