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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.

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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Reporter's Notebook: Covering the impact of rock riprap on Minnesota lakes

Reporter's Notebook: Covering the impact of rock riprap on Minnesota lakes

Kirsti Marohn has been reporting extensively on issues facing Minnesota lakes and joined Minnesota Now to share what she’s learned about rock riprap.
by Nina Moini, Kirsti Marohn and Aleesa Kuznetsov

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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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On Cross Lake, loons make the case for protecting Minnesota's wild shores

On Cross Lake, loons make the case for protecting Minnesota's wild shores

Environmental advocates are tapping into Minnesotans’ passion for loons to focus attention on how lake health and natural shorelines are vital for the survival of Minnesota’s beloved state bird.
by Kirsti Marohn

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10 key data points and graphs about loss of shoreline on Minnesota’s lakes

10 key data points and graphs about loss of shoreline on Minnesota’s lakes

Inspired by MPR News’ series, “Trouble by the water: Minnesota’s vanishing natural lakeshores?” This supplement goes deeper into the trends and data, including some county- and even lake-level data about Minnesota’s most beloved resource: our beautiful lakes.
by Elisabeth Gawthrop and Alyson Clary

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In NW Wisconsin, a county finds paying homeowners to keep shorelines natural pays off

In NW Wisconsin, a county finds paying homeowners to keep shorelines natural pays off

Advocates concerned about Minnesota’s vanishing wild shorelines often cite Burnett County’s success with a program that sends a check each year to property owners who follow its lakeshore rules. At Warner Lake, it’s helping keep the water clean.
by Kirsti Marohn

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‘Quit mowing’: Turning Minnesota lake homeowners into shoreline stewards, one lawn at a time

‘Quit mowing’: Turning Minnesota lake homeowners into shoreline stewards, one lawn at a time

A program born in the Brainerd Lakes Area to protect natural shorelines and curb pollution also wants to reset Minnesota’s lake culture. It’s led by property owners, including some who helped create the current environmental problems.
by Kirsti Marohn

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