ABOUT US

The Crow Wing County LARA represents the interests of over twenty dues-paying lake and river associations in Crow Wing County. Because of the work we do in support of water quality throughout our county, we also represent the interests of those lake and river groups that are not members of LARA. We especially try to give a voice to those smaller lake associations with little money and little political power.

We work with local residents on planning and zoning and development issues; advocate on lake issues to local lawmakers and county commissioners; support the state-wide advocacy organization Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates (MLR); and manage the CWEPA Fund and award grants from the fund for worthy projects in Crow Wing County. Above all, our goal is represent the interests of our members at the county and local levels of government to have a positive impact on the water quality in Crow Wing County. 

Our Vision

The Crow Wing County LARA will work to preserve and enhance the quality of Crow Wing County’s lakes, rivers, wetlands, and groundwater.

Our Mission

Our mission is to: 

• Represent the interests of our members to the county, regional, state, and federal levels of government. 
• Promote educational opportunities for member associations. 
• Provide organizational support to existing and emerging lake and river associations. 

2024 Board of Directors

The Crow Wing LARA Board of directors are made up of volunteers representing a variety of Crow Wing County Lake and River organizations. Three non-voting, ex-officio positions are filled by natural resources professionals from the area. LARA board members are all volunteers with busy lives, but are passionate about doing what is good for our members and what is good for our county’s public waters. 

Tony Coffey, President (Whitefish Chain of Lakes)
Open Position, Vice President
Dave Peterson, Sercretary (Lake Ossawinnamakee)
Jodi Billy, Treasurer (Pelican Lakes)
Nick Bernier, Director (Mission Lakes)
​Carrie Ruud, Director (Pelican Lakes, former MN Legislator)
Alan Albrecht, Director (North Long Lake)
Mike Bosquez, Director (Lower South Long Lake)
Sarah Fogderud, ex-officio (A.W. Research Laboratories)
Open Position, ex-officio
Open Position, ex-officio

There are currently open positions on our board of directors. If you are passionate about Crow Wing County's lakes and rivers and like meeting with others who share the same passion, please let us know! We'd love to have you join our board. The time commitment is minimal and we typically meet at local breweries!

To apply for a board position please email us at [email protected]