Using relatively few Federal dollars, the EPA's Clean Lakes Program has been a resounding success in its first 17 years. It has involved many thousands of enthusiastic volunteers, & dramatically improved the quality of several hundred lakes across the U.S. This review explains why the program has been so successful, examines its effects, & details lessons learned from the program & how they can be applied to other environmental management initiatives. Four principles form the base for this success: local involvement -- & commitment; state management; matching funds; & good science. Photos. Charts & tables.