Don’t let your traditions fade away. You can leave a legacy to future generations through a gift to the Land & Waters Preservation Trust.

What Is the Land & Waters Preservation Trust?

The Land & Waters Preservation Trust is an endowment fund of the Initiative Foundation created in partnership with the Whitefish Area Property Owners Association and the Pine River Watershed Alliance that was established in 2012. We have a vision to provide a consistent stream of resources to protect and preserve the Whitefish Chain of Lakes and Pine River Watershed, so that future generations can enjoy the rivers, lakes, and woods experience.

What Is the Endowment Fund?

This endowment fund is an investment in the future of our lakes and watershed. It is a permanent, self-sustaining funds that provides support in perpetuity. The endowment’s principal donations are professionally invested, and only a portion of the annual earnings is used to fund critical projects. The fund allows donors to leave a legacy within our waters.

Why Give to the Land & Waters Preservation Trust?

The Land & Waters Preservation Trust was created by and for our local region and is a forever fund that will preserve your land and waters heritage for future generations.

How do I make a donation?

Make donations using the Land & Waters donation form. Click here.

Make checks to Initiative Foundation-LWT and mail the form and check (if applicable) to:
Initiative Foundation, ATTN: Land and Waters Trust
405 First Street
Little Falls, MN 56345.

The Initiative Foundation a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

How Are Donations Used?

The endowment will fund restoration projects, public education campaigns, and other special project related to surface water, land restoration, and recreation.

On an annual basis, The Land & Waters Preservation Trust Advisory Committee grants funding to applicants to support projects that preserve or improve the water quality and ecosystem of the Pine River Watershed, which includes the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. Grants are made to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, such as WAPOA, PRWA, or local units of government that serve the Pine River Watershed.

Land & Waters accepts and considers funding proposals that fit within the following categories:

• Enhance and protect the surface and aquifer water quality in the Pine River Watershed
• Support sustainable riparian and land management practices
• Protect habitat for native plants and animals

To apply for a grant: The next deadline for grant applications is March 1, 2024.

Grant Fund Opportunity - Open!

 Land & Waters Preservation Trust Endowment will be awarding up to $15,000 in grants to worthy projects in April 2024. Land & Waters, administered by the Initiative Foundation, is a joint endowment of Whitefish Area Property Owners Association (WAPOA) and the Pine River Watershed Alliance (PRWA).

 The Grant Application submission period is open now through March 1, 2024. Additional information may be requested with a deadline of March 15, 2024. Grants will be made on April 1, 2024; and projects should be completed in 2024. Project grants will be made for proposals that fit one or more of the following priorities:

• Enhance and protect surface and aquifer water quality in the Pine River Watershed

• Support sustainable riparian land management practices

• Protect habitat for native plants and animals

Applicants can be lake associations, environmental groups, or local units of government. Projects proposed by the two parent organizations, WAPOA and PRWA, will also be considered. Considering the annual budget amount, grant applications requesting up to $5,000 are encouraged, with larger project amounts considered.

Apply now!

Go to the Pine River Watershed Alliance website, click “Resources & Links” to get grant guidelines and application. If there are questions regarding the grant process or application, contact Ron Meyer.

 Land & Waters Preservation Trust was created by Whitefish Area Property Owners Association (WAPOA) and the Pine River Watershed Alliance (PRWA) and is a Turn-Key Fund of the Initiative Foundation. Land & Waters Preservation Trust is a grant making endowment fund directed to preserving and protecting the water quality in the Pine River Watershed. More information is available from WAPOA, PRWA, or the Initiative Foundation.

The 2023 grants were awarded to the following applicants:

Camp Knutson: $4416 Have Prairie Restorations perform site visits to plan installation of three rain gardens to prevent run-off into Big Trout Lake, nurture pollinators, and teach campers about environmental stewardship.

CWCSWCD - Our Savior’s Church: $2000 Replace grass lawn with pollinator habitat, to filter run-off that goes into Lake Roosevelt; and provide an educational opportunity for congregants and the public.

WAPOA - $4000 Landscaping for Loons: Support four lakeshore owners to stop mowing land next to the water; plant native plugs/plants specified by the NLC and CWCSWCD provide loon habitat /nesting areas, and to prevent erosion.

National Loon Center: $3500 “Share Our Shoreline” – Public educational campaign: educational video for residents and visitors, creation of brochures, information sheets, stickers, and signage to promote protection of natural shorelines and loon nesting habitat.

CWCSWCD - Brennen Property: $2500 Installation of a 754-foot shoreline buffer of native plants/pollinators to replace current “lawn to lake” area; reduce run-off of phosphorus and nitrogen into Ruth Lake; create habitat for birds, insects, small mammal, reptiles, and amphibians.

CWCSWCD -Landes Property: $2500 Implement a storm water management plan on Ruth Lake. This will be a “Community Build” project- other lakeshore owners will assist and learn how to protect the lakeshore and water quality through installation of basins and rain gardens to prevent run-off.

Due to the generous support of several donors, Land and Waters can continue to support projects like these which will help fulfill the endowment's original vision. To donate to the Land and Waters Preservation Trust make checks to “Initiative Foundation-LWT” and mail to WAPOA, PO Box 342, Crosslake, MN 56442.