Lost Lakes Community Guide_2025 by Shaw Media

LOST LAKE

Welcome

We are so glad you’re here!

Our wooded lake community boasts of its bountiful wildlife, glistening waters, serene country surroundings, and family-friendly amenities. The air is pristine, and noise pollution is virtually non-existent with the varied sounds of nature permeating the area. Over 700 property owners currently make our gated community their permanent, weekend or seasonal home. Lost Lake Community is the ideal place to escape from the hectic city lifestyle and enjoy a secure, affordable country setting with as much or as little social activity as desired. Our people stick together in good times and in challenging times, and we welcome you with open arms!

WHO ARE WE ANYWAY??

If you’re anything like I was when we moved to this amazing Community, you may be experiencing a bit of an identity crisis

The signs say Lost Lake (well most of them), but neighbors & locals told me I lived in Lost Nation. The property owners association is called United Lost Lake POA, the utilities are called Lost Lake Utility District, but Google tells me I live in Lost Nation with a lake named Lost Lake. I was so confused!!

After delving into our Community history, I finally understood. I’m hoping that my clarity can help you too.

1960’s New Landing

In the 1960’s, development began on the west side of the lake known as New Landing for the Delta Queen.

1950’s Lost Nation

In the 1950’s, development began on the east side of Lost Lake. This new neighborhood was know as Lost Nation.

2 neighborhoods, 2 different names, and 2 separate Board of Directors! (whew!)

In 1978, the River Conservancy District (RCD) was formed to protect our lake.

In 2006, the Utility District (LLUD) was formed by court order after being privately owned & mismanaged.

Then in 2007, Lost Lake Community was born! Lost Nation & New Landing merged into one community that we now know as Lost Lake Community. (United Lost Lake POA)

So Lost Nation & New Landing no longer exist. WE ARE LOST LAKE COMMUNITY.

Problem solved. I now know who we are. And I hope you do too.

Lost Lake Community resides in Ogle County, Illinois just across the Lee County border and is equidistant from the northwest Illinois cities of Dixon, Franklin Grove, and Oregon. Lost Lake’s homes are situated among gently rolling, wooded hills surrounding an 80+ acre man-made lake. Residents can enjoy fishing, sledding, biking, walking, and playing in its beautiful parks. It is governed by its three entities: United Lost Lake Property Owners Association, Lost Lake River Conservancy District, and Lost Lake Utility District.

Our Lake: Managed by the RCD, our stocked lake is fantastic for fishing, boating, and swimming. To protect the health of our lake and to reduce noise and erosion, gas engines are not permitted. All boats, including canoes, kayaks, pontoons, and fishing boats must be registered with the RCD and must display the appropriate decal. All motorized boats must be registered with the IDNR.

Beaches:

North Beach:

Beech Lane, east side of the lake

Boat Launches:

AMENITIES

West Beach: Birch Lane, west side of the lake

East Boat Launch: Oak Lane, east side of the lake

North Beach Boat Launch: Beech Lane, east side of the lake

Park Drive Park Boat Launch: Park Drive, west side of the lake

Boat Docks: Seasonal boat dock rentals are available through the RCD on both sides of the lake, located at Park Drive Park Boat Launch and the East Boat Launch on Oak Lane.

Boat Racks: The RCD rents year-round boat racks for storing your smaller boats. Rental racks are located at all boat launches and the dam.

Parks: Enjoy our beautiful variety of parks scattered throughout our Community for kids’ play time, a picnic, enjoying nature, or just hanging out with friends. Our parks are maintained by both the POA & the RCD.

East Side of the Lake Memorial Park – Oak Ln.

Eastside Park – Woodland Dr.

Schings Park – Woodland Dr

Easter Cave Park – White Pine Dr.

West Side of the Lake Lakeside Park – Lakeside Dr. Unity Park – Miami Dr & Ohio Ct. Lake Court Center Park – Lake Ct. Friendship Park – Tamarack Dr. Tranquility Park –Saint Francis Dr. & Deer Paint Dr. Torsberg Park –Des Moines Ln. & Slippery Rock Dr.

