Protecting a Georgian Bay watershed

The Government of Canada has invested $967,000 in the Georgian Bay Land Trust’s work to protect 2400 hectares of land to conserve biodiversity and protect important wetlands and mature forests.

This purchase will protect almost all private lands in an 11,000-hectare watershed south of Twelve Mile Bay. The majority of this watershed has been mostly untouched by humans for more than one hundred years. It is an intact natural area with high quality habitat for a variety of species. In particular, this investment will protect habitats for species at risk including the Blanding’s turtle, the monarch butterfly, and the little brown bat.

Creating connectivity between protected and conserved areas allows wildlife to travel freely, making it an important goal for conservation. This project will connect 48 kilometres of Great Lakes coastal habitats and provide protection from development. It also provides a northward corridor by connecting two existing north-south coastal corridors.

Funding was provided through the Canada Nature Fund, a $500 million investment to support the efforts of non-federal partners whose commitment is critical to achieving success in nature conservation. Canada Nature Fund contributions are matched by philanthropic foundations, corporations, not-for-profits, provinces, territories, and other partners, raising a total of $1 billion for conservation action.

The Georgian Bay Land Trust’s work will help us protect more of Canada’s land and provide safe habitats for our wildlife. Together, we are doubling the amount of nature protected in Canada’s lands and oceans.