In what experts are calling the largest land conservation easement in Minnesota history, 187-thousand acres of hardwood forest and wetlands in mainly Itasca County will be turned into a privately run working forest.
The aim of the proposal is to preserve the wilderness as well as protect jobs related to the timber industry.
"It's good for business because it indirectly protects up to 3200 jobs which is critical in this economy."
Doug Thompson with the Nature Conservancy says the easement would also protect the head waters of the Mississippi river.
"This project is in the Mississippi river headwaters so this is going to be a clean water project as well; it will protect the headwaters of the Mississippi river all the way down to Louisiana."
If the deal goes through the property would be managed by the Finnish company, W.P.M Kemsmeney the owner of the Blandin Paper Mill in Grand Rapids.
Thompson says despite having the land managed by a private company, recreational users will not be denied access.
"We're working in partnership to ensure that long term there's public access to this 187-thousand acres, that's it's not sub-divided, that it's managed in a sustainable way."
The land value is still being assessed, but Thompson says it could be valued at upwards of 60-million dollars.
The project is funded by private donations, and project leaders are hoping that additional funds can be raised by the recently passed Clean Water Legacy Amendment.
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