Our Mission and Vision
Water Connects Us All. We protect Minnesota’s lake and river heritage for current and future generations by forging powerful links among lakes, lake advocates, and policy makers. Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (MLR) protects the legacy of our lakes and rivers because we believe that thriving waters are essential to our identity, economy, and way of life—and safeguarding them takes people, relationships, and strong local leadership.
2023 Annual Report, Annual Report 2022, Annual Report 2021 Annual Report 2020
Our Approach
We build the civic infrastructure to protect Minnesota’s lake heritage, lake by lake by lake. For over 30 years, MLR has united people from all corners of the state—rural and urban, conservative and progressive—around a shared commitment to safeguarding our waters. Our members are active leaders who stay informed, speak up, and take action when it matters most. With engaged individuals across every legislative district and beyond, MLR is powered by a community that shows up for Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. Whether you live on a lake, fish in a river, or value clean water, MLR’s work impacts you.
How MLR is Structured
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates – 501(c)(4) This branch leads our public policy work—engaging decision-makers, organizing constituents, and helping turn the voices of lake associations into legislative action.
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Protection and Education – 501(c)(3) Our charitable branch supports education, outreach, and on-the-ground programs like Lake Steward. Through this work, we help restore natural shorelines, foster a deeper understanding of water health, and equip residents with science-based tools.
MLR Staff
Jeff Forester
Executive Director
612-961-6144
jeff@mnlakesandrivers.org
Dylan Kinny
Development Coordinator
(651) 815-7003
dylan@mnlakesandrivers.org
Sami Selter
Associate Executive Director
612-351-1916
sami@mnlakesandrivers.org
Lily Carr
Lake Steward Program Coordinator
612-751-2479
lily@mnlakesandrivers.org
Tim Ward
Executive Assistant/Finance Director651-271-1300
tim@mnlakesandrivers.org
MLR Board
Carrie Ohly-Cusack,
President, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Protection and Education
Susan Henken Thielen
President, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates
Sean Kershaw
Treasurer
Judy Corrigan
Secretary
Marc Kowalski
Board Member
Jeff Heedgaard
Board Member
Nyle Zickmund
Board Member
MLR Lake Associations’ Leadership Committee
Steve Corbin Lake Steward Shoreline Evaluator, Fox Lake Association
Richard ‘Dick’ Weber: Big Pine Lake Property Owners Association (BPL POA)
Bob Karls: Cedar Lake Conservancy (Board Member) Northern Waters Land Trust (Board Chair)
Susan Henken-Thielen: Lake Washburn Association
Erika Gilsdorf: Pelican Lake Property Owners Association (PLPOA)
Bob Noll Lake Ossawinnamakee Property Owners Assn (LOPOA) – President
Bernie Steeves Otter Tail Lake Property Owners Association (OTLPOA)
Patrick Murphy: Aitkin County Lakes and Rivers Association
Mark Backes: Big Fish Lake Association
Michael Blehert: Big Marine Lake Association
Jim Seidl: Square Lake Association