Lake advocates working with resorts to prevent starry stonewort spread. An important aspect of dealing with aquatic invasive species is monitoring their prevalence or absence in as many lakes and streams as possible. In the summer of 2022 two volunteers and the Cass County AIS technician took on that task: sampling nearly 40 resort harbors… Read more »
by John James, former Commissioner of MN Department of Revenue A concern has arisen about whether joining and contributing to Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates would put a lake association which is a tax exempt charitable organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) at risk of losing its tax exemption because MLR engages in lobbying.… Read more »
I first met Sheila Johnston, from the Gull Chain of Lakes Association, at Minnesota Lakes and Rivers 2016 Aquatic Invaders Summit. She joined MLR at that time and has been an active member since then. We see each other at many lake related events, like the Harvest Supper in Brainerd, MLR Annual Water Connects Us… Read more »
Guest Blog By Michael Blehert, Big Marine Lake It’s your choice. You can break your back and/or your wallet to have rip rock, sea walls and other barriers installed on your eroding shoreline or choose an alternative. I chose the latter. I own 100 feet of lakeshore on Big Marine Lake in NE Washington… Read more »
Detailing Threats to Minnesota WaterArne Carlson says threat is real and time is no longer an ally.“Change is coming much faster than anyone anticipated” NEWS RELEASEFor Immediate ReleaseJuly 1, 2023 Former Minnesota Governor Launches Series of Forums Detailing Threats to Minnesota WaterArne Carlson says threat is real and time is no longer an ally.“Change is… Read more »
2023 Legislative Outcomes – Gains Made in Advancing Clean Water and Property Tax Relief on Shorelands St. Paul, 6:30 PM, May 18th, 2023 – Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates’ (MLR) professional lobbying and the grassroots advocacy of lake associations and MLR members combined to promote passage of the sweeping 450 page Environment and Natural Resources… Read more »
MLR uses Civic Organizing strategies to address the gap between citizens and government Minnesota Lakes and Rivers first applied the Civic Organizing framework as a strategy to advance the public good policy positions during the 2022 election cycle. Much of our time is spent working at the State Capitol, attending hearings, providing testimony, participating in… Read more »
The MPCA reports that 56% of the lakes and rivers in Minnesota are impaired. The sources and reasons for water degradation are both plentiful and complex, but degraded shoreline is a contributor. The simple fact is that if we want to improve water, we must improve land management. Unfortunately, the trends are towards more development… Read more »
by Sheila Johnston The Common Loon is Minnesota’s state bird and it is beloved for its haunting calls and dramatic beauty. Minnesota is home to an estimated 12,000 loons! Alaska is the only state with more loons. With 12,000 loons in the state, it is no surprise that some of them succumb to illness andRead More
On Sept. 24th, at a meeting of over 20 lake association leaders from across the state, MLR Executive Director Jeff Forester awarded Sen. Carrie Ruud the 2022 Lake Advocate of the year award. In presenting the award, Jeff Forester said, “There is no legislator more focused on lake andriver issues than Senator Ruud. As Chair… Read more »