Muskoka: a land of beautiful lakes, granite outcroppings, and tall pine trees.  This is the picture that many have in mind when they think of Muskoka.  However, because of encroaching development, the reasons that people are attracted to the area are disappearing at an increasing rate.  Condominiums, resorts and other building projects are removing many of the attributes that make Muskoka such a desirable place. 

Many seasonal and permanent landowners are turning to private organizations, called land trusts, to preserve their land so that generations to come will be able to appreciate the beauty that makes Muskoka such a special place.  Land trusts are organizations that assist landowners in protecting property.  This protection is achieved through a variety of mechanisms, ranging from conservation easements to land donations. 

The movement’s impressive growth has been noted by the U.S. Land Trust Association’s census of land trusts.  They comment that:

  “The census portrays a growing movement that is fueled by people’s desire to save the green spaces and open lands that make each community unique.  The private conservation movement may well be the fastest growing segment of the conservation community.” 

  The same survey notes that, in the years between 1990 and 2000, there was a 226% increase in the acreage protected in the U.S. and that, in the same time frame, land trusts conserved more than 6.2 million acres of open space.

A Canadian land trust survey conducted in 2001 indicates that Land Trusts increased 33 % from 1998 to 2001, illustrating the high level of interest for privately protecting land.  Across Canada, there are over 80 land trusts operating today.  Membership in the Ontario Land Trust Association comprises over 20 organizations, preserving over 21 000 acres of Ontario land.  Statistics from the Canadian Ecogifts program also offer some strong indicators that the land trust movement is growing here in Canada.  The Ecogifts program provides tax incentives to those protecting land through conservation easements or donations.  Over 280 ecogifts valued at over 64 million dollars have been donated Canada-wide since the inception of the program in 1995.  Provincially, over 126 ecogift properties have been donated in Ontario since 1995 at an approximate monetary value of 20 million dollars.

The trends that have been noted across the United States and Canada are also being mirrored here in Muskoka.  At The Muskoka Heritage Trust, we are receiving escalating numbers of inquiries from individuals who want to protect their land.  Donors Betty and Tom Graham are a good example of the people who donate.  Their property on Sparrow Lake contains provincially significant wetlands and was officially donated to The Muskoka Heritage Trust as a nature reserve in December 2003.  They comment:
  “We are so pleased to be able to participate in a program that protects McLeans Bay on Sparrow Lake and all other ecologically important pieces of Muskoka and Ontario so that we can save them for generations to come.”

  Many seasonal and permanent Muskoka residents share the Grahams’ appreciation for Muskoka’s special landscapes. The amount of land protected by The Muskoka Heritage Trust has more than doubled this past year from just over 400 acres to over 800 acres.  In addition, several other property donations are in the works and will soon add to this year’s acreage total.

The next time you admire natural settings in Muskoka, keep in mind that it could be in a state of nature because of the generosity of a private landowner.  If you are interested in joining the land trust movement by protecting your land in a state of nature, or would like to support the Trust’s efforts, please contact The Muskoka Heritage Trust at (705) 645-7393.