Library: Located at Lake Court Center and open during regular business hours, our library holds a variety of books for both children and adults to enjoy.

Campground: Managed seasonally by the RCD, our rustic campground holds 8 campsites for tent camping. Located near the dam on the west side of the lake, the campground includes potable water, a couple picnic tables, a fire pit, and a portapotty. There is no electric service or dump station.

Sledding Hill: Located at Unity Park on the west side of the lake

Basketball Court: Located at Lake Court Center

Softball Field: Located at Eastside Park

Lake Court Center: Lake Court Center’s building is available to rent for your private or community event.

Nearby Golf Course: Lost Nation Golf Course neighbors the west side of our community and features a pristine 18-hole course and a restaurant/bar in their clubhouse worth enjoying with friends and neighbors. Visit www.lostnationgolf.com for more information.

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

UNITED LOST LAKE POA

PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

815-652-4491

office@discoverlostlake.org www.discoverlostlake.org

LOST LAKE RCD (THE LAKE)

River Conservancy District

815-652-2006

info@lostlakercd.org www.lostlakercd.org

LOST LAKE UTILITY DISTRICT

Water & Sewer Services

815-652-3494 info@llud.org www.llud.org

EMERGENCY DIAL 911

OGLE COUNTY SHERIFF

815-732-6666

LOST LAKE SECURITY ULLPOA Rules & Regulations

815-973-4567

security@discoverlostlake.org

OSF SAINT KATHARINE MEDICAL CENTER 815-288-5531 www.osfhealthcare.org

COMED (OUTAGES) 800-334-7661

OGLE COUNTY OFFICES www.oglecountyil.gov

ANIMAL CONTROL: 815-732-1185

CLERK’S OFFICE: 815-732-1110

HEALTH DEPT: 815-562-6976

PLANNING & ZONING: 815-732-1190

TREASURER: 815-732-1100

CLUBS

LOST LAKE SOCIAL CLUB: Plans & hosts community events. Find us on Facebook.

LOST LAKE FISHING

CLUB: Provides a fun and friendly environment where community members can get involved in our lake to learn and teach others how to fish. Find us on Facebook.

LOST LAKE GUN CLUB: Provides an opportunity for gun enthusiasts to come together at an indoor range for comradery and competition. Find us on Facebook.

PENNIES 4 PARKS: A nonprofit 501c(3) helping to improve parks & properties in Lost Lake. Find us on Facebook.

OTHER CLUBS: Dependent on community member interests, a variety of other clubs may be temporary or permanent, such as a Ladies Golf Club or a Book Club. Watch our social media channels and our newsletter to stay abreast of new clubs that you can join.

COMMITTEES

POA Board of Directors (Property Owners Association)

RCD Board of Directors (The Lake)

LLUD Board of Directors (Water & Sewer)

POA AECC (Architectural Environmental Control)

POA Parks & Properties

POA Governing Documents

POA Roads Committee

POA Finance Committee

POA Security

Community Garage Sale Committee

Event Planning (Social Club)

•

PROPERTY

ASSOCIATION ITEMS

 Owner Contact Information

 Register All Vehicles / Add Decals to Vehicles

 Read and Understand all Governing Documents

 Members Only Directory Registration

 Pet Registration

 Subscribe to Email News & Important Community Updates at www.discoverlostlake.org

 Guest Pass Registration

 Attend a Board Meeting & Meet the Volunteer POA Directors

LOST LAKE RCD ITEMS

 Register all Boats / Add Decals to Boats

 Subscribe for Email News at www.lostlakercd.org

 Attend a Board Meeting & Meet the RCD Directors

LOST LAKE UTILITY DISTRICT ITEMS

 Complete Service Application & Fees

 Submit Contact Form to Receive Emergency Alerts

 Subscribe to Email News at www.llud.org

 Call JULIE before you Dig

 Attend a Board Meeting & Meet the LLUD Directors

GET INVOLVED

 Join Us on Social Media

• Facebook: United Lost Lake Property Owners Association page

• Facebook: Lost Lake RCD page

• Facebook: Lost Lake Community (Dixon, IL) private group

• Facebook: Lost Lake Social Club private group

• Facebook: Lost lake Fishing Club page

• Facebook: Lost Lake Gun Club page

• Facebook: Pennies4Parks private group

• Nextdoor App: Lost Lake

 Attend Community Events

 Join a Club or Create a New One

 Join a Committee

 Watch for Volunteer Opportunities

 Apply for a Board Position

• POA Board affidavit is at www.discoverlostlake.org, and the Board is elected annually by the Membership.

