JOLEE SKINNER
In 1985, a group of citizens who lived near Eagle Mountain Lake joined together to petition the Texas Water Commission to declare a moratorium for new permits for sewage disposal into the lake. The plans were to build a water treatment facility in the vicinity of Boat Club Road and Lechner Drive on the east side of the lake. The citizens — who called themselves the “Save Eagle Mountain Lake” group — were granted the moratorium, which remains in effect today.
But the passionate group of residents didn’t just stop there.
The group famously stopped a bridge from being built across the north end of the lake when a major highway project would have threatened the lake’s ecosystem. The 400 acres of land where the bridge was to be built was owned by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, but SEML board president Cary Lewis says the group was able to send a petition the state to stop the development.
“They got over a thousand signatures that went straight to Gov. Rick Perry to stop the development,” Lewis said. “They wanted to keep Eagle Mountain Lake in its natural habitat. That led to the purchase of the 400 acres by Tarrant Regional Water District” in 2007.
SEML and TRWD have had a longtime partnership, carrying out initiatives together, planning events and conserving Eagle Mountain Lake. Lewis says the relationship between the organizations is a coveted partnership.
“It’s a natural connection,” Lewis said. “Over the years, we have really developed a close relationship with TRWD. Don Sanderson did a lot to build the relationship and I continued with it.” Sanderson is SEML’s former — and longest serving — board president.
Over the last few years, SEML became a stakeholder for TRWD’s Master Recreation Plan and have since become involved in the Watershed Protection Plan. For its annual meetings, SEML invites speakers from TRWD to educate the board and attendees on the organization’s impact — especially relating to Eagle Mountain Lake.
“Some of their top environmental engineers will come and speak and I thought this is more critical than people know,” Lewis said. “These are the people that keep your faucets running. They keep the water coming through. They’ve done a fantastic job.”
SEML is a completely volunteer-run organization. With eight volunteer board members and many volunteers, the mission statement may be different, but the core values are the same.
“Last year, we upgraded our mission and changed it to advocate for the equality of Eagle Mountain Lake and the interests of the community,” Lewis said. “We do this by fostering collaboration, education, raising awareness and supporting sustainable enjoyment.” The motto for SEML is “Saving Eagle Mountain Lake for Future Generations” — a Don Sanderson quote.
One of the newer programs SEML is working on is an education stewardship program designed to educate surrounding schools about Eagle Mountain Lake and to sponsor field trips. Lewis introduced the idea back in 2024 to the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw School District and it is in the early phases of development. SEML is currently working to secure a grant to fund the program. Another initiative currently in development by SEML is a water safety program that would provide free summer swim lessons for children between the ages of 5 to 17 during the summer months.
One of the bigger annual events SEML hosts is the Lake Bottom Cleanup, typically each September, when trash and debris are removed from the lake bottom and shoreline. The event focuses on areas like Party Cove plus Old Ranch House Slough using certified divers and volunteers to pick up trash and improve water quality. Another treasured event is the annual Parade of Lights. This spectacular event happens during the holiday season when residents decorate their boats with colorful lights and set sail on Eagle Mountain Lake.
After celebrating 40 years of SEML last year, Lewis says the mission and vision will stay the same.
“We’ll continue on with the programs, community events and bringing people together,” Lewis said. “We’ll continue to collaborate with TRWD, regional water authorities, municipalities and environmental partners to represent Eagle Mountain Lake and its interests.”
