By Merrill Piepkorn, North Dakota State Senator, District 44 — North Fargo Great River Energy is a Minnesota-based cooperative that serves 700,000 members through 28 electric cooperatives. The lignite coal burning Coal Creek Station electric generation plant near Washburn, N.D., has been one of Great River’s major sources of electricity since it began operating in […]
The future of coal is dim Read More »
Now that the warmer weather is here, Minnesotans want to get out and connect with nature. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, many are wondering if it is safe and what should they expect now that restrictions are being lifted for recreating and camping outdoors. Several agencies and collaborating partners have come together to provide support and
Connecting with the outdoors safely in Minnesota Read More »
As the legislative session wraps up it is important to take a moment and update you on the issues that impact the heart of the work we do at CURE. Despite the challenges of working through the session in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic – we made some forward progress. This work requires coordination
End of MN Legislative Session Update 2020 Read More »
A shortened version of this op-ed piece was originally published in the Minnesota Reformer. Last week, some state senators on the Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Legacy Finance Committee met to introduce a bill that revokes the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) authority to set standards for auto emissions. This specifically targets MPCA’s ability to adopt the
We want Clean Cars too! Read More »
Clean Cars Minnesota means reduced climate pollution from cars and trucks, healthier air across the state, more vehicle choice, saving money at the gas pump, and economic opportunities in rural Minnesota. Join CURE and let the MN Pollution Control Agency know— I want Minnesota to adopt a strong Clean Cars MN Standard! Adopting Clean Cars
Say YES to Clean Cars MN Read More »
Tallgrass Prairie BioBlitz 2019 Rhyan Schicker, CURE Board of Directors, Member-at-Large To wander through the prairie on a Saturday is already my idea of perfect, but nothing can beat walking through a prairie alongside a group of botanically talented people, overflowing with a passion for plants. The 2019 Tallgrass Bioblitz provided this opportunity, among many
Two views on connecting with nature this summer Read More »
To know the prairie is to love the prairie and at the 2019 Tallgrass Prairie BioBlitz on Saturday, June 22nd, 150 people from across the state got to know one of the largest prairie reserves in Minnesota a lot better. “We wanted people to learn more about the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, that it’s right HERE
“It’s right HERE” — Getting to know the Tallgrass Prairie at the 2019 BioBlitz Read More »
Rural electric cooperatives’ loyalty to coal is holding rural America back. That’s according to a new report authored by CURE, We Own It, and the Center for Rural Affairs. During the 1970s, the country’s electric co-ops made significant investments to build coal-burning power plants; this was done in the interest of providing low-cost electricity to
“Rural Electrification 2.0” is the path to a clean energy future Read More »
Ready to learn more about prairie species in your neighborhood? Are you a prairie enthusiast ready to share your knowledge and passion with others? Looking for a fun family day that also supports public lands? Join us for a BioBlitz in and around Big Stone Lake state park near Ortonville, MN! This year, in partnership
2019 Tallgrass Prairie BioBlitz Read More »
CURE has qualified for a $25,000 Small Cities Commercial Rehabilitation Grant that we’ll receive if we raise a $7,500 match. This match will help us with more than 50% of our renovation project. The To-Do-List includes replacing the front windows and doors, point-tucking the bricks on the lower level, resurfacing the upper level, recapping the
After 26 years CURE needs a “Nip & Tuck”! 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 Minnesota Swedish Institute. Kelsey enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, whether this is canning local produce, making kombucha, or other treats!
