OUR MISSION
The mission of CLA is to serve as proactive stewards of our lake committed to protecting and improving all aspects of water quality, lake beauty, wildlife, and enjoyment of the lake for current and future generations.
CLA History
The Cobbosseecontee Yacht Club was organized in 1904 by Daniel Robinson, who also became the club's first Commodore. CYC is thought to be one of the oldest, continually active, inland waters yacht clubs in the United States.
According to its By-laws, "CYC shall function as a yacht club and a lake association of Lake Cobbosseecontee," and membership is open to absolutely anyone with an interest in the lake! The Cobbosseecontee Yacht Club was officially reorganized to CYCLA in July 2019 as a 501c3 nonprofit organization. In response to the growing threat of invasive aquatic plants and the growing needs of the lake, we rebranded CYCLA as Cobbosseecontee Lake Association (CLA) in 2022 and conducted broad-reaching education, membership and fundraising programs to unite the lake community in the fight against these invasive plants.
The overall purpose of CLA remains true to its heritage, to promote the appreciation and wise use of the lake, protect its natural beauty, promote boating and water safety, and promote the overall improvement of water quality. And clearly the top priority at this time in history is the constant fight to contain the spread of invasive aquatic plants and limit the impact of nutrient run-off. CLA and its membership have responded remarkably in support of lake preservation.
CLA, with over 100 years of history, has evolved from a yacht club to a broader-reaching, modern lake association. CLA benefits from a growing and engaged membership — all who share a love of the lake.
CLA also sponsors social activities such as the annual “For the love of the lake” Summer Kickoff Celebration, several “Boat-in” parties throughout the summer, and a “Drive-in” party in the winter. And it remains dedicated to the preservation of the historic 1908 lighthouse on Ladies Delight Island.
Other important support from CLA goes to “camperships” to the State YMCA Camp of Maine, participation in Maine Lakes Association, and funding of plant survey, removal and CBI work performed by Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed (Friends).
As early as summer 2006, CLA began to help fund the Courtesy Boat Inspection (CBI) Program sponsored by Friends, whose mission is, "To support and improve the 28 lakes and streams of the Cobbossee Watershed." Since then, a substantial increase in CLA funding has enabled Friends to hire more staff, dedicate more resources and execute the successful Cobbossee Containment Program of 2022. In addition to tripling the CBI presence on the lake, this program purchased a second survey boat and doubled the survey and plant removal capacity performed by Friends staff.
