Canada 150 commemorative plaque - Atwater Lake

As part of Canada’s 150th anniversary of confederation celebrations this year, Environment and Climate Change Canada is recognizing a representative group of Canadians who have set aside private lands for long-term conservation, through sale, donation, or conservation agreement. Canada 150 commemorative plaques are being installed on 150 properties across this great country to celebrate the exceptional habitat and biodiversity benefits of the properties. Shirley McCall Stikeman's donation of her Lac de La Loutre property, which comprises over 245 acres, was a recipient of 1 of the 150 plaques awarded. Conservation Manitou couldn't be more proud! This past Sunday we held a small ceremony at Atwater Lake to celebrate this occasion and as well to affix the plaque on a tree near the lake.

Letter received from the Minister of Environment and Climate Change - Lettre Ministre

Conservation Manitou: 2016 Annual Report

Dear Members and Friends, It is with great pleasure and pride that we present you with CONSERVATION MANITOU's 2016 Annual Report attached, and cordially invite you to our 4th Annual Meeting of Members to be held Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 2:00PM at the Ivry-sur-le-lac Town Hall.

Since our founding just over 4 years ago, we have accomplished the following:

1- Raised nearly $2 million in cash donations from over 140 members and received $2.9 million in land donations from 6 landowners. 2- Acquired 606 acres of forested land with 4,400 feet of shoreline on Lake Manitou and 2,500 feet of shoreline on Horseshoe Lake. 3- Rezoned 228 acres with the help of the Municipality of Ivry-sur-la-Lac. 4- Created 6 protected natural area around Lake Manitou. 5- Limited our operating costs to 1.1% of donations and grants received on a cumulative basis since our foundation. 6 -Become one of the leading registered charity in the Laurentians focused on land conservation. 7-Started building a Stewardship Fund to help cover the ongoing carrying costs of holding our conservation lands.

We have achieved these results with the strong support of our members, the Municipality of Ivry-sur-le-Lac, and other like-minded organizations.

Our conservation efforts, which include ongoing stewardship of our acquired lands, depend on your continued support.

A heartfelt thanks to all those who are helping us Preserve the Future Together !

Conservation Manitou Annual Report 2016 (PDF)

CONSERVATION MANITOU to acquire Atwater Lake Property

atwater-lake-picture

CONSERVATION MANITOU to acquire 250-acre Atwater Lake Property

May 21, 2016 (Ivry-sur-le-Lac, Quebec) – CONSERVATION MANITOU is proud to announce that it will acquire 250 acres of forested land located in Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, south of Lake Manitou and surrounding Lac de la Loutre, known locally as Atwater Lake. Almost forgotten today, James Sherrard and Lucy Atwater, grand-daughter of the 19th century industrialist Edwin Atwater for whom Atwater Avenue in Montreal is named, were significant actors in the early days of Lake Manitou. In 1918, they acquired Viscount Raoul Ogier d’Ivry’s boathouse at the entrance to Johnson’s Arm, followed two years later by the purchase of what is today Shirley Stikeman’s lakefront property. In 1934, after their just completed fieldstone house caught fire, the Sherrards sold that property to Alan McCall, Shirley’s father, and built a new home up the hill across Lake Manitou South Road. They shared this new property with Lucy’s unmarried sister Edith Atwater. Edith took a fancy to the small lake up at the back of the property and built a cabin on what local residents called Miss Atwater’s Lake. After passing through several hands and becoming known as Levesque’s Farm, Shirley Stikeman had the foresight to acquire the former Sherrard property in 1998, and is now donating 250 acres of it to CONSERVATION MANITOU under Environment Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program.

Going forward, Atwater Lake, officially called Lac de la Loutre, and its surroundings which are frequented by deer, moose and bear, will become an ecologically significant conservation area. “Shirley Stikeman is continuing the tradition of land conservation inspired by her father Alan McCall by entrusting us with the preservation of this important part of our local ecosystem.” declares Stephen Takacsy, Chair of CONSERVATION MANITOU. “Our community is deeply grateful to Shirley for this incredible act of generosity which will benefit generations to come.”

