ABOUT

Rainbow

SC COLA is a Coalition of Lake Associations in Sherburne County, Minnesota formed in 2017.

Working together, we can improve and protect our precious natural resources. We aim to provide a dialog between lake associations, various organizations and local and regional governments to achieve our goals.

Mission:

Protect and enhance the quality of our lakes, rivers, fish and wildlife habitats; preserve the economic, recreational and natural environmental values of our shorelands and waters; and promote their safe and responsible use.

SC COLA’s mission supports and enhances the work of our members to promote and protect the interests of lakeshore property owners, lake associations, local government, public and private partners, community members and future generations.

Vision:

Protecting our lakes, rivers and waterways today and tomorrow.

Strategies to Achieve our Mission and Vision:

Efficiencies – Taking advantage of products and services at a lower group-based price, such as chemical testing, monitoring, signage, restoration, invasive species and aquatic plant management, etc. In addition, knowledge sharing about new funding opportunities.

Community Outreach and Education – Educating the broader public on water quality, shoreland management best practices and Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), with opportunities or materials for all ages. Also provide educational resources to city and county officials.

Information Sharing – Share best practices, AIS management strategies, lake issue related problem solving, funding opportunities, social opportunities and newsletters within and across groups. In addition, provide a directory/reference of lake representative, service provider and government contacts.

Capacity Building – Actively seek to assist members with recruitment, public relations, board development, and other activities.

Advocacy and Partnering – Form a unified voice to garner the support of elected officials and increase their attention to waters related issues, impact local and state policies and funding, build relationships with MN COLA, MnDNR, MPCA, Freshwater Society, MN Lake and River Advocates and others.