SMILES ON OUR FACES, WATER IN OUR KAYAKS, AND THRILLING STORIES TO SHARE
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On a beautiful summer afternoon, I nervously squeezed my kayak paddle a little too tightly as my fellow paddlers and I gathered at the top of the rapids. For a couple of us, it was our first time kayaking this restored stretch of the Minnesota River since the Minnesota Falls Dam had been removed. We were both apprehensive and very excited.
For two in the group, it was their second time on this stretch of the Minnesota River, and they were the ones that had pushed us to try this route. Their stories about discovering new favorite spots along the river inspired me. I admired their adventurousness, and the way they had taken to exploring this natural playground like fish to water.
All the same, though I had photographed and recorded the progress of the removal of Minnesota Falls Dam 2 years ago, I had never had the guts to actually get in the water along this stretch. The dam's removal had brought back the river's historic rapids, and as we now dilly-dallied at the top of the run, I tried to control my mini-panic attacks.
Yet my friends guided me on, and each of us paddled our way through to the cheers of everyone else. We all made it through safely with smiles on our faces, water in our kayaks, and thrilling stories to share.
Over the summer, my two daring friends continued to share their favorite paddling spots on the Minnesota River with others. For all of us that experienced a new place to kayak, we left with stories and the desire to bring someone new to that spot.
CURE's work protects favorite spots in nature that you can share with friends and family. Working together, we can protect the rivers, lakes, and prairies that we love. Help us move Minnesota toward a future with clean water, clean air, and healthy ecosystems. We depend on your support.
Thank you,
Sarina Otaibi
Director of Communications and Engagement
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Article by Tony Kennedy , Star Tribune.
In the headwaters of the Lac qui Parle River, a small town and its neighbors have invested millions to clean up Lake Hendricks. This investment in natural resources has helped to revitalize the town, bringing in new residents and further funds for infrastructure development.
All of this is threatened, however, by a 4,000-cow dairy proposed just across the boarder in South Dakota. Citizens on both side of the border are worried about the impact this CAFO will have on their lake, and therefore, their community.
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OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE
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The Minnesota Public Drainage Manual has no regulatory standing, but it is widely used by practitioners throughout the state--and it hasn't been updated in more than 20 years. So the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is kicking off a 18-month revision process this December by holding three Stakeholder Focus Groups. This presents an opportunity for us to--among other things--encourage BWSR to include a chapter on drainage best management practices, something that is sorely missing from the current manual.
- For more information about the Stakeholder Focus Groups, click here.
- For more information about Drainage and BWSR, click here.
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Timelapse: Xcel Energy's Minnesota Falls Dam Removal Project
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Two years ago this month, the Minnesota Falls Dam removal project by Xcel Energy commenced. For many people, it has been both apprehensive and exciting to watch this restored section of the Minnesota transform over time.
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Date: Saturday, January 24th from 12:30 to 3 PM Location: Meet at the Yellow Medicine Museum parking lot at 12:30 PM and will carpool Fee: CURE members free and public $5
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IN THE NEWS...
Climate . Energy
Water . Agriculture
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CURE
117 South 1st Street Montevideo, Minnesota 56265
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