Including the above, CONSERVATION MANITOU will own 535 acres of forested 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 and 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

Conservation Manitou – 2015 Annual Report

Dear members and friends of Conservation Manitou: 2015 was a very active year. We acquired 188 acres by way of land donations under the Ecological Gifts Program thanks to the generosity of the Culver, Dobell, McCall and Stikeman families. Subsequently, the McCall Island Foundation transferred its 17-acre island to us, bringing our total land holdings to 285 acres. This transfer required the consent of Nature Conservancy of Canada, which is a strong endorsement of our preservation work. Our conservation lands are located in three key areas: the Townsend Nature Preserve on Lake Manitou’s north-eastern shore; the Powell Reserve along Chemin Fyon on the north side; and the Horseshoe Reserve between Horseshoe Lake and Lake Manitou’s south-western shore. With more acquisitions planned, we are launching a capital campaign to repay the balance due on land purchased for the Townsend Nature Preserve and to build a stewardship fund. Over 130 donors have contributed more than $1.7 million, and our goal is to raise another $400,000. We particularly need the financial support of those who have not yet donated but who are benefiting from our conservation efforts. For its part, the municipality of Ivry-sur-le-Lac has helped lower our operating costs by rezoning our properties which reduces our taxes. Ivry’s councillors understand the importance and benefits of protecting our “natural capital” and are inspiring other municipalities to do the same.

We thank all of our donors for their generosity and support, and hope to see you at our 3rd Annual Meeting on Saturday May 21 at 2pm at the Ivry town hall. Please see attached our Annual Report below. 

Conservation Manitou Annual Report 2015 (PDF)

CONSERVATION MANITOU acquires McCall Island

CONSERVATION MANITOU acquires McCall Island 

January 31, 2016 (Ivry-sur-le-Lac, Quebec) – CONSERVATION MANITOU is pleased to announce that it has acquired the 17-acre McCall Island located in the south-eastern arm of Lake Manitou. Formerly known as Beaver Island, The Manitou Club purchased it from Viscount Raoul Ogier d’Ivry circa 1905. It was eventually acquired by Alan McCall after passing through the hands of Canadian Pacific Railway which was rumored to have had plans to build a hotel on the island. The island was later transferred to The McCall Island Foundation in order to preserve it in perpetuity as a wildlife sanctuary for the benefit of local residents. The island was once served by a foot bridge leading to a bathhouse and hiking trail. The transfer from The McCall Island Foundation to CONSERVATION MANITOU required the consent of Nature Conservancy of Canada which was named as transferee in the trust deed.

“We are once again grateful to Shirley Stikeman and David McCall, as well as the other trustees of The McCall Island Foundation, for handing us this precious gift that the late Alan McCall preserved for our community.” declares Stephen Takacsy, Chair of CONSERVATION MANITOU. “Receiving the consent of Nature Conservancy of Canada is a strong endorsement of our preservation work and shows a spirit of cooperation between two like-minded organizations.”

CONSERVATION MANITOU now owns 237 acres of forested 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 and 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

CONSERVATION MANITOU acquires 140 Acres of Forest

Conservation Manitou JPEG

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

CONSERVATION MANITOU acquiert 56 hectares de forêt

Conservation Manitou JPEG  

CONSERVATION MANITOU acquiert 56 hectares de forêt

8 juillet 2015 (Ivry-sur-le-Lac, Québec) – CONSERVATION MANITOU est heureuse d’annoncer qu’elle a complété l’acquisition de 56 hectares de forêt sur le côté nord et sur la rive sud du lac Manitou, ainsi que sur la rive nord du lac Fer-à-Cheval, par voie de dons dans le cadre du Programme des dons écologiques d’Environnement Canada. Les propriétés acquises comprennent des sommets et des crêtes, des milieux humides et des ruisseaux alimentant les deux lacs, ainsi que 760 mètres de littoral marécageux sur le lac Fer-à-Cheval et 325 mètres de littoral escarpé sur le lac Manitou. « Nous sommes très reconnaissants envers Tony Dobell, Shirley Stikeman et David McCall pour nous avoir confié la préservation et l’intendance de ces terres comprenant du rivage sur le vulnérable lac Fer-à-Cheval, le plus grand plan d’eau se déversant dans le lac Manitou » souligne Stephen Takacsy, président du conseil de CONSERVATION MANITOU. Une section de la piste historique de ski nordique Laurentienne, qui sera elle aussi préservée, fait partie des terrains.

