The Confluence is the monthly electronic newsletter of Minnesota Waters, a confluence of the Minnesota Lakes Association (MLA) and the Rivers Council of Minnesota (RCM). This newsletter will provide you with up-to-date information and resources on Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.  If you haven't received this newsletter before, please go to the end of this message for more information.

Don't empty the water jar until the rain falls.
            ~   Philippine proverb

In this issue:

Minnesota Waters News

~ Minnesota Waters’ Watershed Organizer Position Announcement

~ 2006 River Friendly Community of the Year Award:  Clean Up the River Environment

~ 2006 Lake Association of the Year Award: Briggs Lake Chain Association

~ 2006 Citizen Monitoring Program of the Year Award: Sauk River Watershed District

~ Minnesota Waters Conservation Partnership Grant Program

~ “RiverNight 2006:  A Minnesota Waters Celebration”

~ Lakes and Rivers Conference 2006—brochures will be mailed in late June!

Hot Off the Press

~ Heat and Lack of Rain Can Bring Toxic Algae Blooms

~ Alternative Shoreland Standards Hearings—Hubbard, Douglas, and Cass County

~ Mercury in Our Lakes and Its Health Effects

~ Dead Lake EIS Released—Boating Impacts to Aquatic Vegetation and Fisheries Noted

~ Lead Poisoning in Paradise: Loons Threatened

~ 2006 Environmental Initiative Awards

Resources for Lake and Stream Stewardship

Conferences, Confabs and Conglomerations

The Bucks Start Here

~ Minnesota Waters News ~

Minnesota Waters’ Watershed Organizer Position Announcement

Minnesota Waters (MW) is the only statewide nonprofit organization in Minnesota that is devoted solely to citizen-based water resource management.  We achieve our mission through citizen monitoring, influencing public policy, supporting watershed stewardship, and empowering citizen groups to manage their local water resources. 

MW seeks a full-time Watershed Organizer for projects in the Central Minnesota and West Twin Cities Metro regions.  The Watershed Organizer works directly with Minnesota Waters members, member organizations, local governments and citizens in meeting their goals for managing local lakes and streams and their surrounding watersheds.  Successful candidate will be well organized, creative, energetic and able to work interdependently with a minimum of three years experience as a community organizer in land and water conservation or other non-profit sector advocacy.

Salary commensurate with experience—low to mid-40s.  Medical, dental and retirement offered.  Mail a cover letter, résumé, and 3 references by August 3 at 4:00 PM to Minnesota Waters, Watershed Organizer Position, 1913 3^rd N., Sartell, MN 56377.   Full job description available from annan@minnesotawaters.org or go to http://www.minnesotawaters.org/jobs.html to learn more.

2006 River Friendly Community of the Year Award:  Clean Up the River Environment (CURE)

The Minnesota Waters’ River Friendly Community Award salutes communities throughout Minnesota for their leadership in celebrating and protecting rivers.  Wenck Associates, Inc is pleased to sponsor the 2006 River Friendly Award Winner: Clean Up the River Environment (CURE), a non-profit organization working to focus public awareness on the Upper Minnesota River Watershed and to take action to restore and protect its water quality, biological integrity and natural beauty for all generations.

CURE is instrumental in mobilizing citizens around threats to river health and creating opportunities for increased dialogue and action.  Concerned by recent attempts to permit hard rock aggregate mining in the Wild and Scenic River District of the Upper Minnesota River from Redwood Falls to Lac qui Parle dam, CURE successfully worked with local and state interests to advocate to stop river mining in the Wild and Scenic District.  This successful combination of education, policy, and fun is what Minnesota Waters’ envisions for watershed groups around the state.  Congratulations, CURE!  To learn more about CURE and the River Friendly Community Award, click here.

2006 Lake Association of the Year Award: Briggs Lake Chain Association

The Briggs Lake Chain Association (BLCA) received Minnesota Waters’ Lake Association of the Year Award, sponsored by Crystal Pierz Marine, based on the successful outcomes of their lake management projects, education and outreach, the strong involvement of their membership, and partnerships with Palmer Township, Sherburne County, Sherburne Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), as well as other local and state natural resource agencies to protect and improve the quality of the Briggs Lake Chain.  Kenzie Phelps, BLCA President, commented, “We’re delighted, honored and thrilled.  It’s a great statement for all the outstanding volunteers in our Association.”

