In October 2024, we hosted a milestone celebration for our Lake Steward program, marking five years of exceptional contributions from dedicated Lake Stewards across Minnesota. If you missed the live session, now is your chance to catch up on the impactful work being done to protect our precious lakes and learn how you can play a vital role in this essential initiative.
In this recorded session, you’ll gain valuable insights into the various aspects of the Lake Steward program through inspiring success stories from individuals making a difference in their communities.
Highlights from the Webinar:
- Paul Radomski, a key figure from the MN DNR Lake Ecology Division, discussed the pressing need to protect our natural shorelines and the significant changes he has observed as shoreline development has increased. As a member of the MN Natural Shoreline Partnership, Radomski shared alarming data revealing that nearly 50% of Minnesota’s natural shorelines have been lost. His insights underscore the urgent need for collective action.
- Kirsti Marohn, renowned for her research featured in the Trouble by the Water series, shed light on how shoreline loss has impacted lakeshore owners. Kirsti highlighted the activism and dedication of Minnesotans toward lakeshore protection, showcasing how communities are rallying to address this critical issue.
- Sue Henken-Thielen, a board member of Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (MLR) and a lake steward on Lake Washburn, shared her personal journey as a property owner confronting the issue of shoreline loss. Sue’s experience demonstrates how becoming a Lake Steward has not only inspired her to take action on her own property but has also motivated her lake association and community to advocate for sustainable shoreline practices.
- Steve Corbin, a Lake Steward from Fox Lake in the Detroit Lakes area, illustrated the journey from steward to shoreline evaluator. His engaging story serves as a great case study, showcasing how he reached out to dozens of property owners to award them Lake Steward signs. Steve’s experience reveals just how accessible and rewarding it can be to foster community engagement through this program.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We invite you to watch the 35-minute recorded webinar to start your Lake Steward journey and celebrate the successes of this program that is driving meaningful change in our waterways.
Afterward, take the Are You a Lake Steward? quiz to evaluate your own practices and connect with our impactful network of Lake Stewards.
Together, we can protect Minnesota’s beautiful lakes and ensure they remain vibrant for generations to come!