By Sami Selter, Associate Executive Director What Minnesota’s Lakeshore Communities Need to Know About Enhanced Wakes. The Healthy Waters Initiative In 2020, as the pandemic drew more people to Minnesota’s lakes, communities raised urgent concerns about the rise of wake-surfing boats and their impact on our waters. With most existing research either limited or industry-funded,… Read more »
Sami Selter, MN Lakes and Rivers Associate Director In recent years, MLR has been at the forefront of one of the most visible—and divisive—changes on Minnesota’s lakes: the rise of enhanced wake boats and the growing popularity of wake surfing. On a summer afternoon, it’s easy to see the appeal. Watching a surfer carve across… Read more »
If you’ve ever spent a quiet morning on a Minnesota lake, you may have heard the eerie, beautiful call of the common loon echoing across the water, anchoring us to the wildness of this place. Loons are more than a symbol of our northern heritage, they are a vital sign of lake health, an indicator… Read more »
It’s SHORE important For many Minnesotans, owning a lake home is a dream fulfilled—a place for family, reflection, and connection to nature. But the strip of land between home and water plays a vital role in protecting the lake itself. Common landscaping choices like lawns to the water’s edge and riprap, often promoted as the… Read more »
Aquatic Invasive Species Public Service Announcements These fun, informative videos are designed to remind all Minnesotans and visitors how small actions—like cleaning your boat, draining your live wells, and drying your gear—can have a huge impact in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. How You Can Help: MAY 2025 – Never Release! Don’t Let… Read more »
The 2025 DNR Roundtable and the Future of Minnesota’s Waterways: A First-Timer’s ViewBy Sami Selter, MLR Associate Executive Director The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ annual Roundtable is where leaders get an update on progress and discuss priorities for the year ahead. This year, I had my first opportunity to attend, as well as present… Read more »
By Lily Carr, Lake Steward Coordinator Welcome to January in the land of 10,000 lakes! In my corner of Minnesota, pond hockey season is in full swing. A brave few take the plunge into the icy waters of Cedar Lake through a hole cut in the ice. Others huddle in cozy ice fishing huts, hopeful… Read more »
For the last ten years, Minnesota has led the nation in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) through the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Aid program. Established in 2014 with the support of Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates, this program allocates $10 million annually to local governments, empowering them to implement targeted, science-based solutions… Read more »
By Sami Selter, Associate Executive Director This November, I had the exciting opportunity to both present and learn at the Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference (UMISC) in Duluth, MN—the largest gathering of its kind in the world. I shared the success of the collaborative Stop Starry Program, where MLR has worked hand-in-hand with local and… Read more »
Cabin planning is all about the family so we invite you to bring your family members to learn how a cabin trust can protect everyone with terms specific to your families’ needs. Hear where negotiations typically break down and how you can come to resolution so all can enjoy the cabin for years to come.… Read more »