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 »
In The News
Focus on a Minnesota Lakes And Rivers Advocate – Sheila Johnston – The Loon Lady
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 »
DIY Shoreline Erosion and Runoff Fix on Big Marine Lake
By Michael Blehert, Big Marine Lake
Lake Steward Success
As we move through the 3rd summer of the Lake Stewardship program we want to acknowledge the work that has been done and celebrate the progress that has been made. We now have a total of 23 Lake Associations that have adopted the program through MLR, with two more joining just this week. Each Lake… Read more »
Former Minnesota Governor Launches Series of Water Forums
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 »
MLR Welcomes Lily Carr to the team
My name is Lily. I am a college student at the University of Minnesota majoring in environmental policy with interest in community organization and sustainable urban design. I started interning for MLR this spring, working on the Lake Stewardship program. Let me tell you why I love it; I grew up in a Minneapolis neighborhood that… Read more »
Second CD3 Station on Cedar Lake Provides the Tools Boaters Need to Clean, Drain and Dry, and help prevent the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
by David Glass, President of the Cedar Lake Conservation Club, May 30, 2023. The Cedar Lake Conservation Club (CLCC) and the Wright Soil and Water Conservation District (WSWCD) are pleased to announce the addition of a second CD3 (clean, drain, dry, dispose) station on Cedar Lake in Wright County. A CD3 station is a solar… Read more »
2023 Legislative Outcomes – Remarkable Progress
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 »
Early Detection of Aquatic Invasive Species Provides Profound Results and Good Return on Investment
Washburn Lake Eradicates Eurasian Watermilfoil (mostly) In about 2007, I received a call from Ted Johnson, the President of the Lake Washburn Association, LWA about Aquatic Invasive Species. Ted was concerned that Lake Washburn was susceptible to AIS following the construction of a MN DNR water access site. I could offer little comfort. This was… Read more »
MLR, Key Lake Association Leaders and Political Allies working to build “civic infrastructure” to protect our lakes and rivers.
During the 2022 election cycle, for the first time, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers applied the Civic Organizing framework as a strategy to advance the public good policy positions we have identified. MLR’s work is cyclical. During the first part of the year much of our time is spent working at the State Capitol, attending hearings,… Read more »