Looking ahead to 2022 and beyond

BY PATRICK PAULO

With the many milestones each year brings, one that your Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association looks forward to is our 60th Anniversary. Since our inception in 1962, your shared passion for lake life in the Lake of the Woods area has driven us forward.

We thank each of our members who have supported the Association and followed the Area News over the years, our new members that have recently joined our Association, and everyone in-between as we look towards the new year.

For 59 years, and soon to be 60, your Association has been working to represent the interests of our members. To celebrate and better capture the work we've done over the past years, we wanted to give you a sneak peek into some of the projects and initiatives we have underway. So please read, and take a look ahead to what we are planning for the new year. If you are not a member and would like to support our Association and preserve the sustainability of the Lake of the Woods watershed, we hope you read along and consider becoming a member today.

60th Anniversary projects

AREA NEWS

Starting in 2022, we will be collecting and sharing stories from past Board Members, volunteers, and employees of the Association to give you an inside look at how LOWDSA has grown, changed, and developed over the years. Learn more about the services and programs that have a connection to the natural ecosystem. Read stories about important events, government affairs issues at the time, and some of the people who played a role in shaping the Association into what it is today.

In addition to staff and Board Members stories, we also want to share your story. We know that our members want to hear, see, and gather a sense of community for the people in the area. Over the years, we've come to realize the rich history of the area and that everyone has a unique story to tell. We would like to hear what has been happening at your end of the lake over the last 60 years. If you are interested in having your story told, or sending us a neat picture or anecdote, please send us an email at editor@areanewsmagazine.ca.

VIDEO PROJECT

Another exciting initiative we look forward to sharing with you is the professional video we started filming earlier this year. As LOWDSA approaches 60 years of work in the area, we wanted to capture a sense of who we are in a way that words alone cannot do. See and hear stories about our early beginnings, growth, and the evolution of our Association. We filmed some exciting shots at various lakes in the area and included interviews with past Presidents, Board Members, Committee Members, and LOWDSA staff. See some of our LakeSmart team in action—working at our flagship events such as Metal Waste Collection Day, the Mobile Boat Wash Station, and visiting members dock-to-dock. The video will premier online, and we are eager to celebrate LOWDSA's legacy, growth and accomplishments with you.

STRATEGIC PLAN

In addition to celebrating with videos and articles in the Area News, our team is committed to bringing more value to you. As you may have seen, LOWDSA sent out an email survey to our members asking for feedback on what is important to you. We are planning for the next five years and beyond, and will be incorporating your feedback into our discussions. LOWDSA's Board of Directors will be applying the input you've provided to develop new long-term goals, objectives, and strategic priorities. Your support enables us to deliver relevant and meaningful programming to you. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email info@lowdsa.com.

For more updates, please watch for our eNews blasts, follow us on social media, and check out your latest copy of Area News.