Minnesota Land Trust: Rum River

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Protection for the Rum River

The meandering Rum River , which is a state-designated canoe route as well as a Wild and Scenic River, is widely used for recreation by Minnesotans looking for quiet fishing, birding and canoeing opportunities. Those opportunities just got a little more secure, thanks to Norman and Lois Metcalf, who donated a conservation easement on their 56 acres along the river.

The conservation values of this property are high: scenic views for the public using the river, excellent habitat, including that for migratory songbirds and waterfowl, and undeveloped shoreline to help maintain the water quality of this much-used river. The conservation easement that protects the Metcalf’s land restricts future development and other uses inconsistent with the protection of these natural features. This means that while Lois and Norman will continue to own the land, it will never be developed. Subsequent owners will be bound by the terms of the easement, preserving the land’s conservation values for future generations. The Minnesota Land Trust will monitor the land annually.


	When asked what motivated them to preserve their land Norman responded, “Our favorite memories here are of putting a canoe in the river and floating down to the next bridge, taking in the birds and wildlife along the way. If possible, we’d like to see the whole river corridor preserved.” This is the Minnesota Land Trust's sixth project on the Rum River. Partial funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).

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