At its February 2004 meeting of the Board of Directors, the Conservancy adopted a set of bywords that sum up -- in just six words -- the mission and positive agenda of the organization.

Finding Common Ground reflects the Conservancy's determination to seek a reasonable balance between the ever-growing necessity and inevitability of growth and development within the Geneva Lake area with the need and desire to preserve and protect the natural environment that attracts people to our area. Common Ground also reflects the Conservancy's commitment to foster a spirit of partnership and shared environmental values among the towns, townships and county, and their community organizations and citizens of all ages.

Preserving the Community Character of both the greater Geneva Lake area and the individual entities that make it up is at the core of the Conservancy's mission. That community character is defined not by the Conservancy, but by each of the area's citizens. Community character reflects the aspirations of the people: small town heritage, rural roots, a sense of history, snug homes, prosperous shops and businesses, a good place to raise children, an outdoor spirit energized by every season, a hardy respect for a natural environment, enhancing quality tourism, and most of all, family values.

Protecting our Natural Resources defines the work of the Conservancy. Sustaining the health of the Geneva Lake watershed is a priority - preserving the natural balance between healthy unspoiled land and robust lakes, ponds and streams. Priorities include maintaining our diverse wooded areas, wetlands and natural green spaces, keeping agriculture viable on the rich lands buffering the communities around the lakes, fostering low impact conservation subdivision housing and responsible business development, preserving environmental corridors and a dynamic habitat for wildlife.

Common Ground. Community Character. Natural Resources.
These are the bywords that define and energize the membership of The Geneva lake Conservancy.