Frequently Asked Questions

The Crooked Lake Association, Inc. is a public benefit corporation organized for charitable and scientific purposes to restore and preserve the water quality of the two basins of Crooked Lake. It is not a homeowner’s association.

Residents of Crooked Lake and people living in the sub watershed are eligible for membership upon paying annual dues and are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting and vote for new board directors.

The work of the Association Board of Directors includes identifying sources of pollution and other environmental risks to lake quality, addressing the problems, seeking grants and private funding when necessary, and implementing water quality projects.

All grants, fundraising, and spending are detailed in reports filed at board meetings and available through the official web site.

To join the Crooked Lake Association membership dues are $50 per year, payable starting June 1 and due no later than August 31. Dues can be sent to the Treasurer

     Bob Remaly

     5877 S. Woodstrail – 57

     Columbia City, IN 46725.

Payment of dues supports the association’s efforts to improve water quality in the lake and gives you a voice in the CLA organization.

Members are encouraged to attend the CLA Annual Meeting held in early June where your vote will elect members of the board of directors. Up-to- date membership also entitles you to a discount on trash pickup through an agreement with Washler, Inc.

For fiscal year 2025-2026, the Crooked Lake Association is governed 

by a 9-member Board of Directors:

* Officers

President,

~ Phil Walker (260) 609-5951, 11-year resident of Morsches Rd

Vice President,

~ Todd Putman (260) 705-8179, 55-year resident of Fry Rd

Secretary,

~ Francie Hill (812) 327-5761, 71-year resident of Morsches Rd

Treasurer,

~ Bob Remaly (219) 689-8877, 2-year resident of Woodstrail Dr

** CLA Board Members

~ George Banta (260) 432-1772, Valley Ave. -19 years

~ Joe Cochran (260) 403-6753, Spear Rd. -19 years

~ Denise McCann (330) 265-9641, Pressler Rd. -73 years

~ Tony Flesch (574) 527-9348, Pressler Rd.- 16 years

~ Chuck Farris---Past Pres. / Consultant

~ John Meier---Past Pres. / Consultant

~ John Meister---Past Pres. / Consultant

Contact one of the board members to express your interest.

Volunteer to help out on a Crooked Lake endeavor. There are many projects, events and committees that could use your help. 

Attend a CLA board meeting to learn more about the association and its business. These meetings are open to the public.

* Contributions to the Crooked Lake Association can be sent to the Treasurer

Bob Remaly

5877 S. Woodstrail – 57

Columbia City, IN 46725.

** Alternatively, contributions can be made out to the Community Foundation  of Whitley County a 501c(3) tax exempt foundation- with the byline that the funds are for the Crooked Lake Association. These contributions should be mailed directly to the Foundation.

*** Community Foundation of Whitley County

1171 E Woods Way

Columbia City, IN 46725.

**** Currently the association directs contributions to several designated funds in support of our mission

~Farm Ditch 1 & 2 Funds

These funds will be used to complete the renovation and reconstruction of the Farm Ditch, part of the headwaters of the Tippecanoe River Watershed and the main tributary flowing into Crooked Lake. This work is expected to be completed within the next few months and no later than December 31, 2026.

~Small Project Fund

Supports small water quality or lake quality of life projects that may not qualify for state or federal funding.

~Osprey Fund

Supports maintenance, audio/video equipment and internet feed for the osprey nest established on Crooked Lake in 2018

~ Community Foundation of Whitley County Crooked Lake

Conservation Fund established by John and Aileen Meier

“This fund (administered by CFWC) is to solely benefit the care and conservation of Crooked Lake in Whitley County, Indiana.”

~ Operations fund

Helps fund the day-to-day management of the Crooked Lake Association. All undesignated contributions go into this fund.

You can report a project maintenance issue by contacting a CLA board member or by submitting a maintenance request through the website's contact form.

Speeding violations, reckless boating or dangerous situations on the Lake can be reported to DNR Law Enforcement Dist 2 Columbia City office (260) 244-3720

Crooked Lake Nature preserve trail issues.

Adam Balzer Northeast Region Ecologist  (317) 931-9921 

The lake totals 208 acres and is 110 feet deep.

The smaller lake, called Little Crooked, covers 13 acres and 50 feet deep.

The 2 lakes streach from the East at SR 9, to the West to SR 109. Approximatly 1.5 miles.

The Crooked Lake—Whitley/Noble Co. News Facebook group is administered separately from the Crooked Lake Association, and you have to request to be added to the group.

The group link is on the main page of this website.

CLA will frequently post news and event information on Facebook through

this group.

Meetings start at 6:30 at the Thorncreek Township Fire Station. The meetings are open to the public. Currently they are the 3rd Thursday of the month. Please check the calender page on the website for any changes or aditional meetings.

Lake Enhancement Projects page on this website has some more information.

     The Farm Ditch Project is one of the largest water quality improvements the CLA has attempted. It’s at the top of the list and, as of November 2025, construction has not started yet.  We hope that the contractor will be able to start in December.  Unless we have a lot of rain before then, it could be an ideal time to do the work. They will need solid ground to transport the mud & debris away from dredging the settling pond so the water will drain out and the mud won't just wash back into the pond.

     The DNR Crooked Lake Nature Preserve (DNR NP) has several projects under way or soon to be starting. These projects are all being funded and contracted by the DNR Nature Preserve.

     Bishop wetland along Spear Road.  The plan is to remove a plugged-up drain culvert (the work of beaver last year)  and create an open drain that will be easier to maintain.  This empties into the lake near the Gatesworth Shores addition.

     Wetland Restoration. The DNR NP is also working to return some drained wetland areas to their natural state on the north side of their property near where the old farmhouse and barn are.  These wetlands were drained 60 or 80 years ago and the old drain tile empties into a large ravine which has been eroding into the lake for a very long time.  By removing the old drain tile they can slow the water rushing through the ravine, let it heal and stop the banks from washing down to the lake.

     Erosion Repair north of Pressler Road. Plans for repair work to

be done in the NP tree planting to help control erosion and runoff. 

     Planned bioswale on Pressler Road. Our desire is to begin this project in spring 2026.

     Possible Check Dams in the Gatesworth Ravine downstream from the outlet from the        Bishop wetland.

     Erosion Control Work may be needed in several areas along Woodstrail Drive.

     Approximately 18 other projects are on hold until the Farm Ditch is complete and we can  apply for more funding.  It is expected these other projects will take several years to complete.