Two new properties totaling 490 acres are now part of Muskoka Conservancy’s protected area.
Officials say the newly acquired properties include a 390-acre forest and wetland property bordering the Severn River Conservation Reserve west of Gravenhurst and a 100-acre wetland property fronting Cassidy Lake, west of Glen Orchard.
Scott Young, Executive Director of the Conservancy, says their now-acquired 5,105 acres is an “incredible milestone.”
“I couldn’t be prouder of our people. From the day-to-day volunteers to our staff and our Board of Directors, from Joe Member to major funders, we could not achieve these things without excellent people,” shares Young.
According to officials, both properties are part of a broad wildlife corridor that stretches northwest from south Gravenhurst towards Georgian Bay and beyond.
Officials say the Cassidy Lake property, located near the midpoint between two Provincially Significant Wetlands, borders Crown land on two sides. They add the larger property borders the provincial Severn River Conservation Reserve, expanding this protected area.
“Both properties protect mature forests and extensive wetlands that are habitat for species at risk,” say officials.
Amanda Porter, Conservation Coordinator, says there will be opportunities in the future to visit these properties as part of our Nature Quest program of expert-guided hikes.
“Whether these places are appropriate for footpaths open for public use, that will be determined through our process of conservation planning that will occur over the next year,” says Porter.
Muskoka Conservancy’s protected lands now total 5,105 acres, with almost 70,000 feet of natural shoreline and 880 acres of wetlands, totaling 58 properties across Muskoka’s watersheds.
