A Conservation Milestone: AFCC Completes First Conservation Easement Amendment at Bleak Bay

American Friends of Canadian Conservation (AFCC) has achieved a significant milestone in its conservation work. For the first time in our history, we’ve successfully amended an existing conservation easement to strengthen protection. Working with our partner Rainy Lake Conservancy, a U.S. landowner has voluntarily removed a reserved building lot right from their 337-acre Bleak Bay property, effectively protecting an additional 8 acres of pristine Red and White Pine forest.

 

Originally placed under easement in December 2014, this spectacular property features a rare sand beach, panoramic views of Voyageurs National Park, and serves as the sole privately-owned parcel on the largest forested peninsula on Rainy Lake. The landowner, who retains ownership of this cherished family property, chose to deepen their conservation commitment by eliminating development rights that were originally reserved.

 

This amendment represents an important evolution in conservation easements – demonstrating that protection can grow stronger over time. The enhanced easement ensures that future generations will continue to experience the wilderness character of the popular Brule Narrows entrance to Voyageurs National Park, preserving the unbroken forest habitat, sheltered harbors, and pristine waters that define this remote landscape.