• RCD Board application is at www.lostlakercd.org, and the Board is appointed by Ogle County

• LLUD Board application is at www.llud.org, and the Board is appointed by Taylor Township

Our Community is able to keep costs low for its membership by utilizing the expertise and labor of our volunteers.

PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Website: www.discoverlostlake.org Office: 815-652-4491 or office@discoverlostlake.org

Development began primarily on the east side of the lake named Lost Nation followed by the west side named New Landing. In the 1960’s, two separate Boards governed the east and west sides of the lake: Lost Nation POA and New Landing POA. In 2007, the two board united to create a unified board named United Lost Lake Property Owners Association. Since unification, our community was renamed Lost Lake Community. The Lost Lake POA, the Lost Lake Utility District, and the Lost Lake RCD are working together to bring further unification and improvements to our Community Members.

The Lost Lake POA owns, maintains, and manages Lost Lake Community’s roads and easements, its office building, and a number of parks within our community. The POA also enforces its Covenants, ByLaws, and Rules & Regs with the aid of Security. Our professional office is a central hub for members to conduct POA business, including vehicle registrations, guest passes, dues payments, permit submission, maps, and more. Member of Discover Dixon and Oregon Chamber of Commerce

PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

HOW WE OPERATE

Lost Lake POA is governed by an elected volunteer Board of Directors who oversee a variety of Committees that manage different aspects of our Community. The Board oversees our hired Office Manager who handles internal communications and accounting functions and acts as a liaison between Community Members and the Board. Annual dues are collected from all property owners to pay for the management and care of our Community.

Our volunteer Board and Committee Members truly care about making our Community the best it can be.

The Lost Lake POA primarily communicates with its membership through public meetings and a quarterly newsletter. Members also have the opportunity to receive important notices via email. Use of this mass email is restricted to pressing matters of safety or security, or to provide basic, concise information and referral data for upcoming events of internal interest to the Community as a whole. Subscribe to our mailing list at www.discoverlostlake.org.

PERMITS & FORMS

Approved permits are required for the following property improvements:

• Deck or Patio

• Detached Garage

• Fence

• Greenhouse

• New Home

• Home Addition or Porch Addition

• In-Ground Swimming Pool

• Septic Repair or Replacement

• Solar Panels

• Tree Removal

• Vacant Lot Driveway

• Shed or Gazebo

Find forms at www.discoverlostlake.org/permits-forms-and-documents/

GENERAL RULES & REGS

• Speed Limit is enforced at 20 miles per hour. You are also responsible for your guests.

• Guest Passes are required for member’s guests using Lost Lake Community’s amenities.

• All vehicles must be registered with the POA and must display the current decal.

• Inoperable vehicles must be garaged.

• Overnight parking on roads is not permitted.

• Pets must be leashed at all times in common areas and must be confined by appropriate means on personal property. Cleaning up after your pet is required.

• Discharge of firearms is prohibited.

• Maintain your property, including weed control and removing dead or harmful trees.

• No burning trash. No unattended fires.

• Annual dues must be paid on time to maintain Member in Good Standing status for voting and amenities privileges.

Be sure to review our Governing Documents in full, including Covenants, ByLaws, and Rules & Regs.

www.discoverlostlake.org/permits-forms-and-documents/

THE LAKE – RIVER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT

Website: www.lostlakercd.org

Office: 815-652-2006 or info@lostlakercd.org

Lost Lake RCD (officially Lost Nation/New Landing River Conservancy District of Illinois) is an Ogle County agency and taxing body, governed under the Illinois Compiled Statues Special Districts, River Conservancy Districts Act. We are funded by tax dollars from within the district. The RCD’s Board of Directors is appointed by Ogle County to oversee all functions of our lake management.

