Sustainability Initiative

Without Lake of the Woods, there is no LOWISA. As such, we are dedicated to being champions for the lake and creating a fleet full of environmental stewards as we race, play, and live on Lake of the Woods generation after generation. LOWISA is working towards a Leave No Trace goal, whereby we create minimal/zero ecological impact and leave the lake as it was when we arrived. As we continue to strengthen our sustainability program, we intend to build upon this Leave No Trace foundation towards a Net Positive Impact in which we will not only enjoy the lake but leave it even better than we found it. 

Freshwater is a rare commodity in this universe making up only 3% of the water on earth. We rely on freshwater for drinking, growing food, cleaning, and all of our favorite summer activities. Lakes, along with rivers and swamps, represent only 0.3% of freshwater (.009% of water on earth)! Lake of the Woods not only provides drinking water to 700,000 people but is also home to many aquatic species that thrive in this limited environment—as such, it’s our duty to do our part to protect this important space.

We officially launched our sustainability program in 2019 and routinely work to improve upon our past efforts. Each year the Sustainability Team works with the Commodore, Board, and Organizing Committee to ensure all aspects of this event are accomplished with our sustainability principles and goals in mind. Additionally, we provide each crew with a sustainability package that includes educational materials that better enable us to support this movement. 

Our main focus areas include:

  • Protecting Water Quality

  • Elimination of Single Use Plastics/Products

  • Environmental Stewardship, Green Boating, and Best Practices

  • Responsible Waste Management 

  • Environmental Education, Outreach, and Collaboration

  • Adaptation and Innovation

LOWISA also strives to meet the Sailors for the Sea Clean Regatta Criteria.  With help from the organizing committee and individual efforts from our crews, our 2021 LOWISA 56 regatta was awarded Gold Certification! Thank you to everyone who helped us achieve this distinction. Special thanks to James Welby and Paul Gomori. If you would like to get involved as a sustainability partner, sponsor, or volunteer please contact us!

 
 
 
 
 

Sustainability Partnership with Volvo Winnipeg

We’re thrilled to partner with Volvo Winnipeg to promote and highlight the adoption of sustainable practices amongst our fleet. Check out the videos below where we reflect on what sustainability means to us and describe how we’re striving to protect the lake that we love.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Resources for Participants

 
 

LOWISA Sustainability Reports