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Water

Water shortages and problems around Minnesota — and the country — have many wondering what is the true cost of clean and reliable water. This reporting is supported in part by The Water Main, a project of American Public Media.

Authorities investigating source of two sheens spotted on Mississippi River

Authorities investigating source of two sheens spotted on Mississippi River

State and local agencies are investigating the source of a substance that left a two-mile long sheen on the Mississippi River on Tuesday between Coon Rapids and Fridley. A second, smaller sheen was detected Wednesday.
by Dan Kraker

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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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Water treaty between Mexico and U.S. faces biggest test in 80 years

Water treaty between Mexico and U.S. faces biggest test in 80 years

The water-sharing systems between Mexico and the U.S. are facing one of the biggest tests in their 80-year history after Mexico has fallen behind on billions of gallons of water deliveries.
by Bria Suggs

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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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Unchecked development, lax regulation push Minnesota lakeshores to the edge

Unchecked development, lax regulation push Minnesota lakeshores to the edge

Development has destroyed nearly half the natural shorelines that help protect Minnesota lakes from erosion and pollution. Reversing that means convincing people that their vision of beauty is killing the thing they love.
by Kirsti Marohn

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Protecting Minnesota’s vanishing natural shorelines

Protecting Minnesota’s vanishing natural shorelines

Many Minnesota lakes are in trouble. Nearly half of our state’s natural shorelines have been lost. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about how to prevent shoreline erosion on the lakes we love.
by Angela Davis and Cari Dwyer

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New North Shore preserve protects rare wetlands and geology

New North Shore preserve protects rare wetlands and geology

The 25-acre Icelandite Coastal Fen Scientific and Natural Area along the North Shore of Lake Superior protects a rare coastal wetland and a unique kind of volcanic rock.
by Dan Kraker

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Restored tribal land ends uncertainty for a family living on Mille Lacs Lake

Restored tribal land ends uncertainty for a family living on Mille Lacs Lake

Members of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe say they have lived on the same parcel of land on the southside of Mille Lacs Lake since before it was claimed by the state for the school trust. This year the state passed legislation restoring the small parcel to the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
by Melissa Olson

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