About BSLA
Lake neighbors protecting one of Minnesota's clearest lakes since 1988.
The Big Sand Lake Association (BSLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established to “promote and maintain the environmental, economic, and recreational protection of Big Sand Lake.” Big Sand Lake is in Hubbard County, Minnesota, near the town of Park Rapids, and is known as one of Minnesota’s clearest lakes, with clarity readings as deep as 45 feet. Big Sand Lake covers 1,635 acres, has a sandy substrate, and is one of Minnesota’s premier lakes.
Lake neighbors formed the association in the summer of 1988 to protect the lake’s water quality. One of our first projects was a flyover to find sources of pollution. That effort helped make Big Sand the first lake in Hubbard County with 100% of its septic systems upgraded to county standards, and it is a big reason the water is so clear today.
What we do
- Monitor water quality with trained volunteers and professional aquatic surveys
- Fight aquatic invasive species through watercraft inspections, early detection, and education
- Install and maintain safety and navigation buoys
- Share news through newsletters, email, our website, and social media
- Bring neighbors together at the Annual Meeting, the July 4th Boat Parade, and socials throughout the year
Today about 150 households belong to BSLA. Membership dues pay for our day-to-day work, and the Big Sand Lake Charitable Fund supports larger projects such as watercraft inspections.
Our partners
BSLA is a member of Hubbard County COLA (Coalition of Lake Associations), Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates, and Conservation Minnesota.
Learn more
- A History of BSLA, written in 2002 by founding member Bob Rust (PDF)
- Past Presidents (PDF)
