A Letter from the President and a Look Ahead
Extracted from the Summer Kickoff 2026 Newsletter
LETTER FROM TODD BAXTER, LLA PRESIDENT:
Dear Lake Lanier Association Members,
As we head into the heart of another busy summer season on Lake Lanier, I am reminded of just how much we have already accomplished together in 2026. The first half of the year has been filled with meaningful engagement, advocacy, and community involvement, all focused on protecting and preserving the lake we love.
We kicked off the year with a strong presence at the Boat Show at Lanier Islands, where we had the opportunity to connect with boaters, lake enthusiasts, and potential new members. We also held our Annual Membership Celebration (AMC), bringing together people who share our commitment to Lake Lanier’s future. The AMC is always one of my favorite events as it kicks off the summer season while celebrating and thanking you, our members! Additionally we have held two Members’ Only ‘Lunch and Learns’, where local experts spoke to packed houses at the Lake Lanier Association office in Gainesville.
Advocacy remains at the core of our mission, and this year we have already met twice with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to discuss important issues impacting the lake and its users. These meetings ensure that the voice of our membership is heard and that we continue to be an effective advocate for responsible lake management and stewardship.
Community outreach has also been a major focus. We were proud to represent the Association through tabling events at the Gainesville Marina Tenant Appreciation Day and WaterFest, hosted by Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. These events provide valuable opportunities to engage directly with lake users, share our mission, and build support for the work we do year-round.
This newsletter also contains updates on several important initiatives. You will find information about the Dock Builder’s Pledge, an effort designed to encourage responsible shoreline development and construction practices that help protect the health and beauty of Lake Lanier. We are also providing updates regarding ACFS dredging activities and current lake level conditions— topics that continue to be of great interest and importance to our members and the broader lake community.
We are also grateful for the organizations and events that have chosen to support the Lake Lanier Association this year. LLA is honored to be a primary beneficiary of both Concerts for a Cause at Lanier Islands and the Poker Run. These partnerships not only provide valuable financial support but also help increase awareness of our mission throughout the Lake Lanier community. We extend our sincere thanks to the organizers, sponsors, participants, and volunteers who make these events possible.
Looking ahead, we are especially excited about our upcoming 60th Anniversary Gala this November. This milestone event will give us an opportunity to celebrate six decades of accomplishments, recognize the many individuals who have contributed to our success, and most importantly, discuss how we can ensure our mission lives on for the next 60 years. I hope you will join us as we reflect on our history and chart a course for the future.
None of this work happens by accident. Every meeting attended, every program advanced, every advocacy effort undertaken, and every improvement made to Lake Lanier is possible because of you. All this wouldn’t be possible without your support. Your membership, volunteerism, donations, and commitment to our mission provide the foundation that allows the LLA to continue serving as a trusted voice for the lake. Together, we are preserving, protecting, and enhancing Lake Lanier – keeping it Clean, Full, and Safe for future generations.
Todd Baxter, LLA President
