January 2025

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In This Issue

Welcome to the first issue of Current Waters for 2025! 

MN COLA capped off 2024 with a webinar for elected officials and local government leaders where we outlined our top three priorities: clean water, AIS, and enhanced wake activities. The first news article below addresses the webinar and provides links to the recorded webinar, references used in the webinar, and webinar recap information. The next three news articles relate directly to our MN COLA top three priorities. 

As you read on, you will note that this is the season for grant proposals. Get your brains going as there are organizations who want to give away money for good ideas to help protect our environment, including our public waters. Proposals are hard work, the process is often long, and politics may be involved, but addressing some of our big problems can be the reward.

News of interest

• MN COLA hosts webinar on top 3 priorities
• It’s salting season... Let’s use just what we need and no more
• Mercury rises in fish from zebra mussel lakes
• New study addressed propwash from enhanced wake activities
• MN COLA’s December meeting focused on engaging kids
• 2025 DNR Roundtable trumpets passing of Legacy Amendment
• Michigan releases 2024 State of the Great Lakes report
• LCCMR opens grant system for projects starting July 1, 2026
• Minneapolis Foundation launches environmental grant program
• New book: Aquatic plants of the Great Lakes region

Upcoming events

• MN COLA meeting dates for 2025
• MSU offers Introduction to Lakes - starts January 21
• MN Lake Management Symposium - February 4
• Itasca Waters 2025 “Practical Water Wisdom” webinars
• Sea Grant of Michigan launches Paddle Stewards to detect and report AIS
• Protect wild rice by removing rusty crayfish – May 1



News of Interest

MN COLA hosts webinar on top 3 priorities

Our December 4th, MN COLA hosted a webinar targeted to all State Representatives and Senators, County Commissioners, County Sheriff's, and others. The 39-minute webinar was a success, and we received many positive comments from attendees. 

Here is a link to the webinar as well as reference materials you may find useful, including the slides used, references and bibliography for the content shown, a one-page summary that may be useful as you talk to your elected officials and local leaders.

We believe the webinar provided important, thoughtful, and timely information about the three biggest challenges our members see as we work to protect Minnesota’s public waters:

• Water Quality
• Aquatic Invasive Species
• Enhanced Wake Activities

You have a role to play too! Elected officials act on pressure they get from their constituents, so meet with them to help them understand the issues and ask for their support! These are not Republican nor DFL issues; they are non-partisan issues that need addressing to protect the waters of the state.



It’s salting season…

Let’s use just what we need and no more

It’s time for our annual reminder about using no more salt than needed. Overuse of de-icers for winter maintenance is a growing problem in Minnesota lakes, ponds, wetlands, streams, and groundwater. There are many resources available:

• A 15-minute video on best approaches for keeping your sidewalks and driveways clear
• MPCA has Smart-Salting programs to help local government units know when and how to salt
• Bolton & Menk has set up a practice area to design commercial properties and civic facilities to reduce the need for salt



Mercury rises in fish from zebra mussel lakes

Photo: Amy Benson - U.S. Geological Survey 

The sub-heading of a recent MINNPOST news report tells it all: “Zebra mussel poop seems to be fueling rising mercury levels in walleye and perch.” 

A research study was conducted by the Minnesota AIS Research Center, the MN DNR, the U.S. Geological Survey, and others was just published in Science Direct. The findings are really important for anyone who dines on the walleye and yellow perch that you catch in zebra mussel infested lakes. 

As reported in MINNPOST: “The results of the three-year survey are alarming: In lakes with zebra mussels, mercury levels in walleyes were found to be on average 72 percent higher than in walleyes from uninvaded lakes. For perch, the number is an astonishing 157 percent.” The MN Department of Health produces lake-specific fish consumption recommendations which will include the data from the study, so be sure to check.

This research was funded by the Minnesota’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (see the other news item in this issue of Current Waters for information about LCCMR’s 2026 RFP process.)



New study addressed propwash

from enhanced wake activities 

Terra Vigilis, a Wisconsin-based consulting firm, just completed their on-the-water research project at Lake Waramaug, a 656-acre lake, located in western Connecticut. At the request of local officials in the town of Warren, Terra Vigilis was tasked with measuring the impacts of both divergent waves and downward propwash of wake surf boats as compared to typical runabouts. The report provides for fascinating reading. 

One groundbreaking finding is related to the impact of downward prop wash from a wakeboat in wake surf mode.



