In partnership with the Trust for Public Land and the Minnesota Land Trust, Listening Point Foundation is excited to announce that we have taken over stewardship of Gusty Island on Burntside Lake.

In 2019, Trust for Public Land donated Gusty Island to Listening Point Foundation, after first placing it under a conservation easement with the Minnesota Land Trust. We have been working closely with both organizations to put measures in place that protect the present ecological systems, allow regulated public access, and give us the flexibility to use the island for future environmental education purposes.

Gusty Island is an undeveloped 4.5 acre property on Burntside Lake, near Ely, Minnesota. Tucked in near a protected cluster of islands, it sits less than a mile from Sigurd Olson’s beloved Listening Point. 

The island contains rolling, relatively rugged topography, with many rock outcroppings and domed hills that rise as much as 30-40 feet above the shoreline of the lake. Gusty is almost entirely forested, largely with even-aged red pine over 100 years old. White pine and cedar are also present, along with balsam, birch, spruce, and aspen. In the fairly open understory, widespread and undisturbed lichen and moss make up much of the forest floor. It is a classic Canadian Shield, north woods scene. 

The future possibilities for Gusty Island are numerous and exciting. The vision is gradually developing, and we are looking forward to sharing our progress with you as we advance into the years ahead. It is certain that this island will allow Listening Point Foundation to further our mission of advancing Sig’s wilderness philosophy by being a place that inspires wonder and connection. We invite you to get involved and stay tuned as the story unfolds!