Long Lake Conservation Area

The Trust for Public Land protected 37 acres of land in May Township as the first Washington County Conservation Area. Aptly named the Long Lake Conservation Area, this property lays along the northwest coast of Long Lake in May Township; it consists of rolling topography with mature hardwood forests and has 3,500 feet of lake frontage on three different water bodies. This land was under threat from housing development and, if not protected by TPL, and would have resulted in multiple single family homes being built along the shore. The protection of this property not only protects beautiful natural habitat, it will protect surface and ground water, and provide a space for people to get outside and enjoy nature. Using this project as a catalyst, Washington County created the Conservation Area management unit, which allows them to own natural lands outside of regional park boundaries. This project not only benefits users of this specific land, it also creates opportunities for additional open spaces for people to explore throughout the County.
 
This project was funded by the Outdoor Heritage Fund and the Washington County’s Land and Water Legacy Fund.