“Subsurface imagery as depicted in Figure 10 reveals propeller downwash impacts occurring at depths of at least 26 feet for a wake board boat in surf mode.” [Section 4.2 of the report]



MN COLA’s December meeting

focused on engaging kids

The theme for the December MN COLA Membership meeting was "Getting kids engaged with Water". 

Kids today are very concerned about environmental issues like climate change, and sufficient quantities of clean water… and they want to help. Our water organizations will be improved when we get more kids involved. 

The good news is that getting kids engaged in the environment is happening throughout Minnesota, and we highlighted examples from Stearns County, Hubbard County as well as from the Commissioner of the Minnesota DNR. We ended this segment with a video from Ezri Farnum, an emerging young leader who is serving as the President of the Koronis Lake Association. Her comments are very powerful. 

These recorded segments from the meeting (can be shown at an upcoming COLA/LARA, lake or river association meeting. Hopefully these examples will spur you to push programs in your area.



2025 DNR Roundtable trumpets

passing of Legacy Amendment  

Photo: MN DNR

Every year, the DNR holds “the Roundtable,” a gathering of stakeholders and conservation leaders to discuss fisheries, wildlife, and ecological and water resource issues in Minnesota. It includes a mix of important topics over the course of the day and an informal early evening reception.

This year's Roundtable was held on January 10th in Bloomington. Kickoff speakers included Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, Commissioner Sarah Strommen, and Adam Snyder from the Nature Conservatory. Click the links for videos of these talks.

MN COLA’s Jim Kutzner was in attendance and prepared summary comments on the day.

Michigan releases 2024 State of the Great Lakes report

The State of Michigan released their 2024 State of the Great Lakes Report this past December. The report explores major accomplishments, issues, initiatives, and challenges related to the health and sustainability of the Great Lakes. It is interesting to read, especially since Superior borders both Michigan and Minnesota. Check out the lock and Dam project near Joliet, IL to stop invasive carp from getting into Lake Michigan (page 13). It includes features researched at MAISRC! Also check out the state funding they have made available to repair and replace failing septic systems on page 29.



LCCMR opens grant system for

projects starting July 1, 2026

Every year, the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources reviews proposals for special environment and natural resource projects that help maintain and enhance Minnesota's environment and natural resources. The money comes primarily from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, which was renewed by constitutional amendment on the November ballot. 

Their 2026 Request for Proposal (RFP) process was just announced. Approximately $103 million is available from the lottery-generated fund through this RFP for projects beginning July 1, 2026. Proposals will be accepted until 4:30 PM on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

If you have the right project, this funding may be right for you. The work to apply is significant as are the yearly reporting requirements, but this is an important source of funding to protect the environment. 

Here is information about their 2026 RFP process including their funding priorities.

Minneapolis Foundation launches

environmental grant program

A new grant program from the Minneapolis Foundation and partners was launched to address environmental challenges we face in the Great Lakes region.

This three-year program will distribute $40 million for environmental and public health projects to communities in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, and 36 federally recognized tribal nations. Nonprofit organizations, local and tribal governments, and institutions of higher education that work in the Great Lakes region are all welcome to apply for funding. Grants will support projects in areas including water quality and many other areas of concern.

Applications submitted by January 31, 2025, will be considered in the first review batch. But fear not as applications will be accepted through November 2026. Interested organizations can learn more and apply here. 

MAISRC seeking research proposals for 2026

MAISRC is seeking proposals for research studies to advance control and management, prevention of establishment and spread, risk assessment, and early detection of AIS in Minnesota. The deadline for pre-proposals is 11:59 PM CT on Monday, March 3, 2025.

Who can apply: Proposals are invited from investigators at any Minnesota-based academic, governmental (federal, tribal, state, local), or non-profit research institution or organization with demonstrated capacity to conduct rigorous, scientific research.

Available funding: MAISRC will administer an estimated $2,500,000 to fund high-priority research needs. Anticipated funding availability is January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. The funding for this research is provided Minnesota’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (see the other news item in this issue of Current Waters for information about LCCMR’s 2026 RFP process.)

Follow this link for more information.

New book: Aquatic plants of the Great Lakes region

Great photos help to bring these aquatic plants to light in their vital role that they play in helping to promote and sustain healthy inland lake ecosystems and biodiversity. This book was written by Scott Brown, who many of us hear from regularly as the editor of Michigan Waterfront Alliance newsletter. It’s $24 on Amazon and a portion of the proceeds support the lobbying efforts of the Alliance at the Michigan Capitol.

