CLJ began in the summer of 2004 when creation of a special tax district for the lake was being considered.   Since property owners were in the dark, a number of residents from around the lake met with local politicians to find out what was being proposed. Because of this meeting and input from local residents, the tax idea was withdrawn . As a result, we saw a need to keep lake residents informed of current and future actions that might affect them. With support from local residents, we became a non-profit, tax exempt, corporation in December 2004, receiving notice of our 501(c)(3) tax exempt status from the IRS in May of this year.

Many of you do not live here full time and may not always be aware of events that affect the lake area.  The purpose of the CLJ is to educate and represent the area residents and/or property owners about the issues and activities that have an impact on Lake James and the surrounding area.  This includes the environment, safety, governmental regulations, etc.  To be proactive rather than reactive, we must have a strong and viable organization that keeps area property owners informed about issues confronting Lake James… before they fully materialize, not afterwards when it is often too late to do anything about them.

We need your help to make a difference. Those owning property or living within one mile of the perimeter of Lake James in Burke and McDowell counties are invited to become supporters. The area has been divided into 7 geographic districts, each with one representative.  In addition, there are 4 representatives-at-large, for a total of 11 on the Board of Directors.  Elections occur each year, in September, during our Annual meeting.

Regular meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month (announcements by e-mail and local newspapers). We have a variety of guest speakers on issues from lake safety to new developments to Inter-Basin Transfers. Also, a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) has been started.