Big Sand Lake Association
committed to the preservation of Big Sand Lake
Big Sand Lake • Current News & Events
01/08/2025 - Minnesota Lakes and Rivers
Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, we at MLR remain energized by the momentum generated last year. Our mission remains steadfast: to build the civic imagination and infrastructure necessary at the local level to safeguard Minnesota’s lake heritage—lake by lake by lake.
2024 was a landmark year for MLR, marked by several legislative and programmatic achievements, including:
- Securing $385,000 to provide boat cleaning equipment at accesses infested with starry stonewort.
- Doubling the participation of member lake associations in the Lake Steward Program,
- Expanding the Homestead Tax Credit to further support lakefront property owners.
- Updating the inventory of public waters to include previously excluded water bodies,
- Increasing funding for the Lawns to Legumes program by $800,000 statewide,
- Extending a $3.82 million MAISRC grant to prioritize research-based solutions to mitigate aquatic invasive species until 2028.
- Launching a Boat Wrap Recycling program to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices.
- Supporting groundbreaking “First-in-the-Nation” legislation to fund research into rough fish ecology and draft regulations for their sustainable management.
As we look ahead to 2025, MLR remains focused on building upon these successes with new initiatives:
- Advocating for an increase in the AIS surcharge on three-year boat registrations to expand funding for Invasive Aquatic Plant Management (IAPM) grants.
- Updating legislative language to further promote shoreline protection and restoration.
- Adapting and expanding the Lake Steward program to engage urban communities.
- Strengthening our leadership network to address the spread of starry stonewort and other invasive species with best management practices.
- Growing MLR’s capacity through the Water Connects Us All fundraising campaign.
Additionally, if you like, you can get involved with the following events and activities.
AIS Webinar: Starry stonewort science, prevention, and management
https://umn.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OXSsp829QgWR01eQKvsURA#/registration
12/05/2024 - REMEMBER to be Ice Smart this season
12/05/2024 - Minnesota Lakes and Rivers
Some concerning information to be shared about eating Walleye and Perch from lakes that have been infested with Zebra Muscles.
MPRNEWS Study: Walleye in lakes with zebra mussels have higher mercury levels
ScienceDirect: Increased mercury concentrations in walleye and yellow perch