In 2003, the BLCA participated in the Initiative Foundation’s Healthy Lakes and Rivers Partnership (HLRP), a program to develop long range planning to protect lakes or streams and improve water quality. Additionally, the BLCA has been instrumental in founding partnerships throughout the County for the protection and enhancement of the Briggs Chain marking a collaborative effort for lake protection.  Minnesota Waters commends the BLCA for their pioneering strategies in bringing all stakeholders together to establish common ground and work in concert for long term lake protection and enhancement.  To learn more about the BLCA, click here.

2006 Citizen Monitoring Program of the Year Award: Sauk River Watershed District

The Minnesota Waters’ Citizen Monitoring Program of the Year Award salutes exemplary water quality monitoring programs involving citizens in Minnesota.  HDR is pleased to sponsor the 2006 Citizen Monitoring Program Award Winner: Sauk River Watershed District, a quasi-local government working to apply unique abilities and authorities in ways that protect and enhance the Sauk River Watershed's resources for today and tomorrow.

The Sauk River Watershed District (SRWD) believes that volunteer monitors play a significant role in a successful water quality monitoring program.  In 2002-2003, they developed the “Care for Your Waters” Monitoring Program and in March 2003 the SRWD, along with the Rivers Council of Minnesota, Stearns SWCD, and Stearns Environmental Services, held its first annual Volunteer Monitoring Workshop. The workshop was a success with nearly 70 interested citizens in attendance.  Now, as demand grows, they also help train volunteers outside of their watershed.  Minnesota Waters’ highlights the Sauk River Watershed District’s citizen monitoring program as it engages citizens and promotes cooperation between citizens, nonprofits, local governments and state agencies to better understand the health of our rivers and lakes. Congratulations, SRWD!  To learn more about SRWD and the Waters’ Citizen Monitoring Program of the Year Award, click here.

Minnesota Waters Conservation Partnership Grant Program

Minnesota Waters is pleased to announce we recently received grant funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Anheuser/Busch to establish a pass-through grant program called the Minnesota Waters Lake and Stream Conservation Partnership.  The program is designed to support shoreland habitat improvement and restoration projects, aquatic invasive species management, and/or lake and river inventorying and assessment projects to guide lake and river improvement, restoration and management. 

Grant applications will be made available August 14 and the application deadline is September 20, 2006.  The grant is open to all Minnesota Waters members.  Applicants will be expected to provide at least a one-third match with cash or in-kind services.  Initial projects will be short-term (12 months) in duration so as to demonstrate quick, tangible results.  There will also be a $5,000 limit in the first year.  For more information or to receive an application in the mail, contact Molly Zins: mollyz@minnesotawaters.org or 218-824-5565. 

RiverNight 2006: A Minnesota Waters Celebration

RiverNight 2006: A Minnesota Waters Celebration will be held Thursday, August 3 and marks the first major event for Minnesota Waters—a confluence of the Rivers Council of Minnesota and the Minnesota Lakes Association.  Guests will be treated to a delicious meal prepared by D’Amico while having the opportunity to visit with our special guests and award winners – all as they enjoy a beautiful summer evening trip on the Mississippi River in St. Paul.  This year, we are inviting Mayors from local cities and members of the Governor’s Clean Water Cabinet to join us in this celebration.   To recognize the efforts of citizens engaged in both lake and river protection, we will present three awards during the event:  the River Friendly Community Award, Lake Association of the Year Award and Citizen Volunteer Monitoring Program of the Year Award.  Contact Angel Samolytz at angels@minnesotawaters.org for ticket information, table sponsorship for your company or for more information about the event.

Lakes and Rivers Conference, September 7-9, 2006, Duluth

Information and Registration Now Available Online

Registration brochures have been mailed and registration is now available online for the Lakes & Rivers Conference, “The Changing Landscapes of Minnesota’s Waters, to be held September 7-9, 2006 in Duluth, Minnesota at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC). Over 48 sessions, 8 workshops and three field trips during the three days, with special sessions of interest to local water planners and local government officials. Click here for all the conference details, including agenda, session descriptions, online registration, and hotel information. Special conference hotel discount rates apply through the weekend—make the conference and Duluth a fall destination—reserve rooms now. To request a registration brochure mailed to you, call the office at 800-515-5253.  See you in Duluth!

