December 9, 2016 (Ivry-sur-le-Lac, Quebec) – CONSERVATION MANITOU is pleased to announce that it has acquired 247.3 acres located in Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, south of Lake Manitou. This property surrounds and includes Lac de la Loutre, known locally as Atwater Lake. This ecologically significant area, with its numerous ridges, hilltops and wetlands frequented by fox, deer, moose and bear, was donated to us by Shirley McCall Stikeman under Environment Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program.
“Our community is deeply grateful to Shirley and the entire Stikeman family for this most precious gift of nature, continuing in the great tradition of conservation inspired by her father Alan McCall. We also thank Echo Foundation for its financial support.” comments Stephen Takacsy, Chair of CONSERVATION MANITOU. “Our community and future generations will benefit greatly from the protection of this unique ecosystem and the large network of trails to be enjoyed on the property.”
As announced during its Annual Meeting, CONSERVATION MANITOU has recently launched a capital campaign in order to raise a minimum of $400,000 and create a Stewardship Fund to support the ongoing costs of its numerous conservation lands. To date over $150,000 in pledges has been received from both current and new members. All donors will receive charitable tax receipts and are encouraged to make donations prior to this year-end in order to qualify for 2016 income tax credits.
CONSERVATION MANITOU is a registered charity and 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. It currently own 557 acres of conservation lands with over 2 kilometers of shoreline on Lake Manitou and Horseshoe Lake. It is one of the leading organizations dedicated to the preservation of natural areas in the Laurentians.
To donate please make your cheque payable to CONSERVATION MANITOU and mail to: 1800 McGill College, suite 2102, Montreal, Quebec H3A 3J6
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kim Holden – Joseph Graham – Arnaud Holleville - David McAusland Michael Prupas – Matt Stotland – Stephen Takacsy 1800 McGill College, suite 2102, Montreal, Quebec H3A 3J6 Registered Charity No.: 831460936RR0001