Identifying & Prioritizing Lakes of Outstanding Biological Significance
Funded by a Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership grant.
"Conservation efforts are particularly important in the watersheds of Lakes of Biological Significance to protect the fragile ecosystems they support."
Bob Karls, NWLT Board Chair
What is a Lake of Biological Significance?
A Lake of Biological Significance is a lake that has unique plants or animals such as some aquatic plants, fish, birds, or amphibians.
Why Are They Important to Protect?
Lakes of Biological Significance are unique bodies of water. They are being threatened by development pressure, habitat destruction, changing water temperatures, and other factors. Studies show that we need to proactively protect these exceptional places right now.
What is Northern Waters Land Trust Doing to Help?
With a grant from the Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership, we are prioritizing conservation efforts within the watersheds of Lakes of Biological Significance. Our specialists and regional partners will be scoring each property within these watersheds, ranking them on a scale of 0-200, and displaying them on an interactive online map. The results of this grant will be helpful in continuing to preserve land to protect water.
Taking a Deeper Dive
Since 2014, NWLT has used a prioritization process that includes an online mapping tool to prioritize lakes scored parcels for protection efforts. The assessment methodology is developed by area experts who consider appropriate factors, data, cultural values, and outreach strategies.
This process has resulted in an expanded online mapping tool that is informative, accessible, user-friendly, and visually engaging. The mapping tool helps increase conservation awareness in northern Minnesota and allows for the systematic prioritization of land within the watersheds of Lakes of Biological Significance, for continued land protection through conservation easements and land acquisitions for conservation purposes.
Access the mapping tool for Lakes of Biological Significance here or by clicking on the map.
