Big Sand Lake Association
committed to the preservation of Big Sand Lake
Big Sand Lake • Current News & Events
12/11/2025 - Minnesota Lakes & Rivers
Happy Holidays from all of us at Minnesota Lakes & Rivers! Winter has returned to the Land of 10,000 Lakes—skis are on the snow, anglers are testing the ice, and as another year comes to a close, we’re reflecting with deep gratitude on what you helped make possible in 2025.
This past November, MLR celebrated our largest Give to the Max Day ever, raising more than $12,000 to support the science, education, and advocacy our lake and river communities depend on. Your generosity truly fuels real progress.
2025 delivered measurable wins for Minnesota's waterways:
- Minnesota rolled out Wrap Recycle Right, a new boat wrap recycling stewardship program
- New boat and water education safety training was launched, including wake-safe boating practices in the curriculum.
- Funding for invasive plant management increased, with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) awarding over $1 million in invasive plant management grants to lake associations for 2026 projects.
- The Northern Waters Land Trust (NWLT) has protected more than 8,000 acres around the Mississippi River’s Headwaters and also safeguarded Big Mantrap Lake, preserving 449 acres, over six miles of shoreline, and critical loon habitat.
- MN DNR also finalized one of its largest land acquisitions in partnership with NWLT and the Conservation Fund, securing nearly 16,000 acres of forested land in northern Minnesota for long-term conservation and public access.
- In June, the National Loon Center broke ground on its new world-class facility in Crosslake.
- Minnesota Public Radio continued its Trouble by the Water series with new articles covering topics like riprap, wake surfing, and increased mercury in fish.
These successes reflect what is possible when lake and river advocates, conservation partners, and engaged citizens work together for the waters that connect us all.
Your advocacy is shaping a stronger future for our lakes, rivers, and the generations who will enjoy them next.
In this December edition of our newsletter, we’re highlighting MLR's program with updates and policy wins so you can see exactly how your involvement in our organization made a difference.
From our staff and Board—thank you for an extraordinary year of stewardship and impact. We wish you a joyful holiday season and look forward to an even stronger 2026 together.
Sami Selter - Associate Executive Director
11/08/2025 - ZEBRA MUSSELS
Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we are finding out in real time, along with all of you, the DNR has identified Zebra Mussels in Big Sand Lake.
For more information, read this: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/2025/11/06/zebra-mussels-confirmed-big-sand-lake-hubbard-county
This morning, our Water Quality team has been in touch with the DNR and the Hubbard County Environmental Specialist. We are looking to gather information and investigate a path forward for possible treatment, remediation, and or containment options.
We will provide more information as soon as it becomes available.
10/25/2025 - BSLA 2025 Fall Newsletter
Dear Big Sand Lake Association Members,
As we welcome the crisp air and beautiful colors of fall, we want to take a moment to reflect
on the past summer season and look ahead to what’s next for our lake community.
