ANNUAL MEETING 7/11 : BY LAW CHANGES AND BOARD POSITIONS UP FOR ELECTION
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Bylaw changes and open Board member seats to be voted on July 11th, 2026 at the Annual Meeting.
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We will be voting on7 Amendments to the current QLIA Bylaws that can be reviewed HERE
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Request an absentee ballot at pncowan@gmail.com
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Complete details regarding absentee voting and ballot processing procedures are posted on our website at this LINK
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You must be a current paid member to receive a ballot.
Candidate statements: Filed candidates are allowed to provide a candidate summary for members to review before the election of the QLIA open positions which are: Vice President & Treasurer.
Craig Pagenkopf – Candidate for Vice President
Over the past two years, Craig has helped modernize the QLIA, improve communication, strengthen agency partnerships, and expand the Association’s focus beyond aquatic invasive species to a more comprehensive approach to lake management. His leadership has resulted in the QLIA Newsletter, monthly member communications, a new website, upgraded financial software, absentee voting, increased board engagement, and stronger collaboration with the Wisconsin DNR, Sawyer County, and other partners.
Craig has led initiatives related to fish stocking, Ghost Lake planning, Teal River Dam compliance, shoreline protection, and overall lake health. He also spearheaded the evaluation and selection of engineering and lake management consultants, helping the Board identify the right professional partners for the dam, lake surveys, and future shoreline assessments.
Recognizing that effective lake management requires both financial resources and community support, Craig has championed fundraising efforts, membership growth, and initiatives such as the Tier Donation Program and expanded member outreach. He believes the QLIA must remain both environmentally focused and financially strong to address future challenges and protect the long-term health of Teal, Lost Land, Ghost Lakes, and the Teal River.
Craig has dedicated countless volunteer hours to continuing education and regional collaboration, regularly attending the Wisconsin Lakes & Rivers Convention, regional planning meetings, and the Sawyer County Lakes Forum. These connections help ensure QLIA remains informed about emerging lake management issues, best practices, and innovative approaches being used to protect lakes throughout Wisconsin.
Perry Cowan – Candidate for Treasurer
Over the past six years, Perry has focused on strengthening QLIA’s financial foundation, modernizing its operations, and ensuring the Association is well-positioned to support future lake management initiatives. He developed QLIA’s first formal budget and long-range financial planning process, helping identify future funding challenges and establishing a path toward long-term financial stability.
Perry led the transition from spreadsheets to QuickBooks, modernized online payments, worked on the website update, membership processing, and secured the Association’s IRS Determination Letter, creating new opportunities for tax-deductible donations, facilitating IRA contributions which expanded fundraising. He also helped develop the Tier Donation Program, which generated more than $73,000 in its first year, and implemented investment strategies that allow Association reserves to generate additional income.
Beyond financial management, Perry has dedicated countless volunteer hours to strengthening the organization behind the scenes. He recovered and organized critical historical records, identified important Teal River Dam permitting documentation, and helped initiate the engineering and compliance efforts necessary to protect this important community asset. Perry believes that strong financial stewardship, transparency, and responsible planning are essential to ensuring QLIA has the resources necessary to protect and preserve Teal, Lost Land, and Ghost Lakes for future generations.
Open Executive Board Meeting Re-Cap
Over 45 people attended the first QLIA Executive Board meeting held on 6/6 at Town Hall. The Board provide an update on activities that will impact the short and long term health of our lakes. If you were unable to attehd, please review information below for more information:
Open Executive Board Meeting Minutes LINK
Narrated Presentation of the Meeting LINK
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Delicious food
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Corn hole (bean bag) tournament
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Annual Pie Auction
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Other activities to enjoy the day together and celebrate our lakes!
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If you have ideas for picnic activities or would like to volunteer, please email us at 3quiet.lakes@gmail.com
This is a special appreciation event for our members—we hope to see you there!