Benefits of Membership
Organized Voice Representing Membership
An important function of the Big Lake Improvement Association (BLIA) is to represent members with township and county government with regard to local ordinances. The association has joined associations in order to have a stronger collective voice in local government and our relationship with Minnesota Lakes and Rivers represents our interests at a state level.
Outside Speakers and Education Programs
The BLIA, invites outside speakers to our membership meetings in an effort to keep our membership informed and updated on best practices on water quality, safety, legislation, regulations and other matters impacting the health of our lake and property. The association also provides educational information to lakeshore property owners about individual and collective actions to protect the lake.
Association Newsletters and Other Communications
As a member you are updated on lake issues and opportunities through our annual newsletters, annual association meetings, Big Lake Improvement Association Website, Big Lake Improvement Association Facebook posts, and emails. Information is easily available upon request for members should our communications not provide members what they need.
Planned Events Sponsored by the BLIA
Each year the BLIA sponsors the 4th of July boat parade, roadside cleanup and other events from time to time. These events provide opportunities to form friendships and camaraderie with your neighbors and other property owners.
Membership Dues
Your dues help to pay for association expenses related to all of the following, but not limited to:
- Maintenance of BLIA pontoon trailer.
- Maintenance and upkeep of BLIA pontoon/boat motor.
- Sponsor of 4th of July boat parade.
- Membership with the Minnesota Lakes and Rivers. Advocate for lake association issues at the legislature.
- Cost of maintaining our website.
- Subsidize a portion of the meal for members attending in the annual meeting.
Membership dues also provide a fund for future expenses needed for lake health and quality for future generations. Your BLIA membership is good from July 1st to June 30th yearly. Please make every effort to not let your membership expire.
Minnesota Lakes & Rivers Agreement
BLIA has entered into an agreement which Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (MLR) which provides a free MLR membership to each of our members. MLR has long been the strongest public advocacy group, supporting issues and interests of property owners and businesses regarding Minnesota’s preeminent natural resources. As part of this agreement, Big Lake Improvement Association members receive the MLR bimonthly newsletter at no cost. This newsletter comes electronically to your email address, or another email of choice. You can continue your direct membership with MLR to additionally support their needs, but this membership is provided to you through the BLIA membership. Minnesota Lakes and Rivers provides our association with valuable communications and allows members to receive up-to-date information regarding your lake property investment. MLR provides a statewide advocacy and leadership on lake issues and also has a lobbying presence with Minnesota legislature which allows us to have a voice in establishing future statewide policy and legislative agendas.
Citizen Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program
BLIA member volunteers gather data to track lake health.