NWTF Supports Landmark Conservation Project in Minnesota to Protect the Mississippi River’s Headwaters
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — A multi-year effort to permanently conserve forestland at the headwaters of the Mississippi River in northern Minnesota is now a reality, thanks to the Northern Waters Land Trust, The Conservation Fund and a coalition of partners, including the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Through the Minnesota Heritage Forest Project, nearly 8,200 acres of forest and water resources are now permanently conserved. This landscape-scale conservation effort safeguards critical wildlife habitat, ensures clean water for the Mississippi River and preserves public access for outdoor recreation — including hunting and fishing.
Funding for this project came from Minnesota’s Outdoor Heritage Fund through the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, along with support from a broad network of conservation partners. The Minnesota NWTF State Chapter contributed Super Fund dollars in fiscal year 2024 to help bring the effort across the finish line.
“Conservation efforts like this are an excellent example of how a wide variety of organizations can rally behind a common interest and get things done, not only for their respective memberships, but for all of the public to enjoy,” said Clayton Lenk, NWTF district biologist for Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
The impact of conserving these 8,197 acres includes:
- Safeguarding water quality for key Mississippi River tributaries
- Providing habitat for more than 350 species, including rare and endangered wildlife
- Conserving working forests for sustainable timber harvest
- Sustaining jobs in forestry and outdoor recreation
- Ensuring long-term public access for hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts
Ownership of the conserved land will transfer to nine counties across northern Minnesota — Aitkin, Becker, Beltrami, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Koochiching, St. Louis and Wadena — ensuring long-term local stewardship and public benefit.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.