Incorporation
On June 8, 1995 the Upper Hay Lake Association was legally organized under the laws of Minnesota as a non-profit corporation.
501(c)(3)
On February 13, 2009 the Upper Hay Lake Association received tax exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. This means that contributions made to the Association are tax deductible.
Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan
Beginning in 2006 a committee was formed to address the problem of vegetation in the lake. Following discussions with the Department of Natural Resources (Mn DNR) we put together a comprehensive Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan that was approved and signed by the DNR in 2007.
Lake Management Plan
Beginning in 2006, another committee was formed to formulate a lake management plan. We worked with the Initiative Foundation of Little Falls, MN and in 2007 we received approval of our 57 page plan.
Refer to the current plan through menu navigation.
Lake Assessment Program
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (PCA) has conducted 2 Lake Assessments at the request of the Association. One was completed in 1997 and another in 2008. An update of this assessment needs to be explored.
Water Quality Testing
The Association began water quality testing back in 1992 when Mike Higgins took on the task. That program continues today. We continue that program with samples being taken at the inlet, middle of the lake and in the outlet every month. Secchi disc readings are taken weekly. The data is then passed on to the appropriate agency.
Weed Control
The Association no longer obtains permits for interested members to apply chemicals for the treatment of weeds and swimmer’s itch. Some members apply their own chemicals and others contract with a professional applicator for treatment. Also, the Association has contracted in the past with a professional applicator to remove vegetation in the outlet that prevents small craft from traveling to Lower Hay Lake. The vegetation has blocked the outlet and renewed interest in rectifying this issue has been voiced by members.
Communications
Today, the Association sends out 3 newsletters annually. In addition, we hold our Annual Membership meetings in June each year and host a social event (i.e. Social mixer at Snarky Loon) for members in August.
Other original concerns from 1992:
The public access has been moved from Cone Road to its present location on the west shore. It has been widened, parking space created and signage concerning the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) is in place.
We continue to monitor the condition of the lake and conducted a Septic System Inspection program in the past. Interested parties can receive a septic compliance inspection at Association expense. In the first year about 40 people took advantage of the program. We also encourage property owners to implement a Shoreline Restoration Project in which native vegetation is planted to reduce the effects of erosion due to wave action and runoff from our property. The Association offers a monetary contribution to help with the cost of the project. In 2024 the Board of Directors approved reimbursement of the initial site inspection by the CWSWCD ($150.00 fee). Property owners must have a UHLA board member present at the inspection and receive a plan from the inspector. A copy of the receipt initially paid by the property owner for the inspection can be emailed to the Association at: uhlamnorg@gmail.com
