THUNDER BAY — Thunder Bay Field Naturalists have struck a deal to acquire 566 acres (230 hectares) of shoreline property on the western side of Lake Superior's Black Bay.
The location near Granite Point encompasses important natural history features including a cedar and black spruce swamp that's home to a number of orchids and two bat hibernation sites.
It also includes an extensive shoreline marsh–unusual for Lake Superior–which provides habitat for ducks and nursery habitat for fish.
Caspian Terns and American White Pelicans nest on a nearby island and feed in the marsh, and Lake Sturgeon use this section of Black Bay for feeding and wintering habitat.
"We really wanted to protect what was left of that marsh," says TBFN spokesperson Susan Bryan.
The organization's new acquisition is adjacent to two existing conservation reserves, one owned by the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority and the other by TBFN.
Bryan said the three adjoining properties ensure the protection of a long continuous stretch of natural shoreline and interior wetland and forest.
"There's been quite a bit of cottage development and other development along the shore of Black Bay. There's a trailer park just to the north of Granite Point and a cottage development to the south. It's kind of encroaching on the natural habitat," she told Tbnewswatch.
TBFN typically do not publicly disclose what they pay for their properties.
They have some funds set aside to complete this purchase, but are also looking for donations.
In addition, the group is applying to two foundations and the federal government for grants.
TBFN currently have 18 nature reserves encompassing more than 6,000 acres (2,400 hectares) in the Lake Superior/Thunder Bay region.
Donations may be made online at www.tbfn.net.
