Mississippi River Headwaters Permanently Protected

The Mississippi River’s 2,300-mile journey to open water begins in the wooded hills of northern Minnesota. Today, thanks to a partnership between The Conservation Fund and Northern Waters Land Trust, forests in that region now enjoy permanent protections — plus the ongoing benefits of local recreation access. The Conservation Fund purchased the land as part of a 72,000-acre deal from timberland owner PotlatchDeltic Corporation.

The Minnesota Heritage Forest project stretches across nine counties in the region between Walker and Duluth. It safeguards nearly 8,200 acres of forested land to secure new opportunities for hunters and anglers, ongoing benefits for wildlife, and permanent protection of waters that become the mighty Mississippi River.

“In addition to protecting and sustaining Minnesota’s natural resources, this work provides lasting benefits for millions of people, vital wildlife habitat and critical lands downstream the Mississippi River,” said Kim Berns Melhus, Minnesota state director at TCF.

A bald eagle perched on a tree branch at the Mississippi River Headwaters, showcasing its majestic presence in nature.

Photo credits: Jay Brittain

The project helps protect more than 350 species, some rare and endangered, as well as their native habitats across multiple Mississippi River tributaries. These include the common loon, Minnesota’s state bird, bald eagles and black bears.

Local counties — including Aitkin, Becker, Beltrami, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Koochiching, Saint Louis and Wadena — will soon take ownership over the areas within their jurisdiction through a multi-stage, $10.2 million transaction.

The Minnesota Heritage Forest will continue to be managed as a working forest, helping strengthen and secure the northern Minnesota economy.

“Our work to protect the headwaters of the Mississippi River is an important reminder that we don’t have to choose between conservation and economic development,” said Berns Melhus. “In northern Minnesota and beyond, these priorities can — and do — go hand in hand.”

Photo credits (from top of page): Jay Brittain