Beaver Island Association

What Beaver Island Association does

Beaver Island Association (BIA) is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1988 (originally as the Beaver Island Property Owners Association, renamed in 2007) that represents the combined interests of Beaver Island property owners, year-round residents, and seasonal members on issues affecting the island's environmental character and economic sustainability. Headquartered in Beaver Island, Michigan, BIA operates with 11–50 employees and a board of up to fifteen directors, coordinating a portfolio of community programs including invasive species control (notably the Save Our Shores phragmites eradication program, which reduced treated acreage from 27.2 to approximately 3 acres in one year), wildlife monitoring, forest health initiatives, dark sky advocacy, and educational outreach via newsletters, DVDs, and community events.

BIA's core "products" are programmatic and community-oriented rather than technology-based. These include the Island-wide Fiber Broadband Plan (developed in partnership with Lansing-based ISP Advanced Communications & Data and supported by a Rural Readiness Grant), the Invasive Species Initiative, the Beaver Island Dark Sky Project, environmental education DVDs, and annual community events such as the Irish Féile and Warblers on the Water. The organization operates with no disclosed technology platform, SaaS offering, or commercial revenue model. Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed; the most recent identifiable funding inflow is a $27,311 grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity awarded in February 2025.

BIA's strategic relationships form a significant part of its operating model. The organization collaborates with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the University of Michigan (on a $3.6 million NSF-funded wave energy research project), Central Michigan University's Biological Station, Merit Networks (broadband backhaul), Little Traverse Conservancy, tribal governments (Grand Traverse Bay Ottawa/Chippewa Indians and Little Traverse Bay Odawa Indians), and multiple other NGOs and academic institutions. BIA does not operate traditional distribution or go-to-market channels; its programs, advocacy, and services are delivered directly to its membership and the island community through direct engagement, township collaboration, newsletters, and community events.

Name

Beaver Island Association

Legal name

Beaver Island Association

Website

https://beaverislandassociation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Beaver Island Association is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1988 that supports environmental conservation and economic sustainability for Beaver Island, Michigan, serving property owners, residents, and seasonal members through advocacy, invasive species control, broadband planning, and community programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAGAA

Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Environmental & Conservation Organizations

SECONDARYBPAGAGAE

Marine & Freshwater Conservation

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Environmental & Conservation Organizations

SECONDARYBPAGAGAD

Forestry & Reforestation

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Environmental & Conservation Organizations

SECONDARYBPAGAIAJ

Advocacy, Policy & Public Awareness (Animal Welfare)

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Animal Welfare & Wildlife Rescue

Keywords

• Environmental conservation services
• Invasive species management
• Wildlife habitat preservation
• Community sustainability programs
• Natural resource stewardship

Headquarters

HQ city

Beaver Island

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Beaver Island Association is a nonprofit membership organization that advocates for the environmental and economic sustainability of Beaver Island, Michigan. Its core work includes invasive species eradication (notably the Save Our Shores/SOS Phragmites program), forest health monitoring, wildlife habitat protection, dark sky preservation, and community infrastructure initiatives such as the island-wide fiber broadband plan. The organization produces educational materials (DVDs, newsletters, documentaries) and convenes community events to coordinate member interests with local townships, tribal governments, the Michigan DNR, and partner NGOs.

Product overview

Beaver Island Association is a community nonprofit organization focused on environmental and economic sustainability for Beaver Island, Michigan. Rather than a unified software product, the organization offers a range of community programs and initiatives including environmental conservation (invasive species control, wildlife monitoring, forest health), community development projects (broadband planning, housing projects), educational materials, and advocacy. The organization does not offer a technology product or SaaS platform but rather provides community services, educational resources, and coordinates environmental programs for island residents and property owners.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Save Our Shores (SOS) Program: Phragmites eradication program for invasive species control along Beaver Island shoreline.
• Beaver Island Dark Sky Project
• Warblers on the Water

Products and services

• Save Our Shores (SOS) Phragmites Eradication Program A shoreline invasive species eradication program that treats and monitors Phragmites infestations on Beaver Island, coordinated with the Michigan DNR and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grants. Intended for island residents, property owners, and conservation partners concerned with protecting shoreline habitat and biodiversity.
• Invasive Species Initiative

Quantifiable outcome

• Phragmites eradication reduced treated acreage from 27.2 acres to approximately 3 acres within one year of the SOS (Save Our Shorelines) program.

