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.
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 »
This past summer, with funding from the Minneapolis Foundation, MLR piloted an urban version of the Lake Steward program, reimagining city curbs as shorelines and exploring how residents can help protect urban waterways through everyday actions. The initiative encouraged both homeowners and renters to take simple, positive steps to protect our lakes—planting native gardens, picking… Read more »
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 solution that starts right at our shorelines. Let’s dive into the plan to… Read more »
If you’ve ever spent a quiet spring morning beside a Minnesota lake, you may have heard the eerie, beautiful call of the common loon echoing across the water. Loons are more than a symbol of our northern heritage as the Minnesota state bird. They are also an indicator of lake health, reflecting the condition of… Read more »
“The (Lake Steward) program has spread to dozens more lakes across Minnesota. Supporters view it as part of a strategy to help change societal norms and expectations around lakeshore development, and help slow the loss of natural shoreline that protects lakes from pollution.” – Kirsti Marohn, MPR Minnesota’s lakeshores are disappearing at an alarming rate—over… Read more »
by Tom Hubbnard, President, Big Pine Lake Property Owners Association After several years of working with Jeff Forester at MLR, and seeing the amazing work his group has undertaken, the Big Pine Lake Property Owners Association (BPLPOA) board decided to modestly increase their annual contribution level and buy a membership for 100 of our members.… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »