Itasca Waters 2025 “Practical Water Wisdom” - Invasive Freshwater Jellyfish
2025-02-06 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
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.

Itasca Waters 2025 “Practical Water Wisdom” - Lakeshore Development and Natural Shoreline Protection to Preserve Biotic Health
2025-03-06 12:00 - 13:00
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 three upcoming topics:

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.

MN COLA March Membership Meeting
2025-03-18 09:00 - 11:00
The March quarterly Membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 18th at 9-11 AM CT. This will be a really interesting meeting covering the new boat operator’s license, the (now) very busy legislative session in St. Paul, things you may not understand about beavers, and a few other topics along the way.
The 2025 boating season brings a few new rules and new requirements for boaters. We are pleased to have Lieutenant Eric Sullivan, the DNR’s Marine Unit Supervisor, as our first speaker. He will outline the new mandatory education and boat operator’s license, and provide the latest information on who is impacted and what they will need to do.
MN COLA is pleased to have played a role in getting this legislation passed to increase safety on the water and to help more boaters understand how to manage conflicts over the use of the water resources.

Beavers! You might be thinking about them as a nuisance species because of the property damage they can cause, but these aquatic animals can be a very positive force for the environment as “nature’s engineers”. An expert on beavers is right here in Minnesota working at the U of M.
Emily Fairfax is an Assistant Professor of Geography in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Society at the University of Minnesota, and is also affiliated with the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory. Beavers are gaining popularity around the world as a partner in climate change adaptation and mitigation work. But how do we balance human, ecological, hydrological, and economic considerations when we work with beavers?

Jeff Forester of MN Lakes and Rivers Advocates will be on hand to provide us with an update on the 2025 Legislative session. You can be assured Jeff will have fascinating insights on the Governor’s proposed 50% cut to the AIS Prevention Aid and other topics affecting our public waters.

And there will be more topics to hear about at the meeting!
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.

Integrating genetic and herbicide studies to improve watermilfoil management outcomes
2025-03-26 13:00 - 14:00
Managers increasingly recognize that Eurasian watermilfoil (including hybrids with native northern watermilfoil) is genetically diverse, and that strains can differ in their growth, spread, impacts, and herbicide response. A practical challenge for Eurasian watermilfoil management is developing methods that predict how a specific watermilfoil population will respond to a proposed control tactic. Our overall goal is to develop genetic tests that can assist managers in decision making.
In this presentation, we will illustrate how we are combining genetic survey and monitoring of invasive watermilfoil populations with field and laboratory studies of herbicide response to inform management. In the short term, we have developed an online interface for managers to find information on the geographic distribution and herbicide response of watermilfoil strains (MilfoilMapper). A longer-term goal of this research is to identify the specific genes involved in traits (e.g., herbicide response) to develop rapid genetic assays to inform management decisions. We will illustrate our approach to identifying genes involved in herbicide response, and present results for fluridone resistance in two strains.
Register here for the event.

Itasca Waters 2025 “Practical Water Wisdom” - Beaver Dams, Ponds, and Effects
2025-04-03 12:00 - 13:00
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 two upcoming topics:

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.

Special seminar – Using the DNR petition process to regulate wake surfing on your lake
2025-04-16 09:00 - 10:00
Surf boats are here and more are coming. Wondering what you can do about enhanced wake activities damaging your lake?
Join our special 1-hour Zoom seminar on April 16 at 9 am CT to understand how to create an approved ordinance regulating enhanced wake activities using the MN DNR’s petition process.
Register here today!

MN COLA and SafeWakes for Minnesota Lakes have joined together to provide you with an option that may be possible for your lake.
Chuck Becker and Steve Frawley from SafeWakes have done the research and want to share it with you.
During the Q&A session, Chuck and Steve will be joined by the Caribou Lake Association president who successfully navigated the DNR petition process resulting in an approved ordinance regulating wake surfing activity.

Itasca Waters 2025 “Practical Water Wisdom" - Climate Change Effects on Fisheries
2025-05-01 12:00 - 13:00
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.
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.

Protect wild rice by removing rusty crayfish – May 1
2025-05-01 12:00 - 13:00
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. Register now!
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.