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Mackinac Straits Raptor WatchcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 August 2025Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch installed a Motus wildlife tracking antenna at the Little Sand Bay Nature Preserve on August 16, adding Beaver Island to the international Motus Wildlife Tracking System. The antenna can detect tagged wildlife from up to ten miles away and operates via solar power in the remote preserve setting. BIA provided local coordination and support for the installation.
• Advanced Communications & Data (ACD)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025ACD is a Lansing-based ISP working with BIA's Broadband Task Force to finalize an island-wide fiber-to-the-home and business plan, supported by a Rural Readiness Grant. The ACD team, led by Eli Gregg, developed a complete broadband plan using online data and aerial photography, and conducted on-island site surveys to validate fiber routing and accessibility. The preliminary plan shows island-wide service could be provided at lower cost than current TDS service, even with millage support. A millage proposal is expected to go before voters next year.
• Merit NetworkscoreTechnology or IntegrationMerit Network is installing fiber optic cables and upgrading microwave infrastructure on Beaver Island to improve internet connectivity. The project includes underground fiber, microwave towers, and planned underwater cables crossing Lake Michigan from the Upper Peninsula to the Lower Peninsula. Merit has also been connecting key island locations (school, library, health center, township offices, Historical Society, and Community Center) to the island's interim broadband project. Merit has provided reliable backhaul service for over a year, remaining operational during TDS outages.
• Little Traverse ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLittle Traverse Conservancy manages the Little Sand Bay Nature Preserve and partnered with BIA and community volunteers on the Motus wildlife tracking antenna installation. BIA has a long-standing relationship with the conservancy, which also manages preserves on outer islands including High and Garden Islands. The conservancy is listed as a key partner NGO on BIA's website.
• Joint Telecommunications Advisory Committee (JTAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJTAC is a joint committee working with BIA's Broadband Task Force to advance island-wide telecommunications. JTAC chair Kevin Boyle has been a key spokesperson on BIA's broadband efforts. The committee coordinates with BIA on proposals for island-owned broadband infrastructure and community meetings regarding costs, timelines, and millage proposals.
• University of MichigancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe University of Michigan is leading a $3.6 million National Science Foundation-funded multidisciplinary research project to develop community-centric wave energy converters at Beaver Island and Nags Head, North Carolina. Researchers from five institutions are creating a holistic assessment framework for wave energy technology while addressing the needs of coastal communities. Community input from the outset is emphasized to avoid terminal pushback on renewable energy projects.
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Michigan DNR has been a key partner in BIA's environmental programs, particularly the Phragmites eradication SOS (Save Our Shores) program. Brian Mastenbrook from the DNR helped secure permits, awarded treatment contracts, and obtained US Fish and Wildlife Service grants for treatment of Beaver Island and outer islands. The DNR also manages state forest lands on the island and has been involved in logging oversight and fire management discussions.
• The Nature ConservancyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Nature Conservancy is listed as a key NGO partner on BIA's website. TNC representatives (John Legge and Dave Ewert) moderated the 2011 Ecosystems Planning Workshop on Beaver Island alongside DNR representatives. TNC has been involved in island conservation planning and has supported BIA's invasive species and forest health initiatives.
• Conservation Resource AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a key partner NGO on BIA's website. Conservation Resource Alliance focuses on river and watershed conservation and has worked on the Beaver Island Archipelago conservation report.
• Grand Traverse ConservancyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a key partner NGO on BIA's website under Non-Government Organizations section.
• Grand Traverse Bay Ottowa/Chippowa Indians (GTBIC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a key tribal government partner on BIA's website. BIA has engaged with tribal governments on issues affecting the island community, including discussions on whitefish conservation and Great Lakes resource management.
• Little Traverse Bay Odawa Indians (LTBB)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a key tribal government partner on BIA's website, working with BIA on issues of mutual concern including natural resource stewardship and environmental protection.
• Central Michigan University (CMU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCMU is listed as a key partner school on BIA's website. CMU's Biological Station on Beaver Island has been involved in research projects with BIA. CMU also supported the 2009 Great Lakes Islands Symposium hosted at the Biological Station, bringing together stakeholders, researchers, and policymakers from around the Great Lakes.
• Beaver Island Community Development CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBIA has historically supported the Beaver Island Community Development Corporation in its efforts to develop supportive housing for low-to-moderate income seniors on the island. BIA participated in advocacy for senior housing needs identified in the community.
• Inland Seas Education AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Inland Seas Education Association brings its 77-foot schooner, the Inland Seas, to Beaver Island for science sails at Paradise Bay. The program provides hands-on Great Lakes ecology education, with participants learning about freshwater ecosystems, trawling for fish, collecting plankton, and testing water quality. BIA has promoted these events on its news platform.

