About ELA
The Echo Lakes Association is a dedicated group of special use permit holders and lot owners within the Echo Lakes Basin of the El Dorado National Forest. For over a century, we have championed environmental stewardship, community advocacy, and the preservation of the unique Sierra Nevada landscape that we all cherish.
Our Mission & Purpose
The specific and primary purpose of this Association is to improve, expand, and develop the facilities of the Echo Lakes Area in furtherance of the common good and general welfare of the people of the community; to better the sanitation, health, safety and fire protection facilities of the Area; to work in cooperation with the United States Forest Service (USFS) in the enforcement of all regulations of the Department of Agriculture with regard to sanitation, fire, public health, and recreation within the Area; to further the interest of this corporation and the members of the community, as well as to contribute to the comfort, well-being, safety, and happiness of the Echo Lakes community; and to represent the interests of owners and USFS Permittees of lots and parcels within the tracts of real property in the Echo Lakes region of the El Dorado National Forest.
Who We Are
The Echo Lakes Association serves the cabin community and interested people surrounding Echo Lakes, located near Echo Summit in the El Dorado National Forest in California. Most of the cabins in the Echo Basin are owned by families on Forest Service land under the recreational cabin program established by Congress in 1915. The Echo Lakes Association started in the early 1920’s. Approximately 85% of the cabins are USFS special use permit holders and the other 15% are cabins on private land. Together we work for the common good and general welfare of the people of the community as well as the many members of the public who visit the Basin.
This site provides services for ELA Members and Associate Members. Many of the articles, files and features on this site can only be viewed after an ELA member logs in. Members are those who are USFS special use permit holders or lot owners (collectively “Members”) and associated families (“Associates”). Others with affiliations with the Echo Lakes region such as frequent visitors to the region or guests of Members are also welcome to join as Associates.
ELA is a CLOSED ASSOCIATION: membership is not open to the general public, Contact ELA below to inquire about membership.
ELA Board Goals
Fire Safety
Protecting the water quality of Echo Lakes through ongoing native plant restoration projects and erosion control initiatives that help maintain our basin's pristine ecological balance.
Safety Initiatives
Leadings stewardship through winter safety protocols and collaborative fire prevention programs that safeguard our community and forest lands.
Community Events
Uniting our community through annual meetings, heritage celebrations, and volunteer gatherings that celebrate our century of stewardship.
Our Leadership
The Echo Lakes Association is guided by a dedicated volunteer board committed to preserving the basin's natural beauty and supporting our community of cabin owners.
Join Our Legacy of Stewardship
Whether you’re a long-standing cabin owner, a seasonal resident, or a friend of the basin, we invite you to help us preserve the beauty and community of Echo Lakes. Become a member, volunteer for a local project, or subscribe to our updates today.