“What we really need is to establish an ethic of clean water practices.” I urge you, and I ask you, to spend today establishing our ethic: that clean water practices are every Minnesotan’s responsibility. That anything less is unacceptable. And that it’s achievable if all of us do our part.”– Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, Water […]
Clean Water is the Responsibility of Every Minnesotan Read More »
The purpose of the Water Walks is to draw attention to the river’s contamination and at the same time, honor the water as a living being. “The Walks are extended ceremonies for the water led by Indigenous peoples,” states Day.
“The Governor needs our help to move the needle on water,” said Duane Ninneman, CURE Executive Director. “Shining a light on the polluters and obstructionists is paramount for us in 2016. We will prioritize our focus on addressing pollution to our state’s surface waters and groundwater, squarely targeting the greatest contributors to water degradation and aquifer depletion in the Minnesota River Basin: unsustainable land use and unsustainable agriculture practices.”
Act on Minnesota Water Read More »
In August, CURE received a call from a landowner in Sacred Heart South Township, Renville County. He was one of four residents notified by the Renville County Board of Adjustment and Appeals that a public hearing had been scheduled to consider a variance request to re-open a Duininck Inc. gravel mine.
CURE Responds to Help Local Residents; Small Victories Follow Read More »
For nearly two years, CURE has developed curriculum in watershed education and exploring ways to disseminate those resources. With 12 Major Watersheds in the Minnesota River Basin, and a total of 81 watersheds state wide…
Watershed Academy 101: The Upstream Impacts on Downstream Outcomes Read More »
The Minnesota River in Granite Falls, MN, is the site for a recently funded study to determine whether a whitewater park would be feasible for a 3-mile stretch beginning at the Granite Falls Dam and ending downstream at the Minnesota Falls rapids. On Monday, September 21st, the Granite Falls City Council unanimously voted to match
Minnesota River in Granite Falls is Site for Whitewater Park Study Read More »
About three weeks ago, CURE received a call from a landowner because he and three of his neighbors had been notified of a public hearing regarding a variance request from Duininck Inc.: the company wanted to mine gravel less than 500 feet from the Minnesota River. While there were already pits in place from the
Citizen Engagement at Public Hearing Shuts Down Mining Proposal Read More »
The MPCA Citizens’ Board may yet live, as the Governor’s Committee to Advise the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. As you may remember, the 2015 legislative session ended in near chaos. Post by Ariel Herrod, Water Program Coordinator.
Legislative and Gubernatorial Stubbornness Pay Off Read More »
As slimy green algal sludge started to overtake our waterways for the summer, a news piece with a bold headline took Minnesota by storm.
It’s True: Big Ag is conquering Minnesota like a noxious, unkillable weed! Read More »
Conservationists keeping an eye on the 2015 Minnesota Legislative Session witnessed an ugly series of train wrecks as environmental safeguard after environmental safeguard came under attack. This was particularly difficult for out-state conservationists, as they watched their elected officials make one bad policy move after another.
2015 End of Session Update: Dayton continues to be a water champion Read More »
Kelsey Olson (she/her) joined CURE in 2025 as its Director of Environmental Stewardship. As a skilled environmental naturalist, Kelsey’s work focuses broadly on environmental education and advocacy with a keen focus on rural land use and how that use impacts our environment and climate. Working Lands, how land is used to support agriculture and forestry, is a key focus of her work. She brings 15 years’ experience in public communication, environmental education, and rural community engagement – strong communication strategies are core in her work. This includes two terms of service with AmeriCorps in the VISTA program in Oregon and Maryland and a nearly 10-year career as a naturalist followed. She recently worked on communications and marketing for rural economic development.
Kelsey lives in New London, MN, with her young children, husband, dog, and two cats. They enjoy spending time together outside and finding small treasures in nature. Visits to Minneapolis often include visits to one of their favorite historical museums, the American Swedish Institute. Kelsey enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, canning local produce, and making kombucha.
