The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is an environmental organization, founded in 1951, whose mission is to “conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.” It has grown to be one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world, reaching 79 countries and territories across six continents. It’s key areas of focus include tackling climate change, protecting land and water, providing food and water sustainably, and building healthy cities.

Locally, The Nature Conservancy has worked to protect the St. Louis River Estuary. The St. Louis River originates north of Two Harbors, Minnesota and flows through some of the region’s best lowland conifer forest and peatland for 179 miles before it meets Lake Superior above the ports of Duluth and Superior to form the St. Louis River Estuary. Threats to the estuary include loss of habitat due to development, commercial shipping and other sources, increased sedimentation due to development, forest management practices and other sources, competition from undesirable exotic species introduced by commercial shipping, exposure to contaminants from historical and current industrial activity, and water quality.

Today, the Nature Conservancy’s work on the St. Louis River is focused largely on its headwaters within the Sand Lake/Seven Beavers landscape. The Conservancy owns and manages more than 6,000 acres and is working with partners to protect and restore more of the region’s lowland conifers and sensitive aquatic communities.