Wisconsin's new Lake Management Program began in 1985 after a two-year hiatus when no comprehensive state program existed to address lake management issues. In 1974, a nationally recognized, pioneering state–local co-operative program in lake renewal and protection had been established. After eight years, funding for administration and implementation of this program was eliminated, despite major accomplishments in the areas of education and involvement of local citizens in lake management, preparation of lake management plans, and implementation of lake projects, all of which helped advance the science of lake renewal and management. A combination of program deficiencies, many of which are generic to any resource management program, contributed to the lake program's eventual demise. These deficiencies included leadership and administrative weaknesses, difficulties in coordinating this program with others affecting lake resources, a focus on short-term remedial strategies at the expense of long-term solutions to lake problems, and the reactive role of the state regarding local lake districts and programs. The new program for lake management has been designed to remedy those deficiencies and to build upon Wisconsin's past experience in managing lake resources.