New! Canada Water Agency Requests Feedback on National Freshwater Strategy
The Canada Water Agency is developing its first National Water Security Strategy and requesting input from residents. Please share your input to inform what the strategy should include. Freshwater Future developed suggestions that reflect long-term freshwater visions and priorities. The survey closes October 25, 2026. See our full talking points here.
New! Support Federal Wetlands & Streams Protections
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed another regulation that further guts the Clean Water Act and its critical streams and wetlands protections. This “supplemental” proposal would eliminate federal “Waters of the United States” protections for most streams that do not flow year-round and wetlands. Loss of these protections will mean increased local flooding, less recreational opportunities, and increased environmental pollution. Your voice is needed, please join Freshwater Future to stand up for our freshwater resources. Public comment is open until Friday, October 9th, 2026 – send a personalized comment to the U.S. EPA today!
Minnesota Cancels Corporation’s Long-Term Mineral Lease
Last Friday, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) canceled a mineral lease held by a foreign mining company, outside the Boundary Waters region.
The 50-year lease provided a cancellation option at year 36 if the company didn’t meet the requirements of the lease. After nearly a year-long review, the Minnesota DNR cancelled because the project did not meet performance and production requirements. The Minnesota Governor’s order to protect the Boundary Waters, and the enforcement of lease requirements are beneficial to the health of our waters. Thanks to all of you for speaking out and contributing to these wins.
Funding Available for Your Water Work – New Q&A Recording Available!
Freshwater Future’s Fall Project Grants cycle is open until September 30th, and we are looking for grassroots advocacy projects that will make a permanent change throughout the Great Lakes! Your local community organization could receive up to $5,000 in funding to protect drinking water, shorelines, inland lakes, rivers, wetlands, and groundwater throughout the region. We encourage you to call us to discuss your project ideas to confirm eligibility and what counts as advocacy. Contact Lindsey at (231) 348-8200, ext 110, or Lindsey@freshwaterfuture.org with any questions.
Learn more about the application process, eligible projects, and more with these resources:
- Recording of the Sep 2nd Grants Q&A Webinar
- Read our RFP here
- Visit our Grants page
- Look over past projects to get a feel for what we are looking for
Upcoming Events
New! Year-End Fundraising
For many organizations, the last two months of the year are an effective time frame to fundraise. Join Freshwater Future on October 13th, at 12:00 pm ET, to learn simple ways to do end-of-year fundraising so you can boost your important water work. This online session will give you practical tips and tools to apply in your end-of-year fundraising. Register for this practical webinar today!
Relax with Mindfulness and Movement
Working to protect water is demanding. Join us for our Mindfulness & Movement session, a 45-minute guided session with Jonathan Relucio, to relax and restore. Can’t join? Registrants can access past session recordings here – contact alana@freshwaterfuture.org for the password. All sessions start at 10:30 am CT / 11:30 am ET.
