Northern Waters Land Trust
Northern Waters Land Trust
After a process that began in 2017, Northern Waters Land Trust (NWLT) closed December 30, 2020 on the purchase of the 46-acre Tuthill Trust parcel north of Cedar’s public landing. NWLT then transferred this parcel to the Minnesota DNR. Over 1600’ of shoreline was preserved forever in its current undeveloped state as an aquatic management unit. The 46 acres of land in back of the shoreline became part of the Cedar Lake Wildlife Management Area that was 54 acres from the public landing to the south. It now totals 100 acres. The two-year long effort to make this happen was led by Kathy DonCarlos from NWLT and CLC Board member, Bob Karls. This prime parcel was a perfect fit for the CLC’smission to protect and preserve its shorelines and watersheds in sensitive areas that impact Cedar Lake and selected lakes in its area.
How did this get accomplished? In addition to the 10% match which was provided by generous Cedar Lake property owners, NWLT had to secure a grant from the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) for the remaining $650,000 of the purchase price and other costs. The LSOHC was established by the MN legislature and given the responsibility of providing annual funding recommendations to the legislature from the Outdoor Heritage Fund. This fund was created by the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008. Minnesota’s voters passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution to protect drinking water sources; to protect, enhance, and restore wetlands, prairies, forests, fish, game, and wildlife habitat; to preserve arts and cultural heritage; to support parks and trails; and to protect, enhance, and restore lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater. The Legacy Amendment increased the state sales tax by three-eighths of one percent (0.00375%) beginning on July 1, 2009 and continuing until 2034. This funding source was voted for by Minnesotans to preserve and protect our natural resources. The Cedar Lake Conservancy used a portion as it was intended.