CONSERVATION MANITOU acquires 140 Acres of Forest
July 8, 2015 (Ivry-sur-le-Lac, Quebec) – CONSERVATION MANITOU is pleased to announce thatit has completed the acquisition of nearly 140 acres of forested land on the north side and on the southwestern shore of Lake Manitou, and on the north shore of Horseshoe Lake, by way of donations under Environment Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program. The properties acquired include prominent hilltops and ridges, wetlands and streams feeding into both lakes, as well as nearly 2,500 feet of boggy waterfront on Horseshoe Lake and over 1,000 feet of steep shoreline on Lake Manitou. “We are very grateful to the late Tony Dobell, as well as Shirley Stikeman and David McCall, for entrusting us with the preservation and stewardship of these ecologically sensitive lands which include shoreline on vulnerable Horseshoe Lake, the largest body of water flowing into Lake Manitou” states Stephen Takacsy, Chair of CONSERVATION MANITOU. The lands also feature a section of the historic Laurentian ski trail which will also be preserved.
CONSERVATION MANITOU has received financial donations, pledges and grants totalling over $1.7 million and land donations valued at $2 million which have enabled it to acquire a total of 220 acres of forest and 1.3 miles of lakefront to date. “We have accomplished this together with the participation of our 120 members, the generosity of several families who have donated important parcels of land, as well as the support and vision of the municipality of Ivry-sur-le-Lac. This has been a true community effort and a testament to the strong values we share towards the protection of our natural environment. We anticipate more projects to come and hope to increase our membership while raising additional funds to cover future acquisition costs and ongoing stewardship expenses” explains Stephen Takacsy. “Conservation is an investment in our future, and preserving natural capital protects the health of our ecosystems as well as contributes to the long term wealth of our communities.”
CONSERVATION MANITOU is one the leading organizations dedicated to the preservation of natural areas in the Laurentians. It is a registered charity and a qualified recipient of Environment Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program. Its mission is to preserve and protect the ecosystem and natural environment of Lake Manitou and its surroundings, by acquiring land and conservation easements, either donated or purchased, and providing stewardship in perpetuity.
To donate please make your cheque payable to CONSERVATION MANITOU and mail to: 1800 McGill College, suite 2102, Montreal, Quebec H3A 3J6 Registered Charity No.: 831460936RR0001 www.conservationmanitou.ca