MLR has engaged in a new approach to policy making called Civic Governance. It is our goal to build robust local civic infrastructure around water resources at the local level.
Purpose:
To be successful in improved lake management, community capacity has to be developed, fostered,
and used. Drs. Pradhananga and Davenport have conceptualized community capacity into five
components: individual, relational, organizational, programmatic, and justice. They state:
“Individual capacity includes an individual’s actions, beliefs, concerns, sense of responsibility, and ability to take
action. Relational capacity includes knowledge exchange through social networks, norm development, and
From Northern Water Alliance of MN
By Mary Ackerman & Jim Reents
Welcome Water Protectors!
Remember several years ago when Jim Reents and Mary Ackerman created The Northern Water Alliance of MN – an alliance of organizations and individuals concerned about water? Well, NWA is still active and we are part of the new campaign in our region by Honor the Earth and their friends. It was decided that it was high time to especially recognize and welcome Water Protectors. Who are Water Protectors?
Waterway Jay Challenges Minnesotans to Think About Their Connection to Water
On May 8th, Waterway Jay Gustafson began the second half of his project, Paddle for Progress. A continuation of the 2017 season, Gustafson will complete 18 of 34 remaining water trails across the state he has not yet paddled. He will begin this season on the North Fork of the Crow River near the town of Manannah, MN. Gustafson is challenging all Minnesotans think about their connection and interaction with water as a first step to improve its quality across the state.
Back in the day, most people did not trailer a watercraft from lake to lake - they rented a boat when they arrived. That method of enjoying our lakes would certainly reduce the risk of spreading Aquatic Invasive Species. Well, this summer two entrepreneurs from Minnesota are launching FLOAT, a peer to peer boat renting AP. What was old will be new again....
Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners closes gap in State "21 Days Dry" law for docks, boatlifts and other water related equipment.
This year, for the first time, MLR "livestreamed" the sessions at the Aquatic Invaders Summit. Hundreds of people followed the action at the summit. One MLR member even "attended" via her iPhone as her husband drove them to Kentucky. Video recordings of the Summit are available here.
5 things you should know about aquatic invasive species: "They can come in and they can re engineer a lake system to suit them rather than what's been there before." Jeff Forester
MLR has partnered with Jay Gustafson, aka "Waterway Jay." After paddeling the Mississippi from Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico, Jay decided to paddle every River in Minnesota in an effort to raise awareness. Follow Jay's progress and get involved in protecting Minnesota's Rivers.
In a first for the state of Minnesota, Wright County has established a regional watercraft decontamination and inspection program.
From open water until ice in, 2018, if you wish to launch a watercraft into Lake Sylvia (east and west), Lake John, or
Pleasant Lake in Wright County, a free entrance inspection is required. The regional inspection/decontamination site is located at 1300 Business Blvd in Annandale, MN and is open sunup to sundown. Inspection typically takes less than 5 minutes and decontamination, if required, is free.
