Hudson Lake Conservation Association 2026 Annual Membership Drive

The 2026 outlook for HLCA is busy, as we have significant efforts planned. HLCA membership drive has kicked off! Use the QR Code below to pay your dues or donate! 

A huge thank you to those who have supported us in the past! We trust more of you will join in as you can see the progress that we have made over these past few years.

Where do your membership dues and donations go?

To secure DNR Lake And River Enhancement (LARE) Grants for: 

• Hudson Lake V3 Diagnostic Reports

• Annual Invasive Species Evaluations 

• Sediment Removal (Dredging) Studies

To provide ongoing Invasive Species Treatments: 

• Since 2019, HLCA spent over $85,000 on invasive species studies and treatments - approximately $62,000 was covered by LARE grants with the balance of $23,000 covered by HLCA matching funds from dues and donations

• Additionally, we have started treatment on the Phragmites that have completely clogged several areas including the channel between land and our eagle’s island with costs $5-6,000. HLCA covers this entire amount. 

As a result, we have seen significantly lower Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) populations and have kept Starry Stonewort (SSW) at bay while reducing locations where it was previously found. We’ve made great progress, but it’s our ongoing treatments that keep these invasive weeds from starving and strangling our lake. 

Dredge Navigation Channels:

The DNR Public Boat Ramp and southern navigation channel of West Hudson have been dredged – providing deeper and wider navigation channels. Costs to date were approximately $170,000. 

• LARE covered close to $136,000

• HLCA covered the $34,000 balance via donations from your neighbors

• Closing the sediment site will be completed in 2026 so we will be incurring additional costs

Electricity to the Park:

HLCA assisted Hudson Township in securing a $10,000 grant from Amazon Web Services (AWS). Those funds were used to bring electricity to the park.

Drain & Water Level Management via 24x7 water level monitoring and alerts through our ToltHawk measurement system. The lake is still very low due to the ongoing multi-year drought. Our drain team will service the drain gate when the weather permits. The team will also operate the drain gate's opening and closing.

What other funding sources has HLCA sought and secured?

Last year, HLCA partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and secured $20,000 for the efforts (beyond electricity to the park) noted above. HLCA will continue to pursue business relationships to supplement membership dues and community donations. Please let us know if you want to join us in this effort or if you have any contacts who could help. 

What have volunteers helped HLCA to accomplish for free?

Greater alliance with local officials and the DNR via lake tours and informational meetings, as DNR presentation on Hudson Lake’s unique history; Working with county drainage boards to maintain Taylor ditch; Servicing of Hudson Lake Drain; Stone added and graded on Lakeshore Drive; Website design and content.

What’s next?

HLCA will continue to:

• Treat invasive species

• Complete another dredging study to identify other potential areas to dredge, including the north navigation channel and channel around the eagle’s island

• Complete a second treatment for Phragmites

• Close the dredging sediment site and demobilize equipment

• Look into fire protection options such as dry hydrants

• Apply for funding for fish restocking

• And much more…

HLCA cannot fund these efforts without you – your membership dues are critical to these important activities. Dues are $50 per household, but any amount, large or small, is appreciated. Every dollar matters. You can donate via our website or scan our QR code – both noted below.

Learn more about us at: www.hlcaindiana.com

A huge thank you to those who have sent in your dues/donations! We invite the rest of you to join in and help us keep Hudson Lake healthy and thriving.

Hudson Lake Conservation Association Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization (Federal Tax Number 26-2891748). All charitable gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.        

Can’t wait for summer!