The Sunrise is a complex river system with multiple branches, tributaries, and pools, each with its own unique personality.
Read More
All articles filed in Minnesota lakes
From watercraft inspections to loosestrife-eating beetles – lake managers discuss strategies for battling aquatic invaders
Many AIS experts note that Minnesota’s county-led programs have “bent the curve” for aquatic invasive species. Prior to 2015, the rate of infestations was growing rapidly, with as many as 170 new lakes being impacted every year. After counties rolled out their prevention efforts, that rate began to fall and we are now seeing closer to 40 new infestations each year.
Read More
Finding giant puffballs, swimming swans, and fall colors in Washington County’s “Legacy Lands”
Since 2006, Washington County’s Land and Water Legacy Program has helped to protect 1900 acres of land, including 328 acres at Big Marine Regional Park, 102 acres at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, and smaller additions at Cottage Grove Ravine, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, and Pine Point Regional Parks.
County funds also helped to establish Lumberjack Landing in Stillwater and Bayport Park, both of which are located on the St. Croix River, Oxbow Trails along Valley Creek in Afton (Belwin Conservancy), and Mississippi Dunes Park on the Mississippi River in Cottage Grove.
In Woodbury, the county’s Land and Water Legacy program even played a role in restoring La Lake to good health.
Read More
Meet our 2026 Natural Shoreline Award winners!
We are excited to announce the winners of our 2026 Natural Shoreline Awards, sponsored by the East Metro Water Resource Education Program and Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership. These awards recognize Minnesotans who are protecting lake, stream, and wetland habitat in Chisago, Isanti, Ramsey and Washington Counties.
Read More
Grimy green, or clear and clean?
Bluegreen algae in lakes are fed by phosphorus and can sometimes grow out of control when the weather gets hot. Lakes with elevated levels of chloride (salt) are also more likely to experience algae blooms.
Read More
Minnesota Water Stewards goes statewide
David, Kim, Barb and Mike are part of an elite cadre of volunteers helping to engage communities across Minnesota and western Wisconsin in grass-roots projects to protect and restore lakes, rivers, and streams.
Beginning in 2026, Freshwater is taking the program statewide and removing the enrollment fee so that more people can participate. Locally, the St. Croix Valley Foundation has provided grant funds to Washington Conservation District (WCD), Freshwater, and North Woods and Waters to train-in a new cohort of volunteers, starting in 2026.
Read More
Meet our 2025 Natural Shoreline Award winners!
We are excited to announce the winners of our inaugural Natural Shoreline Awards, sponsored by the East Metro Water Resource Education Program and Lower St. Croix Watershed Partnership. These awards recognize Minnesotans who are protecting lake, stream, and wetland habitat in Chisago, Isanti, Ramsey and Washington Counties.
Read More
Flowers bloom in the shadow of a great white bear
White Bear is a lake with a storied past. At 2438 acres, it is the second largest lake in the Twin Cities metro, and its history features a legendary fight with a giant bear, steamships, gangsters, famous authors, legal battles, and even an amusement park. Recently, efforts led by the Washington Conservation District have focused on improving habitat and reducing stormwater runoff from small communities located along the southeast shore of the lake.
Read More
Score your shore: A tool to measure the health of your lakeshore property
Maintaining and restoring lakeshore habitat isn’t just good for wildlife, it also helps to protect valuable real estate from literally washing away.
Read More
Keeping invaders out of Minnesota waters
In 2024, Minnesota deployed more than 800 watercraft inspectors to public boat launches around the state to help staunch the spread of zebra mussels, spiny waterflea, and other aquatic invaders. The goal? Preserve Minnesota’s famed “good life” and protect fishing, tourism, and cultural mainstays such as wild ricing and “up north at the cabin.”
One reason for optimism is that we are seeing fewer new infestations and better compliance with state laws for watercraft cleaning and inspections.
Unfortunately, however, the DNR still reported 41 new AIS infestations in Minnesota lakes and rivers last year.
Read More
