Volunteers
get involved
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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
