MISSION
The Clear Lake Township Land Conservancy works to preserve, protect, and manage the natural environment within the watershed and township for future generations.
WHO WE ARE
CLTLC is a small, community-supported, 501(c)(3) nonprofit land conservation organization located at Clear Lake in Fremont of Steuben County, nestled in the northeast corner of Indiana where Indiana, Ohio and Michigan come together. An all-volunteer Board of Directors guides the efforts of CLTLC. The Board members and community volunteers serve on numerous committees that, in conjunction with our Executive Director, strive to accomplish our mission.
WHAT WE DO
Since 1991, CLTLC has been entrusted with preserving and protecting this cherished corner of northeast Indiana through ongoing conservation and stewardship efforts. Our focus area includes the Town of Clear Lake, the Clear Lake Township, and the Clear Lake watershed. With the support of individual donors, foundations, businesses, and volunteers and in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies we protect and preserve more than 145 acres within the Clear Lake watershed. Each year we conduct water quality enhancement efforts and approaches. We believe that building an appreciation for nature is essential in achieving our mission of watershed level preservation and management. We organize and host a variety of workshops, events, and outings that encourage youth and the community to think about nature and our environment and ways they can positively impact it.
HISTORY
The Clear Lake Township Land Conservancy (CLTLC) was started in 1991 by a committed group of volunteers.
Once described as an “inspired idea,” it took root when a survey was sent out to Clear Lake residents, which identified three components that would guide the Conservancy’s activities for the following decades: water quality enhancement, natural areas preservation, and environmental education. Beautiful Clear Lake was formed 14,000 years ago, in the final centuries of earth's last Ice Age. Here, at an elevation of nearly 1,000 feet, the historic Wisconsin Glacier melted — creating the natural and pristine kettle-hole reservoir we now call Clear Lake.
In early years, volunteers conducted water quality monitoring to obtain baseline data for the 800-acre Clear Lake and the 4 county ditches that drain into Clear Lake. Recently, the Conservancy has developed a larger watershed view focused on water quality enhancement by implementing a strategic Watershed Diagnostic Study.
The CLTLC currently manages and protects 19 properties, covering over 145 acres. We value the preservation of surrounding lands and natural wetlands within the watershed for their ability to reduce nutrient release, sediment migration, and shoreline erosion. We strive to communicate this beneficial connection of land preservation and water quality enhancement.
Another aspect of the Conservancy’s continued growth is its environmental education programs. We host a variety of community education programs including speakers, workshops, and events. In July, we hold an annual Knee-high Naturalists program for children that fosters a love for nature and stewardship.
The Clear Thinking newsletter began publication in 2015 to inform and connect the Clear Lake community to the Conservancy’s mission and projects year round. Sign up here to receive the newsletters electronically or view under News, Events, & Resources. In 2016 we added a new website, a distinctive logo and a social media presence on Facebook and Instagram to further expand the Conservancy’s communications outreach.
The Conservancy has been organized and led by volunteers for over three decades. Their time, talent, commitment, and passion have grown the Conservancy and paved the way for our future success! CLTLC hired its first full time employee in May of 2015. The 25th Anniversary Year in 2016 was an exciting time for the Clear Lake Township Land Conservancy, marked by sellout crowds at a Gala and Kasota Island Hog Roast. The community also gathered for lively Spiritfest 2017, SummerFest 2019, Soirée on the Water 2022 and the 2023-24 Run Day, Fun Day events.
“
We work together to protect the natural enviroment we all love, no matter what keeps us here… the conservancy comes to life through water quality enhancement, natural preservation, and environmental education. Join us!
”Board of Directors
Doug Mulvaney
President
Barb Wenger
Vice President
Ann DeWert
Secretary
Tim McArdle
Treasurer
Susan Connett
Zach Dean
Bill Geiger
Bill Greffin
Katy Hoehn
Karen Horrell
Bruce Matasick
Dan Rippe
Matt Timmer
Nancy Webster
Paul Crawford
1971 – 2020
Paul was a lifetime farmer and leader in advocating for our area’s water quality.
Our Staff
Caroline Barth
Executive Director
Tracy Hughes
Program Assistant
Joe Bernard
Land Steward
Our Committees
Each of our Committees operates under a charter and establishes an annual workplan. Click to review the most recent list of members, workplan and charter for each Committee. Use the “Get Involved” tab to explore getting active in a Conservancy Committee.