Lake Associations and Rivers Groups—Call for Posters at Lakes & Rivers Conference

A limited amount of space in the conference exhibit hall is being reserved to showcase successful and innovative lake and river management projects. Develop a poster on your project(s) and bring it to the conference to showcase your successes to other groups around the state. To reserve a spot, contact Keri at kerih@minnesotawaters.org or call 800-515-5253. 

~ Hot Off the Press ~

Heat and Lack of Rain Can Bring Toxic Algae Blooms

As the thermometer climbs and a string of rainless days stretches on across parts of the state, some area lakes are starting to "green up."  The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) reminds people that these conditions can produce toxic blue-green algae blooms in lakes and rivers that can harm pets, livestock and even people. “While not all algae blooms this time of year are harmful, the best policy is, when in doubt, stay out” said Steve Heiskary of the MPCA. Most algae blooms are harmless.  Blue-green algae particularly thrive in warm, shallow, nutrient-rich lakes. Not every blue-green bloom is toxic, but it can be difficult to predict which ones will cause problems. Often the algae can be concentrated when the wind blows them to a windward shore.  Most problems occur when the algae concentrate around a shoreline and animals drink the water or otherwise ingest the algae or humans get in the water. Distinguishing blue-green algae from other types may be difficult for non-experts.  But toxic blooms generally look pretty nasty, sometimes said to look like pea soup, spilled green paint or floating mats of scum.  They often smell bad as well. For more information about toxic algae blooms, go to www.pca.state.mn.us/water/clmp-toxicalge.

Alternative Shoreland Standards Hearings—Hubbard, Douglas, and Cass County

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is holding public information meetings throughout the summer on the voluntary Alternative Shoreland Management Standards developed through the North Central Lakes Project as a set of additional tools that local governments can use to revise their shoreland ordinance. While the standards are not mandatory rules, the DNR and  Minnesota Waters encourages local governments to consider adopting these standards for increased protection for Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. For more information on the alternative shoreland standards, the newly approved science-based document "An Assessment and Rationale for the Alternative Shoreland Standards", and a set of new fact sheets on the standards, visit the DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters.

At each meeting location, there will be two meetings, one from 2 to 4 pm, and another from 6:30 to 8:30 pm; both meetings will cover the same material. Remaining meeting are:

**July 20, Northwoods Bank, Park Rapids, Hubbard County

**August 3, Holiday Inn, Alexandria  (Douglas County) 

**August 9, Hackensack Senior Citizens Center, Hackensack (Cass County)  

Mercury in Our Lakes and Its Health Effects

How does exposure to mercury impact our health? Are effects different for children than adults? How does mercury enter our bodies? How does mercury get into fish? Are we making progress in Minnesota reducing mercury in our waters? With virtually all of Minnesota’s lakes on fish consumption advisories because of mercury contamination, you’ll want to find the answers to these questions in the spring issue of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Environment magazine at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/publications/mnenvironment/index.html.

Dead Lake EIS Released—Boating Impacts to Aquatic Vegetation and Fisheries Noted

The first draft of the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the controversial Blue Heron Bay Development on Dead Lake in Otter Tail County found that increased boat usage would stir up sediments in the lake which in turn would affect lake vegetation and fisheries.  According to Steve Menden, an environmental scientist with Wenck & Associates, who put together the EIS, “Generally, the EIS process is not to give the project a thumbs up or down, but it’s done to identify and quantify the potential environmental impacts of the development and provide ways the developer can reduce those impacts.”  The developer, R. Murray Partnership, has planned a cluster development of 138 dwelling units and 116 boat slips collectively called Blue Heron Bay. But the EIS also looked at whether an alternative “lot block” development of 58 dwelling units, would affect the environment. Both scenarios focused on the impacts to Dead Lake’s aquatic vegetation, shoreline, woodlands and wetlands, as well as where boating routes, docks, parking and wastewater treatment facilities would be located to minimize potential environmental impacts. Some of the mitigation possibilities include creating a conservation easement, buffers around the woodlands, the shoreline, and wetlands, and no-wake zones—all to create a “do not impact” area. 

