By Jeff Forester, MN Lakes and Rivers Advocates Executive Director What a summer! MLR staff and I have attended dozens of lake association meetings and lake events across the state. It has been a real pleasure to get to meet with you, attend your lake association meeting, learn first hand the challenges you face on… Read more »
Water Connect Us All is the Minnesota Lakes & Rivers newsletter, sharing updates on statewide water protection efforts, legislative advocacy, aquatic invasive species prevention, natural shoreline stewardship, and lake association leadership. Explore the latest news, program updates, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved in protecting Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.
Minnesota cabin ownership is a cherished family tradition for many, but rising property taxes threaten this legacy. With average owners earning around $58,000, these aren’t just wealthy families. Legislative dismissal of their concerns could lead to the destruction of natural shorelines and a loss of memories, necessitating advocacy for fairer tax policies.
For the last ten years, Minnesota has led the nation in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), supported through a state funding funding mechanism called County AIS Prevention Aid. Established in 2014 with the support of Minnesota Lakes & Rivers Advocates, this program allocates $10 million annually for local governments to implement targeted,… Read more »
Everyone who enjoys Minnesota’s lakes and rivers has a role to play in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). It’s not hard to understand why aquatic invaders like zebra mussels, spiny water flea, and curlyleaf pondweed are harmful to our waters. If you live on or recreate on an infested waterbody, you may… Read more »
How to Protect Your Property from Wildfire By Jeff Forester, Executive Director of MLR and author of Forest for the Trees, How Humans Shaped the Northwoods As smoke from wildfires in northern Minnesota fills our skies, my staff and I at Minnesota Lakes & Rivers have been thinking about the communities experiencing these impacts firsthand—communities… Read more »
Efoils are self-propelled electric surfboards equipped powered by rechargeable batteries, these boards allow riders to glide above the water without a towboat. This summer, our friends at Glyde Watersports invited the MLR staff to try eFoiling firsthand and learn more about this emerging watersport. You begin by lying on your stomach and using a wristband… Read more »
The waters of our beautiful state and beyond our borders, belong to everyone. What that means is we are all responsible for creating healthy user habits when it comes to recreating. As with all accesses, there are numerous signs and informational posts regarding fish limits, “No Power Loading,” “Lake Stewards – Clean Waters Healthy Habitats,”… Read more »
By Sami Selter, Associate Executive Director, MN Lakes & Rivers The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Roundtable is where the state agency reports on progress for key projects and programs and facilitates discussions among leaders in Minnesota’s natural resources fields. Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (MLR) has represented lake groups at this event for years,… Read more »
by Dylan Kinny, MLR Development Coordinator Happy Holidays! As the season of generosity is upon us once again, there are big changes on the horizon when it comes to charitable giving and your taxes. The new federal tax law passed this summer (2025) will change how you choose your tax deductions and deduct charitable gifts… Read more »