The ILA has successfully leveraged years of member dues into a major environmental victory for Lake Ida by partnering with key government agencies. While the association cannot perform ditch work directly, it acted as a vital catalyst by committing $25,000 to the Water Quality Legacy Fund. This contribution served as a foundation, helping the Douglas County Soil and Water Conservation District secure state grants that covered 75% of the total project costs. By working alongside Douglas County Public Works and the DNR, the ILA helped transform local donations into a much larger investment for the lake’s future.

This collaborative funding strategy successfully raised the $175,000 required for the construction match without exhausting association resources. The resulting project is a significant win for water quality, as it is engineered to reduce phosphorus and pollutants entering from Ditch 23 by an impressive 35%. By strategically using membership dollars to unlock these larger state and county resources, the ILA has ensured that vital infrastructure work is finally being completed to protect the long-term health of our lake.