Otter Tail County originally denied the request for an EIS after conducting an environmental assessment worksheet (EAW). The Dead Lake Association has spent over $200,000 challenging the County’s density allowance for the development, its environmental review decision to deny the EIS, and the state’s issuance of wastewater treatment permits before environmental review had been conducted.  The Dead Lake Association was successful in getting the wastewater treatment permits revoked and the County’s denial of an EIS overturned, requiring a legal trip all the way to the state Supreme Court. The Minnesota Lakes Association, now Minnesota Waters, supported the Dead Lake Association by submitting a “friend of the court” brief in 2005 to the Minnesota Supreme Court because Dead Lake is the state’s largest natural environmental lake (8,000 acres) and this proposed development is a precedent-setting case of what is happening on Minnesota’s sensitive, shallow lakes from increasing shoreland development.

A public information meeting on the EIS is scheduled from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Aug. 1, in the county commissioners room at the Otter Tail County Government Services Building, where Menden will present the findings of the EIS and allow time for public comment. Anyone can access the entire draft EIS online by clicking on “Blue Heron Bay DRAFT EIS” at: http://www.co.otter-tail.mn.us/land/specialprojects.php.

Lead Poisoning in Paradise: Loons Threatened

July 1, 2006—The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently performed necropsies on 11 loons from Oneida and Vilas counties.  Five of these loons had poisonous levels of lead in their gastrointestinal systems and tissues.  "Without question, lead poisoning was a significant factor in the deaths of these birds," said Sean Strom, environmental toxicologist with the DNR.  The sample size is too small to draw any conclusions, he said, but they will continue to monitor all dead loons for lead to see if this is an isolated spike or a true pattern.  Lead poisoning in loons is well-documented in other states.  Mark Pokras, director of the Wildlife Clinic and Center for Conservation Medicine at Tufts University, conducted a study of loons in six New England states from 1987 to 2002. He found that lead poisoning accounted for 26% of adult loon deaths. On certain lakes, the rate was more than 50%.  Another 15-year study in Michigan by wildlife biologist Tom Cooley showed a 24% death rate from lead poisoning.  To read the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article in its entirety, click here.

2006 Environmental Initiative Awards

http://www.mn-ei.org/awards/finalistswinners2006.html

The Minnesota Environmental Initiative (MEI) honor innovative projects that have achieved extraordinary environmental outcomes by harnessing the power of partnerships involving a broad range of organizations from the business, nonprofit and government sectors.  MEI's webpage summarizes the accomplishments of all 15 winners and finalists in six categories.  Following are some of the water protection highlights:

- Environmental Education: Heron Lake Watershed District's WATER project.

Finalists: Chippewa River Watershed Project's stream monitoring school project; Red River Water Festival.

- Public Sector Innovation: Intercommunity groundwater protection model.

Finalists: Crow Wing County used oil collection program; Healthcare environmental improvement project.

-Private Sector Innovation: Minnesota Waste Wise's mercury recovery program.

- Land Use Winner Finalists: Friends of the Mississippi River's low-impact development models; DNR's growth pressures on sensitive natural resources project in central MN.

~ Resources for Lake and Stream Stewardship ~

DVD "Minnesota's Lakes at Risk" Now Available
Minnesota Waters’ new DVD, "Minnesota's Lakes at Risk" is now available for $5 plus shipping & handling.  The DVD, produced in collaboration with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and Twin Cities Public Television, explores changes to Minnesota's lakes and the impacts of increasing development on shoreline habitat, water quality, and the enjoyment of lakes for generations to come.  Lake associations that are members of Minnesota Waters will be mailed a copy of the DVD and local governments with shoreland ordinances will be encouraged to use the DVD as a local official training tool on the water quality impacts of land use decisions on our shorelands. To order a copy, contact annan@minnesotawaters.org or call 800-515-5253.

From Shore to Shore Newsletter

The July-August 2006 issue of the "From Shore to Shore" newsletter is now posted: http://www.shorelandmanagement.org/shore_shore/index.html.  This issue includes the following articles: Revised and Updated!  ("Lake Home and Cabin Kit"); Fish and Aquatic Plants - What's the Connection?; Legislative Happenings Affect Water Resources; Shoring Up Minnesota's Shores; Plan to Attend "The Changing Landscapes of Minnesota's Lakes and Rivers"; and Algae - Essential for a Health Lake.