What Lies Beneath: Detecting Invasive Plants in Michigan Lakes (May 28 - virtual)
2025-05-06 08:00 - 17:00
Often, invasive aquatic plants exist unseen, lurking and spreading below the waterline until they’ve grown into a major problem. Fortunately, a trained eye can find these invaders before they wreak havoc. Join Erick Elgin and Jo Latimore from Michigan State University Extension as they reveal the training and tools available to help volunteers detect and track these underwater invaders. Hear firsthand from dedicated volunteers who have made surprising discoveries in the lakes they cherish. Whether you’re a seasoned lake steward or just getting started, this webinar will inspire you to take a closer look beneath the surface!
Note: This program is equally applicable for Minnesota’s lakes.
The one-hour virtual session starts at 8 am CT. Registration is required. Use this registration link.
This free, webinar is part of Michigan NotMISpecies series. Check out their previous sessions.

AIS Detectors training (May and June)
2025-05-16 08:00 - 2025-06-13 17:00
The AIS Detectors Core Course is an introduction to aquatic invasive species (AIS) science, identification, and surveillance. You will learn how to identify and report invasive species, best practices for preventing the spread of AIS, relevant rules and regulations, and how to search for AIS on your own.
There are several sessions available including:
May 16 – Brainerd
June 3 and 4 – virtual session
June 13 – Meeker County
Registration is required. This registration link includes more details about the sessions.
Please note that the Brainerd and virtual sessions have fees between $150 and $220. The Meeker County session is underwritten by the Meeker County AIS Program.

WAPOA's 9th Annual AIS Roundtable
2025-05-31 08:30 - 12:00
Explore the latest research on starry stonewort, zebra mussels’ impact on fish mercury levels, eDNA for volunteer AIS surveillance, and machine learning-driven boater movement modeling. Plus, discover new strategies for restoring native plant communities after invasive species removal, paving the way for more resilient lakes.
The Whitefish Area Property Owners Association (WAPOA) is again hosting its annual AIS Roundtable on Saturday, May 31st at 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.
It’s free, but you must register. The event will be held at:
Crosslake Lutheran Church
35960 Co Rd 66
Crosslake, MN 56442
Speakers include:
Dr. Nick Phelps/ MAISRC
Dr. Nick Phelps studies emerging threats to aquatic systems at both the macro and microbial
scales in the fields of fish health and aquatic invasive species, which lie at the intersection of
animals, humans and the environment. His goal is to identify threats, understand risks, and
ultimately develop long-term evidence-based management solutions to balance the needs of
all relevant stakeholders.
Denver Link/U of MN,
Denver Link is a research scientist at the University of Minnesota working with Dr. Gretchen
Hansen. His past research has focused on how invasive species, particularly zebra mussels, alter
aquatic food webs and fish mercury concentrations. He has a broader interest in understanding
how freshwater systems respond to environmental changes. He earned his M.S. in the Hansen
Lab and enjoys applying both field and quantitative approaches to address threats to aquatic
systems.
Abha Panda/U of MN
Abha Panda is a Ph.D. candidate working in Dr. Dan Larkin’s lab in the Conservation Sciences
program. She received her B.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Michigan and
has previously held research and communications roles related to water resources and
environmental justice. Abha’s current research focuses on actively restoring native plant
communities following invasive plant management in lakes as a means to build more invader resistant
plant communities. Outside of work she enjoys reading, biking, and spending time
exploring Minnesota’s natural wonders!
Molly Tilsen/ U of MN
Molly I. Tilsen is a University of Minnesota Water Resources Science master’s student. Her
research focuses on AIS spread and prevention, leveraging her background in aquatic ecology,
statistical modeling, data management, and human dimensions. By combining machine
learning with insights from infectious disease research, she is developing modeled networks of
boater movements to enhance decision support for AIS management in Minnesota.

Lake Stewardship Symposium (May 31 - Ottertail)
2025-05-31 09:00 - 15:00
The symposium targets issues that are top of mind for lake property owners, including:

AIS prevention
2025 Minnesota Legislative session
Vacation lake home rentals (VRBOs)
Shoreline restoration opportunities
Updates from Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC)
Updates from various lake organizations and regional coalitions of lake associations.

The Otter Tail County Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force and the Otter Tail County Coalition of Lake Associations (OTC COLA) are sponsoring the Lake Stewardship Symposium.
This free symposium on May 31st runs from 9 to 3 and will be held at Thumper Pond Resort. Lunch is included.
Registration is required. Use this registration link.

