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   In a major milestone for conservation in northern Minnesota, the Ten Mile Lake watershed has reached its goal of protecting 75% of the land around the lake, making sure this special place stays healthy for future generations. This success story highlights the power of collaboration among federal, state, and local governments; nonprofit organizations; the lake association; and private landowners in protecting one of Minnesota’s most ecologically significant lakes.

   Why Ten Mile Lake Matters: A Critical Ecosystem

   Ten Mile Lake, the third-deepest lake in Minnesota, is more than just a natural treasure; it is a refuge for cold-water species such as tullibee (cisco), which play an important role in the aquatic food web. The lake’s pristine, oxygen-rich waters support a diversity of aquatic life, including walleye, northern pike, and Minnesota’s iconic loons. 

   This spring fed lake is recognized as a Lake of Outstanding Biological Significance, a Sentinel Lake, and a Tullibee Refuge Lake. These designations reflect its critical ecological role in the region. The Ten Mile Lake watershed, or the area that drains into the lake, covers about 24,828 acres—an area about the size of St. Paul.

   As the headwaters of the Boy River, Ten Mile Lake’s health affects other lakes and rivers downstream, like Boy Lake, Woman Lake, the Leech Lake River, and even the Mississippi River.  This means that communities as far away as St. Cloud and the Twin Cities are affected by these conservation efforts to preserve water quality as the Mississippi River is their source of drinking water.

   How the 75% Goal was Reached

   The journey to protect 75% of the Ten Mile Lake watershed began in earnest in 2013 when the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) set this ambitious goal as part of its Fish Habitat Plan. Many groups worked together to make this happen, including the Ten Mile Lake Association, Northern Waters Land Trust, Cass County, and various state and federal agencies.

   This watershed protection goal was achieved by conserving both public and private lands. Over 300 acres of privately owned lands are protected through voluntary land conservation agreements and approximately 48% of the watershed is publicly owned and protected as national, state, and county forests. These efforts ensure the forests, wetlands, and shorelines around the lake remain undeveloped and continue to provide important benefits for the environment and people such as storing carbon, filtering water, and habitat.

   Role of Grant Funding

   Protection of the Ten Mile Lake watershed was made possible in part by funding from the Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, particularly through the Outdoor Heritage Fund. These funds have been key in protecting lands that keep large areas of the watershed in a natural state.

   Looking Forward: Sustaining Success

   Reaching the 75% protection milestone is a significant achievement, but the work does not stop here. As the region faces more development and climate challenges, such as increasing phosphorus levels, and more frequent severe rain events that can lead to stream-bank erosion, continued collaboration is needed to maintain this level of water quality and wildlife habitat.

   The continued success of the Ten Mile Lake watershed serves as a great example for other conservation efforts in northern Minnesota. It shows that teamwork and strong community support are essential to preserving our natural resources for future generations.

   For more information about the Ten Mile Lake watershed protection efforts, visit: www.northernwaterslandtrust.org/news/ 

   About Northern Waters Land Trust: Northern Waters Land Trust is a non-profit organization and accredited land trust dedicated to preserving the natural heritage of northern Minnesota through land conservation. By partnering with public and private entities, Northern Waters Land Trust works to protect the region’s water quality, wildlife habitats, and recreational spaces for future generations.

   About Ten Mile Lake Association: Ten Mile Lake Association (TMLA), founded in 1952, is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and improving Ten Mile Lake and its surrounding environment. As the first lake association in Minnesota to achieve 501(c)3 status, it has become a model for similar organizations across the state. TMLA’s efforts are driven by committed volunteers to address lake conservation challenges. Member participation is key to the success of the association’s mission.

   About the Outdoor Heritage Fund: The Outdoor Heritage Fund was created in 2008 when Minnesota voters passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment (Legacy Amendment) to the Minnesota Constitution.  These funds “may be spent only to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands, prairies, forest and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife.”  Legacy Amendment funds provide crucial financial support for conservation efforts across the state of Minnesota.

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