The Board of Directors holds monthly open meetings to conduct business and to inform its constituents. Email subscription is available at www.lostlakercd.org.

Lost Lake RCD owns, maintains, and manages a number of amenities, facilities and recreational assets within its taxing district, including: 88-acre Lost Lake, Lake Court Center, North Beach & West Beach, Campground, Memorial Park, Schings Park, Rental Boat Docks and Racks, Boat Launches, Dam and Spillway, and Silt Basins.

Lake Management activities and practices provided by the RCD include:

• Professional contracted lake management consultations

• Beach water testing per IDPH

• Silt management & dredging

• Dam & spillway maintenance

• Shoreline stabilization programs

• Fish stocking

• Carp & shad reduction programs

• Boat racks, docks and access points

• Parks & Campground

• Hunting Program

• Wildlife Management

For more information, visit www.lostlakercd.org

BOATS

All boats for use in Lost Lake must be registered with the RCD and display the appropriate decal, including kayaks, canoes and pedal boats. This safety requirement allows the RCD to quickly identify the owner of any boat in distress, lost, or abandoned. Register here: www.lostlakercd.org/forms-documents.

Motorized boats must be registered with the Illinois DNR and display the appropriate decal.

Boats stored on our rental boat racks must have an unexpired decal displayed.

Gas engines are not permitted on our lake. Trolling motors are permitted. Alcohol is not allowed on the lake or RCD properties.

FISHING

The Lost Lake RCD’s lake and watershed management activities have proven themselves very beneficial to the lake’s fishery qualities. When the RCD began managing the lake in the late 1970’s, the quality of the lake’s overall fishing was on a marked and very noticeable decline. Now, some 50-plus years later, the lake can be considered on the state’s best waters for trophy walleye, largemouth bass, muskie and crappie. Also roaming the 88-acre Lost Lake are channel catfish, smallmouth and hybrid striped bass, sunfish/bluegill, and perch.

A good deal of gratitude must also be passed along to the Lost Lake Fishing Club for their many volunteer efforts that have greatly contributed to the lake’s rejuvenation.

Visit www.lostlakercd.org/fishing to view our current Creel Limits.

SWIMMING

The Lost Lake RCD owns and manages the two lake swimming beaches within Lost Lake Community. West Beach is located on the west side of the lake along Birch Lane, and North Beach is located on the east side of the lake at the end of Beech Lane. Both beaches include porta-potties, picnic tables and charcoal grills.

SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK: NO LIFEGUARD PRESENT

Beach Rules

• The beach water is not suitable for drinking. Avoid swallowing water.

• Admission to the beach may be refused to all persons having any contagious disease, infectious conditions such as colds, fever, ringworm, foot infections, skin lesions, carbuncles, boils, diarrhea, vomiting, inflamed eyes, ear discharges, or any other condition which has the appearance of being infectious. A person under the influence of alcohol or exhibiting erratic behavior shall not be permitted in the beach area.

• Littering is prohibited. In addition, no food, drink, gum or tobacco is allowed in the water. Glass containers are prohibited in the beach area.

• All children who are not toilet trained shall wear tight-fitting rubber or plastic pants.

• No one should swim alone.

• Persons under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible person 16 years of age or older.

• Personal conduct within the beach area must be such that safety is not jeopardized.

• Diving is not permitted.

• Swimming is prohibited after sunset or before sunrise, or when thunder is heard or lightning is seen, including a 15-minute period after the last lightning or thunder is detected.

• No pets are permitted in the beach area.

• Feeding of wildlife or actions that encourage their presence is prohibited.

• Protection from sun exposure is advised for persons on the beach area. Examples include wearing sunscreen, wearing clothing and hats, or staying in shaded areas.

PROPERTY MAP

LAKE COURT CENTER

The Lake Court Center (LCC) is owned and managed by the Lost Lake RCD for the use of the property owners within its taxing district.