Midwest Beaver Summit 2025 (June 5 – virtual & Skokie, IL)
2025-06-05 10:00 - 16:00
If you are gnawing for more insights into beavers after the fascinating presentation at the March MN COLA meeting, check out the Midwest Beaver Summit 2025. This hybrid session can be attended on person and virtually. There are lots of presentations along with break-out sessions and local walks with experts. And our own Minnesota researcher Dr. Emily Fairfax is one of the presenters.
The costs depend on the options you choose when registering. Read more and register using this link to the Midwest Beaver Summit 2025.

Septic Health Check: A Deep Dive into Inspections & Maintenance (June 5 – Virtual)
2025-06-05 13:00 - 14:00
Northwoods Excavating, a family-owned and operated business from Balsam, MN will be conducting an inspection of a septic system in Itasca County, highlighting the key aspects they assess as septic inspectors. Individual septic systems often provide superior waste treatment compared to municipal treatment plants, thereby ensuring that the water returned to the environment is safe for both humans and wildlife. Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the longevity of a septic system.
This one-hour session starts at noon CT. Registration is required. Use this registration link.
This free, virtual session is part of the Itasca County Practical Water Wisdom series. Check out their previous sessions.

MN COLA Annual Membership Meeting
2025-06-17 09:00 - 11:00
MN COLA’s Annual meeting is coming up soon, and besides electing Board Members, we will have 2 key topics:

Strategies for continuing to provide AIS prevention with potential funding cuts.

No matter what happens in the 2025 Legislative session and/or any special sessions to achieve a budget, we need to consider how to protect the lakes and rivers when funding is at risk. Some strategies will take time to put in place and there is no better time to start preparing than now.

An update on state of the market approaches for AIS control and keeping the water healthy.

As science provides more options to control AIS infestations and water quality problems, we thought it was appropriate to highlight the best approaches that are being used today.
Register today and join us for this informative and interesting session. Here is the registration link.
Be sure to look for an email from Zoom after you register that includes the meeting link… and save it!

Digging in: Michigan’s Unconventional Response to Hydrilla (June 25 - virtual)
2025-06-25 08:00 - 09:00
Hydrilla is known as one of the most difficult aquatic invasive plants to control. When it was found for the first time in Michigan in September 2023, the Michigan Invasive Species Program chose to take decisive action to eradicate it. Project lead Billy Keiper of EGLE’s Water Resources Division will walk through the response effort from detection to the recent excavation of two private ponds. Learn why and how this extraordinary effort was undertaken and the deliberation, planning and cooperation that made it possible.
The one-hour virtual session starts at 8 am CT. Registration is required. Use this registration link.
This free, webinar is part of Michigan NotMISpecies series. Check out their previous sessions.

Biology and Management of Starry Stonewort (July 10 – virtual)
2025-07-10 12:00 - 13:00
Dr. Dan Larkin, from the University of Minnesota will talk about the history of starry stonewort in North America and Minnesota, what we know about factors that influence its spread, its impacts to native aquatic plant communities, and control methods and outcomes.
Dr. Larkin is a Professor & Extension Specialist in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and a Fellow with the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC). He and his research team work on applied challenges in invasive species management and ecological restoration in lakes, wetlands, and terrestrial habitats. Through his extension program, he trains volunteers and professionals to support invasive species response and ecological restoration efforts.
The one-hour session starts at noon CT, and registration is required. Here is the registration link.
This free, virtual session is part of the Itasca County Practical Water Wisdom series. Check out their previous sessions.

How Low Can We Go? Zebra Mussel Control with Low-Dose Copper Treatments (July 17 - virtual)
2025-07-17 13:00 - 14:00
The USGS and MAISRC have been researching alternative strategies for invasive mussel population control using copper concentrations around 10% of the labelled maximum dose. The research has included two bay-wide treatments in Lake Minnetonka with the goal to reduce settlement of larval mussels thereby reducing recruitment and total population. Research included multi-year monitoring of the zebra mussel population and non-target communities. They also looked at seasonal trends of copper sensitivity in zebra mussels to identify ideal treatment periods. These projects also included public engagement and involvement in part to better gauge stakeholder interests regarding invasive mussel control objectives. The findings highlight potential methods for invasive mussel control alternative to the popular “eradication or bust” strategies.
The session starts at 1 pm CT. It is free, but registration is required. Use this registration link.

