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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're a year-round resident, seasonal property owner, visitor, angler, boater, or paddler, small actions can make a meaningful difference in protecting the waters and landscapes we share.

We're proud to partner with local experts and concerned citizens to connect people with practical ways to understand and care for the lakes and natural resources that make this region special.

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Aquatic Invasive Species: Know the Impact and Stop the Spread
Current Threats, Future Risks & Prevention
Jessmyn Foley - DNR Regional Watercraft Inspection Supervisor

Amy Stoneking & Jessica Shea - 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 particularly starry stonewort, how they spread, their impacts on recreation, human health, wildlife, water quality.

We will discuss the DNR AIS prevention programs and give some knowledge to property owners about what they can do with their own watercraft and water-related equipment as well as the watercraft inspection efforts on the Whitefish Chain.

We'll also explore how Crow Wing County AIS prevention and management programs work, how changing funding may affect future efforts, and why community awareness and volunteer involvement matter more than ever.

 

Shoreline Restoration: Small Changes, Big Impact
Kristie Roedl - WAPOA Shoreline Restoration

Discover how natural shorelines reduce erosion, improve water quality, and support fish and wildlife habitat. 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, and explore simple stewardship practices that help preserve this ecosystem for future generations.

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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 it matters, and how lake health impacts recreation, wildlife habitat, and property values.  Learn how everyone can take practical actions that make a big impact.

 

AIS Volunteer Early Detection Program
Tony Truschel & Shannon Watters - Certified AIS Detectors, WAPOA

Learn how trained volunteers help monitor area lakes for new aquatic invasive species before they take hold. See and feel Starry Stonewort and learn how it impacts water quality, wildlife, recreation and the overall health of our lakes. We will discuss the program, training opportunities, and ways residents can get involved.

 

Questions, Resources & Informal Discussion

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

For those interested in sharpening their Early Detection skills or become a volunteer, we will have additional time available for starting the training or continuing with training to help all participants become successful.

 

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