One of the best things about Minnesota is its natural resources – abundant waters, woods, and wildlife. And no matter where you live, the wild Minnesota is not far away. While our understanding and appreciation of nature varies from individual to individual, we generally hold that “the great outdoors” with its wild places, clean water and scenic vistas is valuable to our way of life. But this is changing, faster than most of us would like, and if we don’t make an effort to preserve the land and water resources that so enrich our quality of life, the Minnesota we pass on to future generations will have lost something special.

Demographic projections suggest that Minnesota will be home to one million new residents by the year 2030. While no one wants to eliminate growth entirely, the Minnesota Land Trust seeks to insure that while we make room for a growing population, future generations will still be able to enjoy the natural and scenic character that makes Minnesota so special.

But how is this accomplished? How do we save the best of our special places when so much of Minnesota, approximately two-thirds, lies in private hands?

Working on a voluntary basis with landowners and communities, the Land Trust uses a tool called the conservation easement which protects land while allowing its owners to retain ownership and possibly receive significant tax-based incentives. This allows the Land Trust to achieve long-lasting protection far, far into the future without the high cost of buying land.

In addition to conservation easements, the Minnesota Land Trust works with developers, planners, and local units of government to design conservation-oriented developments. The Land Trust has consulted on more than 30 such projects, and currently holds easements in 26 residential developments that were specifically designed to minimize impacts on the lands and waters that surround them while creating well-planned communities for Minnesota’s growing population.

Our challenge is to make growth and land protection compatible—to preserve our lakeshores, rivers and streams, to protect our wetlands and other important habitats, and to maintain Minnesota’s scenic beauty, while taking into account the development needs of our communities.