NATURAL HERITAGE STEWARDSHIP AWARDS 2002
"Conservation through private stewardship"

SIMCOE BLOCK - MUSKOKA Simcoe Block- Muskoka has been a proud member of the Bracebridge community since 1974. On coming to the area, the business consciously decided to fit into the Muskoka landscape as unobtrusively as possible. The plant was constructed well back from the road and the natural vegetation has grown in to buffer the operation from passing traffic. This new natural area is now home to many birds and mammals. As much as possible, they have reduced the footprint of the business and reduced the amount of hardened surface. The tiny discrete green business sign at the entrance to their winding lane is a testament to this commitment to conservation.

JOHN AND LIZ KOSTUIK John and Liz Kostuik have been stewards of their shoreline property on the west side of Lake of Bays since 1989. Hemlock, birch, pine and mountain ash hide the cottage from the water. Finished with the subtle shades of taupe (dove gray), the cottage blends into its natural environment. Only a tiny portion of the shoreline is utilized by a dock that was already on the property when purchased. Rocks from the building of the cottage have been incorporated into a retaining wall, providing habitat for small mammals. Lighting is all "dark skies"-compatible, and any low cut-off trail lights are for emergencies only. The Kostuiks continue to carry out a re-naturalization of any disturbed areas between the cottage and the shore.

RANDY AND RITA CRAIG Randy and Rita Craig have owned a cottage and property on Kahshe Lake since 1995. At that time, the property was a run-down frame cottage with a somewhat disturbed shoreline. During the past eight summers, they have transformed the cottage and the property into an attractive and enjoyable place by paying close attention to the preservation and enhancement of the natural habitat. They replaced the old crib docks with pipe and floating docks and rehabilitation of the riparian zone with pickerelweed and cattails followed. Any downed woody debris has been left for small mammal and bird habitat or used to mark old paths on the property. Through their efforts, the Craigs are now enjoying Muskoka's natural heritage at its best.

THE DUNCAN FAMILY The Duncan family - Janet, Andrew and John - have enjoyed their property on Lake Muskoka for the last 30 years. John's experience as an outdoor education teacher and forester is reflected in the stewardship of this property. He has both minimized lawn area and encouraged native species, always considering growth factors. Applying appropriate silviculture techniques has enhanced the woodland areas and John has retained the aquatic plants in the near shore area to encourage ducks and other wildlife. A cantilevered dock reduces impact on the lake bottom. The Duncans have shared their conservation-minded approach to waterfront living with their neighbours on the lake and John, through his work as professional forester, discusses these ideas with his clients.

MARGARET MOFFAT Margaret Moffat and her husband Norman purchased their first piece of Wolf Bay property on Pen Lake in the fall of 1948 and built a small log cabin. Little by little over the next many years, they acquired as much property in the bay area as they were able. This grew to about 1.5 kilometers of shoreline and a few hundred acres of land behind. Added properties were allowed to regenerate naturally over the years and now both the shoreline and the small accompanying watershed around have been protected. This bay and the two hills behind, Wolf Mountain and Strawberry Mountain, have undoubtedly become the most ecologically significant features of Pen Lake. Long-range caring and outstanding stewardship of this magnitude have ensured the protection of Pen Lake's natural beauty for future generations.