In 2019 MLR began receiving reports that large wakes were creating conflicts among different lake users, eroding shoreline, and creating other problems. During the pandemic lake based recreation increased dramatically as did the sale of watercraft. Industry data shows that consumers gravitated to the ends of the boat spectrum. Sales of large, powerful watercraft like… Read more »
Most citizens believe that the MN DNR has the responsibility to protect and manage our public waters, and they would be right. But what most do not understand is that while the MN DNR has the authority and responsibility, lake associations do most of the planning and actual work, and pay the majority of the… Read more »
Water Connects Us All – MLR’s 28th Yearly Update The 2021 Minnesota Lakes and Rivers “Water Connects Us All™” Annual Meeting was held virtual December 1st, 2021. Executive Director Jeff Forester gave a detailed report on our accomplishments together over the last year, including millions of dollars in funding for AIS research, Stop Starry efforts,… Read more »
Lake Steward sign goes up on Lawrence Lake Lloyd Thyen’s grandparents originally purchased 100’ of lakeshore on Lawrence Lake in Cass County in the 1940’s with a vertical log cabin on site. Some believe it to have been the oldest structure on Lawrence Lake. Eventually the cabin had to be torn down and the family… Read more »
City of East Gull Lake Takes Big Steps to Protect Water Quality in Permitting Process Connecting with new shoreline owners as they are starting to make decisions about how to develop their lots is critical to protecting water quality. Including Lake Steward in the Land Use Permit Application, as the City of East Gull Lake… Read more »
A program to take water education to the next level As lake leaders you know that the threats to our lakes, and MN’s lake heritage, are mounting. In 2020 the MPCA, after extensive testing, listed 56% of Minnesota’s lakes as impaired. This year they added another 305 water bodies to the list. Agricultural runoff, industrial… Read more »
MLR members convene for 2021 policy discussion Jeff Forester, Executive Director of MN Lakes and Rivers Advocates welcomed about 75 Lake Association leaders to the virtual meeting. His opening presentation focused on a Civic based strategy to vertically integrate lake and river advocacy in MN. Lake and rivers are a key resource for local communities,… Read more »
Inspiring Shoreline Stewardship and Community Action The idea behind Minnesota Lakes & River’s Lake Steward Program is simple but powerful. Your lake association sends out a simple ten question quiz that property owners can take to “score their shore.” The results are sent to a volunteer “evaluator” who then visits with the property to evaluate using… Read more »
The Important Ecosystem Services of “Weeds” by Dr. Lorin Hatch, Widseth One definition of a weed I’ve heard is that it is a plant out of place, which is really a human judgement. For example, some people like dandelions on their lawns, some don’t. Let’s turn that idea to the lakeshore, specifically the rooted plants that… Read more »