Preserving Minnesota’s Lake Heritage for generations past and present By Dylan Kinny, MLR Development Coordinator At Minnesota Lakes and Rivers we talk a lot about the state’s lake heritage. We all have a general idea of what that means to us. It differs whether you grew up on a lake, own a cabin, or just… Read more »
Minnesota’s lakes and rivers are more than just water—they are the heart of our communities, a source of recreation and beauty, and a cornerstone of our state’s identity. How can we ensure these cherished waters are protected for generations to come? Join Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates, Catholic Community Foundations, and Salter Law, LLC for… Read more »
Across Minnesota, more than 500 lake associations are stepping up to protect the waters that define our state’s identity. From aquatic invasive species prevention to shoreline restoration and civic engagement, these volunteer-driven organizations form the foundation of community-based water stewardship. Join us for a conversation on the evolving role of lake associations in shaping Minnesota’s… Read more »
Join us for an engaging evening with Minnesota’s Lake Stewards to explore what natural, sustainable shorelines look like—and why they matter. You’ll learn how shoreline vegetation, buffers, and thoughtful land use can significantly improve water quality, reduce erosion, and provide critical habitat for fish, birds, and pollinators. At this free one-hour webinar, hosted by Minnesota… Read more »
Guest Blog A Cleaner, Healthier Future for Our Lakes & Ponds Starts Now! Hello neighbors, If you’ve noticed murky water, algae blooms, or fewer fish in your lake or pond, you’re not alone. These issues are often caused by fertilizer runoff and low oxygen levels—but the good news is, we now have a natural, effective… Read more »
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 »
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 »
In October 2024, we hosted a milestone celebration for our Lake Steward program, marking five years of exceptional contributions from dedicated Lake Stewards across Minnesota. If you missed the live session, now is your chance to catch up on the impactful work being done to protect our precious lakes and learn how you can play… Read more »
Lake Steward and Natural Shoreline Break Out Session Highlights On Friday, January 19th, more than 400 people, 75 of them DNR personnel, gathered at the DNR Roundtable to have conversations with other leaders in conservation, strengthen partnerships, and define challenges and opportunities in conservation efforts in fisheries, wildlife, and ecological and water resources in Minnesota.… Read more »