About the WLPOA

We are a MUTUAL BENEFIT NONPROFIT CORPORATION, which is organized and operated under guidelines set by the State of Oregon.

Our Mission

Is to be informational, to provide a social forum where we can meet our neighbors, and to take part in local issues affecting the south end of the lake. e.g. Contribution to the Wallowa River study, support the effort to resist the increase in rental taxes at the lake, and support of the moraine acquisition. We are not a municipal agency although we do like to help problem-solve for our residents.   

Our Purpose

To present information to association members about issues that concern property owners as they enjoy life at Wallowa Lake.  To promote solutions to situations or items that may affect the health and welfare of our full or part time resident members.

To foster and promote the preservation and maintenance of the natural terrain, flora and fauna, and the enhancement of the aesthetic values of our area and, in special situations or cases, in the surrounding areas.  To be aware of any changes in county and state laws that may affect our area.  To provide an opportunity for members to get to know their neighbors, county leaders, and managers of Wallowa Lake systems and organizations.  

Our History

The current WLPOA had its beginnings in the “Methodist Water District Association,” according the earliest materials in our secretary’s notebook.   The date of incorporation with the State of Oregon for this group was May 11, 1971.  Its purpose was to provide water to association members.  There were three directors elected by members and three directors appointed by the United Methodist Church.  The group met once a year on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend at 2 p.m., at the Methodist Church Camp.

By May 1989, a new group was formed, named the Wallowa Lake Home Owners Association.  Around this time, the county took over management of the water systems at the lake and also implemented a sewer system to replace the septic tank/drain field systems then in use.

At the September 1989 meeting, topics included:  zoning for commercial units in Methodist Camp, reminder to individuals to pay for fire coverage to the Joseph Fire Department, explanation of the sewer and water fees,  complaints about people running water sprinklers on roads, suggestions that speed signs on service roads be posted at 5 m.p.h. and more.  Meetings were held at the Methodist Camp, moved to the old skating rink and on to the Eagle Cap Chalet meeting room.  A letter was sent to the county commission with regard to an unsafe road condition at the Lake.  Since the road was not a dedicated county road, the commissioner noted, the county had no authority or responsibility to maintain or improve the road.  The need for new members was addressed by a suggestion of a Christmas time letter.

Annual Dues

$30/year per membership

Recurring Expenditures

  • Postage, secretarial supplies

  • Oregon non-profit payment

  • Coffee/refreshments

  • WLPOA website management

  • P.O. box rental

  • Donations to the Community

Topics addressed at meetings over the years

  • Piles of brush need to be cleaned up on private property

  • Complaints that dogs and cats are chasing wildlife

  • Rule changes for private docks in the lake

  • R-2 zoning rules and regulations development

  • Dust abatement for roads

  • Sewer odor problems

  • Short term rental issues

  • Fire prevention

  • Emergency evacuation

  • Weed and insect control

  • Street signs

  • Purchase of chairs and tables for the Fire Hall

  • Unsightly power lines

  • Freezing of water lines

  • Incorporation of the South Wallowa Lake resort community

  • Organization of the Wallowa Lake Rural Fire Protection District

  • Bicycle path from Lake to Joseph, along the east moraine highway

  • Bears in garbage bins

  • Development of water and sewer systems

  • Recruitment of volunteer fire fighters

  • Installation of AED devices

  • Speed signs on state highway and private roads

Major Donations/Projects Funded

  • Donation of $1,000 to the Wallowa County Trust toward the purchase of the east moraine.   The land is to be purchased for use by the public and overseen by the County Commissioners. (2019)

  • Donated $1,200 to Joseph Fire Department for Emergency Medical Responder certification education for fire fighters.  An additional $475 was allocated for a video projector for the department to use in its EMS training program. (2019)

  • Expenditure of $84 for a microphone system to be used at WLPOA meetings. (2019)

  • Donated $2,500 to Upper Wallowa River Rehabilitation Project.  (2015) *Note:  This project ended up having little impact on the Upper Wallowa River areas designated as section #1 and #2, where home owners had specific interests.  The project, instead, concentrated on the two sections closest to where the river flows into the lake, through state park land.

  • Bought an AED for $1,100 to be placed at Eagle Cap Chalet

  • Installation of a bear proof dumpster located at the horse corrals from approximately May 15 to Sept. 30 for use by WLPOA members.  (2015)

  • Donated $1,400 ($100 apiece to each Joseph firefighter) in appreciation for their work. (2012)

  • Donated $1,500 to the Wallowa River Hydraulics Design Project developed by the Grande Ronde Watershed and others.  (2010*)

  • Expenditure of $1,500 to oil roads.  (5/23/2009)

  • At least two expenditures for tables and chairs for the Fire Hall.