Riverkeepers
Camp Kingswood
Conservation Easement
People, as individuals or part of an
organization, are donating land and easements to
protect natural areas that safeguard watersheds and
streams. The Howe family donated a conservation
easement of 80 acres of Mississippi blufflands to
the Minnesota Land Trust (pictured here, lower
center of image). This "birds-eye" view of their
property illustrates how protecting this property
will keep riparian habitats connected along the
river corridor.
Camp Kingswood is a Methodist church camp that
has provided outdoor experiences and worship for
different congregations for more than 50 years.
Located on Little Long Lake in Hennepin County, the
setting is a rare gem that could easily become
prime development property. It is nestled in a deep
basin where the surrounding mini watershed drains
directly into the lake. Besides having shoreline
frontage on a natural trout lake, the camp is
surrounded by a ridge that would be the envy of
homebuilders.
Recognizing the potential for erosion, chemical
runoff and resulting water quality problems if the
ridge top were developed, the Hennepin Conservation
District nominated the site as a candidate for
local land protection under the DNR Metro Greenways
project.
The DNR is in the process of purchasing a
$500,000 conservation easement for the protection
and management of 70 acres of the camp property.
This infusion of cash will provide much needed
financial resources to the camp so it isn't forced
to sell to developers.
A DNR management plan includes the integration
of church curriculum and camp programs with
management of the site, such as buckthorn removal.
This creates opportunities for campers to connect
their religious beliefs with stewardship practices,
and to better understand and appreciate natural
systems.
