On February 3rd, 2021, as the Legislative Sessioon was starting to heat up following release of Gov. Walz's budget, MLR Ececutive Director, Henry Erdman, MLR Lobyist, and Rep. Rick Hansen, Chair of the House Environmental and Natural Resources Policy and Funding Committee held a roundtable discussion with over 75 of Minnesota's Lake Association leaders.
Dr. Lorin Hatch provides some good background on aquatic plants, and what shoreline owners can do to protect water quality.
In 2014, after requests by MN COLA and Minnesota Lakes and Rivers, the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council funded $4.5 million to provide "Innovation Grants." A number of great projects were completed, opening new possibilities in our effort to prevent the spread of AIS, or more effectively treat AIS. Some projects had great promise, but were unable to move forward due to lack of DNR support, proving the old adage, "Nothing changes if nothing changes." And some projects failed, and in that AIS managers still learned a gereat deal. Full report contained below.
Up the Creek Meats is a simple program. We connect lake associations with farmers who protect water.
By participating in Up the Creek Meats, lake associations are not only taking direct action to improve water quality on the lake they love, helping to build a new local food market that protects the water quality and quality of life in their community, but providing the highest quality meat and vegetables for their members.
MLR has partnered with Happy Dancing Turtle, Pine River Watershed Alliance, the Association of Cass County Lakes and Fish and Waters Conservation Fund to identify farmers in the Pine River Watershed area who have committed to farming practices that protect clean water - Up the Creek Meats. If you are in Cass or Crow Wing Counties, buy your meat directly from one of these farmers. Learn more here: http://www.fishandwatersconservationfund.org/up-the-creek-meats/
Spring is the most exciting season for lake people - ice out. There is no chore I enjoy more than "opening" the cabin.
But on Thursday, March 26th state health commissioner Jan Malcolm urged cabin owners to stay home for the two week shelter in place order that went into effect Friday, March 27th. There are concerns about transporting the Coronavirus to new areas of the state, and rural areas have fewer Intensive Care Unit, ICU beds and life support equipment. In addition, rural residents tend to be older, and so higher risk for complications.
Farmer Jim Chamberlin, with Happy Dancing Turtle, takes a deep dive into regenerative agriculturte and the five soil heralth principles this guest blog, writing, "Done well agriculture heals our land, our water and our communities."
Agricultural runoff can destroy lake and river systems with siltation, and chemical surges causing algae blooms, unnatural growth of aquatic plants, decreased oxygen levels and impacts to drinking water.
But runoff is also bad for farmers. Heavily impacted fields infiltrate less water, requiring more irrigation during dry times and flooding during wetter periods. Unhealthy soils require expensive inputs of tilling, herbicide, fundicide and chemical fertilizers.
A growing number of farmers are practicing regenerative agriculture, with a focus on farming in a way that increases soil health. The costs of inputs falls, yields rise and runoff pollution is greatly reduced. But what is regenerative agriculture, and what are the five soil health principles?
New research from the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center has found that zebra mussels decrease the size of walleye 14%, spiny water flea by 12%, and the combination of the two by 25%. Is decrease in fishery health a driver in the tumbling numbers of fishing licenses sold in Minnesota, particularly for non-residents and younger anglers?
Thursday, November 21, 2019
6:30-8:30 pm
Marsden Room at RCD, 1425 Paul Kirkwold Ave S, Arden Hills, MN
Attend the Aquatic Invasive Species and You public meeting, find out what is being done about aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Ramsey County, the groups that are taking action to protect Ramsey County's lakes, share your ideas and get involved.
