[VIDEO] Tuesday, the Mason County Board of Commissioners signed an ordinance creating Lake Management District No. 1 for Island Lake. The decision follows months of planning and a strong show of support from local property owners.
Randy Lewis is the Chair of the Island Lake Management District Advisory Committee:
The vote results told a clear story: of the 118 eligible ballots distributed, 71 were returned. Among those, 64 supported forming the district while only 7 opposed it. With nearly 90 percent approval, the outcome reflected a strong consensus to safeguard the health and long-term vitality of Island Lake.
For residents, the lake is more than a scenic backdrop — it is the heart of their neighborhood. Families fish along its shores, children swim in summer, and generations gather to watch sunsets. But with popularity also come challenges. Over time, concerns have grown about water quality, invasive species, and shoreline care.
The new Lake Management District, established for 15 years, gives the community a structured way to respond. Funded through annual rates collected with property taxes, the district will support projects such as weed control, fish habitat protection, and water-quality monitoring. A citizen advisory committee will keep residents’ voices central to decisions.
By casting their votes, property owners chose to invest in something bigger than themselves — the shared environment that binds their community. Many see the district as a way to ensure the lake they love today will still be thriving for children and grandchildren tomorrow.
The Board of Commissioners affirmed that choice when they adopted the ordinance on September 16. Over the coming months, the district will move from concept to action, starting with the citizen committee and annual work plans.
The district’s success will be seen not only in reports but also in lived experiences: clearer waters, healthier fish populations, and the peace of knowing the lake is cared for. For Island Lake residents, the ordinance is more than a legal step — it is a collective promise to protect a resource that enriches their lives. With the ink now dry, the lake’s future looks brighter, built on unity, responsibility, and hope.