Michael has over a decade of entrepreneurial experience centered on the Mississippi River in Wabasha, Minnesota. As a founder of an eco-tourism paddling company, he has introduced thousands of people to the beauty of the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin each year. Alongside a dedicated team, Michael and his wife operate an organic vegetable farm in a nearby valley, using regenerative agriculture practices to promote soil and water health. Michael also volunteers as a board member for organizations working to enhance local agriculture and outdoor recreation.
Arlin has a deep commitment to service and the environment. When the Mississippi River became dangerously polluted nearly 50 years ago, he helped form a citizen’s organization with the motto, “We can’t all live upstream.” The organization played a key role in securing federal legislation requiring cities to improve sewage treatment practices. Today, Arlin continues his commitment to water quality by serving as LPLA’s treasurer in its quest to help save the lake from sedimentation and phosphorus pollution.
Missi is from Hager City, Wisconsin. She is a lifelong river rat of Lake Pepin and the Upper Mississippi River who brings a wealth of knowledge about the river system and the people who rely on it. Missi helped LPLA organize its first Mud Picnic and she stays engaged with public meetings about restoration and upstream water pollution. Her scientific background on the natural environment is an important addition to LPLA’s science committee.
Peter is a native of Lake City, Minnesota, and recently moved “home” after living outside the area for nearly 40 years. His life-long love of the Mississippi River bluff country, especially Lake Pepin, compels him to contribute his professional experience as a regulatory lawyer to help advocate for sensible measures that will sustain and protect the vitality of the river for generations to come. Peter is a partner in a Minneapolis-based law firm.
Richard has loved Lake Pepin ever since his first visit decades ago, and his commitment to the lake deepened when he became a homeowner near Maiden Rock. He was a law professor at the University of Minnesota for 44 years. Now fully retired, he is eager to help LPLA and its allies enforce laws designed to protect fragile waters, while also pursuing other strategies to preserve this fabulous jewel of the upper Midwest and key link in the entire river system.
Dave is a farm kid from Northfield, MN who chose public education as a career. His education includes a BS in education from Minnesota State Mankato, a Masters in School Administration and Policy, and much advanced graduate work in environmental education at University of Minnesota. He spent 35 years teaching middle school environmental sciences followed by 5 years as Education Director at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Lanesboro, MN. He also worked 7 years for the John Deere Company as computer tech and controller. Most recently he served as Executive Director of the Cannon River Watershed Partnership, Northfield, MN. Presently he continues to farm 650 acres of corn and soybeans. He is actively engaged in working with citizen groups and farmers to promote understanding of how 4Rs of fertilizer management can have positive effects on water quality, soil, air, and farmers’ profitability. Dave was selected as one of five 4R Advocates in the US. The Legvold Farm is a Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certified farm since 2015. Through a collaboration with St. Olaf College and Carleton College faculty and students, many research projects have succeeded in providing Dave with valuable data as well as furthering the education of students. He lives on the farm with his wife, Ruth and two Golden Retrievers…their only livestock.
Doug is the Executive Director at H20 for Life in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and has focused his professional career around legislative and political action related to environmental protection. One of the highlights of Doug’s career has been to help pass the Legacy Amendment, which supports access to the great outdoors, parks and trails, and the arts. Doug enjoys paddling the Driftless and exploring the trails and parks along the Upper Mississippi River.