Membership

Membership in the Oneida Lake Association is open to anyone who cares about protecting New York State’s largest lake — entirely within its borders.

Since our founding in 1945, the OLA has been the driving force behind the preservation and wise use of this extraordinary resource. With every new member, that mission grows stronger.

Your membership directly supports the health of Oneida Lake and its surrounding ecosystem. Join the thousands of residents, anglers, boaters, and nature lovers who call Oneida Lake one of New York’s most treasured natural assets. The membership period runs from May 1st through April 30th.

How to Join

Fill out the Membership Application, and mail it with a check or money order, or complete your membership online via PayPal below. All major credit cards are accepted. If you’d prefer to receive the Bulletin by email, indicate that preference at checkout.

Member Benefits

As an OLA member, you’ll receive:

  • The OLA Bulletin — two issues per year featuring articles on Oneida Lake’s environmental, historical, social, and cultural issues, as well as content for anglers, boaters, and recreational users.
  • Invitation to the Annual Meeting — held each April, the meeting features guest speakers from organizations such as the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Cornell Biological Field Station, covering lake biology and ecology. Fishing and outdoor vendors display their latest gear, and the event includes awards and door prizes.
  • The satisfaction of making a difference — knowing that your investment contributes to the ongoing preservation of one of New York State’s most valuable natural resources.

Your Membership at Work

Membership dues help fund a wide range of programs and initiatives, including:

  • Advocacy and political engagement on issues affecting Oneida Lake
  • Invasive species monitoring and public education (including water chestnut and hydrilla)
  • Input on lake levels and lake access enhancements
  • Participation in efforts to manage cormorant populations
  • Support for research at the Cornell Biological Field Station
  • Involvement with Oneida Lake’s Fish Cultural Station
  • Periodic scientific publications and general public awareness campaigns
  • Boating safety information
  • Conservation legislation engagement
  • Maintenance of Keep Our Lake Clean signage
  • Collaboration with other environmental organizations to protect Oneida Lake
  • The annual Conservationist of the Year Award
  • Website maintenance and upgrades
  • Periodic Enews and the twice-yearly OLA newsletter
Join the Oneida Lake Association signup table with members sitting at the table signing up new members

Thank you for your interest in — and support of — the Oneida Lake Association. Together, we keep Oneida Lake thriving for generations to come.

Choose email option

We can also accept payments through PayPal. To sign up for a new membership, or to renew an existing membership using PayPal, just click on the “add to cart” button and proceed through the checkout process. If you don’t have a PayPal account, you will be asked to register one. All major credit cards are accepted. If you would like the bulletins emailed to you, please indicate this during checkout.

Donations and Contributions

The OLA has been asked to provide an option for folks to make general contributions via Paypal as well as for specific donations, including memorials and special events.

For people with an interest in helping the OLA and its various causes, we appreciate your help. You can make a general contribution by clicking on the Paypal icon at the right. You will receive an email thanking you for your generosity.