Group donates 297 acres to DUC along
the Beaver River in the Lake Simcoe watershed
UXBRIDGE, ON, April 30,
2024 /CNW/ - Thanks to the generosity of a group of
conservation-minded individuals, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is
celebrating the recent acquisition of 297 acres, (120.19 hectares)
in the Lake Simcoe watershed. The property, on the Beaver River in
Scugog Township, will provide a contiguous corridor of wetland
habitats for migratory waterfowl and rare and endangered bird
species.
Located just south of Sunderland in Scugog township, the land was
acquired from multiple individuals who donated the shares of the
land to DUC. Finalized in early March
2024, the donation allows protection of the wetland in
perpetuity. It extends the conservation of vital wildlife habitats
in the region, including the adjacent land with public-use trails
owned by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA). The
lands have a high proportion of both temporary and semi-permanent
shallow marshes, deep marshes, and bodies of open water.
Surrounded by agricultural lands, the property is a Class 1
Provincially Significant Wetland within the Great
Lakes/St. Lawrence biome and is
situated within DUC's Priority Habitat for breeding waterfowl. This
site supports some of the highest waterfowl pair densities in the
province and provides quality habitats for breeding, molting and
staging dabbling ducks with the most common species being Mallards,
Black Ducks, Blue-winged Teal, and Wood Ducks. The site also
provides a habitat for rare and endangered bird species such as the
Virginia Rail, Least Bittern, Pied-Billed Grebe, Common Gallinule
and Long-billed Marsh Wren.
"DUC was approached in 2021 by a group of passionate people who
truly care about conserving wetlands," said Alexis Hand, Conservation Program Specialist,
Land Securement, DUC. "To protect the property from development
pressures, they knew DUC was a good fit. We are grateful for their
thoughtful gift of conservation and for their determination to
protect critical habitats for waterfowl and other wildlife long
into the future."
Aubrey Baillee, a member of the former Yacking Duck Club, who
owned and used the land for hunting waterfowl for more than three
decades, is pleased with the donation's outcome.
"Ducks Unlimited Canada was the right choice," Baillee said. "We
knew they would look after the property and love it the way we did
for so many years. To sit in the marsh and hear the birds singing
all around you is the best way we knew to rid ourselves of the
stress of city living. The donation is a fitting chapter to the
legacy to the members of our group who loved this place with all
their hearts."
With the property now under the stewardship of DUC, protecting
the delicate ecosystems, while providing recreational opportunities
to visitors is an on-going balancing act. Public access is not
currently permitted. The existing Trans
Canada Trail and Beaver River Wetland trail offers the
opportunity to get out into nature, get active and perhaps see some
wildlife.
The Beaver River land donation is a prime example of natural or
'green' infrastructure. What distinguishes natural infrastructure
is its ability to provide multiple positive outcomes, including
biodiversity improvements, habitat protection, climate adaptation,
carbon sequestration and other ecosystem services.
To date, DUC has successfully conserved more than 1 million
acres of wetlands and adjacent habitat such as grassland, forest,
or other upland habitats, across Ontario. Wetlands are
hardworking ecosystems that deliver cleaner water, capture
carbon and nutrients, and preserve and increase habitats for
waterfowl and other wildlife including endangered species.
Together, these habitats contribute to a healthy, functioning
landscapes for wildlife and communities.
DUC is grateful to the Yacking Ducks for donating the property
so that the critical waterfowl habitats on Beaver River remain protected for years to
come.
About Ducks Unlimited Canada:
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland
conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government,
industry, non-profit organizations, Indigenous Peoples, and
landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl,
wildlife and the environment. To learn more about DUC's innovative
environmental solutions and services,
visit www.ducks.ca.
SOURCE Ducks Unlimited Canada