Bowman Lake Association was founded in the 1930s when a group of families, most from nearby Troy, NY, made Big Bowman Pond their summer home. Some places have been in the same families for generations, while new residents have arrived and made their homes here. Today, year-round and seasonal residents enjoy a special community in a beautiful natural environment. The windmill at the north end has been a beloved landmark since the early 1900s.
BLA has two main purposes:
- to promote social activities among our members
- to encourage members to protect the water quality of Big Bowman Pond and its surrounding environment.
Our social activities vary from year to year but one constant is our Annual Regatta at the end of July when families construct floats on their row boats, kayaks, and canoes for a friendly competition of creativity, followed by lots of events for everyone from toddlers to grandparents. At other times of year we may host a talent show, winter fest, or pot luck dinner — even a tractor parade.
BLA Members and friends work to maintain and improve the water quality of Big Bowman through education, regular monitoring, and, most recently, adoption of a comprehensive lake management program. The Association is a member of the New York State Federation of Lake Associations and participates in its Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP) which provides annual monitoring and professional analysis of lake conditions.
