LAKE VERMILION—Call it a sign of the times, and the evolving mission of the Sportsmen’s Club of Lake Vermilion. The longtime organization, founded in 1968 to improve the lake’s walleye fishing, has changed its name to the Vermilion Lake Association, Inc.

The group’s members approved the change at their annual meeting, held Aug. 13.

“It was time for the change,” said Vice President Dale Lundblad, who had led the year-long discussion of the issue. “Since 1968, we have gradually expanded the scope of our activities as our beloved Lake Vermilion faced an ever-increasing number of challenges. We have, in a natural and unintentional manner, evolved into a lake association.”

The association, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, boasts 2,400 members, and most of them are still intensely interested in maintaining Lake Vermilion as a world class fishery. But unlike the early days, when the group focused on getting a walleye stocking operation back up and running on the lake, the group’s approach has broadened significantly, taking on more systemic issues affecting the lake and its fishery.

Today, the group is heavily involved in monitoring and maintaining water quality on the lake, and fighting to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, all of which have the potential to significantly affect the health of the fishery. The group also maintains navigational lights, shore lunch sites, shoreland protection projects, and conducts the lake’s annual loon count.

In the process, it has become widely known as one of the largest and most active lake associations in the state.

Despite the group’s undeniable success, board members were worried that the old name discouraged some potential members, particularly non-anglers, from joining. “I am confident our new Vermilion Lake Association name will allow us to grow our membership, increase our influence, and secure the resources needed to better protect our beautiful lake,” said Lundblad.

Association President Terry Grosshauser stressed that the new name does not signal a change in direction, but more a recognition of the changes that have been occurring over the nearly 50 years since the group’s founding. “The organization and its volunteers will continue to do all they can to protect Lake Vermilion and to enhance the outdoor experience for those who share it,” said Grosshauser.