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The lakes, rivers, forests, and natural spaces of the Brainerd Lakes Area and Pine River Watershed are more than scenic backdrops—they are the foundation of our recreation, communities, wildlife habitat, property values, and quality of life.

 

Whether you are a year-round resident, seasonal property owner, visitor, angler, boater, paddler, or simply someone who enjoys spending time outdoors, small actions can make a meaningful difference in protecting the waters and landscapes we all enjoy.

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We are proud to partner with local experts and concerned citizens alike to help connect people with practical ways to better understand and care for the lakes and natural resources that make this region so special.

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Water Quality: Why It Matters to Nature and Property Values

Shannon Watters

Broker/Realtor®, WAPOA Outreach, Certified AIS Detector, Master Naturalist, Master Water Steward

Learn what influences water quality, why clean water matters, and how lake health impacts recreation, wildlife habitat, and lakeshore property values. We'll explore the connection between water quality and long-term investment, as well as practical actions everyone can take to help protect our lakes.

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Shoreline Restoration: Small Changes, Big Impact

Kristie Roedl

WAPOA Shoreline Restoration

Discover how natural shorelines help reduce erosion, improve water quality, support fish and wildlife habitat, and protect the long-term health of our lakes. Learn practical restoration strategies and see examples of projects that make a measurable difference.

 

Loons, Wildlife & Good Lake Stewardship

Maddi Nistler

National Loon Center

Learn how lake health affects loons, fish, wildlife, and the experiences that draw people to the Brainerd Lakes Area. Explore simple stewardship practices that help preserve the beauty and ecological integrity of our lakes for future generations.

 

Understanding Property Boundaries Around the Dam and Dikes

Ellie Tabako

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Gain a better understanding of property boundaries, public lands, flowage easements, and common misconceptions surrounding shoreline ownership near the Crosslake Dam, dikes and surrounding waters.

 

Aquatic Invasive Species: Know the Impact and Stop the Spread

Current Threats, Future Risks & Prevention

Amy Stoneking

Crow Wing County Environmental Services

Camden Droppo

Minnesota DNR Invasive Species Specialist

​Learn about invasive species currently impacting Minnesota lakes, including zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, and starry stonewort. Discover how invasive species spread, the risks they pose to our lakes, and what each of us can do to help prevent their introduction and spread.

 

Curious About Helping Protect Our Lakes?

AIS Volunteer Early Detection Program

Shannon Watters & Tony Truschel

Certified Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Detectors, Whitefish Area Property Owners Association (WAPOA)

Learn how trained volunteers help monitor area lakes for new aquatic invasive species before they become established. This brief introduction will explain the program, training opportunities, and ways residents can contribute, if they choose.

No obligation to volunteer—simply learn about the program and decide whether it's right for you.

 

Questions, Resources & Informal Discussion

Meet the speakers, ask questions, gather resources, and learn about local organizations working to protect and enhance our lakes.

 

Hosted by

Whitefish Area Property Owners Association (WAPOA) & Watters Edge Realty Group

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Continue the Conversation

Interested in learning more:

• Caring for and Protecting your Property & Privacy

• Caring for Land & Water

• Aquatic Invasive Species & Water Quality

• Local Conservation Efforts

• Opportunities to Get Involved?

 

Visit our Protect & Connect resource center for trusted information, local partners, educational resources, and ways to help protect the lakes we all enjoy.

 

WAPOA is Making a Difference for Today and the Future

Healthy lakes don't happen by accident. For decades, WAPOA has been protecting water quality, preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, supporting lake stewardship, educating and preserving the natural beauty of the Pine River Watershed area.

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Explore how WAPOA's programs, research, education, and volunteer efforts are helping safeguard the lakes we all enjoy.

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