The Big Portage Lake Riparian Owners Association Board and association membership have taken great pride in our lake for many years. The association has been in existence since 1976 and has established a standard in excellence that we live up to today.

One of the main concerns has been the quality of our water. The board has had programs for lake monitoring of shoreline and water for invasive species in place since 2002. Starting in 2006, we have had volunteers conducting Clean Boats/Clean Water inspections at the public boat landing. In 2008, we organized a training session to improve the quality of our inspections. The training was provided by the Vilas County AIS coordinator and attended by 24 lake residents.

Signs have been posted in Loon nesting area of the rock shoal. This is for protection of the nesting area and is monitored by association members.

Water quality monitoring, using the secchi disc and other equipment has been ongoing for over 20 years. The association membership is kept informed about AIS and wildlife in and around Big Portage via the lake association newsletters, the annual meeting, and the member picnic.

In 2007, the board formed a committee to initiate the process of rezoning Big Portage from general business to R1 residential. This huge project involved all the lake members and was successfully completed in 2008.

Also, in cooperation with the Wisconsin DNR, the fishery regulations for Smallmouth Bass were changed to 18 inches and a bag limit of one. This should improve the Smallmouth fishery, both in size and quantity. This effort was begun in 2006 and the changes were adopted by the DNR in 2009.

In 2000, the board and association members worked together to combat an infestation of tent caterpillars. This team established a plan, created a funding initiative, provided educational literature to the membership, and executed the plan to eliminate the caterpillars. This successful endeavor was timely, accurate, and provided desirable results.

The Big Portage Lake association participates in several lake organizations: the Wisconsin Association of Lakes, the Vilas County Lakes Association, and Loon Watch. Big Portage incorporated and established a 501c3 foundation for accepting donations for an Environmental Contingency Fund.

Twice a year the Big Portage Lake Board distributes a newsletter to the membership. This is a communication of what is happening around the lake and completed or ongoing Board projects.

Each July, BPLROA holds an annual meeting. Lake topics are presented, elections take place, and the members may ask questions or offer comments. This is our major communication event.

In August each year, the lake association holds a picnic for members, family, and friends. This is a social event with attendance averaging about 100 members.

The Big Portage Lake Riparian Owners Association Board and lake association membership take great pride in our lake, and this pride is evident by membership involvement in projects that are important to our lake.