Minnesota agency plans to set new rules that critics say will allow degradation in water quality.
Minnesota Supreme Court hears arguments over Minntac’s wastewater pollution
“For twenty years, delaying compliance with state water law requirements has been U.S. Steel’s modus operandi,” the MPCA complained in its brief.
Reflecting on Water
A chorus of regional voices on fresh water accompany images by Andrew James Okey.
Great Lakes Estuaries
Estuaries in the Great Lakes are among the most productive, life-supporting and interesting environments on the planet.
Can we protect nature by giving it legal rights?
Communities are using “Rights of Nature” laws to defend waterways, species and other natural features from human threats.
Audible underwater worlds
A researcher records sounds under the surface of Minnesota lakes and hopes to learn whether humans are disturbing the lives of the denizens of the deep.
Confronting Great Lakes invaders
Mid-ocean ballast water exchange is working well to keep non-native aquatic organisms from invading the Great Lakes, but scientists are racing to find more secure solutions.
Battle over Manoomin
Tribal governments and the state of Minnesota offer competing plans for protecting wild rice.
Green Bay project promises answers for thorny questions about agricultural runoff
An experiment with before-and-after data could provide focused information about how well various practices work to reduce nutrient pollution of streams and lakes.
River of oil poses risks to Wild and Scenic watershed
Network of heavy crude pipelines criss-crosses northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, including the St. Croix River headwaters.