The Lake Association is interested in preserving the property known as the "Van Vliet Hemlocks." This is approximately 400 acres of land bordering both Van Vliet and Averill Lakes which is presently owned by the Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands.

At the 2004 Annual Meeting, a motion was unanimously approved that the Van Vliet Lake Association support efforts to permanently preserve the land referred to as the Van Vliet Hemlocks.

At the 2006 Annual Meeting, it was reported that the Hemlocks were in the top six of properties being considered to be named a State Natural Area.

In 2010, a dedicated group of community members began meeting with the BCPL in order to define the ways the public can support the preservation of the parcel for future generations.  Efforts began to create a hiker-friendly set of trails and provide an accurate map of the trail system.  Data was collected from individuals and groups who spend time on the property in order to document the ways the public is using this land.   Information signs for the east entry were designed.  The BCPL supported this initiative to promote use of this unique area and continues discussions with the DNR about the preservation of this property as a state natural area. 

In March, 2011 a new support group was formed.  The Friends of Van Vliet Hemlocks will continue the mission of protecting and preserving this rare remnant of the northern hardwood-hemlock forest.