About
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, Itasca, 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 promotes 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 protect the river in their community and preserve the splendor of this 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 opportunities.
North America's longest river percolates out of a mixed hardwood and conifer forest as it begins its 3,000 mile descent to the Gulf of Mexico. It is a humble stream fed by underground springs, the moist climate and countless lakes, marshes, bogs. The Mississippi River at its source bears little resemblance to the mighty river it becomes, but it is nonetheless the defining feature of the landscape of northern Minnesota.
The Mississippi River is protected from its headwaters at Lake Itasca in Clearwater County, to the southern boundary of Morrison County, near Little Falls. That means 466 miles of protection, making it the longest stretch of protected river in the United States. Visitors to the region are drawn by its unique natural resources: the pristine water quality, the mix of southern and northern vegetation of the forest and the dazzling variety of wildlife which inhabit the river and its shores.
Protection of the Mississippi River has been adopted by local government in this region. The basic tool for protection is an ordinance that limits land use in the river corridor. This ordinance is administered by the Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB), a joint powers board of Clearwater, Hubbard, Beltrami, Cass, Itasca, Aitkin, Crow Wing and Morrison counties. Controlling development controls human disturbances of the river bank and its watershed that can increase erosion, disturb animal habitat and consequently, impair water quality. It is an effective tool. However, it is a limited tool. Maintaining the health of the river and its ecosystem is the ultimate goal of the MHB's river protection program.
