Dear Friends of Otisco Lake:

Thanks to the dedication and generosity of our community, 2025 was an outstanding year for the Otisco Lake Preservation Association. With support from Onondaga County and the incredible efforts of our mostly volunteer team, we launched our own aquatic harvesting program and put our new 11‑foot harvester to work.

From early June through the end of August, we harvested weeds at least three days each week—removing over 200,000 pounds in our very first season. As a result, boating channels stayed open, water access improved, and many areas of the lake were noticeably cleaner and more enjoyable.  Furthermore removing 200,000 lbs. of weeds results in 40lbs. less phosphorus and 1100 lbs. of algae growth avoided.  It was an impressive start, and one we can all be proud of.

Building on This Momentum—Together

While we’ve made meaningful progress, there is still important work ahead. With your continued support, we aim to:

• Expand harvesting operations to 4–5 days per week

• Begin addressing watershed challenges by installing floating wetlands to naturally filter water entering the lake

• Increase water testing to track reductions in phosphorus and nitrogen—key contributors to algae blooms and excessive weed growth

  These next steps are essential to protecting the long‑term health of Otisco Lake, and they are only possible with the ongoing involvement of our members.

Why Become an OLPA Member?

When you join OLPA, you’re not just supporting a cause—you’re becoming part of a committed community working toward a shared goal. Membership allows you to:

• Vote in elections and nominate Board members

• Participate in the annual business meeting

• Have a voice in decisions that directly impact Otisco Lake

• Demonstrate strong community support to funding partners

• Stay informed through newsletters, email, and social media

• Access educational programs and events
  

  Membership starts at just $60 per year and is open to anyone age 18 or older.

The membership year begins June 1, 2026, and only members are eligible to vote in the annual meeting and Board elections.

This year we've implemented a new membership tool that allows  you to easily select a membership and payment method and create a personalized portal page. Through this portal, you can:

• Select a membership level 

• Manage payments

• Add additional household members

• Update credit card information

• View upcoming OLPA activities

• Sign up for events

• Make donations

Please click on '“Become a Member” below to select your membership level and create a portal page.   

PLEASE NOTE: If you select the Sunriser or Weed Slayer level, you  will receive a single membership only. If you sign up as a Lake Stewards, Lake Protectors or Lake Ambassador, you can add an additional household member.  5 Year Legacy Members receive up to  3 additional members. 

Together, we can preserve and protect Otisco Lake for future generations. Thank you for being part of this vital work.

Warm regards,
The Otisco Lake Preservation Association

Sunriser $60.00 Single Member

Weed Slayer $100.00 Single Member

Lake Steward $250.00 Two Members

Lake Protector $500.00 Two Members

Lake Ambassador $1000.00 Two Members

5 Year Legacy Membership $1000. 00 Four Members