Protected Mississippi River’s Headwaters Benefits People, Wildlife Downstream

WALKER, MINNESOTA — A yearslong effort to permanently protect the Mississippi River’s headwaters in northern Minnesota while ensuring continued timber harvest and recreation access is coming to fruition, The Conservation Fund and Northern Waters Land Trust announced today.

TCF and NWLT are safeguarding nearly 8,200 acres across nine counties in the region between Walker and Duluth. Known as the Minnesota Heritage Forest Project, the acres will remain forested, yielding new opportunities for hunters and anglers, ongoing benefits for wildlife, and permanent protection of waters that feed into the Mississippi River.

“In addition to protecting and sustaining Minnesota’s natural resources, this work forever benefits the millions of people, wildlife habitat and critical acres downstream the Mississippi River,” said Kim Berns Melhus, Minnesota state director at TCF, which played a leading role in making this project possible through a significant investment that set the foundation for this project’s success.

Protecting these 8,197 acres ensures clean and sustainable water resources for many Mississippi River tributaries; supports more than 350 species, including endangered and rare species; codifies habitat corridors for wildlife; preserves forested areas, ensuring sustainable timber production; and sustains local economies by preserving jobs in the land management and outdoor recreation sectors.

As ownership of the acres changes hands in coming weeks through a multi-stage, $10.2 million transaction, plans are being finalized with Aitkin, Becker, Beltrami, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Koochiching, Saint Louis, and Wadena counties to receive a combined 8,197 acres for permanent management and public access.

“The partnership between Northern Waters Land Trust, TCF, and county governments has been essential in ensuring the land remains protected and sustainably managed for future generations,” said Annie Knight, NWLT’s executive director.

The collective effort to protect this land began in November 2020, when TCF purchased more than 72,000 acres from timberland owner PotlatchDeltic Corporation. In the years that followed, NWLT pursued and received full funding of $10.2 million from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council to acquire the 8,197 acres. Funding was provided from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature.

Closings on the many transactions that constitute this project will continue into the summer. Additional details regarding land access and management will be shared later this year.

Northern Waters Land Trust is deeply grateful for the financial support from the Initiative Foundation, Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Minnesota Chapter, and Lake Life LLC for the Minnesota Heritage Forest Project. Their generosity allowed NWLT to complete critical early-stage work — contracting professional services, coordinating with partners, and managing project logistics — before the official grant became available in July 2024.

About The Conservation Fund
The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches, and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit www.conservationfund.org.

About Northern Waters Land Trust
Northern Waters Land Trust (NWLT) is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting water quality and preserving sensitive lands across northern Minnesota. Representing thousands of lakes and miles of critical shoreline, NWLT’s mission is to preserve land to protect water. Through its land protection program, private landowners can conserve their land forever through land sales, donations, or conservation easements. Thoughtful conservation efforts today will ensure clean waters and natural spaces remain healthy and vibrant for generations to come. Learn more at NorthernWatersLandTrust.org.