MN COLA Quarterly Membership Meeting - 10-11am cdt
2025-09-16 09:00 - 11:00
It’s all about wakes at our MN COLA September membership meeting.
That said, this meeting will be a bit different. It will still be on September 16th on Zoom, but because of a special program at Minnesota Public Radio, our meeting will only be 1 hour long, from 10 to 11 am CT.
At 9 am CT, we will ask that you all tune into your local MPR station or stream it at mpr.org to hear a special session hosted by Kirsti Marohn with Jeff Marr and Andy Riesgraf from the University of Minnesota’s St Anthony Falls Laboratory to talk about the recently released Phase 2 report. Click here to find your local MPR radio station.
Then at 10 am CT, jump onto our Zoom link for the MN COLA meeting. Our meeting will continue the dialog about wakes starting with some context setting from Chuck Becker and following up with Scott Rolfs from Wisconsin’s Lakes at Stake organization talking about their efforts to build a broad-based coalition across various lake users. Multiple organizations from across the state, singing with one voice, will be more powerful than we are today and we hope to learn a lot from Scott.
Register today for this important, informative, and interesting session.
Everyone is welcome to attend, so feel free to forward this meeting information

Chemical Contaminants in Lake Superior - October 7
2025-10-07 13:00 - 14:00
Photo: MN Sea Grant
Webinar attendees will learn the status and trends of toxic chemicals in Lake Superior and how Canada and the U.S. use key indicators to help assess the lake’s health. The webinar will also explore how PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” are transported through the atmosphere and deposited into the water. Also, learn how herring gull eggs have contributed to the understanding of chemical pollutants in the Lake Superior ecosystem.
This webinar is part of the Let’s Talk Lake Superior! webinar series hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Canada Water Agency.
This webinar is on October 7, 2025, at 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. CT. It is available at no cost and is recommended for anyone passionate about the Great Lakes. Registration is required.
Click here for more information

2025 AIS Research and Management Showcase - October 9
2025-10-09 07:45 - 17:00
The University of Minnesota AIS Research and Management Showcase is an annual event that highlights the latest MAISRC research, innovations, and strategies for managing aquatic invasive species in Minnesota. This one-day showcase on October 9th provides a platform for scientists, natural resource managers, and the public to learn about cutting-edge research, engage in discussions, and collaborate on efforts to prevent and control AIS. Attendees can participate in presentations, demonstrations, and tour MAISRC’s containment lab to see some research projects up close.
Click here for more information including the agenda and presentations.
Registration is required. There is a $50 fee for the Showcase, but discount codes are available on the registration page. The event is 7:45am – 5:00pm CT.

Harmful Algal Bloom Research in Northeast Minnesota - October 14
2025-10-14 12:00 - 13:00
Harmful algal blooms are becoming more common across northeastern Minnesota, showing up in waters from remote inland lakes to the vast expanse of Lake Superior. Some produce toxins that can be dangerous to people, pets, and wildlife. Researchers across the region are working to understand better where and why HABs occur and what that might mean for Minnesota waters and communities. Topics include: HABs in northern lakes, HABs in Lake Superior, and Community science for clean water.
This webinar is part of the Twin Ports Climate Conversation series hosted by Minnesota Sea Grant.
This webinar is on October 14, 2025, at 12:00 – 1:00 pm CT. It is available at no cost. Registration is required.
Click here for more information

Smart maps, stronger conservation: Targeting land protection with GIS - October 25
2025-10-21 13:00 - 14:00
The Northern Waters Land Trust will be presenting on their project, which developed an interactive GIS mapping tool to identify and prioritize land protection projects within the watersheds of Lakes of Outstanding Biological Significance (LOBS). Each parcel within these sensitive watersheds was systematically scored to determine conservation priority.
This webinar is part of the Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership Lake Conservation webinar series. Paul Radomski, Mitch Brinks, Annie Knight and Ally Mazurek will be presenting.
This webinar is on October 21, 2025, at 1 pm CT. It is available at no cost. Registration is required.