Upcoming events

MN COLA meeting dates for 2025

Here are the MN COLA Membership meeting dates for 2025. All meetings will be on Zoom.

• Tuesday, March 18, 9-11 CT
• Tuesday, June 17, 9-11 CT (Annual Meeting)
• Tuesday, September 16, 9-11 CT
• Tuesday, December 9, 9-11CT

MSU offers Introduction to Lakes Online - starts January 21

There is still time to register!

Registration for the award-winning Michigan State University Extension Introduction to Lakes Online course is now open! Our own Jim Kutzner took this on-line course 3 years ago and thought it was highly valuable and completely relevant to Minnesota Lakes.

This introductory six-week online course kicks off January 21 and is designed for anyone interested in inland lakes including concerned residents, decision makers, local leaders, and lakefront property owners. Course instructors include faculty from MSU Extension and state agency personnel.

Course topics include lake ecology, watershed management, shoreline protection, aquatic plants, Michigan water law, and community engagement. These six topics are explored online through video lectures, interactive activities, and discussion forums. Additional resources are also provided for those looking to dive deeper into a topic. Participants communicate with each other and instructors through lively discussion forums and biweekly Ask-an-Expert webinars which include guests from organizations such as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

Registration is open now through January 28, 2025, at 5 pm ET. The cost of the course is $115 per person.

MN Lake Management Society Symposium – February 4

The recently formed Minnesota Lake Management Society symposium is on February 4, 2025, from 8:30 am - 3:45 pm at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, MN. 

The 2025 symposium will focus on "Getting to the Bottom of Internal Phosphorus Loading". It will be a day of expert presentations on internal phosphorus loading diagnosis, evaluating management options, predicting and assessing outcomes, and an overview of regulatory and funding considerations.

The day will include case studies, panel discussions, and plenty of time for networking. Here is a link to the program agenda.

The cost is $70 for adults and $35 for students. Registration is required.

Itasca Waters 2025 “Practical Water Wisdom” webinars



Itasca Waters puts on a virtual learning series (think one-hour webinar) every first Thursday of the month at noon CT. Mark your calendars now and register for these sessions. Registration is required for each session. Check out the Practical Water Wisdom page for more details and registration links.

Here are the next four upcoming topics:

• February 6 - Invasive Freshwater Jellyfish - Why Are They Increasing So Fast and What Do They Do in Lakes?

• March 6, - Lakeshore Development and Natural Shoreline Protection to Preserve Biotic Health

• April 3 - Beaver Dams, Ponds, and Effects

• May 1 - Climate Change Effects on Fisheries

This series is presented by Itasca Waters with the support from Minnesota Sea Grant, Itasca Soil and Water Conservation District, Itasca Coalition of Lake Associations, KAXE/KBXE, Rapids Radio and Grand Rapids Herald Review.

Sea Grant of Michigan launches

MI Paddle Stewards to detect and report AIS

The MI Paddle Stewards program consists of a three-hour, self-paced online training. The program teaches paddlers to identify, report, and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Participants get tips for properly cleaning their boats and paddling equipment to avoid transferring aquatic invasive species and diseases between water bodies.

This program is just as applicable in Minnesota as in Michigan!

On May 1 at noon CT, you will find a webinar put on by the MAISRC AIS Detectors program. Brennan Pederson and Valerie Brady will be presenting their research.

Here is their overview of the session:

Wild rice is an icon of Minnesota and Indigenous history. Besides its cultural significance, wild rice provides many boons to the surrounding ecosystem. Rusty crayfish have sneakily contributed to the decline of Minnesota’s wild rice since their establishment in the 1990’s. The best way to curb the rusty crayfish’s razing of rice is to trap them near wild rice beds (or near beds of any aquatic vegetation in need of protection). We tested different trap types and baits to find the best way to remove rusty crayfish near wild rice in several lakes in northern Minnesota. We were careful to use methods any Minnesota resident can use to reduce rusty crayfish impact.

Our goal is to inspire a wide range of participants to help remove rusty crayfish from their favorite lakes to protect the vegetation and environment they value.

Register here.

Blaine Barkley

Don Deutsch, Vice-President

Kevin Farnum

Steve Frawley

Lynn Goodrich

Jim Gray

David Helgerson

Kathy Jonsrud, Treasurer

Jim Kutzner

Tom Nelson, Secretary

Ruth Schaefer

Joe Shneider, President

Tom Watson

MLR seat (non-voting)