 The Chippewa National Forest is growing after the recent acquisition of land near Ten Mile Lake in Hackensack. Haiti Clowder has more. When the Leech Lake Area Watershed Foundation approached the Chippewa National Forest about obtaining new property to expand, they expressed interest, although there was one obstacle in the way. We said funding was an issue, but we would pursue acquiring the funding and eventually we applied for and got the funding to purchase the property. Flowerpot Bayland comes with the $400,000 price tag and it's nearly 20 acres. It's located along the Ten Mile Lake in Hackensack and includes more than 1,500 feet of undeveloped shoreline. The Flowerpot Bayland was acquired after a 10-year campaign for its preservation. The land will provide public access and offer a number of recreation opportunities. It provides more fishing and wildlife habitat protection and provides resource protection that will ensure sustainability over the next generations, future generations. Protection of the lake shore is one of the forest's priority because of the high development along the lake. We wanted to ensure that the habitat along the shore and within the wooded area was protected. The new addition of Flowerpot Bayland will only add to the rustic setting of the forest in Hackensack, Haiti, Clowder, Lakeland News. The Leech Lake Indian Reservation is within the forest boundary that is also managed by the Chippewa National Forest. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.