Land & Waters Preservation Trust

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 APPLICATION PROCESS FOR 2026 will be open in December 2025 . The deadline for grant applications will be March 1, 2026.

Grants Funded in 2025

 Land & Waters Preservation Trust Endowment awarded $13,500 in grants to four worthy projects in April 2025. 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).

Project grants are 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 501(c)3 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.

Go to the Pine River Watershed Alliance website, click “Resources & Links” to get grant guidelines and application.

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 2025 grants were awarded to the following applicants:

Grantee/Project/Amount Granted                                                                                                  

  1. Camp Knutson: Plant additional native plants and shrubs on point between Lower Whitefish and Big Trout, and place tree revetments at the shoreline. Tree revetments are cut trees anchored at the bottom (or toe) of unstable banks. These anchored trees serve to slow the current/waves along the bank, decreasing erosion and allowing sediment to be deposited within the tree branches; $4,000

  2. National Loon Center: Integrated plant management project at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers shore; printing of landscaping for Loons educational materials, installation of a brochure box at an outdoor exhibit, planning and hosting the Landscaping for Loons Workshop, and transportation costs to community outreach events. Shoreland restoration at the COE, educational materials and exhibits; Landscaping for Loons expenses; $2,500     

  3. CWC SWCD: The Awes-Rossi property on Ruth Lake  will be modified to remove the grass that grows down to the shoreline and remove emergent vegetation (reed canary grass and creeping charlie) at the water access.  A weed suppressant mat will be installed, and the current vegetation will be replaced with native plants and shrubs.; $2000    

  4.  CWC SWCD: Replace two undersized culverts being replaced on the Ross Brook River. Replacement of these culverts will restore stream geomorphology increasing stream stability, connectivity, fish and wildlife movement, and enhance sediment transport; $5000 

    Total Amount Granted: $13,500    

Due to the generous support of several donors, Land and Waters can continue to support projects like these which will help fulfill the endowment 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.