Congratulations to the winners of the See Mille Lacs in 2020 contest. This contest gave people who live and work in the Mille Lacs area the opportunity to explore what they would like the area to become by the year 2020.

The contestants discussed such issues as diversity, environmental efforts, and economic development, and voiced a strong sense of optimism for the future of the Mille Lacs area. Click below to read the winners’ essays and excerpts from other essays received.

“Intergovernmental projects like the wastewater treatment plant have been emulated around the lake, and fruited into joint powers efforts concerning land use, economic development proposals, even surface water regulation.”
Marcia Thurmer of Aitkin
First and second place winner
Click here to read full essays

“I believe our main problem of division will be conquered and will be a thing of the past. Both natives and non-natives are prospering in 2020 from the success of the vision of all.”
Valerie Watterson-Harrington, Onamia
Third place winner 
Click here  to read full essay

“New wild rice lots will be emerging, new families of birds will be flocking to Mille Lacs Lake. There will be specific programs to assist in waste removal for ice fishers and hunters...I see the recycling program expanding, and a more communal sharing of property through donations to help reduce waste.”
Rebecca Imberi of Brainerd
Fourth place winner 
Click here  to read full essay 

Click here  to read excerpts from some of the other essays in the See Mille Lacs in 2020 contest.