The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has successfully acquired 16,000 acres of forested land across ten counties in northern Minnesota. This significant land acquisition marks the agency’s largest since 2010 and aims to protect vital ecosystems, enhance outdoor recreational opportunities, and preserve essential wildlife habitats.
The project, which involved two separate transactions totaling over $17 million, was made possible through collaborations with various partners, including the Conservation Fund and the Northern Waters Land Trust. According to Ingrid Johnson, the DNR’s northeast regional information officer, these acquisitions are crucial for ensuring that Minnesota’s natural resources are safeguarded for future generations.
In the first transaction, the DNR, in partnership with Northern Waters Land Trust and nine counties, acquired 10,675 acres for $12.6 million using funding from the Minnesota Legacy Outdoor Heritage Fund. This land spans areas in Aitkin, Becker, Carlton, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, and Wadena counties. The addition of these lands will expand existing wildlife management areas, scientific and natural areas, and state forests.
The second transaction, valued at just over $5 million, involved the acquisition of 5,120 acres in St. Louis County, funded through the Reinvest in Minnesota program. This acquisition is expected to consolidate ownership in existing state forests, creating larger, contiguous blocks of DNR land, which are essential for supporting local wildlife populations.
Before proceeding with the acquisitions, the DNR and its partners engaged in discussions to align their funding strategies and conservation priorities. Johnson emphasized the importance of contiguous land for wildlife, stating, “Large blocks of land are really beneficial to the habitat that lives in these areas, especially our big traveling herds like deer and moose.” She added that these acquisitions will also facilitate better land management for clean water and habitat preservation.
Each designated area comes with specific regulations, some of which are still being finalized. Johnson noted that the lands are available for use by the public, with recreational activities permitted in scientific and natural areas as long as they do not disturb the natural surroundings. Users are required to stay on designated trails, and hunting is prohibited in these areas to protect rare plant and animal species. In contrast, hunting remains allowed in designated wildlife management areas, subject to state regulations.
The initiative originated from the Conservation Fund’s purchase of land from PotlatchDeltic Corp. between 2018 and 2022, with the aim of preserving large blocks of forestland. Following this, the DNR and county officials collaborated to identify acquisition priorities and secure necessary funding.
Sarah Strommen, the DNR Commissioner, expressed optimism regarding the acquisition, stating it will greatly benefit both Minnesotans and visitors for years to come. She remarked on the importance of public lands, saying, “Public lands are essential to Minnesota’s environmental stewardship, identity, and economy, and we appreciate the collaboration of our partners as we work to steward and conserve these lands for the future.”
Jason Meyer, the Director of Land and Minerals for St. Louis County, echoed Strommen’s sentiments, highlighting that the acquisition project will not only protect wildlife habitats but also support local and regional economies. “It is projects like these which help strengthen local communities by providing economic, environmental and recreational opportunities for the good of the region,” he stated.
This landmark acquisition represents a significant step forward in Minnesota’s efforts to conserve its natural resources while enhancing the quality of life for its residents and visitors alike.