À ce jour, CONSERVATION MANITOU a reçu des dons monétaires, des promesses de dons et des subventions totalisant plus de 1,7 million $ et des dons de terres d’une valeur de 2 millions $, permettant l’acquisition d’un total de près de 89 hectares de forêt et 2.1 kilomètres de littoral. « Nous avons accompli ceci ensemble avec la participation de nos 120 membres, la générosité de plusieurs familles qui nous ont donné d’importantes terres, ainsi qu’avec le support et la vision de la municipalité d’Ivry-sur-le-Lac. Ce fut un véritable effort communautaire témoignant des fortes valeurs que nous partageons en ce qui concerne la protection des milieux naturels. Nous prévoyons d’autres projets et souhaitons augmenter le nombre de membres tout en levant des fonds additionnels afin de couvrir les coûts d’acquisitions futures et les dépenses d’intendance annuelles» explique Stephen Takacsy. «La conservation est un investissement dans notre futur collectif, et la préservation du capital nature protège la santé de nos écosystèmes tout en contribuant aussi à la richesse de nos communautés.»

CONSERVATION MANITOU est un des plus importants organismes de conservation de milieux naturels dans les Laurentides. Société de bienfaisance accréditée par Environnement Canada dans le cadre du Programme des dons écologiques, sa mission est de préserver et protéger l’écosystème et le patrimoine naturel du lac Manitou et de ses environs par l’acquisition de terres et de servitudes de conservation, par voie de dons ou d’achats, et de fournir des services d’intendance à perpétuité.

Pour faire un don, veuillez faire votre chèque au nom de CONSERVATION MANITOU et le poster au: 1800 avenue McGill College, suite 2102, Montréal, Québec, H3A 3J6 No. d’enregistrement: 831460936RR0001 www.conservationmanitou.ca

Conservation Manitou - 2014 Annual Report

Dear Members and Friends, Please find attached CONSERVATION MANITOU's 2014 Annual Report and Notice of Annual Meeting of Members to be heldSaturday, May 16, 2015 at 2:00PM at the Ivry-sur-le-lac Town Hall.

Since our founding just over 2 years ago, we have accomplished the following:

  • Become the largest registered charity dedicated to land conservation in the Laurentians.
  • Increased membership to 120 members and raised $1.7 million in donations and pledges.
  • Acquired or are in the process of acquiring 297 acres of forest in Ivry-sur-le-lac including 4,400 feet of shoreline on Lake Manitou and 2,500 feet of shoreline on Horseshoe Lake.
  • Created the Townsend Nature Preserve on the north-eastern shores of Lake Manitou of which 81 acres have been rezoned with the help of the municipality.
  • Maintained annual operating costs under 1% of cumulative donations received.

 

We have achieved these milestones together and our ongoing activities and future success depend on your continued support.

A huge thank you to all those who have contributed so far !

Conservation Manitou Annual Report 2014 (PDF)

CONSERVATION MANITOU: To Acquire 216 acres of Forest

October 22, 2014 (Ivry-sur-le-Lac, Quebec) – CONSERVATION MANITOU is pleased to announce that it will be acquiring 216 acres of forested land on the north side and on the southwestern shore of Lake Manitou, and on Horseshoe Lake, by way of donations under Environment Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program. The various properties being 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 fortunate to be able to protect some key ecologically sensitive parcels of land which are vital to the area’s ecosystem, one of which acts as an important water source and filtration system for Horseshoe Lake. It is essential to protect this small and vulnerable lake’s shorelines as it is the largest body of water flowing into Lake Manitou” states Stephen Takacsy, Chair of CONSERVATION MANITOU. One of the properties also features a section of the historic Laurentian ski trail, which will also be preserved. “We are honored and extremely grateful to Shirley Stikeman and David McCall who, like their father Alan, are great defenders of the environment, as well as Tony Dobell and David Culver, for entrusting the preservation of these lands to Conservation Manitou which will benefit our community for generations to come.”

To date CONSERVATION MANITOU has received monetary donations and pledges totalling over $1.6 million from 120 members, enabling it to acquire almost 300 acres of forest and 1.3 miles of lakefront. “We could not have accomplished this without the generosity and strong values shared by our community towards the protection of our natural environment, as well as the support of the municipality of Ivry-sur-le-Lac. However, we need to continue raising funds to cover acquisition costs and ongoing stewardship expenses” emphasizes 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

CONSERVATION MANITOU: Acquires Adams Properties

CONSERVATION MANITOU acquires Adams properties

 Elects 3 new members to its Board of Directors

July 29, 2014 (Ivry-sur-le-Lac, Quebec) – CONSERVATION MANITOU is pleased to announce its second purchase of land on the north shore of Townsend Bay, situated on the east side of Lake Manitou. The latest acquisition comprises several properties totalling approximately 47 acres which form part of a steep forested mountain ridge and includes over 1,000 feet of lakefront. Part of the purchase includes parcels acquired from Doreen Adams under Environment Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program. An ecological assessment, performed by biologists from Nature Action Quebec, confirmed the presence of old growth forest and rated the land as having very high conservation value. CONSERVATION MANITOU now owns approximately 80-acres of forest and nearly 3,200 feet of shoreline. This area forms part of the Townsend Nature Preserve, newly named in honor of Samuel Baillairgé Townsend (1861-1937) who purchased these lands in 1906. Samuel Townsend’s six great-grandchildren: Stephen Adams, Jorie Adams, Catherine Campbell McLean, Willa Campbell, Stewart Campbell, and Alexandra (Sandy) Adams have been instrumental in supporting the creation of the Townsend Nature Preserve.

