About Friends of Chesley Lake

Who We Are...

Friends of Chesley Lake (FOCL) is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the environmental health of Chesley Lake while fostering a strong sense of community among those who live, work, and enjoy the lake.

Through stewardship, education, community engagement, and initiatives such as the Lake Lung, FOCL works to help ensure that Chesley Lake remains a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable lake for future generations.

Our History

Friends of Chesley Lake traces its roots to the early 1970s when residents came together to address growing concerns about water quality and the future health of the lake.

Research and restoration efforts eventually led to the creation of the Chesley Lake Lung Project, an innovative hypolimnetic oxygenation system designed to improve deep-water oxygen levels and support a healthier aquatic ecosystem.

Over the decades, volunteers have supported stewardship initiatives, public education, environmental monitoring, and partnerships aimed at protecting Chesley Lake.

In 2026, members voted to return to the original Friends of Chesley Lake name, recognizing that it better reflects the organization's stewardship-focused mission and commitment to the long-term health of the lake.