The Lake Elmore Association (LEA) is a local, non-profit (501 c3), non-political association comprised of property owners in Elmore and the surrounding area. The LEA works toward maintaining the environmental health of the lake, and contributes to the local community. The LEA sponsors various activities: Pancake Breakfasts, 4th of July Boat Parade, summer Bingo, and several other community events.

Full details about all of the community events and how to join the Lake Elmore Association are on the group’s Facebook page.

In 1981, a social lake association was formed. By 2002, this association became aware of a Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) infestation in the lake and the association’s focus took on the role of Lake Steward.

Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) is known for its rapid growth and ability to spread, which can lead to significant problems within a lake. Commonly found in shallow bays and along the shoreline, EWM forms dense beds that can seriously impair the recreational use of a lake, reduce the availability of fish spawning grounds, outcompete beneficial native plants, and otherwise alter a lake’s natural environment. Once Eurasian Water Milfoil has infested a lake there is no known way to eradicate it. Lake managers can only seek to control it by integrating the most effective, economically feasible, and environmentally sound methods available.

Working closely with the state of Vermont, an LEA Milfoil Control Committee determined that a combination of hand pulling, suction harvesting, and bottom barriers are the most effective and environmentally sound ways to control the spread of milfoil in Lake Elmore. In 2018, the addition of a greeter program was introduced at the Lake Elmore boat launch area. A trained greeter inspects incoming and outgoing watercraft for invasive species, and educates watercraft operators about Vermont’s Aquatic Invasive Species Transportation Law.

Maintaining control of the EWM infestation, as well as preventing the introduction of other invasive species, is quite an expensive undertaking. Funding has been provided through generous donations from our members, private citizens and the Town of Elmore, as well as an annual grant from the State of Vermont. Community support through membership, donations and participation in our fund-raising events is greatly appreciated.