Close to 1,000 hectares of forests, wetlands and mesas conserved near Thunder Bay

November 29, 2024

Canada’s largest land conservation organization is celebrating a big win for nature in the Thunder Bay region. Vast expanses of forests, wetlands and mesas (isolated, flat-topped landforms with steep sides) are now protected, thanks to a new Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) conservation project. At 935 hectares, this latest conservation success builds on a network of protected lands that support wildlife and communities near Black Bay Peninsula and Big Trout Bay on Lake Superior.

The project, dubbed “Nor’Westers” because it includes part of the Nor’Wester mountain range, protects a variety of habitats, including thriving mixed wood and coniferous forests, and its wetlands sustain species like moose and at-risk turtles. The conservation area’s mesas provide the unique habitat requirements for at-risk peregrine falcon (special concern).

This project builds on NCC’s work in the area to protect lands and waters near Big Trout Bay and Black Bay Peninsula, which hold high conservation value in protecting large expanses of habitat for significant and charismatic species, like American black bear and Canada lynx. NCC and its partners are working to protect and care for large networks of land in this ecologically important area to ensure that these species are supported throughout their life cycles, with ample space to feed, nest, breed, move and thrive.

This land purchase was made possible by the support of many private donors, foundations, the Government of Canada, through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund, and the Government of Ontario, through the Greenlands Conservation Partnership program.

This project showcases how NCC is accelerating the pace of conservation in Canada. Over the next few years, the organization will double its impact by mobilizing people and delivering permanent, large-scale conservation.

In the face of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change, nature is our ally. There is no solution to either without nature conservation.

Quotes

“At the Nature Conservancy of Canada, we play the long game. The Nor’Westers project strategically protects spaces that bolster existing protected areas, helping to create contiguous habitat for wide-ranging mammals in the Lake Superior natural area. The Nor’Westers conservation projects a key area from deforestation and development, allowing the forests and wetlands here to continue to sequester carbon, while also protecting important cliff habitat for nesting at-risk raptors.” – Kaitlin Richardson, Program Director – Northern Ontario, Nature Conservancy of Canada

“We are on a mission to conserve 30 percent of Canada’s land and water by 2030, and the Natural Heritage Conservation Program is leading the charge. By teaming up with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, we’re taking bold steps to protect Ontario’s natural treasures and beyond. These efforts are vital to stop biodiversity loss and help species at risk, like the Peregrine Falcon, thrive again. Success demands a united front.” – The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“I’m proud of our government’s commitment to investing in this conservation effort located in my riding. The Nor ’westers project will protect 2300 acres of critical forest and wetlands habitat.” – Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament, Thunder Bay – Rainy River

“These significant conservation efforts undertaken by the Nature Conservancy of Canada will leave a lasting legacy in the Thunder Bay region. With backing from our government’s Greenlands Conservation Partnership program, protection of this 935-hectare ecologically significant property will play a crucial role in preserving Ontario’s natural heritage and biodiversity, helping to ensure a sustainable future for all.” – Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

Facts

• Mesas provide habitat for peregrine falcon, a species at risk listed as special concern both provincially and federally, which usually nests on tall, steep cliff ledges near bodies of water.
• The northwestern shores of Lake Superior are a unique landscape and a key area for Great Lakes biodiversity. A portion of Lake Superior, from Terrace Bay to Silver Islet, is within the proposed Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area.
• NCC has been working with partners to conserve land in the Lake Superior Natural Area since the 1990s. To date, the organization has helped protect and care for more than 11,000 hectares of the area’s significant natural features.
• The Lake Superior Natural Area is the traditional territory of many Indigenous Peoples, including the Anishnaabe People. With gratitude and respect, we acknowledge the significant and ongoing role of Indigenous Peoples on these lands and look forward to continuing to engage with these communities in discussions about ways that these lands can continue to support the people with whom they are intertwined.

About

As Canada’s largest environmental charity, the Nature Conservancy of Canada has worked with partners to conserve natural landscapes since 1962. Together, we deliver solutions to address the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale and long-term conservation. We create lasting change for the planet and its people by partnering with Indigenous Nations and communities, governments and businesses around shared interests. Nature makes it possible. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca.

The Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) is a unique public-private partnership to support new protected and conserved areas by securing private lands and private interests in lands. The program is managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). Federal funds invested in the program are matched with contributions raised by NCC and its partners, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the country’s land trust community.

The Greenlands Conservation Partnership program helps conserve ecologically important natural areas and protect wetlands, grasslands and forests that help mitigate the effects of climate change. Through the Greenlands Conservation Partnership program, a total of $38 million has been invested to date by the Ontario government, with an additional $20 million committed through the 2024 Ontario Budget. Additional match funds are raised from other sources, such as individual donations and foundation support through NCC and the Ontario Land Trust Alliance, and other levels of government.

Find photos and video here.

Learn More
Follow us on on X (formerly Twitter):  x.com/NCC_CNC  |  x.com/NCC_CNCMedia
Find us on Facebook

– 30 –

Brianne Curry
Communications Manager, Ontario

C: 519-520-1340

brianne.curry@natureconservancy.ca

NT5