BMLA members meet

BMLA members catch up during potluck lunch at the June membership meeting.

Mantrap neighbors from across the lake enjoyed camaraderie, great food, a lovely setting and important discussions during the Big Mantrap Lake Association’s June membership meeting.

 Hosted by Cindy and Mark Condiff at their Steamboat Bay cabin June 27, the potluck and membership meeting drew about 30 people.

 Light rain began as the meeting was about to start, but that didn’t deter hardy Mantrappers. Members made quick work of moving tables and chairs under cover so the meeting could commence.

 After discussion and amendments, members passed new bylaws. Among other things, the new bylaws increase the size of the board of directors from “… a maximum of eight” to “a maximum of nine.” Per the bylaws, members elected Sue Ryan as a new board member.

 The group also discussed ways to encourage more engagement with people throughout our lake community. During discussion, several members suggested ways to increase outreach and improve communication with both members and nonmembers. Mark Anderson, who designed the new BMLA website – bigmantraplake.org  – pointed out that the website can be a tool to help with this outreach.

 During her financial report, Treasurer Kathy Nevins said her analysis of 2025 spending and income, the last full fiscal year, shows that BMLA spent $42.09 per member while income was $25 per member. This does not include AIS and loon team expenses, which are covered by donations. Several members pointed out that this indicates that an increase in due is necessary. A dues increase will be proposed at  the August membership meeting and potluck, Aug. 29, at 11:30 a.m. at Kathy and Rollie Nevins’ home.

 Under the new bylaws, the size of the board of directors increases from “… a maximum of eight” to “as maximum of nine.” Per the bylaws, members elected Sue Ryan as a new board member.

 As part of his loon team report Mark Condiff talked about the looners’ recent national recognition – the 2025 John Muir Resource Preservation Award. On behalf of the loon team, Condiff presented the award to Warren and Arlis McGinnis to keep in their home. The McGinnises along with the late Lyle Laske pioneered Mantrap’s now widely recognized loon nesting program.