The National Park Service and Voyageurs Conservancy work in partnership to acquire and protect land in perpetuity – there are about 40 privately-owned properties located within Voyageurs National Park. Each project is as unique as the habitat saved. We are pleased to announce the permanent acquisition and preservation of 51 acres on Rainy Lake.
This 51-acre parcel, located on Big Island approximately 18 miles east of the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, is accessible solely by water. It features two sandy beaches and serves as a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, otters, foxes, and eagles.
The property holds deep personal significance for the Ramsey family. Michael Ramsey, his sister Shelley Paiko, and their family have maintained a connection to this land for over three generations. Their grandfather, Everett Ramsey, purchased the property in 1958, prior to the establishment of Voyageurs National Park, and built a cabin there. This cabin was later rebuilt following a lightning strike, continuing the family's tradition of enjoying the area's natural beauty.
Shelley and Michael Ramsey remarked, “With the sale of our Big Island property to the National Park Service, we are closing a chapter in our family history of three generations. It has been a pleasure working with Bob DeGross, Superintendent of Voyageurs National Park, Christina Hausman Rhode with Voyageurs Conservancy, and Dan Lewis, National Park Service Realty Specialist along with support staff – they listened to our concerns and helped us transition the property after our stewardship of the cabin property since 1958. This transition will allow park visitors to view the awesome sunrises, listen for the call of the loon, and hear the wind whispering in the pine trees as the Ramsey family has for so many years.”
As the land moves into the National Park’s hands we reflect on the deep bond that has been nurtured between the Ramsey family and this land. Their dedication to preserving the property's unique natural beauty has paved the way for its continued enjoyment by the public.
Credit: Don Breneman
Superintendent Bob DeGross commented, “Voyageurs National Park is rich with histories of families who have deep connections to these beautiful northern lakes. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ramsey family and others who have made the profound, yet bittersweet, decision to entrust land to the protection of the National Park Service. This acquisition not only enhances the park's natural beauty but also contributes significantly to conservation efforts, providing opportunities for future generations to enjoy and appreciate the splendor of nature.”
The acquisition of this private land aligns with the highest priorities of Voyageurs National Park and Voyageurs Conservancy, including habitat protection, enhancement of scenic views, and increasing public access and recreational opportunities, while preventing development, hunting, and subdivision.
Voyageurs Conservancy supports priority land protection projects like this with generous support from the National Park Foundation, and the Wallace C. Dayton Voyageurs National Park Legacy Fund − a critical land conservation fund established by his family and named in memory of Wallace Dayton, a well-beloved conservationist and outdoor enthusiast who was one of the early supporters of the establishment of Voyageurs National Park. The National Park Foundation is the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, generating private support and building strategic partnerships to protect and enhance America’s national parks for present and future generations.
Credit: Erik Fremstad
Christina Hausman Rhode, executive director of Voyageurs Conservancy, noted, "It's truly momentous to add another 50 acres to the park as we prepare to celebrate 50 years of the park's establishment. A property like this could have easily become a subdivided, developed eyesore along a scenic viewscape of Rainy Lake. I am so grateful to the former owners for their conservation vision, and so glad this is now a place we can all go and enjoy with our families as part of our national park."
