A conservation easement protecting a 657-acre property in Otter Tail County was completed in October as part of the Habitat Conservation Partnership. Funding for the project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (MN State Lottery proceeds) as recommended by the Legislative-Citizens Committee on Minnesota Resources.

The property adjoins a restricted use area in Glendalough State Park that is specifically intended to provide habitat for resident and migratory waterfowl, eagles, and other water-dependent birds. It includes three-quarters of a mile of shoreline on Lake Emma, a small wetland, and additional shoreline on Beauty Shore Lake.

The project also protects over 230 acres of high-quality oak savanna that has been subjected to minimal timber harvest over the past 50 years. Another Minnesota Land Trust easement completed in 2006 is adjacent to this property and several DNR-managed lands are located in the area as well. The property will continue to be privately owned by the Christiansons, an Otter Tail County family that has owned the land for over 50 years.  Although this easement, like most held by the Land Trust, does not require public access, the protection of this land will benefit the public by adding to the larger complex of Glendalough.