Last fall, the IJC began a study to recommend new water quality and aquatic ecosystem health objectives and alert levels for our boundary waters like the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods. Objectives require international agreement (e.g., like the phosphorus objectives agreed to by Canada and the United States for the Great Lakes). Alert levels are trigger levels for the IJC to warn governments of potential problems, for substances or issues where there are no internationally agreed upon objectives.
Read more: Water Quality & Ecosystem Health Objectives Study – Update
On March 13-14, 2019 Lake of the Woods and its watershed went under the microscope at the International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Forum. Over 160 researchers and members of the public attended the symposium sessions, featuring 34 research presentations covering a wide range of topics, including studies of nutrients and algae, satellite remote sensing tools, water quality models, beavers, fish and more. There were dedicated sessions for the Canadian federal science projects on Lake of the Woods and Science at the IISD-Experimental Lakes Area.
Read more: Watershed Forum Highlights Science and Management Actions
Jesse Anderson of the Minnesotollution Control Agency Receives the Kallemeyn Award for Scientific Achievement
The Kallemeyn Award was presented to Jesse by the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation on behalf of the 160 researchers and resource managers from the United States and Canada attending the 2019 International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Forum in International Falls, MN.
Read more: Minnesota Scientist Honored at International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Forum
Wilson Stewardship Award Honors Achievements of the Vermilion Lake Association and the Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association
(International Falls, MN and Kenora, ON) March 13, 2019 – The Vermilion Lake Association and the Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association were each recipients of the 2019 Wilson Stewardship Award, recognizing their outstanding contributions to environmental stewardship in the Rainy-Lake of the Woods watershed.
The 2019 Wilson Awards were presented to each Association by the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation on behalf of the 160 researchers, resource managers and water stewards from the United States and Canada attending the 2019 International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Forum in International Falls, MN.
Read more: Lake Associations Honored at 2019 International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Forum
Nutrients from streams flowing into Rainy River and Lake of the Woods are being measured by Trent University researchers. This information will be used in watershed and lake models by ECCC to develop water quality objectives and targets for Lake of the Woods.
The Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board is developing recommendations for water quality and aquatic ecosystem health Objectives and Alerts (advisory triggers) for the Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed. Your input is needed. Opportunities to participate:
- Public Workshop March 12 from 4:30-6:30 pm in International Falls, MN
- An on-line webinar for those who are unable to attend the workshop
- A public workshop in Kenora, Ontario in summer 2019
To attend contact the Project Coordinator, Kelli Saunders at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (807) 548-8002 to secure a spot!
Lake of the Woods is back as a priority with the Government of Ontario.
Reducing phosphorus to combat blue-green algae is identified as an explicit priority in Ontario's new environmental plan, unveiled by Environment Minister Rod Phillips on November 29.
The Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation applauds the Ontario Government for its recognition and commitment to protect the quality of the Lake of the Woods by continuing to work with partners, on reducing phosphorus to combat toxic blue-green algae.
Read more: Ontario Environment Plan Targets Lake of the Woods Phosphorus
BUY A CROWLER or a GROWLER TODAY – BOCK A BEER, and support the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation…
The Lake of the Woods Brewing Company is donating $1.00 from every Crowler and/ or Growler of BOCK A BEER sold in the retail store, to assist the charitable aims of the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation. Crafty right?
This BOCK A BEER will not last long. Get it now and support the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation.
Many thanks to the Lake of the Woods Brewing Company for supporting the lake!