ABOUT

ABOUT GWLPOA

GWLPOA is a Wisconsin not-for-profit organization that connects property owners around Whitewater and Rice Lakes to their community. Our commitment to you is to provide timely communication, opportunities to meet and socialize with your lake neighbors and keep you “in the loop” with pivotal happenings around the lake.

OUR MISSION

Connecting and strengthening our lake community through communication and social gathering.

The GWLPOA is organized for the purpose of representing the property owners of Whitewater and Rice Lakes to act as a communications medium for the property owners; and to initiate and support those activities which will add to the overall enjoyment and well-being of the members of the Greater Whitewater Lake Property Owners’ Association (GWLPOA).

OUR HISTORY

On September 2, 1948 – Whitewater Lake Property Owners formed an Association consisting of 19 owners representing 1/3 of the owners on Whitewater Lake. In 1952 this GWLPOA Association was officially incorporated in the state. As Whitewater Lake grew in property owners and Rice Lake was formed (1954) there became a need to formally establish a process of lakes management including weed control, water testing etc. Under the GWLPOA leadership, Whitewater-Rice Lake Management District (WW-R LMD) was established in 1987 as a separate entity funded through an annual County levy. Both organizations grew and changed over the years and the two organizations partnered to respond to the needs of the Lake residents. The Greater Whitewater Lake Property Owners Association (GWLPOA) in 2022 represented over 370 homeowners as members. For more lake history, visit our ONLINE STORE and purchase a Whitewater and Rice Lakes history book!

ROLES OF THE LAKE ORGANIZATIONS

GREATER WHITEWATER LAKE PROPERTY OWNER'S ASSOCIATION

Volunteer membership organization with annual dues for January through December
Volunteer board managing all activities
Contact new lake residents with welcome packet
Communication to lake residents
Publish seasonal newsletters (~7 newsletters per year)
Maintain email communication with members
Maintain annual direct mail communication with all owners
Publish the lake directory bi-annually
Plan and execute events
Donate portion of revenue to fireworks, ski team, safety needs, and non-profits

TOWN OF WHITEWATER & TOWN OF RICHMOND

Lakes boating ordinances, buoys, & water safety patrol
Launch signs & temporary No Wake decision/signage
Road maintenance

TOWN OF WHITEWATER

TOWN OF RICHMOND

STATE OF WISCONSIN & WALWORTH COUNTY

Shoreline zoning Regulations
Permits for Building & Shoreline

VISIT COUNTY WEBSITE

WHITEWATER-RICE LAKES MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

Taxing body – appears on the Walworth County Tax Bill
Elected commissioners plus Walworth County and Whitewater (Richmond) Town (township) appointees
Develop and use 5-year lake management plan in partnership with Wisconsin DNR and SE WI Regional Planning Commission
Provide water quality management, surveys, and possible corrective actions
Bog management and invasive aquatic weed spraying and harvesting
Own and manage lake equipment
Contract actual operations
Monitor and manage fish and wildlife on the lake
Advise on shoreland pollution control and management
Advise on Town ordinances for lake use
Sponsor annual Boater Safety Courses
Monitor & advise on water safety financing with Town
Publish annual newsletter with financials & budget