Dear Friends and Supporters of Lake Pepin,
I am feeling proud of the incredible strides we have made together. As President of Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance Board, I am reaching out not only to share our achievements but also to present an urgent call to action.
Thanks to your unwavering support, we have successfully secured more than $23 million in federal funding for the restoration project that re-connects Bay City with the Lake. This significant milestone marks the beginning of our mission to revitalize Lake Pepin—a mission that your commitment has made possible.
Over the next five years, we aim to secure an additional $25-50 million for essential habitat work in upper Pool 4 as part of the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP). Our vision extends toward long-term restoration with sustained public investment that ensures the health and vitality of Lake Pepin for generations.
Furthermore, we are championing an ambitious initiative to persuade Minnesota’s agricultural and industrial sectors to invest in more than 1,000,000 acres of crops sourced from regeneratively farmed land. This effort will greatly benefit both Lake Pepin and the broader Mississippi River ecosystem.
Today, I am proud to share that our entire Board of Directors is leading by example, committing to increase their personal donations significantly. Moreover, two of our dedicated board members have pledged to match up to $25,000 in donations made this May. This means your contribution will have an even greater impact.
As some of our foundation supporters are shifting their priorities, we face a critical $75,000 funding gap. Now, more than ever, we need our local community—the people who know and cherish Lake Pepin—to step up and help us bridge this gap.
Please consider what Lake Pepin has given to each of us—a place of beauty, recreation, and community—and how much more we can do to give back to it. Visit our donation page today and pledge your support.
Thank you for your dedication and generosity. Your spirit fuels our efforts and brings our ambitious goals within reach. Let’s continue to stand together for Lake Pepin.
Warm regards,
Doug Niemela
President, Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance