We are both a statutory road association and a non-profit association.  For most of the 1.5 mile distance of our dirt and gravel road, it borders a decent-sized lake.

We have approximately 80 homeowners; most homes border the lake although some are on the other side of the road.  There are several lake-access rights-of-way down to the lake that non-adjacent owners can use to get to the lake; these rights-of-way are shown on the 1927 plat map from the developer.

Our question concerns the rights and responsibilities of our road association for the maintenance of these rights of way.  At least one of them needs a fair amount of effort/expense to address safety issues for the ROW from the road down a steep embankment to a small lakeside “beach” area.  Our By-laws don’t speak to this issue, one way or the other.

I would suggest amending your bylaws to clarify your responsibilities.  It may be that it's desirable for the association to take this on to avoid damage to the association's road, or to prevent damage to the lake. If so, making it clear that the side roads are included in the Association will assure that your liability coverage also applies.  You will need to let your insurer know about the extra mileage. You might need to reflect the extra cost of maintenance and insurance in your dues payments, i.e. those who use those rights of way pay an extra fee.  If the access is open to all members, your general dues may have to go up to cover it.  On the other hand, if you do not want to take on the extra expense and liability, make it clear in your bylaws that the road association applies only to the main road, and not to rights of way to the lake.  Make sure you follow any requirements for proper notice etc in order to change your bylaws.