Located alongside the lake at 404 Lake Ct, the building was build with the aid of the local property owners association. The building not only houses Lost Lake RCD’s office, Lost Lake Utility’s office and the community library, but also provides meeting and event space for community events, both public and private. The building’s lobby is open 24 hours and offers a beverage vending machine, a restroom and a water fountain.

The Lake Court Center complex also includes a basketball court, fishing dock, shoreline fishing, volleyball, a playground, a large grassy area for other recreation opportunities, and parking for approximately 40 vehicles.

The RCD is interested in preventing degradation of Lost Lake and protecting this recreational resource for the uses, benefits, and enjoyment of all. Plans for any improvement proposal (including but not limited to docks, decks, ramps, buildings, landscaping, shoreline stabilization, and/or changes to property) adjacent to Lost Lake must be approved by the Board of Directors. Visit us at our office or online to complete the necessary forms for your shoreline project. www.lostlakercd.org/ shoreline-stabilization

UTILITIES – LOST LAKE UTILITY DISTRICT

Website: www.llud.org Office: 815-652-3494 or info@llud.org

At Lost Lake Utility District, we are committed to providing safe, high-quality water and sewer services to our community, while maintaining a standard of excellence in customer service and environmental conservation.

The District was formed in 2006. Since the inception of the District, the Board has been diligent in updating the utility systems. Projects have included: construction of the sewer plant, looping water mains throughout the system, installing a second well, replacing undersized mains, and adding additional fire hydrants. The District will continue to update accordingly within our budget. The District’s office moved in 2023 to join Lost Lake RCD at Lake Court Center.

We have also partnered with ServLine to provide insurance that helps to protect our members in case of water or sewer leaks, or water or sewer service line damage. Leak Protection insurance is an opt-out program, while Line Protection insurance is an opt-in program. Information for these programs is available in our office and on our website. Bill payment options include: cash, check, money order, and online or over-the-phone credit card payments through PSN (Payment Service Network). In addition, a drop box is installed for your convenience just outside our office door at Lake Court Center.

WATER

Our water tower rests on the northeast side of the lake for elevated water storage, and we also maintain two wells as our water source. Miles of water mains are weaved beneath the ground to bring safe water to each home in the community. Water usage is calculated with the use of water meters that are installed in every home at the point where the service line enters the home. Meter readings are completed every 2 months to coordinate with our billing cycle. Flat usage fees are charged for up to 10,000 gallons per billing period, then any overage fees per 1,000 gallons.

Since we are a small community with its own self-funded utilities, we also charge an availability fee for vacant lots to help cover our extensive costs to maintain our system. Spreading the costs in this way allows us to keep our usage fees affordable. In the event of a water main break, Boil Orders are issued to the impacted homes. This IEPA requirement ensures that homeowners are not drinking potentially compromised water due to the main break. Boil Orders typically last 24-48 hours after the repairs are completed to allow a good water sample to be confirmed by the lab. Community members are notified through our emergency alert system in the event of a Boil Order and when the Boil Order is lifted. Be sure that your emergency contact information stays up to date with our office so you don’t miss any alerts that impact your drinking water.

SEWER

Our sewer system services homes on the west side of the lake. The initial development of Lost Lake that includes the entire east side and a portion of the west side was set up with septic fields which remain for those property owners. Septic systems are the sole responsibility of these homeowners.

Homes connected to our sewer system have a grinder pump installed on their property that helps to begin the breakdown process of wastewater before it enters our sewer mains. To prevent blockages and costly repairs, it is important to not flush items that will not degrade in your grinder system.

Should you need to repair or replace your grinder pump, contact Ehmen’s Plumbing at 815-732-6094 or 815-757-5401. Grinder pumps are the responsibility of the homeowner.

The underground sewer mains carry the wastewater to our treatment plant which uses sand filters to further assist with breakdown of materials.

FLUSHABLE?

When you buy products that say FLUSHABLE, do you then think these products are safe for your septic or grinder system?

Flushable simply means that it will pass through our plumbing pipes but DOES NOT mean it will degrade in your septic system or grinder system.

Here is a sample list of items that should not be flushed as they will shorten the life of your grinder as shown in the EOne grinder pumps user manual (one of the grinder type pumps in use in Lost Lake) or your septic system.

