Thunder Bay Field Naturalists to set up Lake Superior reserve

The Thunder Bay Field Naturalists are in the midst of purchasing a large block of land near Terrace Bay to protect as a nature reserve, including a long section of pristine shoreline between the Aguasabon River mouth and Hydro Bay.

The purchase includes 15 small islands just offshore. The 501 hectares of property will be the largest of the club’s 14 reserves, the group announced in a press release Tuesday.

The new preserve, called the Terrace Bay Nature Reserve, will protect a total of 11 km of Lake Superior coastline, and will provide opportunities for low impact recreational uses and nature appreciation.

“The famous Casque Isles Hiking Trail passes through the parcel and the islands are highly visible from the trail. The protected bays and coves around the headlands and islands on the property are a favourite destination for sea kayakers,” the press release continued.

“Visitors will see gull rookeries, a heronry, nesting mergansers and loons, raised cobble beaches, Arctic plants, and rare orchids. Several Pukaskwa pits (archaeological features of historic aboriginal origin) are found on the property.”

The group noted that Woodland Caribou, considered a species at risk in Ontario, live just offshore on the Slate Islands.

The property is one of several large parcels owned by Terrace Bay Pulp Inc., which is currently in creditor protection. In October, 2012, the company, with the help of a court-appointed monitor, began actively marketing the land as a rare opportunity to “develop cottage lots or build a dream resort.”

The Naturalists bid on the property, and that bid was formally accepted this past spring. Under a court-approved agreement, the purchase price is not being disclosed.

The deal is expected to close this July.