Interactive map - explore the newly aquired parcels.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has completed one of its largest land protection efforts in recent history, securing nearly 16,000 acres of forest land in northern Minnesota over two projects. The completion of the two transactions ensures long-term habitat conservation and enhanced public recreation opportunities across ten counties.
In the first transaction, the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council provided support, recommending that the Minnesota Legislature allocate funding from the Outdoor Heritage Fund to prevent forest fragmentation and promote forest consolidation. The second transaction was funded through Reinvest in Minnesota and the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
The DNR uses goals to guide strategic and collaborative land asset management, working with conservation partners and local governments to acquire land to protect critical wildlife habitat and other natural areas while expanding access to recreational and environmental opportunities across the state. By coordinating acquisitions, Minnesota can be a leader in achieving conservation goals, particularly through shared landscape management.
"We're grateful for the opportunity to protect these forests, lakes, and waterways – now and for generations to come. This land will expand outdoor recreation access and preserve critical habitat," DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen said. "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."
-
Hill River Forest -
Black Hoof River WMA -
Black Hoof River WMA -
Black Hoof River WMA -
Black Hoof River WMA -
Hill River Forest -
Hill River Forest -
Hill River Forest -
Hill River Forest -
Hill River Forest -
Pillsbury State Forest -
Pillsbury State Forest -
Pillsbury State Forest -
Pillsbury State Forest
Acquisition One
In 2020, The Conservation Fund (TCF) purchased 72,000 acres of northern Minnesota forest land from PotlatchDeltic Corporation to prevent fragmentation of large forest blocks, conserve habitat, and maintain forest diversity. TCF held the land while the DNR, Northern Waters Land Trust, and county partners strategically planned acquisitions and secured funding.
Together, the DNR and counties submitted a joint proposal to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC), which recommended funding for the state and counties to purchase and permanently protect over 18,000 acres of forest land. Additional support came from Reinvest in Minnesota and the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund. This funding allowed the DNR to purchase 10,675 acres across Aitkin, Becker, Carlton, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, and Wadena counties.
The lands acquired by the DNR will become state forests, wildlife management areas, and a new scientific and natural area. Each designated area will be open to the public and managed to accomplish the goals of its land classification. These goals include increasing recreational opportunities, protecting wildlife habitat and rare species and promoting sustainable forest management.
Acquisition Two
Between 2018 and 2022, The Conservation Fund purchased additional forest land in St. Louis County from PotlatchDeltic Corporation to preserve large, undeveloped forest landscapes. The DNR, St. Louis County, and the U.S. Forest Service identified nearly 30,000 acres of key habitat for protection and conservation through state, county, and federal land management.
In October 2025, the DNR closed on the first phase of this acquisition effort, adding 5,120 acres to existing state forests within St. Louis County. St. Louis County purchased an additional 4,643 acres to add to its public lands.
The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) recently recommended full funding for the second phase of this acquisition, which aims to permanently protect an additional 19,140 acres in St. Louis County as state and county public lands. If the legislature approves the LSOHC recommendations, the funding would become available on July 1, 2026, and the acquisition process will begin.
Combined impact
Thanks to TCF's initiative and the strong collaboration of the DNR, county partners and Northern Waters Land Trust, generations of Minnesotans and visitors will benefit from the clean water, diverse wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, and economic opportunities that northern Minnesota forest lands provide.
With more than 16,000 acres now protected—and a second phase underway—the DNR continues to work with Minnesotans and partners to conserve and manage the state's natural resources and provide outdoor recreation opportunities.
These acquisitions also help to strengthen ecological corridors, preserve water quality, and ensure long-term forest health. This newly protected public land belongs to Minnesotans and is open now for people to explore and enjoy.
Frequently asked questions
- Why does the DNR acquire land?
- In collaboration with conservation partners and local governments, the DNR acquires land to protect critical wildlife habitat and other natural resources from development. Strategic land acquisitions also help provide a variety of recreational, economic, and environmental opportunities for the state. Our website has more information about how and why the DNR acquires land.
- What makes this particular land acquisition historic for Minnesota?
- After completing two related transactions, the DNR has acquired nearly 16,000 acres of forest land in northern Minnesota, marking the agency's largest land protection effort in recent history. The historic acquisition ensures long-term habitat conservation, prevents forest fragmentation, and improves public recreation opportunities across ten counties.
- How was this land acquisition achieved through collaboration?
- In 2020, The Conservation Fund (TCF) purchased 72,000 acres from PotlatchDeltic Corporation to prevent fragmentation of large forest blocks, conserve habitat, and maintain forest diversity. TCF collaborated with the DNR, Northern Waters Land Trust (NWLT), and county partners to strategically plan the acquisition of these lands among the state, NWLT, and several northern counties. Alongside conservation partners and local governments, the DNR submitted a joint proposal to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, which recommended funding to enable the state and counties to purchase and permanently protect more than 18,000 acres of forest land in northern Minnesota.
- Who can access the land now that it has been acquired by the DNR?
- This newly protected public land belongs to Minnesotans and is open now for people to explore and enjoy. Thanks to TCF's leadership and the strong collaboration between the DNR, Northern Waters Land Trust, and county partners, generations of Minnesotans and visitors will benefit from clean water, healthy forests, diverse wildlife habitat, and outdoor experiences that define northern Minnesota.
- Where is the acquired land located?
- Through this multi-agency partnership, in the first transaction, DNR purchased nearly 10,675 acres across Aitkin, Becker, Carlton, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, and Wadena counties. In the second transaction, the DNR acquired 5,120 acres in St. Louis County. An interactive map provides more details about the newly acquired parcels in relation to DNR’s existing public land portfolio.
- How will this land be managed by the DNR?
- The lands acquired by the DNR will expand existing DNR-managed areas, including scientific and natural areas, wildlife management areas, and state forest lands. Each designated area will be managed to achieve specific goals, such as increasing environmental benefits, recreational opportunities, and economic growth for the state.
- What happened to the mineral rights of the acquired lands?
- Through this acquisition, DNR purchased the surface rights to nearly 16,000 acres. These surface rights were acquired using conservation funds, and as a result, these parcels will be managed for sustainable conservation and outdoor recreation. The majority of acquired parcels have low mineral potential. For any questions about the mineral rights of the 16,000 acres of DNR-acquired lands, please contact the DNR Lands and Minerals Division assistant director.
- What will be the direct implications of this land acquisition on local government?
- Payment in lieu of taxes (PILT) will be made on the parcels acquired by the DNR. PILT is a local government assistance program designed to compensate counties and other local government units for the loss of tax revenue resulting from state ownership of land. It was established to address the disproportionate impact of state land ownership in counties with large public land bases. The payment for lands purchased or donated by private parties is the greater of $5.133 per acre or three-quarters of 1 percent of the appraised value of all such lands within the county. DNR's website has more information about the state’s PILT program.
- Who can answer questions about this land acquisition?
- Anyone can contact the DNR’s Information Center by emailing [email protected] or calling 651-296-6157. Our experienced representatives will connect you with DNR staff who have worked on this acquisition project and can provide you with more information.
