Over two dozen CURE members joined and supported the MNi Sota Nibi Walk from the headwaters at Big Stone Lake in Ortonville to the confluence at Fort Snelling on Pike Island. The 330 mile walk began on March 25th and concluded on Friday, April 1st. Water was taken from the headwaters and carried the entire […]
In February, CURE and Land Stewardship Project (LSP) came together to bring 70 of our members as clean water advocates to Governor Dayton’s Water Summit in St Paul. At the summit, the governor opened the day by naming the problem – degraded water as he observed it in several areas of the state. In his
Creating a Community-Based Minnesota Water Ethic Read More »
The CURE Board of Directors has chosen Brian Wojtalewicz of Appleton, Minnesota, as this year’s RiverKeeper.
Brian Wojtalewicz to Be Honored at CURE’s 24th Annual Meeting Read More »
“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.
Over 70 people, including students from Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) and the University of Minnesota, Morris, community leaders, farmers, local business members, gathered in a ballroom at SMSU on Wednesday evening, February 24th, to meet with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
Wind Energy Brings Significant Revenues to Southwest Minnesota Read More »
“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 »
CURE has championed renewable energy since the start of its Energy Program in 2005. We believe renewable energy should be accessible and affordable for all Minnesotans. This is where community solar can play a significant role – providing Minnesotans the opportunity to invest in locally owned renewable energy.
Community Solar is About Local Ownership 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 »
We joined the Minnesota contingent to COP21 for happy hour and dinner—legislators, educators, activists—some getting ready to go home, others, like us, just arrived, and feeling slightly lost but invigorated, despite jetlag. Blog Post by Athena Kildegaard, Board Member.
The Climate Change Meeting That Really Matters, Everyone Says So 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!
