The Michigan Lakes and Streams Association has bestowed its 2025 “Michigan Inland Lake Riparian of the Year” award upon Nancy Popa, President of the Lake Leelanau Lake Association. The honor was presented on April 25 during the annual Michigan Lakes and Streams Association Conference.

The Riparian of the Year award recognizes an organization or individual whose dedication to lake or stream conservation and stewardship over the past year best embodies the mission and goals of the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association (MLSA). Nancy Popa’s unwavering commitment to the health and preservation of Lake Leelanau has made her a most deserving recipient.

Nancy and her husband Thad have been deeply connected to the Lake Leelanau community since acquiring Thad’s childhood home 32 years ago. “Boating, swimming, and enjoying the beauty of Lake Leelanau have enriched our lives immensely over the past three decades,” says Nancy Popa. “We are deeply invested in ensuring our children and grandchildren can experience the same joys.”

With a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a Master of Science degree in Environmental Management, Nancy brings a strong scientific background to her passionate advocacy for Lake Leelanau. Her leadership as President of the Lake Leelanau Lake Association (LLLA) is marked by significant achievements, including:

● Spearheading the update of LLLA’s ten-year watershed preservation plan.

● Establishing strong connections with local governments and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians to champion the Association’s boat cleaning program. Her tireless efforts secured funding, permits, and engineering for four boat wash stations on North and South Lake Leelanau to prevent the spread of invasive species.

● Working collaboratively with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to establish a groundbreaking groundwater discharge permit exemption for boat cleaning stations, clearing roadblocks and paving the way for easier construction of these vital resources in more areas.

● Generously sharing her expertise on establishing boat wash stations with other lake associations, providing individual support, and presenting valuable information to the Northwest Michigan Watershed Council (NMWC) and a regional boat wash collaboration group.

● Demonstrating a profound commitment to shoreline preservation and educational programs aimed at fostering lake stewardship within the community. As a master gardener, Nancy pursued further knowledge by completing the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership’s Shoreline Contractor Training in 2022.

● Developing and leading the LLLA’s Shoreline Stewardship program, offering complimentary shoreline consultations to Lake Leelanau riparians. Under her guidance, the program has expanded to include three additional trained Shoreline Ambassadors, resulting in significant natural shoreline restoration efforts by homeowners and businesses.

● Initiating a Terrestrial Invasive Species (TIS) program in partnership with the LLLA, focusing on community education and control methods. She also facilitated the distribution of Galerucella beetles to manage purple loosestrife.

● Actively collecting native shoreline plant seeds and sharing cuttings from her own native plant garden to encourage the establishment of no-mow zones among other riparians.

● Serving on the Board of the Leelanau Conservancy, further demonstrating her commitment to broader conservation efforts.

● Successfully applying for grants to fund the critical eradication and management of Eurasian Watermilfoil and other invasive species within Lake Leelanau.