Protecting a National Treasure
The Mississippi River begins as a trickle flowing out of Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota. From there the river flows 2,348 miles until it pours into the Gulf of Mexico below New Orleans. The Mississippi River drains 33 states and its watershed covers one-half of the nation. It fosters cities and commerce, transports people and goods, provides habitat for fish plants and wildlife, and enriches human life with natural and recreational opportunites.

Formed in 1980 as an alternative to designation of the river into the National Wild and Scenic River System, the Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB) works to protect and preserve the first 400 miles of the Mississippi River in Minnesota. A joint powers board of Clearwater, Beltrami, Cass, Hubbard, Itasce, Aitkin, Crow Wing and Morrison Counties, the MHB is mandated by Minnesota Statutes 103F.361-377 to enhance and protect the natural, cultural, historic, scientific and recreational values of the headwaters region.

MHB achieves its goal of river protection through cooperative land use planning in the eight counties, in conjunction with the Chippewa National Forest and the Leech Lake Indian Reservation. MHB promates water quality monitoring, education and stewardship activities for shoreland property owners, and embraces the efforts of local citizens, students and government groups who work together to to protect the river in their community and preserve the splendor of this national treasure.

MHB's success in protecting the Mississippi River is seen in the clean water the leaves the Headwaters region on its journey to the Gulf, a legacy for future generations.

Board Members
Advisory Committee Members
MHB Partners - Federal, State, Regional,
County, and Local Organizations

Mississippi Headwaters Board
Cass County Land Department, P.O. Box 5, Backus, MN 56435

Phone: 218-947-7524