How to Leave a Legacy for the Boundary Waters

Oct 16, 2025
canoe portage at sunrise

The Boundary Waters is a place unlike any other – a vast, wild landscape that has inspired generations of paddlers, campers, and wilderness defenders. Many of us feel a deep responsibility to ensure this special place is protected, not only for ourselves but also for the generations that come after us.

One of the most meaningful ways you can help safeguard the Boundary Waters for the future is through estate planning.

Why Estate Planning Matters

Estate planning isn’t just for a certain group of people — it’s for everyone. At its core, it’s about making sure your values, priorities, and wishes live on. A clear estate plan provides peace of mind for you and your loved ones, while also offering an opportunity to extend your impact beyond your lifetime.

By thoughtfully including causes you care about in your estate plan, you can create a legacy that reflects what matters most to you. For many Wilderness Defenders, that means protecting the Boundary Waters.

A planned gift to Save the Boundary Waters – through your will, retirement plans, or insurance policies – is a powerful and thoughtful way to safeguard the Boundary Waters for future generations. Your gift to Save the Boundary Waters may also provide a welcome tax benefit to you and your estate.

Options for Legacy Giving

There are several simple ways to make a planned gift as part of your estate planning:

  • Will or Bequest: The most common option, where you designate Save the Boundary Waters to receive a portion of your estate.
  • Retirement Accounts: Naming Save the Boundary Waters as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or other retirement plan is often as simple as filling out a form.
  • Life Insurance Policies: You can designate Save the Boundary Waters as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy.

There is no minimum amount to make a legacy gift or bequest. We recommend you consult with your financial planner, attorney, or tax accountant about how a planned gift to Save the Boundary Waters will work for you.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Started

  1. Download our Planned Giving Guide to learn about options and tax benefits.
  2. Explore your choices with your attorney, financial planner, or tax advisor.
  3. Create or update your will using FreeWill.com or other trusted resources.
  4. Let us know your intentions so we can celebrate your gift and honor your wishes.
     

A Community of Wilderness Defenders

Like you, many dedicated Save the Boundary Waters supporters have shared their planned giving hopes with us. By sharing your intentions and preferences, we can better ensure your wishes are met while also offering the benefits of Boundary Waters Legacy Society membership. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

Take the Next Step

Estate planning is one of the most powerful ways you can ensure the places you love – like the Boundary Waters – remain protected for generations to come.

DOWNLOAD PLANNED GIVING GUIDE TELL US ABOUT YOUR LEGACY GIFT

For more information on how you can have a lasting impact on protecting the Boundary Waters, please contact: Kelsey Polcher, Director of Development at kelsey@savetheboundarywaters.org or 320-237-0742.

Please note that Save the Boundary Waters does not offer legal, tax, or financial planning advice. You are encouraged to consult your own legal counsel, tax advisor, and/or financial planner.