Conservation Manitou - 2018 Annual Report

The board of directors of CONSERVATION MANITOU cordially invites you to celebrate our busiest year ever by joining us for the 6th Annual Meeting of Members to be held Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 2PM at the Ivry-sur-le-Lac town hall. We are also proud to present you our 2018 Annual Report attached (see below).

Since our founding 6 years ago, we successfully:

1- Raised $2.25 million in cash donations from over 170 members and received $3.6 million in land donations (eco-gifts) from 12 landowners.

2- Acquired 1,330 acres of eco-sensitive natural areas with 4,400 feet of shoreline on Lake Manitou and 2,500 feet of shoreline on Horseshoe Lake.

3- Rezoned 638 acres with the help of the municipalities of Ivry-sur-le-Lac and Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, and created 8 protected natural areas around Lake Manitou.

4- Partnered with Nature Conservancy of Canada in acquiring 541 acres to help maintain ecological connectivity in the greater region.

5- Grew the Stewardship Fund to $136,000 to help cover the ongoing carrying costs of our conservation lands.

6- Created an Environmental Protection Fund to help the Municipality of Ivry-sur-le-Lac defend its bylaws against the lawsuit launched by l’Association des pêcheurs sportifs du Québec and formed a special committee with AALM and the municipality to continue closely monitoring this very serious threat to the health of Lake Manitou. 

Together we have accomplished these results with the strong support of our members and partners such as Nature Action Quebec, Echo Foundation, and Fondation de la Faune.                               

Our conservation efforts, which include ongoing stewardship of our acquired lands, depend on your continued support.

Thank you to all who are helping us Preserve the Future Together !

Conservation Manitou – 2017 Annual Report

Dear members and friends,

After 4 years of intense activity, 2017 was a time to catch our breath, consolidate our finances, and plan strategically for the next wave of land acquisitions. Your land conservancy realized several notable achievements last year. Firstly, Shirley McCall Stikeman and Conservation Manitou were recognized by Environment and Climate Change Canada for their efforts in protecting natural habitats, namely the 247-acre Lac de la Loutre (Atwater Lake) property. Secondly, we purchased 49 acres of forest between the west-end of Lake Manitou and Lake Brazeau for $21,000. Post year-end, we closed an additional 25 acres donated by the estates of Mary Powell and David Culver. We also formed a partnership with Nature Conservancy of Canada to acquire the 541-acre Barbara Richardson Wildlife Foundation property located just west of Lake Manitou with the goal of maintaining ecological connectivity in the region. As a result, Conservation Manitou today owns or co-owns a total of 1,221 acres of conservation lands.

Finally, funds pledged since the 2016 launch of the Capital Campaign have reached just over $200,000 or half our target. This is good progress and has allowed us to fully repay the balance of sale and capitalize the Stewardship Fund with $50,000. We would like to encourage your continuing support to endow the fund with at least $250,000 so that income generated can cover the annual carrying costs of our conservation lands. Donating to Conservation Manitou is an investment in our ecological assets that pays us dividends every day in the form of fresh air, clean water, erosion protection, enjoyment of nature and healthy living. Thanks to the strength of our community we have accomplished something incredible of which we should all be very proud. Please come and celebrate our 5th anniversary at the Annual Members Meeting, Saturday May 19 at 2pm at Place Lagny in Ste-Agathe-des-Monts.

Conservation Manitou Annual Report 2017 (PDF)

 

Conservation Manitou – 2015 Annual Report

Dear members and friends of Conservation Manitou: 2015 was a very active year. We acquired 188 acres by way of land donations under the Ecological Gifts Program thanks to the generosity of the Culver, Dobell, McCall and Stikeman families. Subsequently, the McCall Island Foundation transferred its 17-acre island to us, bringing our total land holdings to 285 acres. This transfer required the consent of Nature Conservancy of Canada, which is a strong endorsement of our preservation work. Our conservation lands are located in three key areas: the Townsend Nature Preserve on Lake Manitou’s north-eastern shore; the Powell Reserve along Chemin Fyon on the north side; and the Horseshoe Reserve between Horseshoe Lake and Lake Manitou’s south-western shore. With more acquisitions planned, we are launching a capital campaign to repay the balance due on land purchased for the Townsend Nature Preserve and to build a stewardship fund. Over 130 donors have contributed more than $1.7 million, and our goal is to raise another $400,000. We particularly need the financial support of those who have not yet donated but who are benefiting from our conservation efforts. For its part, the municipality of Ivry-sur-le-Lac has helped lower our operating costs by rezoning our properties which reduces our taxes. Ivry’s councillors understand the importance and benefits of protecting our “natural capital” and are inspiring other municipalities to do the same.

We thank all of our donors for their generosity and support, and hope to see you at our 3rd Annual Meeting on Saturday May 21 at 2pm at the Ivry town hall. Please see attached our Annual Report below. 

Conservation Manitou Annual Report 2015 (PDF)

Conservation Manitou - 2014 Annual Report

Dear Members and Friends, Please find attached CONSERVATION MANITOU's 2014 Annual Report and Notice of Annual Meeting of Members to be heldSaturday, May 16, 2015 at 2:00PM at the Ivry-sur-le-lac Town Hall.

Since our founding just over 2 years ago, we have accomplished the following:

  • Become the largest registered charity dedicated to land conservation in the Laurentians.
  • Increased membership to 120 members and raised $1.7 million in donations and pledges.
  • Acquired or are in the process of acquiring 297 acres of forest in Ivry-sur-le-lac including 4,400 feet of shoreline on Lake Manitou and 2,500 feet of shoreline on Horseshoe Lake.
  • Created the Townsend Nature Preserve on the north-eastern shores of Lake Manitou of which 81 acres have been rezoned with the help of the municipality.
  • Maintained annual operating costs under 1% of cumulative donations received.

 

We have achieved these milestones together and our ongoing activities and future success depend on your continued support.

A huge thank you to all those who have contributed so far !

Conservation Manitou Annual Report 2014 (PDF)