Our Mission
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (MLR) is a Civic Organizing Agency through Midwest Active Citizenship Initiative (MACI). We drive citizen stewardship of the social and ecological vitality of Minnesota’s waterways. By building the civic imagination and infrastructure necessary at the local level we are safeguarding Minnesota’s lake heritage, lake by lake by lake.
By connecting diverse stakeholders, MLR advances a new approach to developing policies that protect natural resources and promote social justice.
Our History
Over the last 30 years, we have have achieved key policy and program milestones in our mission to protect Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. Founded in 1993 by cabin owners concerned about high property taxes, MLR’s early efforts led to tax rate reductions and stabilization measures, demonstrating the power of community organization. MLR has since been addressing environmental threats like aquatic invasive species (AIS) and runoff pollution by creating a statewide network. Today, we continue to drive water quality improvements through partnerships with tribal governments, state and local officials, lake associations, and environmental nonprofits.
Honoring and Preserving Our Lake Heritage
MLR is uniting fragmented water management efforts to create a lasting strategy for Minnesota’s lakes and waterways. By consolidating resources and infrastructure, MLR fosters sustainable practices that benefit lakeshore communities and safeguard our waters for future generations.
Through policy shaping, funding, research support, and civic leadership, MLR ensures a sustainable future for Minnesota’s vital water resources, benefiting everyone who values and enjoys our lakes.
Contact
PO Box 22262, St. Paul, MN 55122
952-854-1317
Staff
Jeff Forester
612-961-6144
jeff@mnlakesandrivers.org
Sami Selter
612-351-1916
sami@mnlakesandrivers.org
Lily Carr
612-751-2479
lily@mnlakesandrivers.org
Board of Directors
Annual Report
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates (501(c)(4)):
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting social welfare through advocacy and policy initiatives. Membership contributions to our organization are not tax-deductible. Our primary focus is on supporting legislative efforts and influencing policies that protect Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. By joining, you become part of a community committed to advancing sustainable practices and safeguarding our natural resources.
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Protection and Education (501(c)(3)):
Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Protection and Education is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation committed to promoting awareness, education, and programming related to the preservation of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. Donations to our organization are tax-deductible. Through our educational outreach, research initiatives, and community programs, we aim to foster a greater understanding of environmental stewardship and the importance of protecting our water resources for future generations.