The Minnesota Land Trust has conserved more than 10,000 acres across 48 individual properties in the Lake Superior watershed since 1997. These include iconic places like Harbor Park in Grand Marais, Park Point in Duluth, properties along the Superior Hiking Trail, and miles of North Shore Trout Streams.
We are actively working with landowners to ensure their properties are of the highest quality and greatest public benefit. What kind of work does the Lake Superior Conservation Campaign support?
- Builds out our Lake Superior program area plans to develop robust climate resilient strategies and respond to the rapid development along the shore.
- Leverages millions of dollars in public funding for conservation.
- Partners with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the 1854 Treaty Authority on boreal wetland restoration.
- Accelerates our protection of cold-water trout streams and Lake Superior shoreline via conservation easements.
- Is responsive to emerging public access and engagement strategies in the Lake Superior region.
Collectively, we will protect more of the shore…while we still can.
Yes! I want to help the Minnesota Land Trust protect the North Shore.
Impact Updates
In the summer of 2022 we kicked off the Lake Superior Conservation Campaign. This past year we continued our steadfast work in the Lake Superior region and:
- Began work to restore 275 acres of forest impacted by forest pest species emerald ash borer and spruce budworm. This effort includes 100 acres of North Shore forest with severe spruce die-back in the Skunk Creek Watershed (north of Gooseberry Falls State Park) and 175 acres of ash-dominated forest in the City of Duluth.
- Continued to improve habitat conditions for birds and fish in the St. Louis Estuary. This work includes planting beach dune habitat on Interstate Island, a critical island for nesting terns in Lake Superior; dredging 26 acres of Perch Lake for muskie and northern pike spawning; and restoring 43 acres of forest and marsh habitat for breeding bird species such as the rusty blackbird and Canada warbler.
- Worked on five conservation easement projects on the North Shore, including two near Hovland, one near Grand Marais, and two near Two Harbors. These easements will protect many natural treasures including wetlands, forests, bedrock shoreline, a rugged cliff, and a beautiful pebble beach.
- Gained commitment from seven state agencies and local units of government in the Duluth area agreeing to coordinate watershed restoration and management, and secured $650 thousand in public funds to improve coordination and shared natural resource decision-making.
- Leveraged over $5 million in public funds for conservation, which require private funds to secure.
Support the Lake Superior Conservation Campaign
Minnesota Land Trust Lake Superior Conservation Projects
The Lake Superior Conservation Area focuses on protection of Lake Superior’s North Shore, one of Minnesota’s most iconic and important landscapes. Learn more about some of our conservation work in the region.
- Restoration Improves Forest Health, Mitigates Wildfire Risk in Northern Minnesota
The buzz of chainsaws is punctuated by a crack of wood. Though it may seem counterintuitive, even jarring, this is the sound of forest restoration—specifically, restoration of 115 acres in Lake County, Minnesota. The owners of the property, situated directly between Split Rock Lighthouse and… Read more: Restoration Improves Forest Health, Mitigates Wildfire Risk in Northern Minnesota - Restoring Habitat for a Threatened Species on Interstate Island
Big problems require a champion, someone with a specific mix of skills, connections, and vision, who can systematically and patiently work a process and stay connected to the larger purpose to bring the vision into reality. In 2019, Interstate Island and its Common Tern colony… Read more: Restoring Habitat for a Threatened Species on Interstate Island - The Importance of Bogs
In the rugged landscape of northeastern Minnesota, a diverse range of habitats converge in one of the most popular recreational destinations in the state. Rocky shoreline, highlands, streams, and spruce bogs provide habitat for a multitude of species. Dick Haney, a native of Duluth and… Read more: The Importance of Bogs - Protecting Minnesota’s North Woods
Minnesota’s iconic northern forests are home to some of Minnesota’s most storied species and provide unique outdoor recreation and hunting opportunities. Unfortunately, as the development of forest lands has accelerated over the years, the extensive network of wildlife habitat and publicly accessible open space in… Read more: Protecting Minnesota’s North Woods - A Place for Bears
Standing on the viewing deck at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary, conversations suddenly shift to excited whispers as a bear ambles onto the scene. This bear is one of many different black bears that stop by the Sanctuary throughout the year to seek out the… Read more: A Place for Bears
Donate to the Lake Superior Conservation Campaign
When you make a donation, you become a partner in our common purpose to preserve and restore Minnesota’s natural lands for generations to come.
The Minnesota Land Trust is a 501(c)3 public charity. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowable by law. Our Federal Tax ID (EIN): 41-1713652. Your information is secure with us. We do not sell, trade, or share your information.
