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Trouble by the water: Minnesota's lakes under threat

Minnesota’s iconic lakes are facing serious environmental stress. In central Minnesota, half of the natural shoreline barriers that filter runoff and protect water quality have disappeared. In the north, even the remote Boundary Waters aren’t immune — mercury contamination is a growing concern. Kirsti Marohn, Dan Kraker and Aly Clary shed light on the risks to Minnesota’s most treasured waters — and explore how we might protect them before it’s too late.

Can genetic engineering turn the tide against Minnesota’s lake invaders?

Can genetic engineering turn the tide against Minnesota’s lake invaders?

Genetically modified organisms could become the newest recruits in Minnesota’s long and largely losing battle against invasive species. Researchers experimenting now know they’ll need to answer questions about safety.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Citizen sleuths use DNA traces to hunt for zebra mussels in Minnesota lakes

Citizen sleuths use DNA traces to hunt for zebra mussels in Minnesota lakes

A new tool built at the University of Minnesota can help detect the DNA of invasive species in lakes, giving officials more time to respond. Across Minnesota, volunteers are putting that science into action.
by Kirsti Marohn

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A Minnesota ‘lake killer’ surfaced 11 years ago. There’s still no long-term fix.

A Minnesota ‘lake killer’ surfaced 11 years ago. There’s still no long-term fix.

If caught early, starry stonewort is no longer considered a death sentence for lakes. Still, a decade after it was first discovered in Minnesota, it remains a costly problem with no permanent cure.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Many Minnesotans don’t value aquatic plants. The state’s lakes are paying a price.

Many Minnesotans don’t value aquatic plants. The state’s lakes are paying a price.

Native aquatic plants help keep lakes healthy, reduce erosion and are a safeguard against invasive species. Yet they get a bad rap as a nuisance, and property owners often remove them with chemicals or machines.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Beyond the surface: Scientists study how wake boats affect lake health

Beyond the surface: Scientists study how wake boats affect lake health

A new study shows wakesurfing boats can churn up lake bottoms, increase shoreline erosion and stir pollutants into the water. MPR News guest host Kirsti Marohn dives into the science and what it means for lake lovers. 
by Kirsti Marohn and Cari Dwyer

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Minnesota is armoring its shorelines with rocks, but lakes are paying a price

Minnesota is armoring its shorelines with rocks, but lakes are paying a price

Homeowners increasingly layer rocks on their shores to prevent lake shorelines from eroding. But experts say rock riprap increases pollution and warms lakes, creating conditions that spur algae blooms. And often, it’s not necessary.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Across northern Minnesota’s pristine lake country, mercury contamination is growing

Across northern Minnesota’s pristine lake country, mercury contamination is growing

Northern Minnesota's waters and wetlands offer ideal conditions for toxic mercury to thrive. It's a decadeslong problem that's slowly worsening. Experiments at the U using bioengineered minnows show promise, but there’s no easy fix.
by Dan Kraker

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In new U study, questions resurface over wakesurfing’s impact on Minnesota lakes

In new U study, questions resurface over wakesurfing’s impact on Minnesota lakes

Newly released University of Minnesota research finds wakesurfing in water that’s too shallow can damage lake quality. The study could revive calls for statewide restrictions and may churn the debate over the state’s changing lake culture.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Native plants, lots of patience: How a Stearns County couple restored a damaged lakeshore

Native plants, lots of patience: How a Stearns County couple restored a damaged lakeshore

Richard and Mary Gallea spent 20 years transforming their property on the Sauk River Chain of Lakes to a colorful native landscape. It’s helped to keep their lake clean. Here’s how they did it.
by Kirsti Marohn

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