DO NOT FLUSH IN GRINDER PUMP SYSTEMS

• Diaper wipes or diapers

• Wet Wipes

• Sanitary products

• Coffee grounds

• Lubricating oil

• Cooking oil

• Rags, cloths, etc.

• Kitty litter

• Glass, Metal, Sand, Gravel

• Sea Shells

• Condoms

• Flammable materials

• Storm Water Runoff

• Strong Chemicals

DO NOT FLUSH IN SEPTIC SYSTEMS

• Cooking grease or oil

• Non-flushable wipes, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes

• Photographic solutions

• Feminine hygiene products

• Condoms

• Dental floss

• Diapers

• Cigarette butts

• Coffee grounds

• Cat litter

• Paper towels

• Pharmaceuticals

• Household chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners

Excerpted from the Rural Water magazine published by the National Rural Water Association, Second Quarter 2023 issue page 24 is an article about continuing problems in a vacation community in the state of Oregon:

“The lift stations that serves the vacation community were continually inundated with clogging, requiring frequent repairs... experienced frequent blockage with modern trash like flushable wipes and other fibrous materials often getting caught in the impeller...” Left, is a picture of non-flushable items causing blockages in wastewater systems:

To learn more, including our current rates, water quality reports, ServLine insurance information, our District Ordinance, Bill Payment, Emergency contact information, Boil Order information and more, visit us online at www.llud.org.

SECURITY

Phone: 815-973-4567 | Website: security@discoverlostlake.org

At Lost Lake Community we are committed to maintain a safe, clean, and harmonious community for all residents. Our Security Team plays a vital role in upholding our neighborhood’s rules and regulations, ensuring that everyone feels secure and valued within the community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Our security team patrols and observes common areas to ensure compliance with community standards.

Security also addresses violations of POA rules promptly and professionally, while encouraging open communication among residents. Security provides resources and information to assist residents in understanding community guidelines and the importance of maintaining our neighborhood’s aesthetic and safety.

Lost Lake Security believes that a strong community thrives on cooperation and respect. By working together and following our established guidelines, we can create an environment that everyone can enjoy. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact our Security Team.

Thank You for being an essential part of our vibrant community!

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

Our community thrives because of our volunteers! Thank you to our community members who have stepped up to help. The board of directors for all 3 entities are volunteers who have stepped up to help lead our community. All of our clubs are run with volunteers, and all events take volunteers who are willing to organize and implement them. Other volunteer opportunities are provided to community members such as beautification projects, repair projects, and mailing projects. If you have a heart to serve your community, please reach out to one of our offices.

Annual

Community

Open

House: We want to welcome our newest members to our Community and offer the opportunity to discover all the moving pieces of our Community during this special event held by our 3 Boards: Lost Lake POA, Lost Lake Utility District, and Lost Lake RCD. Community Clubs are also represented at this event to give you the information you need to determine where you’d like to get involved. This extremely informative event gives you the opportunity to hear directly from Board Members about each organization’s responsibilities within our Community. Q&A times are offered as well, so come prepared to ask questions. This once-per-year event is held on the fourth Sunday afternoon of August.

Red

Cross Blood Drives: You have the opportunity to save lives without having to go very far. The RCD hosts blood drives every few months at Lake Court Center. Every time you donate, you save 3 lives! Check out www. redcrossblood.org to see if you’re eligible to donate and to sign up for donation appointments. To volunteer at these events, contact the RCD at 815-652-2006 or info@lostlakercd.org.

Annual Community Garage Sale Event:

This huge annual event is planned and implanted with the assistance of the POA’s Garage Sale Committee. Over 65 homes participate, and over 1,500 cars attend the event for their treasure hunting pleasure. Recently, food & craft vendors were invited to participate with great success. In addition, we have partnered with Goodwill & Gianni’s House for after-sale donation opportunities. This once-per-year event is always held the first Saturday of May and is the only opportunity for community members to host garage sales without POA board approval. To volunteer with the planning or at the event, contact the POA at 815-652-4491 or office@discoverlostlake.org.