We are Crow Wing County's coalition of Lake and River Associations

​​Promoting leadership and education that result in healthy ecosystems for present and future generations.

The Latest News

Governor Walz Proclaims July "Lakes Appreciation Month"
LARA and our 30+ member lake associations in Crow Wing County called on Governor Walz to pledge his support for lakes in the month of July 2021.  As a result, Governor Walz has declared July to be Lakes Appreciation Month in Minnesota!

The Governor's support sends a strong message about the importance of lakes, especially here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Lakes are part of our Minnesota identity, and provide vital benefits like clean drinking water, irrigation, flood reduction, food, habitat for animals and plants, recreational opportunities, and a serenity that affects every Minnesotan, along with every visitor to our state. The U.S. EPA's National Lake Assessment notes that poor near-shore habitat, too many nutrients, invasive plants and animals, overdevelopment of shorelines, and other pressures put our lakes at risk.  Despite these conditions, budgets have been cut in the very programs that protect our lakes.  We can all help by advocating for clean water initiatives and educating our association members and neighbors about the importance of preserving this unique resource in our state for future generations!​

Northland Arboretum Awarded 2021 CWEPA Funding
The Northland Arboretum is restoring an area of land to native prairie with a goal of attracting pollinators to the area and educating visitors about prairie ecosystems. The project has an added bonus of eliminating the invasive species in that area – including black locust, buckthorn and tansy. The project area is approximately 5 acres of unmaintained land that sits adjacent to the composting area and vegetable gardens. The Crow Wing LARA board awarded the Northland Arboretum $3,000 of CWEPA funding to assist with the purchase of native seed mixes to cover the restoration area. 

The CWEPA (Crow Wing Environment Protection Advised) Fund are grant dollars administrated by the Crow Wing LARA board of directors and are used to support environmental projects that lead to the protection, restoration, and preservation of natural resources and environmental assets within Crow Wing County. Approximately $3,000 per year is available to nonprofit or local government organizations wishing to complete an environmental project in Crow Wing County. If you are aware of any projects in Crow Wing County that might qualify for such funding, please contact us: crowwinglakesandrivers@gmail.com​

UPCOMING EVENTS

JUNE 8, 2021
LARA Board Meeting
3:30pm - Jack Pine Brewery