Thurston County, Washington

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Thurston County Washington

Public Health and Social Services

Lake Management

Lake Management

People who live on or near lake shores enjoy many benefits which may include beautiful scenery, wildlife observation and recreational opportunities. Because activities that occur in proximity to a lake can have both short and long-term negative effects on the health of the lake, residents also share responsibilities which individuals may be difficult to address as individuals. Because of this, many communities may be inspired by a sense of ownership and personal commitment to consider working with each other to address lake issues and protect water quality. 

Healthy Lakes

Image of Offut Lake Resourt - Photo courtesy of Experience Olympia & Beyond
 Photo courtesy of Experience Olympia & Beyond

Is Forming a Lake Group Right for My Lake?

There are many things individual lake residents and users can do to protect Thurston County’s lakes. Often, a specific concern or overall local community commitment to a lake may inspire the organization of a lake group to address the concern and develop a long-term management strategy. The benefits of organizing can include the following:

  • A more consistent funding source for lake improvement activities
  • The development of long-term management plans
  • Community awareness of lake issues
  • An improved communication network
  • Members of approved lake groups may be eligible for reductions in their stormwater utility rates

Which Type of Lake Group Fits My Community's Needs?

There are several organizational structures communities can consider when choosing to organize. Four types of structures available to lake property owners include:

A lake association, typically organized as a registered non-profit organization, is a volunteer group consisting of interested property owners. There are more than 100 lake associations in Washington State. This can be an appropriate organization for improving communication, fostering stewardship and forming consensus on common goals and objectives. Lake association details include:

  • Good structure for well-organized communities
  • Typically formed as a non-profit and funded through membership dues
  • Activities are managed by volunteers, contractors or consultants
  • Members assume liability of activities
  • Only owners who choose to contribute pay for activities
  • Flexible and voluntary
  • Not bound by county policy

A homeowner association is typically created when a subdivision is built. The covenants on the recorded deed require each landowner to join the association and pay dues. Homeowner association details include:

  • Permanent organization with dedicated funding
  • Actions dependent upon an active association board
  • May not be representative of the entire lake

Lake Management Districts (LMDs) operate under the authority of the county, which assumes all risk related to the activities conducted. An advisory committee comprised of community representatives is maintained and coordinated by the County to facilitate engagement and communication with residents included in LMD boundaries. The process for forming an LMD is established under RCW 36.61, which allows for the assessment of property to finance lake management activities. Private and public lake front property, upland lots with access to the lake, and any other property within the watershed which benefits from management activities can be included. Formation of an LMD can be initiated through a valid petition from the community, or by the county initiating the formation of an LMD independently. The process includes a public hearing and vote by affected property owners. LMDs typically take 8-10 months, or longer, to form and can operate for a period of up to ten years. 

Thurston County and the Steering Committees (SC) of our four Lake Management Districts (Long, Lawrence, Pattison, and Offut Lakes) spent five months drafting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that describes how the County and the SC’s will coordinate with each other to make sure that lake management districts operate as smoothly as possible, that the beneficial uses of these lakes are improved for lake residents and visitors, and that the funds are used appropriately and efficiently. The SOP was finalized in March 2024.  

Should you have any questions about the SOP, please reach out to the TC Public Health & Social Services Department, at eh_lmd@co.thurston.wa.us or (360) 463-8323.  

LMD details include:

  • LMD Frequently Asked Questions
  • Forms a county administered program
  • County staff serve as program administrators and subject matter experts
  • County assumes liability of approved activities
  • County manages all permits
  • Once formed, all property owners within the LMD pay annual fees, unless exempt by category
  • Subject to all applicable county policies
  • Costs of administration provided by the county are supported by LMD rates
  • Advisory committees are managed by county staff and must apply to applicable policies and laws (Open Public Meeting Act, County Communication Plan, etc.)
  • County Treasurer's Office collects annual rates and charges

A Special District is a special form of government that provides diking, drainage, flood control facilities and services; and engages in lake or river restoration, aquatic plant control, and water quality enhancement activities to property owners within the district boundaries. The process for forming a Special District is established under RCW 85.38. While the formation process for a Special District is similar to that of a Lake Management District, the management of the entity is different. Upon formation of a Special District, the Board of County Commissioners is responsible for appointing an initial governing board of three individuals. Thereafter, the Special District property owners elect the governing board, which is tasked with managing the affairs of the district. Special Districts typically take 9-18 months to form and can operate indefinitely. Special District details include:

  • Self-governing by an elected governing board
  • Unlimited lifetime
  • Activities managed by volunteers, contractors or consultants
  • Special District assumes liability of activities
  • Special District manages permits
  • Once formed, all property owners within the Special District pay annual fees, unless in by exempt category
  • Not bound to county policies
  • County Treasurer's Office collects annual rates and charges

Lake Lawrence Management District No. 22

Lake Lawrence Management District was formed in 2016. You can learn more about their steering committee, the lake, and how to attend their reoccurring meetings by visiting their website:

Lake Lawrence Lake Management District 

Lawrence Lake Documents

Long Lake Management District No. 15

Long Lake Management District was formed in 2000. You can learn more about their steering committee, the lake, and how to attend their reoccurring meetings by visiting their website:

Long Lake Management District Steering Committee

Long Lake Documents

Offut Lake Management District No.24

Offut Lake Management District was formed in 2023. You can learn more about their steering committee, the lake, and how to attend their monthly meetings by visiting their website:

Offut Lake Management District (OLMD #24)

Offut Lake Documents

The vote count for the proposed Offut LMD has been finalized. The results are as follows:

Pattison Lake Management District No. 23

Pattison Lake Management District was formed in 2022. You can learn more about their steering committee, the lake, and how to attend their monthly meetings by visiting their website:

Pattison Lake Management District (pattisonlmd.org)

Pattison Lake Documents

The vote count for the proposed Pattison LMD has been finalized. Preliminary results are as follows:

The Thurston County PHSS Environmental Health Division is available to answer questions you may have about forming a lake group. Staff can assist by sharing technical expertise, speaking to your community or group, or by providing training for healthy lake management email eh_lmd@co.thurston.wa.us or call (360) 463-8323.