We're a community of communities united by a shared passion for the future of Lake of the Woods.  If you love the Lake of the Woods and share our passion about this majestic lake, please join us.

The Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation emerged from the collective passion of people who wanted to make sure that the water quality of Lake of the Woods is sustained for current and future generations to come.  The Foundation was established as a registered charity in 2005 by a broadly based group of stakeholders committed to protecting and restoring the water quality on the Lake of the Woods.

Mission

The Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation is dedicated to the understanding, enhancement and protection of the health and sustainability of the water quality of the Lake of the Woods basin.

Objectives

1. To develop a water quality sustainability plan that will ensure the long term viability of the Lake of the Woods basin.
2. To encourage and provide financial support for research focused on understanding water quality issues affecting the Lake of the Woods basin.
3. Develop community and government policy support bi-nationally for cooperative action to protect and sustain Lake of the Woods.

Priorities for 2011-2012

Policy and Advocacy

1. Completing the International Joint Commission Reference Initiative to:

   • Establish an IJC International Watershed Board with comprehensive pollution authorities for Lake of the Woods.

   • Develop international water quality objectives for Lake of the Woods.

2. Supporting the development of the International Multi-Agency Working Arrangement (IMA)

   • The Foundation helped form this international arrangement for cooperation on research and management actions focused on reducing nutrient pollution and algae blooms, signed by seven government agencies, the Foundation and one American Tribe.

   • The Foundation will continue to foster and support the development of the IMA and potential integration into a future IJC International Watershed Board.

Research

1. Continuing the International Lake of the Woods Water Quality Forum

   • The Foundation will host the 9^th annual Forum, March 7-8, 2012 in International Falls, MN.

   • The Forum continues to be an important incubator for collaborative work and partnerships among government agencies, universities and citizen groups and continues to focus science and policy attention on our lake.

2. Establishing of a Science Advisory Board

   • To provide the Board of LOWWSF with independent scientific guidance on the design and results of its science programs and further build and solidify our position as a credible champion and advocate for the lake.

3. Supporting Research Partnerships
   
   Building and supporting research partnerships will continue to be an important role for the Foundation in the years to come. Planned for the next two years are:

   • An update to the State of the Basin Report to reflect information learned since this report was researched in 2007-2008. We are assembling a partnership with participant agencies of the IMA to start this work in 2012.

   • A study of historical nutrient loading from the Rainy River, its effects on current water quality on Lake of the Woods and potential remedial measures. This research is led by a partnership of researchers at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Ontario Ministry of Environment, Minnesota St. Croix River Watershed Research Station and the University of Minnesota at Duluth.

Communications

1. Continue to develop our  communications strategy to:

   • Work collaboratively with governments and agencies to build support for internationally coordinated action on Lake of the Woods.

   • Expand awareness about the water quality issue facing the Lake of the Woods watershed.

   • Further develop our base of followers and supporters more broadly with the general public of lake users.