Carr’s Lake – Lewisham Wetland

Property Description

Muskoka Conservancy is proud to announce that it has purchased a 242-hectare property in southeast Gravenhurst, the latest acquisition in its mission to advance nature conservation in Muskoka.

“We could not have done this without excellent donors and funding partners,” said Scott Young of Muskoka Conservancy. “We owe many thanks to the MapleCross Fund. Without the support of Jan, Isobel and Ian, this conservation effort may never have gotten off the ground.”

The previous owners each made a significant donation of land. “I’d like to thank Alan Young, Brad Ford, Don Scott, William Fitchett, and Gerard Newman for their generous gifts,” said Young. “We are extremely happy and grateful to have attracted support from the Kenneth M Molson Foundation.”

Additional funds that will be announced later, Young reported.

Muskoka Conservancy’s new conservation land borders on the Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park. It features mature mixed forests, rock barrens, wetlands, and a small lake. The property is a former hunt camp that has several kilometers of trails, some of which extend into Crown Land and the neighbouring Provincial Park.

“Muskoka Conservancy’s immediate priority is to get to know the land, its ecosystems, habitat types and species,” says Young. “Based on that, we will develop a conservation plan that prioritizes nature conservation. In the not-too-distant future we would like very much to offer this new reserve as a hiking destination for nature lovers.”

Muskoka Conservancy’s plans to explore the potential uses of the land for nature education programming, bird watching, nature photography, and recreational activities like hiking and snowshoeing. “This is a unique and significant property with habitat for several known species at risk,” says Amanda Porter, Muskoka Conservancy’s Conservation Coordinator. “We expect to find Blanding’s turtle, Eastern Hog-nosed snake, and several bird species that are endangered or at risk. Our conservation planning will have to take these factors into consideration. It’s a nature reserve first and foremost.”

This latest addition becomes Muskoka Conservancy’s largest nature reserve, surpassing the 170-hectare Bear Cave-Koetitz Nature Reserve north of Lake Rosseau. Muskoka Conservancy’s protected lands now total 1860 hectares, with almost 21,000 meters of natural shoreline, and 283 hectares of wetlands. Muskoka Conservancy’s as 53 properties across Muskoka.

“We are over the moon with joy that we were able to find the partners and resources to make this project a reality,” said Bob Weekes, Conservancy Board Chair.

Content and property pictures courtesy of Muskoka Conservancy.