Association of Cass County Lakes (ACCL)

The Association of Cass County Lakes (ACCL) is comprised of 38 lake associations, 85 lakes & waterways, and over 10,000 property owners in Cass County, Minnesota.

In 2022, ACCL was awarded the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) Research Partnership Award for our work advancing aquatic invasive species (AIS) knowledge, and inspiring action to protect and restore Minnesota’s cherished lakes, waterways, and wetlands. 

ACCL provides leadership and project funding to inform and educate property owners and recreational users regarding AIS, Fisheries, Water Quality and Lakeshore Management to preserve, protect and improve Cass County Lakes, Waterways and Watersheds for current and future generations.

ACCL seeks to raise $25,000 for 2023 Projects:

1. Fund the purchase of Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) equipment to remove AIS assisting the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.
2. Fund AIS Detector Training for 50 Volunteers to inspect and identify AIS at public water access points.
3. Fund AIS Inspector Training for 50 Volunteers to assist boaters as they inspect and identify AIS on their watercraft at public water access points.
4. Distribute printed materials, including  bait bags, coasters and microfiber towels to inform and educate property owners and recreational users to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).
5. Construct permanent kiosks at public water access points to post information and educate property owners and recreational users to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).
6. Fund water testing of area lakes which do not have a lake association.
7. Conduct lakeshore management seminars to inform and educate property owners on best practices to preserve, protect and improve lakes and waterways.
8. Inform and educate property owners from 15 lake associations about  the best practices for loon conservancy and loon rescue resources. Distribute 5,000 printed pieces addressing loon conservancy and loon rescue.
9. Inform and educate members of 15 lake associations about the Minnesota Lake Steward program and how it can improve  lake water quality. Provide training for lake association Lake Steward volunteers through webinars and mentoring.

ACCL provides leadership and project funding to inform and educate property owners and recreational users regarding AIS, Lake Stewardship, Loon Rescue & Recovery, and Water Quality to preserve, protect and improve Cass County Lakes, Waterways and Watersheds for current and future generations. 

ACCL and our member Lake Association volunteers engaged in AIS removal, Loon Recovery and Water Testing make huge contributions improving and protecting our Cass County Lakes, Waterways and natural environment. Continued financial support helps ACCL grow these programs, provide advanced training and service opportunities for volunteers, strengthen in-person and virtual courses, and more.

ACCL works closely with the Cass County AIS Coordinator implementing programs to help prevent the spread of AIS in Cass County lakes and waterways.  During our monthly member meetings, held May through September, guest speakers address many of the issues common to member lake associations.