Star Lake Loons

The Star Lake Protective Association (SLPA) was founded in 1901. Its mission is to preserve, protect and enhance the safety and quality of Star Lake and its environs for the benefit of current and future generations.

The first meeting was held on August 16, 1901, in the Star Lake Schoolhouse. John Nill, owner of a retail and wholesale bakery in Watertown whose summer home was Cobblecrest cottage on Star Lake, was elected Chairman. According to early Association minutes, which indeed go back to 1901, the founders were concerned, that without the active participation and contribution of owners and users, the lake might “lose its character through neglect.” Early members wanted to “restore and preserve the lake level which for years had been lowered by the deepening of the outlet to serve a sawmill owned by Perly Wait” (Centennial, p. 18). Because of their foresight, the Association owns the land (lot #156 on the map) at the lake outlet to assure that the outlet will remain open and undeveloped.

A recurring theme, found throughout the minutes, is a concern for lake quality, safety, and security. A sampling of the Association’s projects over the years include: monitoring the lake level, developing a plan for fire safety and ultimately petitioning for the establishment of a Fire District, reforesting areas impacted by fires, making recommendations to community and legislative bodies on issues impacting the lake, testing the lake water, and mapping the lake depths. The Association continues to test and monitor the lake water quality and conducts annual lake inspections for invasive water and land plants. It monitors the lake outlet. It deploys navigation buoys for boating safety. The Association also suggests usage conventions, such as counter-clockwise traffic, in order to promote safety and enjoyment of the lake by all. Since the Association has no legal standing, nor the desire to establish and enforce “rules”, it relies on communication and the good example of its membership to achieve its mission and purpose.

The SLPA also sponsors different types of activities. In earlier years, several social activities were scheduled during the summer, including a Labor Day regatta and annual Field Days. Recently, events have included summer meetings, an annual poker run, lake road and lake shore cleanups, and a potluck dinner.

Regular membership is open to persons owning property adjacent to, or with rights of way to, Star Lake. Associate membership is available for others who share an interest in the Association’s purpose. Typically, two meetings are held each summer: a “Regular” meeting in early summer and an “Annual” meeting near Labor Day, both of which provide opportunities to discuss issues of concern to Star Lake and meet other members and socialize. Officers are elected annually for one year, but usually serve for several terms. Minutes and other communications are available to members on the Association’s web site (http://www.slpa.info). The Association sends an annual spring mailing to all lake property owners; the mailing provides information about the lake, the association, current issues and events, and is also one component of the annual Association membership drive.

In addition to attending meetings and participating in social events, there are other opportunities to become involved in the Association and support its mission. In the very early days of the Association, members could be involved in such committees as the Committee on Social and Entertainment Affairs, Committee on Docks, Roads and Trails (to look into “the matter of improving dirt roads”), and the Committee on Fire Safety. Currently there are a variety of Association committees in which members can be engaged:

There are over 160 individual property owners on Star Lake. The continued effectiveness of the SLPA in protecting and promoting Star Lake depends on an active and involved membership.

Membership dues, currently $25.00 per year, are used to fund lake projects such as annual water testing, placement of shallow water markers on the lake, and printing this handbook. Dues fund the SLPA web site and also support membership in organizations such as the New York State Federation of Lake Associations. In 2023, SLPA created a separate Invasive Species Fund to support the eradication of invasive species if they are found in Star Lake. Monies from fundraising events are transferred into the fund, and are also used to make contributions to local groups such as the Clifton-Fine Hospital, the Star Lake Food Pantry, and the Clifton-Fine Economic Development Corporation. In 2024, the Star Lake Protective Association received 501(c)3 status as a charitable organization, allowing donations to be tax deductible.

We encourage all who share the lake and the purpose of the Association to become a member not only to provide financial support; but also to actively participate in the enjoyment and protection of Star Lake, one of nature’s most spectacular gifts to us.

A resource for landlords, providing short-term rentals on Star Lake, is available on the SLPA website: https://slpa.info/. The goal is to share this resource with renters of your property, to provide all with knowledge of Star Lake.

Note: In the “Archives” section of the “Members Only” section of the website, you can find all the Association minutes and correspondence since 1901!!! A fascinating read as they illuminate not only the evolution of the Association but also provide a unique view of the lake and the surrounding community!