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Little Traverse Conservancy: Regional land trust managing preserves on Beaver Island (including Little Sand Bay) and across northern Lower Michigan. A direct, active partner of BIA with overlapping mission in habitat conservation, land stewardship, and member-based environmental advocacy in the same geographic region.
• Grand Traverse Conservancy: Listed as a key NGO partner on BIA's website, this regional land trust operates a member-supported conservation model in northwest Lower Michigan that closely mirrors BIA's structure and mission across adjacent geography.
• Conservation Resource Alliance: A partner NGO of BIA focused on river and watershed conservation that co-authored the Beaver Island Archipelago conservation report. Comparable as a small-staff, member-supported organization executing habitat restoration in the same Great Lakes region.
• Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council: Northern Michigan nonprofit focused on protecting lakes, streams, and groundwater in the Tip of the Mitt region. Directly comparable in mission, member-based funding model, and Great Lakes water quality focus — including advocacy relevant to BIA's Lake Michigan concerns.
• Huron Pines: A nonprofit conservation organization in northeast Lower Michigan that restores forests, rivers, and wildlife habitat. Similar small-staff, grant-funded model and direct overlap on forest health and invasive species work that BIA is also undertaking.
• Isle Royale Natural History Association: A nonprofit supporting education, research, and preservation at Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior. The closest direct analog as a member-supported nonprofit dedicated to a single Great Lakes island's natural and cultural heritage.

Broad incumbents

• The Nature Conservancy (Michigan Chapter): A listed key NGO partner that moderated BIA's 2011 Ecosystems Planning Workshop. TNC is a vastly larger, globally funded conservation organization, but operates overlapping programs in Great Lakes island conservation and invasive species control, making it a relevant broader incumbent peer.

Regional players

• Door County Land Trust: A Wisconsin-based member-supported land trust protecting natural areas in a Great Lakes coastal county. Comparable as a peninsula/island gateway community environmental nonprofit, though operating across Lake Michigan rather than on a single island.

Emerging players

• Straits of Mackinac Alliance: A stakeholder coalition focused on protecting the Great Lakes ecosystem around the Mackinac Straits — directly relevant given Beaver Island's proximity and shared concerns around water levels, invasive species, and Lake Michigan ecosystem health.
• Inland Seas Education Association: A listed partner of BIA that delivers Great Lakes ecology education via a schooner-based program, including visits to Beaver Island. Overlapping mission in freshwater environmental education and similar small-staff nonprofit operating model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/BeaverIslandAssociation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-beaver-island-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Beaver Island Association