This will be a great meeting!

In the first part of our meeting we will talk about kids and why we should be focusing on them. We often direct our efforts toward adults as we work to improve some lake problem, but we know that engaging kids in issues that impact the environment is a winning ticket. Once kids learn about something they push their parents and grandparents to change their behaviors.

We will kick off this discussion with DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen, who also has been focusing on kids with the “No Child Left Inside” program.

And we will highlight programs for kids that are being run across Minnesota on AIS, safe boating practices, and more. You will have the opportunity to hear what’s being done in Hubbard County, Stearns County, and Itasca County. These are programs that you can bring to your COLA/LARA or your local lake/river association. Now is the time to start planning programs for the 2025 boating season!

To round out this portion of the meeting, we will hear from Ezri Farnum, the President of the Koronis Lake Association. Ezri is likely the youngest lake association President in Minnesota. You can hear her story and then imagine how much energy and enthusiasm could be brought to your lake/river association by getting a younger generation involved. They have passion for protecting the water and they see opportunities with younger eyes.

We are very excited to bring this “focus on kids” to you!

And since we just had our Statewide elections, it is definitely the time to talking about what this means for our collective efforts to protect the public waters of Minnesota. Jeff Forester from Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates will be on the agenda to talk about how the 2024 election changed the landscape in the Minnesota Legislature and how that may shape our efforts to protect the water. This is an important conversation!

As usual, the meeting will be held via Zoom and registration is required.

Register anytime before the meeting. The Zoom link for the meeting itself will be provided following registration. You will also receive an email from Zoom with the meeting link and more details.

As always, everyone welcome to attend, so feel free to forward this meeting information.