The Minnesota Land Trust has been active in the northern Minnesota forest wilderness and along the North Shore of Lake Superior for nearly a decade. We consider this region to be one of the cornerstones in our statewide protection efforts. The striking natural features of the region define Minnesota's character. Nowhere else in the state are economy and ecology connected in such an intricate yet fragile way.

The vast northern forests were once the primary source of income in the area through the timber industry. Now, they have now become the basis of another industry—tourism. The expansive forested area encompassing the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park are internationally known for providing a unique wilderness experience to those who venture deep into this remarkable area. The extraordinary views from Highway 61 along the North Shore draw visitors from around the country.

The Northern Region can also be defined by its waters. It claims the headwaters of the Mississippi River and includes the renowned lake country of Bemidji, Brainerd and Detroit Lakes. The once-extensive tallgrass prairies and the eastern forests meet in this region. What originally formed a natural mosaic of prairie, savanna, forest and wetlands has been dramatically altered over the last 200 years. Now, less than 2% of Minnesota's old growth forest and 1% of our pre-settlement prairie remain. These changes have not only altered our sense of the land but have also had a direct impact on the clarity and quality of the water in our lakes and rivers.

With second-home and resort development increasingly threatening the fragile shorelines of these waters, our largest region is also one of the most active.

The Minnesota Land Trust is working hard to preserve the character of this very special region by helping landowners and local communities find that balance of land conservation and development that will maintain both ecological and economic health.

A magical place…under increasing pressure.

From the forested gateway of Duluth to the tip of the Arrowhead, the North Shore of Lake Superior rivals any scenic landscape in the world.  It has captivated generations with its ability to renew our spirit.

And never before has the North Shore been more popular.

But this popularity is placing this inspirational landscape at risk.  In Cook County alone, the population is expected to increase 60% over the next 25 years.  As more and more people wish to visit or live upon this fragile ribbon of ancient rock and its cold, clear waters, we face the daunting challenge of accommodating growth while protecting the North Shore’s ecological and scenic values.

Is it special enough to save?

In early 2007, the Minnesota Land Trust assembled conservation leaders and land-use professionals to discuss comprehensive strategies that would protect the natural and scenic heritage of Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior.  This group, which included a broad range of professionals and residents, came to five primary conclusions:

1. Due to the demographics of the North Shore and dramatic development pressures, there is a narrow window of time and opportunity to address the pressing conservation needs of the Shore.
2. The conservation needs are broad, but are captured in four primary areas:
   • Natural habitats
   • Scenic and cultural lands
   • Water quality of the tributaries and Lake Superior
   • Recreation and education
3. There is one set of strategies that address private land conservation (via conservation easements) and strategic public land acquisition.
4. And there is a complimentary strategy that includes working through the land-use arena to assist local governments and the development industry to establish sensible plans and ordinances that accommodate growth while protecting one of the major drivers of the local economy: the wild, natural character of the Shore.
5. Finally, there is a great disconnect between the amount of public and private funding that is directed towards conservation along the Shore and the pressing public needs identified above.

With such a limited window of opportunity, the Minnesota Land Trust is spearheading the North Shore Protection Initiative —the first concentrated effort to create an integrated conservation strategy for the North Shore, from Duluth to the Canadian Border.

The Initiative’s goal:

To protect the natural and scenic heritage of Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior in concert with the social and economic needs of the communities within the watershed.

Initiative strategies:

We need to act now and move quickly.  Over the next several months, the Initiative will continue to gather momentum and work with both interested landowners and local communities to implement their conservation visions for the region.  To accomplish this, we will:

1. Gather additional partners to coordinate activity and leverage local, state and federal resources
2. Consult with landowners who desire to be good North Shore stewards
3. Directly protect land via conservation easements and/or fee title
4. Assist communities along the North Shore to implement sound planning and zoning practices that both accommodate growth and integrate the opportunities for land and water conservation.

Current accomplishments:

Already, the Minnesota Land Trust has protected 18 sites that contain nearly 500 acres of unique shoreline habitats, water quality, scenic views, recreational access, and cultural heritage.  More than 17,000 feet of Lake Superior shoreline and more than 10,000 feet of tributaries and inland waters that contribute to Superior’s water quality.

Take action—what you can do:

• Make a charitable contribution to support the North Shore Protection Initiative by clicking here.  
• Learn about Lake Superior and the role it plays in the environment and in the life of local communities.
• If you own land on the North Shore, call us to learn how to protect the conservation values of your property prior to developing or selling it.
• If you are going to build on the North Shore , speak with the Minnesota Land Trust about how to maximize your enjoyment, while limiting the negative effects on the landscape and ecology of the North Shore.
• Support policies that promote sustainable growth in the region.

Back to Minnesota Land Trust Regions page