2025 Season Welcome: Updates and Annual Meeting

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this letter finds you well. As we begin the new season, we want to provide you with important updates and inform you that our annual HOA meeting will be held on July 5th, 2025, at 10:00 AM on the communal deck of our HOA lakeside property.  

Docks Update

The docks have been successfully installed and are ready for the season, and it’s great to see boats in the water. If you are interested in renting a space along the communal walkway for mooring a kayak or other small watercraft, please contact us at your earliest convenience. Spaces are limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The seasonal rental fee is $100 per spot.  Also, there may be members looking to rent out full dock slips – please contact us if interested and we can put you in touch.

Roads Update

This past winter brought its challenges, and we appreciate the efforts of all homeowners in helping maintain our roads and shared spaces. We worked diligently to maintain our roads over the harsh winter. When conducting your spring clean-up please check any culverts or other drainage is clear as proper drainage will contribute to the stability of the road.  Thank you for your continued care of your properties and for adhering to safe driving practices, such as avoiding speeding, within our community. 

Short Term Rentals Update

To better understand community perspectives regarding short-term rentals in The Birches, we distributed a brief questionnaire. If you have not yet responded, we kindly ask that you do so using the following link: Questionnaire. Your input is essential in guiding future decisions.

Financial Update

We expect to close our current fiscal year in June very close to budget.  Looking ahead due to continued increases in the cost of materials and labor and insurance — driven by inflation and tariffs — we anticipate a modest increase in next year’s budget and dues. The exact amount has not yet been finalized, but please be assured that we are committed to keeping any increases as minimal as possible.

Annual Meeting

As noted, the Annual HOA Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM, on the lakeside communal deck. We encourage all homeowners to attend and participate in this important gathering.

Website

Please join our private website, accessible only to members of The Birches of Copake Lake HOA. Sign up for private access to information, communication related to the HOA, and interesting tidbits. You can join here.

Copake Lake Conservation Society

The health and beauty of the lake is essential to our property values, and we encourage everyone to become members and contribute to the great work that the CLCS does throughout the year to maintain and enhance its natural beauty.  Upcoming lake activities:

The annual Shoreline Cleanup Event will take place on May 31, 2025.

The Copake Lake Conservation Society (CLCS) will hold its annual meeting on July 12th.  

The Summer Bash fundraiser will be at the Copake Country Club on July 19th.

For more information about CLCS activities, please contact Cherie Berk at cherieberk@aol.com.

As always, we welcome your feedback and are happy to address any questions or concerns. We look forward to seeing you this season and appreciate your continued support in maintaining the beauty and community spirit of The Birches.

Thank you,

The Birches Board of Directors