Friends? What are we all about?

Answer: POLICY. Policy that impacts recreation, economic and environmental resources

If you're interested in preserving and developing a long-term fishery, then you will be interested in:

• Our relationship with ND agencies like the Game & Fish, Water Commission, Commerce and federal agencies like the Corps of Engineers and U.S. Fish & Wildlife. We're consulted, informed and working together to come up with policies and regulations that work for the lake's stakeholders.
• Our role in being a watchdog on federal efforts impacting recreation, water supply, water quality, hydropower and fish & wildlife.
• Our efforts to work with oil and energy-related companies on spill prevention plans.

If you're interested in access, then you will be interested in:

• Public policy development. We're at the table with the Corps of Engineers on winter and summer access policies. We ask the road closures are discussed, park fees are considered and when releases are scrutinized.
• What we've learned. We've been through two droughts during the Friends' existence: the tale of one and six years of another, and a flood. We're older and wiser. We know how to fight to keep the lake at a liveable level.
• We lobby to keep track of state bills impacting Lake Sakakawea. We track legislation, testify and lobby for better roads for recreational sites. We're learned how to compromise while protecting our interests.

If you're interested in being knowledgeable about Lake Sakakawea, you will be interested in:

• The E-Newsletter. Members and potential Friends receive the newsletter at least bi-weekly. It's our way of sharing the news about water-related issues that impact or could impact Lake Sakakawea. During the past three years, the E-Newsletter has also served as an excellent way to inform readers about the threats of ANS.
• Being part of the organization that bring agencies and stakeholders together, working toward making a good lake great.