Conservation Manitou Receives 53-Acre Ecological Gift from Bushell Family
Ivry-sur-le-Lac, September 15, 2026 – CONSERVATION MANITOU is pleased to announce that the Clark Bushell family has donated 53 acres of land to Conservation Manitou under Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program. The land is comprised of mature forests, a high plateau with cliffs, streams, part of a large pond with wetlands, and 125 meters of shoreline on Lake Manitou. It also hosts several sections of trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. This gift was also made possible with the financial support of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, through its Accélérer la conservation dans le sud du Québec (ACSQ) project, for which the Quebec government has provided funding to cover certain costs.
“We are forever grateful to the Bushell family for this generous eco-gift. The Bushell’s have owned several properties on Lake Manitou over multiple generations and have been important stewards of the still pristine natural environment surrounding the lake.” states Stephen Takacsy, Chair of Conservation Manitou. “Like many other families, the Bushell’s have entrusted us to help preserve and protect Lake Manitou’s watershed, ecosystem and biodiversity which comprises various forms of wildlife including the endangered Blanding’s turtle spotted on the property a few years ago. We also thank Nature-Action Quebec, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Quebec government for their continued support of our ongoing conservation efforts. ”
« This donation represents tremendous progress towards the conservation of natural areas around Lake Manitou. Its proximity to the Ivry Wildlife Crossing and several other protected properties helps reinforce ecological connectivity in the region. This project once again illustrates the importance of collaboration between various conservation stakeholders as over 2,350 acres of natural areas are now protected in this unique sector. » - Romy Bazo, Director of Conservation, Nature-Action Québec