Gov. Mark Dayton has thrown his support behind full funding the Mississippi Northwoods Project The project involves authorization of more than $14 million for the purchase of 1,988 acres just north of the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport from the Potlatch Corporation. The land features more than two miles of undeveloped shoreline along the Mississippi River.
In letters to lawmakers on the Senate Environment Committee and the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee Dayton supported full funding for the project as has been recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. Dayton described the potential purchase as a rare opportunity conserve a large block of land adjacent to existing public lands and an opportunity for trail development.
“I believe the Mississippi River Northwoods Project offers a tremendous one-time chance to secure this vision,” he said.
He said the project is an example of what voters had in mind when they approved the Legacy Amendment.
