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.