Mystery Snail Impacts on Lake Ecosystems - November 6
2025-11-06 12:00 - 13:00
Sometimes the smallest organisms can have surprising impacts. This presentation will focus on invasive mystery snail impacts to continental North America and will include information on three invasive mystery snails: Chinese mystery snails, Japanese mystery snails, and banded mystery snails. This event will also explore potential mechanisms for continued mystery snail dispersal and what can be done to stop the spread.
This webinar is part of the Itasca Water Wisdom online webinar series, co-sponsored by Minnesota Sea Grant.
This webinar is on November 6, 2025, at 12 – 1 pm CT. It is available at no cost. Registration is required.
Click here for more information

MN COLA December Membership Meeting - December 9
2025-12-09 09:00 - 11:00
The December quarterly Membership meeting will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, December 9th at 9-11 AM CT. We have three important items for discussion:

Jeff Forester, MN Lakes and Rivers Advocates, will provide a preview of the 2026 Legislative session including an overview of their strategy to help retain the annual distribution of the $10 million in AIS Prevention Aid.
Finally! The MN boat wrap recycling program has begun. Sarah Bonvallet is heading the recycling program and will present early steps that are underway.
One lake association is using software designed for homeowner’s associations to streamline much of the work related to member dues, communications, accounting, document storage, and more. Margrette Newhouse is the Treasurer of the Christmas Lake Homeowner’s Association. She will discuss the software package and how the Association is benefitting.

Register here for the meeting.

Introduction to Lakes Online course - begins January 20, 2026
2026-01-26 08:00 - 2026-03-27 17:00
Registration for the award-winning Michigan State University Extension Introduction to Lakes Online course is now open! MN COLA’s Jim Kutzner took this on-line course 4 years ago and thought it was highly valuable and completely relevant to Minnesota Lakes.
This six-week online course kicks off January 20th 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 27, 2026, at 5 pm ET. The cost of the course is $115 per person. An early-bird rate of $95 is available if you register by January 5, 2026.
Click here for more information.

Shallow Lakes: Deep Insights into Management Challenges
2026-02-03 08:00 - 16:00
For this late-winter, full-day event, we bring together a group of lake management experts to present research, case studies, regulatory overviews, and lessons-learned on specific lake management topics. We leave lots of time for informal discussions and networking as well.
Come join us and help to advance lake management in Minnesota by learning from others and sharing your own knowledge and experiences.
Registration for our annual symposium typically opens in early January. If you are not yet ready to become a member, but want to be notified about MLMS events, add yourself to our contact list. You can unsubscribe at any time.

What Lakes do in Winter
2026-02-05 12:00 - 13:00
For many years, lake researchers focused mostly on open-water seasons, leaving the ice-covered months relatively understudied. Today, growing concern about rapidly changing winter conditions has led to a surge of interest in lake winter ecology. In this presentation, Dr. Ted Ozersky from the U of MN – Duluth, will explore what scientists are discovering about the physics, chemistry, and biology of lakes during winter—and what these shifting winter patterns could mean for lake health and the vital ecosystem services lakes provide.
This free webinar is from noon to 1 pm on February 5. Register here.

Minnesota Ice-Out
2026-02-19 12:00 - 13:00
So, this is a different kind of ICE Out than what’s been in the news.
John Downing of Minnesota Sea Grant will present his 2026 ice-out forecasts and show you how you can win your ice-out pool for your favorite lake. Minnesota Sea Grant’s Ice-Out Clock yielded accurate ice-out forecasts for 2024 and 2025. This year, the models are improved and now give forecasts for any lake you choose. The new models consider snow, latitude, how big the lake is, cumulative cold and cumulative thawing. Tune in so you can plan when to put the boat in the water.
This free webinar is from noon to 1 pm on February 19. Register here.

Strategies for Recreational ﻿Watercraft Governance
2026-03-05 12:00 - 13:00
This practical webinar will be exploring why and how boat traffic is legally managed on lakes and rivers—and what that means for communities, recreation, and water protection. A panel featuring a water- and coastal-law attorney, a boat-traffic enforcement officer, and the director of a public-interest organization that helps people navigate lake and river issues will explain the legal foundations for restrictions, real-world safety and enforcement considerations, and how communities can balance recreation, property rights, and environmental protection. Ideal for lake residents, local officials, lake associations, and anyone interested in fair, effective watercraft management.
Panelists include Terra Bowling from the National Sea Grant Law Center, Jeff Forester from Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates, and Matt Miller, a Conservation Officer with the Marine Unit of the Minnesota DNR.
This free webinar is from noon to 1 pm on March 5. Register here.
