TAY VALLEY, Jan. 28, 2021 – A beautiful piece of Tay Valley shoreline will be preserved in perpetuity thanks to a generous land donation to the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF). 

The 12-acre swath of forest and wetland is part of a thriving ecosystem and home to countless creatures – some of them currently at risk in Ontario. 

It is classic grey ratsnake territory, supporting an important species at risk in the Frontenac Arch biosphere. The Eastern wood-pewee, a species of special concern in Ontario, has also been spotted nearby. 

The property is mostly mixed hardwood forest, with a small patch of wetland. It’s well known to local residents for its unique rocky outcrop and its distinctive red oaks overlooking the lake. 

Under local zoning bylaws, the undeveloped property could have legally seen more than an acre cleared for buildings, roads and other development, only 30 metres from the shore. But now that will be avoided, preserving important habitat and environmental services on the lake forever.

“These kinds of medium-sized donations are important for conservation because they link to other natural lands and weave a tapestry of habitat and green infrastructure throughout the watershed,” said RVCF Director Diane Downey. “We are honoured to care for this property on behalf of the donor family in perpetuity.”

The Foundation has an active land securement plan and strong track record in managing donated land.

Forests and wetlands filter stormwater to keep our lakes and rivers clean, store water to prevent floods and drought, capture carbon and clean the air.

The RVCF prioritizes waterfront properties when accepting donations and places high value on properties that include wetlands, forest cover, floodplain, steep slopes, unstable soils, species at risk, ecological restoration potential or that link to another public property or natural area.

Depending on the property, donations could be eligible for considerable charitable tax benefits through the Ecological Gifts program. 

If you don’t have property to donate but want to support the conservation land program, donations to the Steve Simmering Conservation Land Endowment Fund are always welcomed to help cover annual property costs like taxes, insurance and on-the-ground maintenance like fencing and signage. 

For more information about land donations, contact .

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