The Nature Conservancy of Canada is now in possession of one of its largest-ever single-property acquisitions in Ontario, specifically on Manitoulin Island.
Esme Batten, Conservancy’s Midwestern Ontario Program Director says the property is 7,608 hectares in size and is now considered part of the protected Vidal Bay Forests and Shoreline along the North Channel of Lake Huron.
She adds the $16-million conservation project would not have been possible without community support forming a protected area of more than 248 square kilometres of forests, wetlands and shoreline, the largest of its kind south of the Canadian Shield in Ontario.
Batten says this important land conservation project was made possible thanks to the generosity of private donors, including area residents, cottagers and organizations, as well funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Manitoulin Transport.
“The project was funded in part by the Ontario government, through the Greenlands Conservation Partnership, as well as by funding provided by the Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund.
“Manitoulin Island is the Territory of Zhiibaahaasing First Nation, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, M’Chigeeng First Nation, Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, Sheguiandah First Nation, Sheshegwaning First Nation and Whitefish River First Nation. With gratitude and respect, NCC acknowledges the significant, ongoing role of Indigenous Peoples on these lands and looks forward to working together to ensure these natural lands can continue to support the people with whom they are intertwined.”
