The degradation of Minnesota’s water quality, shorelines, and habitats is accelerating due to climate change, pollution, aquatic invasive species, and unchecked development. To combat these challenges, MLR is increasing investments in awareness, organizing, programs, and strategic civic advocacy.
Since 1993, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (MLR) has connected lakeshore communities from Fairmont to Warroad, serving as the trusted advisor and advocate for over 290 lake associations and 2,000+ members committed to protecting our lakes and rivers.
Lake associations are geographically diverse, located in almost all legislative districts in MN
Over 100,000 people belong to a lake association, more than any other civic group or non-profit organization in the state,
Lake association members are knowledgeable and dedicated, spending over $10 million and volunteering 1.2 million hours annually.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT OF THE WATER CONNECTS US ALL CAMPAIGN. If you share our concern about the challenges affecting our lakes, or if you have benefited from our programs, communications, research, and policy advocacy, your support is crucial to our efforts. With expanded membership and enhanced communication tools and training, we will effectively bring solutions and funding to your lakeshore.
Sustaining a Civic Infrastructure
Our initiatives, like Lake Stewards and Stop Starry Stonewort, empower individuals to engage and protect water resources. Drawing from the Midwest Active Citizenship Initiative, we apply a framework that fosters change in local communities by building civic identity and organizing state and local stakeholders to solve problems collaboratively. MLR uses science to identify causes and solutions. Through member input, we raise awareness, foster dialogue, and enhance education. Education fuels advocacy, and advocacy shapes state funding priorities and policy.
Invest in and support scientific inquiry to develop solutions to the problems facing our waters
Design and lead on-the-ground programs to educate, promote, and advance public policy
Expand and activate membership and other stakeholders to initiate public policy initiatives
Support the capacity of Lake Associations across the state.
Now Is the Time to Act
We have effectively collaborated with tribal governments, state, county, and local officials, as well as agency staff and stakeholders, to shape new policies and secure funding that have led to tangible improvements in our waters. However, the challenges we face—such as loss of natural shorelines and the spread of aquatic invasive species—are rapidly altering the ecosystems of our lakes and rivers.
The next decade is critical for determining the long-term health of our waters, and now is the time to act. As stewards of our lakes, we must lead the charge in addressing these pressing issues. Together, we can mobilize our network, advocate for necessary policy changes, and implement effective solutions. The future of Minnesota’s waters depends on our collective commitment and immediate action.
Join Us in the Movement
Our backbone is the network of civically engaged citizens and lake associations. To expand effectiveness, we must ensure every lake community and legislative district is informed and involved. As the stewards on the shores of our lakes – it’s our responsibility to lead that effort.
To realize the future we imagine, we need your help and participation!