CONSERVATION MANITOU held its first annual members’ meeting on May 17, 2014 and is pleased to announce the election of three new directors to its board: Michael Prupas, Matthew Stotland and Joseph Graham. They join founding directors Stephen Takacsy, Kim Holden and David McAusland. CONSERVATION MANITOU now has over 100 members who have made donations or pledges totalling nearly $1.6 million. “Thanks to our donors, we have been able to accomplish much in a very short period of time making our first two significant purchases of ecologically sensitive land, but our task has only just begun. We are now working with several other families in order to preserve hundreds of acres of forested mountains and wetlands in the area. We continue our fundraising efforts to help pay for acquisitions and cover ongoing stewardship costs.” states Stephen Takacsy, Chair of CONSERVATION MANITOU. “Conservation is an investment in our future, and preserving the natural capital of a region not only helps to protect the health of its ecosystem but contributes to the ultimate wealth of its communities.”

CONSERVATION MANITOU is one the largest organizations dedicated to the preservation of natural areas in the Laurentians. It is a registered charity and accredited by Environment Canada under the 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 services in perpetuity.

You can download a PDF of the press release here.

To donate please make a cheque payable to CONSERVATION MANITOU and mail to:

1800 McGill College, suite 2102, Montreal, Quebec H3A 3J6

www.conservationmanitou.ca

Registered Charity No.:  831460936RR0001

Conservation Manitou: Acquires Campbell Property

CONSERVATION MANITOU acquires 33 acres of old growth forestAnnounces the creation of the Townsend Nature Preserve

image002
image002

October 2, 2013 (Ivry-sur-le-Lac, Quebec) – CONSERVATION MANITOU is pleased to announce that it has acquired its first property on the north shore of Townsend Bay, situated on the east side of Lake Manitou. The 33-acre parcel purchased is part of a mountain ridge containing old growth forest and includes 2,155 feet of lakefront. CONSERVATION MANITOU also plans to acquire an adjacent 52-acre property under Environment Canada’s Ecological Gift Program. Along with a third parcel to be donated, the 3 properties combined will represent nearly 100 acres of forested mountain and one kilometer of shoreline. CONSERVATION MANITOU mandated Nature Action Quebec to perform an ecological assessment, which confirms the presence of old growth forest and the very high conservation value of these properties.

The area will be named Townsend Nature Preserve in honor of Samuel Baillargé Townsend (1861-1937) who purchased these lands in 1906 to contribute to the well-being of his family and the community. Samuel B. Townsend also hosted the Lake Manitou Regatta from 1922 to 1934, as a way of enriching community life in this then remote region of the Laurentians. Samuel B. Townsend’s six great-grandchildren: Stephen Adams, Jorie Adams, Catherine Campbell McLean, Willa Campbell, Stewart Campbell, and Alexandra (Sandy) Adams have been instrumental in supporting the creation of the Townsend Nature Preserve, a fitting tribute to Samuel B. Townsend and the values shared by him and his descendants.

In order to fund the above acquisitions as well as build an endowment, CONSERVATION MANITOU has received donation pledges totalling approximately $1.5 million from over 70 households. Its fundraising target is to reach $1.7 million by year end 2013. “We are thrilled with the broad level of participation we are receiving from our community in helping to preserve ecologically sensitive areas in the region.” states Stephen Takacsy, Chair of CONSERVATION MANITOU. “Our donors understand that environmental issues affect everyone and that protecting such areas is vitally important to the health of the lake and its entire watershed. We hope this forward thinking sets an example for other communities in the Laurentians to follow.”

CONSERVATION MANITOU is one the largest organizations dedicated to the preservation of natural areas in the Laurentians. It is a registered charity and accredited by Environment Canada under the 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 services in perpetuity.

To donate please make a cheque payable to CONSERVATION MANITOU and mail to: 1800 McGill College Avenue, suite 2102, Montreal, Quebec H3A 3J6

www.conservationmanitou.ca