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Welcome to Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation

Our Vision for the Lake of the Woods basin: majestic waters with sustainable ecological integrity supporting health, economies and beneficial uses for current and future generations. Our Mission: To ensure the ecological integrity of Lake of the Woods and its watershed by being a champion for the Lake and a trusted essential partner with all stakeholders.

November 9, 2023

Watershed Forum Info and Abstract Deadline Reminder

International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Forum
March 6–7, 2024, Minnesota North College - Rainy River campus, International Falls, MN.

Abstract deadline: December 15, 2023 see: Abstract Submission

Where to stay: AmericInn, International Falls. Group rate: $98 USD per night plus tax (reserve by February 24). For researvation details see: Where to Stay

Registration: Registration opesn January 4, 2024. Registration details, including cost will be available later this fall.

More Info? At the Foundation's website: www.lowwsf.com/watershed-forum

November 9, 2023

Call for Nominations: 2024 Kallemeyn Award and 2024 Wilson Stewardship Award

Nominations are now open for the:

2024 Kallemeyn Award recognizing professional achievement in research or resource management
2024 Wilson Stewardship Award, recognizing environmental stewardship

Nominations for both awards close December 15, 2023 - please get your nominations in early! Award presentation will be at the 2024 International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Forum, March 6–7, in International Falls, MN

October 11, 2023

2023 Lake of the Woods Fall Algae Bloom Most Severe Since the Early 2000s

The view from space is compelling and confirms what we have seen firsthand on Lake of the Woods at the end of September. The cyanobacterial bloom (aka blue-green algae) on Lake of the Woods is tracking towards being one of the most severe since 2002.

By late September, a massive bloom extended across 2,800 km² or 73% of the lake’s surface. The bloom was extremely intense with satellite-derived measures of chlorophyll-a concentrations exceeding 60 µg/L over most of the southern and middle basins of the lake.