With a strong concern for the future of Clear Lake, 93-year-old Max Clausen has taken steps to forever preserve a key piece of undeveloped lakeshore.
    Clausen has donated 240 acres of land, including 2,700 feet of shoreline commonly referred to as the “Farmer’s Beach” area, to The Nature Conservancy.  The Nature Conservancy is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving plants, animals and natural communities.  The Clausen property has been appraised at $5.4 million.
    “The thing that inspired me was to continue to have people have control of the usage,” said Clausen.  “I am trying to keep what has been kept unchanged for over 100 years.  I feel quite satisfied about The Nature Conservancy.”
    Clausen said he and his four siblings grew up swimming and fishing in the lake, with no thought about it’s uniqueness.  “It was just a way of life.  As a kid we would hike all the way around the lake.”
    Today, he is deeply concerned about the impact vast development is having on the lake.  
    “”Things have changed-- and not for the better,” he said.  “There’s always been a demand for (the property),” noting various individuals and groups have talked with him over the years about various ideas for the land located on 235th Street, west of Camp Tanglefoot and adjacent to land owned by the Woodford and Ashland families. Those families granted a permanent easement to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation in 1992.
    Elizabeth Niven, of The Nature Conservancy, said the Clausen property will be a preserve that will remain unchanged and open to the public for passive use.
    “It will allow people to enjoy it back as it was in the 1800s,” said Niven.  “This is really what Max wants for the property and the community. He grew up there and saw all the development that happened to Clear Lake.”
    The land had been in the Clausen family since 1891.