Preserving our natural resources and improving habitats through land conservation so that people can enjoy the MN lakes area into the future.
It’s time to start a legacy of conservation.
You love the lakes area. We have an abundance of open spaces, lakes, fishing, hunting, and wildlife. But we all know those resources can dwindle if we are not thoughtful about how we collectively use and conserve them.
Whether or not you are a landowner, you may be thinking: what will this area look like for my kids, grandkids, and beyond?
We founded Lakes Area Outdoor Initiative (LAOI) to help conserve land so future generations can enjoy our outdoor resources.
Our Commitment
Lakes Area Outdoor Initiative is committed to leaving the lakes area better for the next generation.
Local Decision Making
Our nonprofit is based in Perham and serves about a 20-mile radius. That means donated money stays in our area and decisions are made by our local leadership team.
Purposeful Management
Unlike larger conservation nonprofits, we are able to manage donated land according to the donor’s wishes by working alongside our partner sportsmen and nature clubs.
Donation Benefits
Because we are a registered 501(c)(3), we are able to offer a host of tax benefits to donors whether they are donating land, real estate, cash, or other assets.
We understand how hard it can be to want to support local conservation efforts and land accessibility programs in the lakes area of Minnesota but not know how.
Lakes Area Outdoor Initiative is a registered 501(c)(3) helping local residents build a legacy of conservation and encouraging the participation in outdoor education and recreation.
Our capable team has experience securing large land and financial donations for conservation use and leverages partnerships with local outdoor organizations to manage land according to the donor’s wishes.
Curious about donating your land, but not sure if it's the right plan for you?
How to Make a Difference
01.
Donate real estate, cash, or assets
02.
Support conservation efforts
03.
leave a legacy
At Lakes Area Outdoor Initiative, we know you are the kind of person who wants to leave a meaningful legacy. So when it comes to your love of the outdoors and our lakes area, you want to leave the land better for the next generation.
The problem is, donating land, cash, or assets to state or federal conservation organizations just funnels money and decision-making away from our area. Other groups are not equipped to manage land according to a donor’s wishes, such as to increase outdoor opportunities for youth or veterans. We understand how hard it can be to want to support local conservation efforts and land accessibility programs in the lakes area of Minnesota but not know how.
Lakes Area Outdoor Initiative is a registered 501(c)(3) helping local residents build a legacy of conservation and encouraging the participation in outdoor education and recreation. Our capable team has experience securing large land and financial donations for conservation use and leverages partnerships with local outdoor organizations to manage land according to the donor’s wishes.
So here’s how it works: first, donate resources; then, support conservation efforts in the lakes area; and finally, start building a legacy of conservation and outdoor opportunity. So donate to LAOI today so you can stop wondering how to support conservation in the lakes area and start making an impact locally.
Services
What We Do
Together with donors and partners, we ensure future generations can enjoy our outdoor resources.
Own & Conserve Land
We offer donors valuable tax benefits for the donation of their land, real estate, assets, and money. Together with our partner organizations and other contracted specialists, we conserve the donated land to protect and improve habitats and natural resources in our area.
Foster Outdoor Opportunities
Because of our local, independent management, we are able to honor donor requests for land usage, such as opportunities for youth education, veteran hunts, pollinator habitats, and so much more. Our local sportsmen and outdoor clubs help bring these visions to life.
Testimonial
"I hope that if there are other landowners who are interested in donating land, just like Leo did, that they consider the LAOI. To preserve more acreage and create more outdoor opportunities for local people would be wonderful.”
- Jack Bjerk, Volunteer and outdoorsman
Leo's Legacy
View the successful outcomes of a local land donation + conservation
FAQs
Have Questions about LAOI?
What is LAOI?
Lakes Area Outdoor Initiative is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping local residents build a legacy of conservation and encouraging the participation in outdoor education and recreation. Our capable team has experience securing large land and financial donations for conservation use and leverages partnerships with local outdoor organizations to manage land according to the donor’s wishes.
Why was LAOI founded?
We saw an opportunity for a local nonprofit to own and manage land for conservation purposes. Currently there is no registered 501(c)(3) locally that fills this need. While there are other state-wide and national conservation organizations that accept land donations, it is not appealing to many landowners because it takes the decision-making away from our area. Also, larger organizations are not able to manage land according to donor’s wishes, such as a special opportunity or feature they’d like to be available to residents of our area. Because we are a small, focused nonprofit, we are able to honor special requests by working with our partner organizations.
What area does LAOI serve?
Because we pride ourselves on local decision making, our service area is restricted. We currently work with properties around the Perham, Frazee, Vergas, Dent, Richville, Ottertail, and New York Mills area.
Why should I donate to LAOI?
Donating land, real estate, assets, or cash to LAOI helps to conserve more land in the lakes area, ensure we protect our resources for future generations, and provides you a legacy of conservation in our area. We are also able to offer attractive tax benefits for your donation. Click here to donate.