Minnesota Environmental Indicators: 2005

This report by the MPCA identifies new stresses on Minnesota's environment: rising population, increased energy consumption, changing land use patterns—and provides an overall status report (good, fair, or poor) for eight related environmental indicators in the areas of water, air and waste.  To download the Report, click here.

The Conservation Almanac

Trust for Public Land receives frequent requests for data that provides a “context” for land conservation and the growing conservation finance movement. TPL’s online Conservation Almanac provides just such information for thirteen Western states, including: state-by-state conservation statistics; information on state and local conservation finance measures from TPL’s LandVote database; overview of the state policy framework for land conservation funding; and dynamic analytical tool for generating customized reports on conservation data.  To access the Conservation Almanac, click here.

Water is Life Resources

Water is Life offers fact sheets, power point presentation, example letters to the editor and press releases - all about our water and water quality resources.  You can use these to help supplement your lake association or river group communication strategies:  http://www.waterislife.net/members/index.html.

Why Bad Presentations Happen to Good Causes—Complimentary Copy Available to Government Agencies and Nonprofits
People are wired to learn from stories not from facts and numbers. Visit the following website to order your free copy of a book about this topic (available and to government agencies and nonprofits,one per request): http://www.agoodmanonline.com/publications/how_bad_presentations_happen/index.htm

New Laws 2006 Now Available on the Web

Now available on the House of Representatives Web site is New Laws 2006, summarizing the 113 new laws enacted during the 2006 legislative session. Included is a search function to help viewers easily locate stories of interest.  The site also includes a selection of Dead Bills, those that had some discussion but did not make it into law. These bills can be reintroduced when the Legislature reconvenes Jan. 3, 2007. To access New Laws 2006, go to www.house.mn/hinfo/Newlaws2006-0.asp

~ Conferences, Confabs and Conglomerations ~

Anglers Get the Lead Out! At Exchanges Across Minnesota

It's time to clean out your tackle box and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) want to help.  The MPCA and the DNR are partnering with retailers and others to offer more than 30 lead tackle exchanges across the state this summer. The exchanges offer anglers a chance to try non-toxic tackle and compare these new products against lead versions. There is no charge to exchange tackle.  For a complete list of summer 2006 exchange locations, visit www.moea.state.mn.us/sinkers. 

2006 Rivers Institute

July 24, 25 and 26 at Hamline University's Center for Global Environmental Education (CGEE)
In summer 2006, Hamline University's CGEE is again offering its acclaimed Rivers Institute. The three-day, two-credit field-based course addresses the natural overlap between science processes and content and the skills of literacy. Our natural affinity to water makes rivers and watersheds a useful and familiar context for teaching and learning. All 3-8 grade teachers (classroom teachers as well as science specialists) and middle school science and social studies teachers are eligible.  To learn more or request an application, email cgee@hamline.edu or call 651-523-2591. 

Decision on Mercury Clean-up Plan at Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Citizens’ Board Meeting

July 25, 9 a.m., MPCA office, Lower Level Board Room, 520 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul

The MPCA Citizens’ Board will be deciding whether to accept the MPCA staff recommendation to send the mercury clean-up plan (Total Maximum Daily Load, or TMDL) to the federal EPA for approval. Citizens can comment on the new version of the plan, which reduces the number of waters covered by the plan from 824 lakes and 43 rivers to 329 lakes and 18 rivers. Comments may be made in person at the meeting or in writing until July 20.  For more information, contact Erin Jordahl-Redlin in the Minneapolis Clean Water Action office, 612.623.3666 or ejredlin@cleanwater.org.

Aquatic Plant ID Workshop

July 28, 6-9 pm and

July 29, 9 am-2 pm, Grand Lake in Rockville (just south of St. Cloud)

Registration is required.  The cost of the workshop (both days) is $20/person for anyone living in the Sauk River Watershed, $40 for all others.   For registration information contact the Sauk River Watershed District at 320-352-2231 or check out our website at www.srwdmn.org and view the “Shoreland Education Workshop Series.”

