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About Us •
Accomplishments & Awards •
Board of Directors
Why Our Work Is Important
The
Leech Lake Watershed is a special region of Minnesota where families have
recreated for generations treasuring crystal clear waters, dense forests
and the peaceful quiet and starlit skies. This very character that defines
the region is also what beckons an exploding population growth
that is projected
at upward of 50 percent by 2030. While growth brings economic gain to the
region, if development is not done in a planned and sustainable way, the
natural heritage of this region may be at risk. To insure that growth is
balanced with conservation of natural resources, the Foundation works to
protect and preserve:
- Sensitive lands in the watershed
- Clean lakes, streams and rivers
- Fish habitat and spawning areas
- Healthy forests
- Vital wildlife habitats
The work of the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation:
- Identifies and protects sensitive lands and waters in
the
watershed through land conservation projects, often in partnership with state
and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations.
- Encourages, and accepts, donations of shoreland property
from
conservation-minded people who want to leave an undeveloped legacy for
public enjoyment.
- Facilitates the establishment of conservation easements
with
property owners who wish to permanently protect their land and/or
lakeshore from future development while still enjoying its pristine
beauty.
- Provides education on individual and community
responsibility
for stewardship of our natural resources through workshops,
publications,
and partnerships with lake associations and professional
organizations.
- Builds leadership and local responsibility for watershed
protection by developing new lake associations and encouraging active
land
conservation projects within lake associations with the formation of Sustainability
Committees.
- Promotes land-use decisions and regulations by
local and state governments that will ensure sustainability of the
region's natural resources.
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What We Have Accomplished:
- Support from local residents, lake associations, state
agencies, and conservation organizations to complete 28 land
conservation projects on 27 lakes valued at more than $11,000,000
since 1997.
- Conserved over 15 miles of wild shoreline, fishing spawning
areas, and
wildlife habitats.
- Preserved over 1,600 acres of forest and prairie for public use
for hunting, hiking and educational purposes.
- Created the award-winning Longville Area Forest School - an
outdoor classroom promoting lifelong environmental education.
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