Preserving the lands and waters you love!

Support Our Northern Waters

What is a Land Trust & What do They Do?

Land Trusts are non-profit organizations that protect wildlife habitat, lakes and rivers, and other natural landscapes to benefit people and the environment. By partnering with landowners, government agencies, and communities, land trusts play a vital role in promoting sustainable land use and preserving the beauty and health of our environment.

Watch the video to learn more about land trusts in conservation efforts.

Northern Waters Land Trust

Preserving land to protect water in north central Minnesota, a region with thousands of pristine, deep cold water lakes and healthy rivers and streams.

As a 501(c)3 non-profit accredited land trust, Northern Waters Land Trust is working to protect water quality and preserve environmentally sensitive lands and wildlife habitat. Watch this video to learn more about our conservation work.

 

Why Conservation Matters

Protecting the lakes, rivers, and forests in northern Minnesota supports the local economy and culture. This region is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Land protection throughout the watershed helps ensure quality drinking water for communities downstream.  

What We Do

Northern Waters Land Trust’s watershed approach to conservation focuses on the ‘big picture’ preserving land around lakes and rivers to protect water quality and wildlife habitat. This region's economy is dependent on healthy natural resources for outdoor recreation and tourism. Conservation here helps ensure drinking water for communities outside the region that depend on the Mississippi River for their drinking water.

Protection Numbers Graphic_2024

Increased development threatens the forests, waters, and wildlife in northern Minnesota.

Since its founding, Northern Waters Land Trust has been working to conserve land in key areas of watersheds to protect water quality and wildlife habitat.

25

YEARS
preserving land to protect water in northern Minnesota

9,400

ACRES
of critical fish and wildlife habitat protected

57

MILES
of environmentally sensitive shoreland preserved

96

PROJECTS
completed helping families achieve their conservation goals
30 years is just the beginning, yet there's so much more to do.
You are the anchor to getting it done.

What You Can Do

The lakes need you. Now is the chance to make a difference. Community members like you, play a key role in conservation.

What's New

Northern Waters Land Trust 

Formerly the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation

Preserving Land to Protect Water in Northern Minnesota

501(c)3 Non-Profit Charitable Organization | Accredited Land Trust

Tax EIN: 41-1887906