What We Do

Since 1970, we have led the effort to permanently protect the land and water on and around the Whitefish Chain of Lakes in central Minnesota.

Our Mission

Stewardship of the natural world throughout the Whitefish Area and the Pine River Watershed is the mission of Whitefish Area Property Owners Association.

The Association shall lead and work with citizens, groups, associations, and government units to conserve and improve the quality of our waters, shoreland, fishery, wildlife resources, and general welfare for the benefit of present and future generations.

“A lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature. It is earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.”

What We’ve Achieved

  • WAPOA is one of the largest lake associations in Minnesota! WAPOA has worked to protect our waters for over 50 years!

  • Worked at preventing AIS infestations in area lakes through our AIS prevention program, which does thousands of access inspections along with extensive public education. 

  • Monitored water quality of over 35 area lakes for many years. The valuable data collected has been used to establish priorities for preventive and corrective actions, including obtaining grants for better water, spurring community efforts, and setting in motion local government projects.

  • Educated the public on the threat posed by the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline; supported the efforts to keep this pipeline away from our pristine northern lakes.

  • Grown the WAPOA membership to over 1000 individual and business members who share the belief that these beautiful lakes are precious natural resources that must be protected today as well as for future generations.

  • The Land and Waters Preservation Trust was created by WAPOA and the Pine River Watershed Alliance (PRWA), and is a Partner Fund of the Initiative Foundation.  

  • The WAPOA Board of Directors has developed a strong working relationship with local government units within Crow Wing County, as well as the cities and townships around the Whitefish Chain.

  • The close collaboration formed enables us to get and give current information on environmental threats, set priorities for protecting our lakes, and give us access to grants. 

  • WAPOA has established a strong Shoreline Restoration Program which educates lake shore property owners on best practices, while also offering funding to support shoreline restorations, buffer zones, rain gardens, and other methods that prevent erosion, run-off and loss of shoreline habitat  for native aquatic species.