University of Minnesota Extension Shoreland Education Program: Introduction to Shoreland Landscaping

August 5, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, Deerwood Township Hall, 7801 Highway 6 North
The workshop emphasizes a holistic approach to shoreland vegetation—addressing environmental functions of a natural shoreline, property owner expectations, and shoreland regulations—that will enable participants to make sound shoreland management decisions and implement revegetation projects at the local level.  Cost of workshop: $10.00 for Shirt Lake Association Members; $20.00 for non-members.  To register, contact: Ron and Sandy Kretlow at 218-534-3147 or kretlow@mlecn.net.

Minnesota Chiropractic Association Mississippi River Challenge

Saturday and Sunday, August 5 & 6 (1- and 2-day options)

Mark your summer calendar for the Minnesota Chiropractic Association Mississippi River Challenge! The 44-mile, two-day paddling experience on the Mississippi River is beautiful paddle through wilderness and the locks and dams down to a great celebration at Fort Snelling on Saturday night. Two-day paddlers continue on Sunday to Grey Cloud Island in Cottage Grove to revel in the accomplishment of completing the entire 44-mile Challenge!  If you would like to paddle or volunteer, please visit http://www.mississippiriverchallenge.org or call Kay at 651-222-2193 x19.

Leading From Within

Oct 19-22, 2006 and Feb. 21-24, 2007, Maumee Bay Conference Center in Oregon, OH

The Institute for Conservation Leadership is pleased to announce another edition of its LEADING FROM WITHIN program.  This five-month professional development opportunity includes two 3-day workshops as well as coaching support.  Leading from Within is for executive directors, board members, and lead staff of environmental and conservation organizations who are passionate about their work, energized by a creative peer learning environment, and are eager to further develop their leadership potential.  Leading From Within includes a 360 degree leadership assessment tool, group experiential exercises, peer exchange, and learning activities that you will find both challenging and rejuvenating!  Please contact Peter Lane at 301-270-2900 ext. 5 or visit the ICL website for more information and an application: LEADING FROM WITHIN 
 

~ The Bucks Start Here ~

Initiative to Promote Collaborative Process in Environmental Decision Making 

The Laura Jane Musser Fund proposes to assist public or not-for-profit entities to initiate or implement projects in rural areas to undertake consensus-based activities in environmental stewardship or dispute resolution. This program will cover programs in their first three years and projects in the planning phase or implementation phase. It will not fund capital expenses, general operating support for organizations or ongoing program support. Any of the following may apply for funding: 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations, organizations that are forming if sponsored by a 501 (c) (3) organization, any unit of local government or organizations that are located in, and serve a population of the United States. Grants of up to $35,000 may be made for projects in this area. The Musser Fund is likely to make a total of 4 to 6 grants in the Environmental Initiative this year. The deadline for a full proposal is September 5, 2006. A letter of intent is not required. Please visit www.musserfund.org to receive more information on submitting a full proposal.

DNR Funding Available for Shoreland Vegetation Projects

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is making more than $300,000 available for grant proposals for restoring native shoreline vegetation across the state.  Grants recipients will be reimbursed for up to 75 percent of the total project costs. Applicants must be able to fund at least 25 percent of the total project costs from non-state sources. Matching funds may be cash, volunteer labor, and in-kind contributions of materials, equipment and services.  Applications for grants, are available on the Minnesota DNR Web site at: www.dnr.state.mn.us or by calling the DNR at (651) 296-6157 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367). Applications are due Sept. 18.

To have material included for announcement or to request removal of your name from this mailing list, please send information to info@minnesotawaters.org.  Do not reply to the listserv from which you received this message.

Minnesota is truly on top of the “water world” in North America.  We are at the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi draining to the Gulf of Mexico, the St. Louis River draining to the Great Lakes and the Red & Rainy Rivers draining to Hudson Bay.  The “land of 10,000 lakes” and 92,000 miles of river is blessed not only with an abundance of water resources, Minnesota is also home to countless citizens poised to protect and preserve these resources for generations to come.  Minnesota Waters celebrates the coming together of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers, the partnerships of engaged citizens and stewardship-minded leaders, and the inseparable bond connecting Minnesotans with its water.  In this light, The Confluence delivers timely news and information on the state of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers, and what citizens, policy makers and organizations can do to protect Minnesota’s priceless water resources, today and tomorrow.