Minnesota Lakes & Rivers - Protection & Education

Since 1994, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (MLR) has been the leading advocate for protecting and restoring Minnesota’s waters by uniting lakeshore communities and promoting civic governance of our waterways.

At Minnesota Lakes and Rivers (MLR) we don't mobilize, we organize. We recognize that lake associations and lakeshore communities should be the cornerstone of all grassroots water conservation efforts. By harnessing local knowledge, community trust, and hands-on experience, our on-the-ground programs give lakeshore communities the tools to "be their own best advocate."

Efforts like Lake Steward (shoreline restoration), Stop Starry (aquatic invasive species prevention), and Civic Organizing (leadership development and organizational sustainability) help citizens drive change, secure public funding, and co-govern their waters with Tribal, state, and local governments.

Unlike forestry or agriculture, there is no "Department of Lakes and Rivers" in Minnesota—no single entity funneling resources into protecting water quality. With numerous jurisdictions involved in water management, navigating the complexities of lake and river protection requires coordinated efforts and a shared vision.

Your support empowers us to continue this crucial work, tackle emerging issues, and sustain local conservation efforts that build civic pride and deepen our connection to our waters.

How Your Contribution Helps:

Step 1: Advancing Research to Reach Solutions

We believe that scientific research is the bedrock of education efforts, advocacy, and policy solutions. Your contribution today supports independent research on topics like wake energy, aquatic invasive species management, and shoreline degradation, so we can identify tomorrow's solutions and drive change.

Step 2: Educating and Equipping Lake Advocates

Through our programs, we educate lakeshore communities on pressing issues, creating a more informed and active base of lake and river advocates. Your contribution helps us provide guidance to lake advocates, alert the public to new scientific and policy developments, and lead civic organizing training to give lake advocates the tools and knowledge to restore shorelines, tackle invasive species, and address water quality issues.

Step 3: Organizing for Lasting Change

With an informed and activated base of lake advocates across the state, anything is possible for our waters. Your contribution helps us unite all stakeholders — local communities, state agencies, businesses, Tribal governments, and more — to find just solutions. Because these solutions are community-driven and formed on consensus, this process reduces blowback and creates lasting environmental change.