On Friday, January 29th, 2021 we celebrated a new gem on the Kinni! Because of over 100 donors, foundations, organizations, and community members we were able to reach the fundraising goal of $500,000 and fully purchase and protect The Community Forest.

The Community Forest is a key 40-acre, old-growth forest in the lower river canyon downstream of the City of River Falls. The preserve contains 1,500 feet of river frontage and includes the mouth of Rocky Branch. The purchase of The Community Forest helped to provide access to The School Forest owned by the River Falls School District, which has been landlocked for years.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for KRLT, the community of River Falls, and the River Falls School District. “A purchase agreement has been signed with the JoAnn Ailport-Dreistadt Estate and we are excited to move forward with raising the funds needed to make the purchase of the property a reality,” states KRLT Executive Director, Charlene Brooks. Successfully securing this 40-acre community forest will enhance public access to the Kinnickinnic River, increase angler opportunities, protect Rocky Branch, provide space for environmental education, and expand recreation.

“We would like to thank the JoAnn Ailport-Dreistadt Estate and the School District of River Falls for their collaboration and for their commitment to making this beautiful forest accessible to the people of this community for generations to come,” shares KRLT Board President, Alison Page.

The Community Forest site is located in parcel A. Parcel B is the access road that will allow for foot traffic only.

Thank you to all that made the protection of The Community Forest possible.