Torch Conservation Center

10/19/2026

Welcome, Erin Otte-Steffen!
Torch Lake Protection Alliance

The TLPA Board of Directors is very happy to announce Erin Otte-Steffen as its Executive Director. The ED role is critical to our mission of protecting Torch Lake now and for future generations. Especially in view of the increased scope and depth of our activities in recent years.

Erin is a northern Michigan native with nearly 20 years of experience working in nonprofit organizations. Her passion is in environmental stewardship and community building.

Erin grew up in Elk Rapids before attending Michigan State University for her BA in Business Administration. As an intern with MSU, Erin worked on the launch of the ‘Be Spartan Green’ project to organize a campus-wide recycling program in residence halls and classrooms. Her work with nonprofits began in 2008 at a community credit union in Green Bay, WI, where she worked in compliance and strategy, and served as a member of the inaugural Wisconsin Credit Union Young Professionals Advisory Board, whose goal was to increase engagement and retention of young employees. After relocating back to northern Michigan, Erin joined YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps for 10 years, first as the Director of Finance and HR, and eventually as the Director of Business Operations & Engagement, supporting the Camps’ mission of getting young people unplugged and out in nature. She also serves as a member of the Grass River Natural Area’s finance committee.

After working on Torch Lake for 10 years, Erin has a deep appreciation for our local watershed and the community of people who love and enjoy the lake. She lives in Rapid City with her husband and two children. Erin is thrilled to join the TLPA team.

10/18/2026

We're Hiring! Join the Torch Conservation Center Team!

Do you have a passion for Torch Lake, conservation and connecting with our community? We have an exciting opportunity for you!

Torch Conservation Center is looking for a part-time Program Manager to help lead and grow our educational programs and community outreach efforts.

This is a newly created position that will play an important role in our mission to care for Torch Lake. From coordinating educational events and working with local conservation partners to engaging volunteers and sharing practical ways to care for our watershed, there's a lot to be excited about!

A few details:

- Part-time position with flexible remote and in-person work

- Approximately 20 hours per week averaged annually, with more hours March–October

- $30–$35 per hour, based on experience

- January 2027 start date

We're looking for someone who is organized, creative, enjoys working with people and is passionate about making a difference in our community.

Interested in joining our team?

Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] by October 31, 2026.

Help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with someone who would be a great fit!

10/16/2026

It's a rainy day on Torch Lake! 🌧️

While the rain is good for our lawns, gardens and trees, it can also carry some unwanted things into our beautiful lake.

Stormwater runoff picks up fertilizers, pesticides, oil, pet waste and other pollutants as it flows across roads, driveways and lawns. Much of that water eventually makes its way into Torch Lake and the surrounding waterways.

The good news? There are simple things we can all do to help! Planting native vegetation, reducing fertilizer use, picking up after pets and keeping storm drains clear of debris can all make a difference.

Take a look around your property today. Where is that water going?

Learn more about stormwater and how you can help care for Torch Lake: https://conservetorch.org/stormwater/

10/15/2026

Fall is a great time to plant trees! 🌳

Take some time to get to know your property. What trees do you already have? Where could you use more? What varieties would grow best?

Planting trees has so many benefits! They help absorb rainwater, reduce runoff, prevent erosion, provide wildlife habitat, and keep our water clean.

A little planning now can make a big difference for years to come.

Learn more about the benefits of planting trees and how to get started: https://conservetorch.org/caring-for-water/true-blue-landscaping/replant-trees/

10/14/2026

Torch Lake Protection Alliance - thank you for this important meeting information! Please attend if available.

TLPA is urging residents of Clearwater Township to attend in person or by Zoom the regular Township Board meeting tomorrow night at 6:00pm, Thursday Oct 15.

The Clearwater Board continues to discuss short-term rentals and associated septic system ordinances. TLPA is not against STR’s. It simply desires there to be ordinances that are reasonable and enforced and that septic system ordinances protect the lake. There are many good examples of such ordinances elsewhere on Torch Lake. There is no need for them to be re-created from scratch. We are aware the Clearwater Planning Commission has been carefully considering what is optimal and we support such deliberative work.

It is important, as residents and riparian's, that you participate in the process and let your opinion be known. Otherwise, the township and the lake are at risk of getting ordinances that do not represent what the majority desire but rather what the minority vocalizes the most.

The meeting will be held at the Clearwater Township Community Center at 6:00 PM in the Community Center, (aka Little Red Schoolhouse) located at 5407 River Street NW Rapid City Mi 49676.

You can also conveniently Zoom in by using the link that can be found at https://www.clearwatertwp.com/calendar

10/14/2026

It’s been a while since we reintroduced Theresa, and with some new followers joining us, we thought it was a good time to share a little more about the person behind the Torch Conservation Center. Many of you already know Theresa, but for those who don’t, here’s a little background on our Executive Director.

Theresa’s love for Torch Lake goes back to childhood. She spent many summers visiting her grandfather, Ernest Steiner, and her parents, Harold and Gloria Steiner, at their home in Alden. She also shared a cottage on the lake with her sister. In 2009, Theresa made Torch Lake her permanent home, moving into a remodeled house right on the lake.

With a strong background in science, business, and law, Theresa brings a unique mix of experience to her role at TCC. She began her career as a radiologic technologist while earning a business degree from Northwood University. She then worked for Health Plus of Michigan while pursuing her law degree at Cooley Law School in Lansing.

Today, Theresa runs her own consulting business and oversees the Justin Beutel Memorial Scholarship Fund, a nonprofit established in memory of her son, Justin, who was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and mechanic.

Family has always been a big part of Theresa’s life. She has a blended family of five children and many grandchildren, all of whom have enjoyed Torch Lake throughout their lives. The family still owns nearly 50 acres of their grandfather’s original property, and four of Theresa’s five siblings have homes in the area.

Theresa brings a wealth of knowledge, energy, and heart to her leadership at the Torch Conservation Center. With a lifetime of memories and a deep personal connection to Torch Lake, she brings something truly special to our organization. We’re fortunate to have her leading the way!

10/13/2026

Save-the-Date!

Ready to talk fishing?

Join resident fishing expert Don Reynolds for a Fishing Q&A at the Elk Rapids Library!

Whether you’re just getting started or have years of experience, come learn tips, tricks, and local know-how for fishing our beautiful lakes.

📅 Wednesday, Oct. 28
⏰ 5:00–6:00 PM
📍 On the Porch at the Elk Rapids Library

Registration encouraged, but not required.

Bring your questions!