Volunteers

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Volunteers make GCOLA possible! You will support our mission plus you get to meet new people and be part of one of the state’s most successful lake associations serving over 1,000 members. The time commitment may vary but is typically from 2-4 hours per month. We have opportunities at all levels of the organization including committee chair and board membership.

Reach out to a committee chair to learn more about how you can help or complete the Volunteer Form and you will be contacted.

Volunteer form

What We Do

AIS COMMITTEE

Tim Thoele | 612-834-3088

  • Work with local counties and the MN DNR regarding AIS inspections at public boat launches.
  • Seek grants at state and county levels for AIS activities.
  • Coordinate with government agencies concerning the use of the decontamination unit at the Government Point public access.
  • Manage the I-LIDS units at the Nisswa and Gull Narrows public accesses which provide unmanned AIS inspections.
  • Collaborate with vendors to inspect 30+ hot spots on the Gull Lake Chain.
  • Oversee application of chemicals to eradicate or control AIS.
  • Educate resort owners and staff about AIS prevention at their boat accesses.
Volunteer - AIS

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

Kathy Lundberg | kathylundberg@comcast.net

  • Produce and distribute quarterly newsmagazines.
  • Manage website content and design.
  • Post social media content.
  • Deliver email blasts and surveys.
Volunteers - Communications

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE

Robert Eliason | 218-280-6389

  • Host the Tree Giveaway event.
  • Monitor water quality using chemical and/or physical methods.
  • Promote the benefits of a dark night sky for people and animals.
  • Interact with local governments and planning and zoning committees to protect water quality.
  • Provide education concerning the ecosystems of our lakes.
Volunteers - Environmental

FINANCE & AUDIT COMMITTEE

Sue Friedrichs (Interim) | Info@gcola.org

  • Coordinate annual budget approval process.
  • Responsible for all internal and external audits.
  • Maintain oversight of the AIS funds managed by the Initiative Foundation and Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation.
  • Manage insurance.
  • Oversee all GCOLA finances.
Sunrise_Jaimie-Marx

FISHERIES COMMITTEE

Dan Simons | dsimons@theworldco.net

  • Work with MN DNR regarding fish management activities on the Gull Lake Chain.
  • Identify fishery/fishing issues to be addressed by the Board.
  • Facilitate discussions with the MN DNR concerning special fishing regulations.
Volunteers - Fisheries

GALA COMMITTEE

Ann Swenson | 952-484-4894 | swensonann1@gmail.com

  • Host an annual social event which educates members about key GCOLA topics and raises funds for programs.
Volunteers - Gala

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE

Steve Frawley | 612-750-2633

  • Work with state and local legislators and governmental agencies on legislation related to key priorities.
  • Collaborate with other lake associations on issues and actions.
  • Network with lobbyists and advocacy groups to help accomplish legislative goals.
  • Attend meetings held by governments and agencies concerning legislative priorities.
Volunteers - Government Relations

LAKE STEWARD COMMITTEE

Dorothy Whitmer | whitmer@mac.com

  • Engage property owners to evaluate their shoreland and/or update it to qualify for the Lake Steward Award.
  • Coordinate the GCOLA Shoreland Habitat cost-share program.
  • Promote the Lake Steward Award program state-wide by engaging with cities, counties, MN DNR, and Minnesota Lakes and Rivers.
Volunteers - Lake Steward

LOON CONSERVANCY COMMITTEE

Sheila Johnston | 612-226-6571 |  sheilafjohnston@me.com

  • Conduct loon surveys, and report findings to DNR MN Loon Restoration Project (MLRP).
  • Deliver education materials and signage regarding loon protection.
  • Participate in the MPCA Get the Lead Out (GTLO) Program.
  • Place artificial loon nesting platforms with guidance from the MLRP.
  • Coordinate loon rescues as part of the Minnesota Loon Rescue Network.
  • Support loon banding on the Gull Lake Chain through The Loon Project.
What We Do - Loon Conservancy

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Steve Frawley | 612-750-2633

  • Attend local events to promote membership.
  • Engage members who choose not to renew their membership.
  • Actively pursue new property owners to join GCOLA.
Volunteer - Membership

SAFETY & RECREATION COMMITTEE

Jay Chaney | 760-213-2424

  • Coordinate the installation and ongoing maintenance of the buoy system with the vendor, and Cass County and Crow Wing County sheriffs.
  • Manage the adopt-a-buoy program.
  • Provide watercraft safety brochures to the public.
  • Work with local law enforcement to provide boat safety training for youth.
  • Interface with local law-enforcement regarding watercraft safety concerns.
Volunteers - Buoys & Safety

What You Can Do

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