Our mission is to maintain and improve Oswego Lake and Lakewood Bay, and to protect their value and quality.

The Lake Oswego Corporation (LOC) manages Oswego Lake and Lakewood Bay (the Lake) and its lakefront properties. The LOC is responsible for water level, safety, water quality, operation and maintenance of Lake related infrastructure, dredging, boat and operator licensing, lakefront building permits, and special events.

Funded by assessments and fees from residents whose properties have deeded lake access, the LOC employs an operations team to maintain and operate lake infrastructure, including three dams and a power generation facility, a dedicated safety patrol staff, water quality staff, and marina staff to operate the boat ramp and marina. Our staff performs weekly testing of lake water to identify and mitigate issues such as algae blooms and invasive species.  The LOC also maintains permits that allow for silt removal and invasive plant control.

Water safety is a key priority for LOC. All watercraft, both power and non-power, must be licensed to operate on the Lake, and all powerboat operators must be Oregon State Marine Board licensed and pass LOC written and driving exams.

The LOC works with the City of Lake Oswego to coordinate and facilitate city infrastructure projects, which require lake access or a temporary change in water level. LOC often partners with the Chamber of Commerce and the city to sponsor or co-sponsor a variety of community activities including the July Fourth boat parade and fireworks display and a water quality education program.

The LOC was formed in 1942 when the Oregon Iron and Steel Company deeded to LOC the bed of the Lake, the rim property (including related property rights), and certain other parcels in the area.  As a condition of the conveyance, LOC must preserve the Lake for all time for the benefit of LOC shareholders and easement members.

Development and maintenance of the Lake has been privately funded for more than a century. Substantial costs are required to provide safety patrols, manage water quality, remove silt from the lakebed, maintain the dams and other infrastructure, and purchase and maintain equipment for the operation of the Lake. Annual assessments and license fees, paid solely by residents with deeded access to the Lake, are necessary to support these activities.

Although the Lake is best known for its scenic beauty and the recreation opportunities that it provides, a significant responsibility of LOC is to preserve the Lake as a source of hydroelectric power.